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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 Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
In 2024, the real estate market continues to be dynamic, presenting both challenges and opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. As we delve into the intricacies of the market, it's crucial to understand key factors such as interest rates, inventory levels, and buyer-seller dynamics.  This comprehensive home market report aims to provide insights and guidance for individuals navigating the complex terrain of real estate transactions in the Fresno, CA area. But before we dive right in, lets hear what the expert Michelle Johnson from Hero Loan Team and Linda Peltz has to say about this topic:  Interest Rates and Mortgage Trends January 2024Interest rates play a pivotal role in shaping the affordability and attractiveness of homes in the market. As discussed in conversations between Lin...
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Become an All 50 States Mortgage Loan Officer. Non Traditional Way. Traditional Way- Prelicensing Training Course, State Exam, Associated  State Fees, Background Check, possible minimum Credit Ratings, etc. for 1 State.Non Traditional Way:Sign-up, Complete Company Training at your Own Pace, Pass a D.O.J Background Check, MLO  IS ACTIVE Through the NMLS. If you are Interested,  Join one of our ZOOM Meetings to get all the Information.Reply Interested, and I will forward you the ZOOM Meeting Information 
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
I wanted to share a crucial message from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regarding federal student loans, as it may have significant implications for your clients. Many student loan borrowers have a unique opportunity to either have their entire student loans canceled or receive additional credit towards cancellation. However, there is an impending deadline that requires immediate action from certain borrowers with student loans. While all borrowers may be potentially eligible, it's especially important for older borrowers to take immediate action due to the types of loans they often hold. As valued partners, we need your assistance in disseminating this critical information to ensure that eligible borrowers can take advantage of this opportunity.  Here Is What you Need ...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
Last week the Fed decided to keep interest rates unchanged. During Chairman Powell's speech, he used language that took a March rate cut off the table. This shouldn't be a surprise as I've been saying a March cut is highly unlikely.Powell kept saying that the Fed needs "more confidence" that inflation is heading lower. The Fed is very encouraged by recent data but needs consistency in the numbers.My longtime readers know that I've been saying the same thing. I have always said that I wanted to see 3 consecutive months of month-over-month declines in inflation before celebrating. It sounds like Powell is in the same thought process.  Rates were fantastic last week Monday - Thursday. If you were able to lock in a rate then (as my buyers in escrow did), great job! You took advantage of a s...
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By Lauren Massie, CPA, EA, MBA, CPA - Specializing in Tax Settlement in Raleigh NC
(Lauren Massie, CPA PLLC)
Raleigh, CPA Firm:  How to Stop the IRS from Collecting Old Tax DebtDo you have an old tax debt that is at least 10 years old?  Is the IRS still trying to collect on the old tax debt?  Need help with settling IRS tax debt?  These are the types of issues that I’ve been helping client with over the last 18 + years in my Raleigh, NC office. The main focus of my CPA practice is income tax representation for individuals who need tax help with the IRS or the North Carolina Department of Revenue.  Below is some information on how to address old IRS tax debts.How Long Can the IRS Collect on Back Taxes?Contrary to popular belief, the IRS cannot collect on a tax debt forever!  In fact, the IRS generally only has 10 years to collect on a tax debt once it has been assessed.  So what happens if you ...
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By Randy Tudor, EA, CTRC, Certified Tax Representation Consultant in Phoenix
(Tudor Financial Group, LLC)
"Mileage Apps: Your New Best Friend"Let's face it, realtors, we know you spend more time in your cars than a teenager does on TikTok. And while we can't deduct the hours spent belting out show tunes in traffic, we can deduct the miles driven for business purposes. So, download a mileage app and start logging those miles. It's like a Fitbit for your car, minus the guilt trip for not hitting your step goal."The Great Mileage vs. Actual Cost Debate"Now, here's where things get as complicated as assembling IKEA furniture. You can either deduct your actual car expenses (think gas, repairs, insurance) or use the standard mileage rate. It's like choosing between watching a rom-com or a horror movie - both have their merits, but one might give you more bang for your buck. So, compare the mileag...
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By Randy Tudor, EA, CTRC, Certified Tax Representation Consultant in Phoenix
(Tudor Financial Group, LLC)
Small Business Taxes: Choose Wisely, Prosper ImmenselyHello, small business owners and professionals! Today, we're going to talk about a topic that's as essential to your business as the air you breathe - taxes. Yes, taxes! Now, before you click away, let's approach this with an optimistic lens. After all, the right tax strategy can be the wind beneath your business's wings, propelling you towards greater heights of success.Let's start with, who prepares your taxes. It's a decision as crucial as choosing the right ingredients for a gourmet meal. You wouldn't want to spoil the dish with subpar ingredients, would you? Similarly, you wouldn't want to jeopardize your business's financial health with poor tax preparation.We've seen it all too often - businesses coming to us with a tangled we...
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By Randy Tudor, EA, CTRC, Certified Tax Representation Consultant in Phoenix
(Tudor Financial Group, LLC)
As a realtor, you may find yourself working from home often. The digital age has made it easier for professionals like you to operate from anywhere, including the comfort of your own home. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognizes this and allows a home office deduction for those who qualify. However, there are important tax considerations to bear in mind when taking this deduction. Here are the top five:Regular and Exclusive UseThe IRS requires that your home office be used regularly and exclusively for business. This means that the area of your home you claim as your office should not be used for any other purpose. For instance, if your children use the space for homework or if it doubles as a guest room, you may not qualify for the deduction. The landmark case Soliman v. Commissi...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
To be approved for a home equity conversion mortgage (HECM), borrowers need to undergo mandatory reverse mortgage counseling from an approved, independent counselor. Some private lenders have this stipulation, too. The requirement was established to make sure borrowers understand all aspects of the loan and their obligations to stay in good standing. Counseling also ensures that homeowners have the financial means to meet the loan obligations, such as paying homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, and homeowners association (HOA) fees. All persons listed on the deed must go through reverse mortgage counseling. “Reverse mortgages are wonderful financial tools for certain seniors. Still, it’s a very complex financial decision,” says Jackie Boies, senior director of housing and bankruptcy s...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
We have a very busy week and this issue may take a little longer than usual to cover it. The most important