Special offer

Mortgage / Finance

Anybody that's hung around the ActiveRain “water cooler” for any length of time understands the value of the relationships built on the site. AR is so much more than a social networking site, however.


It's also the place to get up-to-the-minute information on topics that affect your clients. Ask yourself: what's the most confusing aspect of buying a home for the real estate consumer? The answer is most likely financing the purchase. Credit scores and how they affect the mortgage rate, types of loan products, points, fees – whew! -- there's a lot to know about mortgages.


To serve your clients effectively you need to know about this stuff and keep abreast of changes in the mortgage industry. Thankfully, ActiveRain is not only popular with real estate agents and brokers but with finance professionals as well.


Whether you're an agent trying to figure out what the Fed's latest move means to your clients or a mortgage pro who needs input on how to build relationships with real estate agents, ActiveRain is the place to tap into a wealth of knowledge.

Recent blogs on Mortgage / Finance
By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey real estate sales
(Fathom Realty)
Great VA loan info here. Understanding VA Loan Entitlement can help in maximizing your benefits. Veterans and service members who qualify for a VA loan are entitled to certain benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Central to these benefits is the concept of VA loan entitlement, a vital aspect of securing a mortgage with favorable terms. However, navigating the intricacies of VA entitlement can be complex. In this article, we'll delve into the fundamentals of VA loan entitlement, including basic vs. bonus entitlement, and how they impact your down payment and maximum loan amount.   What is VA Loan Entitlement? VA loan entitlement represents the dollar amount that the Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees to repay to a lender in the event of default on a VA hom...
Comments 2
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Informative post! Understanding VA loan entitlement is crucial for maximizing benefits for veterans and service members. This blog likely offers valuable insights into how VA loan entitlement works and how to make the most of it when buying a home. Thanks for shedding light on this important topic! Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Understanding VA Loan Entitlement can help in maximizing your benefits. Veterans and service members who qualify for a VA loan are entitled to certain benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Central to these benefits is the concept of VA loan entitlement, a vital aspect of securing a mortgage with favorable terms. However, navigating the intricacies of VA entitlement can be complex. In this article, we'll delve into t...
Comments 1
By Trish Cole
(Veterans United Home Loans of Puget Sound NMLS#1907)
Understanding VA Loan Entitlement can help in maximizing your benefits. Veterans and service members who qualify for a VA loan are entitled to certain benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Central to these benefits is the concept of VA loan entitlement, a vital aspect of securing a mortgage with favorable terms. However, navigating the intricacies of VA entitlement can be complex. In this article, we'll delve into the fundamentals of VA loan entitlement, including basic vs. bonus entitlement, and how they impact your down payment and maximum loan amount. What is VA Loan Entitlement?VA loan entitlement represents the dollar amount that the Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees to repay to a lender in the event of default on a VA home loan. Essentially, it serv...
Comments 1
By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.94%CANHOU 06/15/29 [+0.10%]   ‌ 10 Year - 4.02%CANHOU  03/15/34 [+0.10%]         * denotes interpolated rate GoC 2 Year - 4.37% CAN 11/01/25 [+0.07%]   ‌ 3 Year - 3.99% CAN 09/01/26 [+0.08%]   ‌ 5 Year - 3.62% CAN 03/01/29 [+0.10%]   ‌ 10 Year - 3.55% CAN 12/01/33 [+0.11%] GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only Floating rate insured cost of funds 5.41% [-]                   Prime Rate 7.20% [-]
Comments 0
By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
Waiting on a home purchase can be costly for buyers due to rising property prices and interest rates. Delaying a purchase can result in paying more for the same property or facing higher mortgage payments. Additionally, waiting may mean missing out on preferred homes or desirable locations.Limited inventory affects home buyers waiting to purchase because it reduces their options, leading to increased competition for available properties. This can result in bidding wars and higher prices, making it harder for buyers to find a suitable home within their budget.In recent conversation with Michelle Johnson from Hero Loan Team, we gained valuable insights into the repercussions of delaying this crucial decision. Michelle Johnson, a seasoned expert in home loans, shed light on the financial i...
Comments 0
By Dionne Bass, Blog: Ask The Underwriter
(Ask The Underwriter)
Bending beats breaking ― Betty GreeneOver the years I've learned that embracing change doesn't mean abandoning my goals; it means finding innovative ways to reach them. There are three things I do stay on the path:Stay focused - amidst the noise and distractions, I remain unwavering in pursuit of my goals.Stay determined - unfazed by negativity and competition, I recognize my unique value and persist with confidence.Flexibility - in an ever-evolving landscape, I prioritize continuous learning to adapt to changing technology and guidelines.These are daily practices I cultivate for myself and my mentees.Hopefully this helps someone push past whatever is challenging them today.  Dionne Bass - Mentor & Underwriterwww.asktheunderwriter.net 
Comments 8
By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
According to the World Health Organization, the entire populace is rapidly aging. All countries face major challenges to ensure that their health and social systems are ready to make the most of this demographic shift. In 2050, 80% of older people will be living in low- and middle-income countries. The pace of population aging is much faster than in the past. In 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older outnumbered children younger than 5 years. Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%. Overview People worldwide are living longer. Today most people can expect to live into their sixties and beyond. Every country in the world is experiencing growth in both the size and the proportion of older persons in the ...
Comments 4
By Dionne Bass, Blog: Ask The Underwriter
(Ask The Underwriter)
Throughout the years, I've created strategies and habits to overcome various obstacles that arise.I've found that the more strategies I develop to address different issues, the smoother tasks like underwriting, training, marketing and mentoring become.❓What systems do you use to tackle the challenges of originating, processing, and marketing?❓Do they align with your needs, or are you struggling to keep up with someone else's system?#TuesdayTip: Create a daily routine that works well for both you and your family. Otherwise, you may end up consistently REACTING instead of being PROACTIVE.#asktheunderwriter, #nofileleftbehind, #mortgagetraining, #mortgagebrokers, #creditunions
Comments 4
By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
Rates are coming off their best week since the most recent CPI numbers came out a month ago. Jobs were weaker than expected and the unemployment rate came in 0.2% higher (at 3.9%) than expected. Remember, we are in a "celebrate the bad news" era so the Fed can "save" us sooner. Speaking of CPI (inflation on the consumer side), we get another report this Tuesday. The markets will be weighing it heavily as it comes before the March 20th Fed meeting. I expect this report to be better simply on the fact that the market expectations are more in line with the previous month's dataset. Last time, the expectations on inflation varied too much from the previous dataset and were hard to meet/beat. We were being set up for failure. Then, Thursday brings us the PPI (inflation on the producer side)....
Comments 0
By Peter Tamura, BANNOCHIE TEAM
(Coldwell Banker Select)
On CoinMarketCap, it shows the global Crypto Market is up to 2.7 Trillion Dollars with the SEC approving 11 Bitcoin ETFs in early January. For context, the value of the amount of gold ever mined is a about 12 Trillion with about half in the form of jewellery and the other half in bars, coins and government reserves etc. (World Gold Council).It's a sign that people are noticing that the US is showing no signs of reining in spending and that the currency is getting debased at an accelerating rate. Other options for assets to invest in include the stock market and of course real estate.An interesting prospect is the ability for a layer 2 smart contracts to facilitate a real estate transaction. (Polygon, ImmutableX, Stacks, Arbitrum). The complexity of a real estate transaction could be a g...
Comments 2
By Randy Tudor, EA, CTRC, Certified Tax Representation Consultant in Phoenix
(Tudor Financial Group, LLC)
For most small business owners, tax season can often feel like navigating through a maze of complex regulations and opportunities. Among the many decisions to be made, one stands out for its potential to significantly impact your tax obligations and operational flexibility: electing to have your Limited Liability Company (LLC) treated as an S Corporation (S-Corp). This election is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but under the right circumstances, it can offer substantial tax savings and operational benefits. Let's delve into when it might be advantageous to consider this election, the potential savings involved, and the management implications.Understanding the S-Corp Election for LLCsAn LLC is a popular choice for small business owners due to its flexibility in management and protect...
Comments 1
By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
If you're trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here's a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and confidence you need to make your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), which compares the net worth of homeowners and renters. The latest report shows the average homeowner’s net worth is almost 40X greater than a renter’s (see graph below):   One reason a wealth gap exists between renters and homeowners is because when you’re a homeowner, your equity grows as your home appreciates in value and you make your mortgage payment each month. When you own a home, your monthly mortgage payment acts like a form of forced savings, which eventually pays off when you decide to sell. As a renter, you’ll never se...
Comments 3
By Dana Scanlon, Bethesda MD- Award-Winning Bethesda Realtor
(Keller Williams Capital Properties)
If the answer to that question is "yes," then please read on!Traditionally, diplomats -- those with A1 or A2 visas -- have has difficulty obtaining a mortgage to purchase a home in the United States because they are seen as a greater risk. The reasons: diplomatic immunity, lack of credit history in the US, uncertainty as to length of stay.As a specialist working with international clients, many of them French-speaking, and many of them diplomats, I could not take "no" for an answer after learning that many diplomats could not secure mortgage financing.  Over the years, I have developed relationships with lenders and investors in order to make home loans possible for my clients with A1 or A2 visas, diplomats who meet certain criteria. As a result, I have a proven track record of getting ...
Comments 1
By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
Markets were on edge last week as they awaited the numbers from the PCE report. This is the Fed's preferred inflation data. The CPI numbers that came in a week earlier were higher than expectations (albeit they did continue their downtrend and expectations were rather aggressive) so the markets were justifiably nervous.The PCE numbers came in exactly as expected. Remember, before the CPI report the market was betting on a 75% chance of a March Fed rate cut (I was never in this camp and expect the first one to come in the summer/closer to elections). The fact that the PCE numbers came in as expected gave the markets some hope of the Fed not delaying the rate cut too much further.In other news, New York Community Bank (NYCB) hit the news citing "material weaknesses" with their internal co...
Comments 0
By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
According to the Wall Street Journal, AARP, and others, 11,200 people a day turn 65. A higher-than-ever percentage still work. Networth has increased for those over 75. We are all living longer. Many divorces for those over 50 are not necessarily contentious. The kids are gone, people have just changed, and those over 65 aren't "winding down." They are still gearing up. In fairly amicable "silver divorces," both parties want homes and aren't motivated by destroying the other financially. When working on the dissolution of assets, including home equity, there is frequently a place for a reverse mortgage strategy that enables both parties to achieve homeownership without the burden of mortgage payments. One can stay, or one can go and buy, without having to qualify for a standard cashout ...
Comments 6
By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
Slam Dunk into a New HomeLooking for your dream home? It's time to lace up your sneakers and get ready to slam dunk into homeownership! Just like in basketball, securing the perfect mortgage requires strategy, skill, and a winning mindset. Let's dive into the playbook and discover how you can score big in the mortgage game.  1. Master Your Dribble: Understand Your FinancesBefore stepping onto the court of homeownership, it's crucial to assess your financial readiness. Determine your budget, including how much you can afford for a down payment, monthly mortgage payments, closing costs, and ongoing expenses such as property taxes and insurance. Consider factors like your income, savings, debts, and credit score to get a clear picture of your financial health. 2. Play Defense: Get Pre-Appr...
Comments 0
By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.91%CANHOU 06/15/29 [-0.05%]   ‌ 10 Year - 3.98%CANHOU  03/15/34 [-0.03%]         * denotes interpolated rate GoC 2 Year - 4.32% CAN 11/01/25 [-0.05%]   ‌ 3 Year - 3.93% CAN 09/01/26 [-0.05%]   ‌ 5 Year - 3.59% CAN 03/01/29 [-0.04%]   ‌ 10 Year - 3.52% CAN 12/01/33 [-0.02%] GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only Floating rate insured cost of funds 5.46% [-]                   Prime Rate 7.20% [-]    
Comments 1
By Michael Mahoney, Boston Realtor
(Real Broker, LLC)
Mortgage Rates Increase for the Fourth Consecutive WeekFebruary 29, 2024Mortgage rates continued their ascent this week, reaching a two-month high and flirting with....See the full article on Mortgage Rates this Week by Boston Realtor Michael Mahoney 
Comments 3
By Matt Helganz
(Meridian Capital Real Estate)
So, you're in the market for a new home or thinking about refinancing your current one? Exciting times ahead! But before you dive in, let's talk strategy. The key to getting the best deal on your mortgage is to shop around like a pro. Here's how to do it:First off, do your homework. Research, research, research. Take the time to analyze different mortgage plans and really crunch the numbers. Trust me, it'll pay off. Let's break it down with an example: say you're looking at a $300,000 house with a 30-year mortgage. At a 4.5 percent rate, you'd be looking at around $1,520 a month. But bump that rate up to 5.10 percent, and suddenly you're shelling out $1,633 a month. Over 30 years, that's a difference of $40,680! So yeah, every percentage point counts.Next up, check your credit scores. L...
Comments 2
By Mitch Valmer, Nationwide Private Money Balance Sheet Lender
(Private Money Lender & Real Estate Backed Investments)
This post is for new active real estate investors on how to Calculate your (IRR) in real estate. Everyone at one point in their lives starts out as a Real Estate Rookie.The internal rate of return (IRR) is a measure of the profitability of an investment. It represents the annualized rate of return that is earned on an investment over a specific time period. In real estate, IRR is often used to evaluate the potential profitability of a real estate investment, such as a rental property or a development project.To calculate the IRR of a real estate investment, you will need to know the cash flows and the timing of those cash flows for the investment. Cash flows in real estate can include a variety of sources, such as rental income, appreciation in the value of the property, and the sale of...
Comments 2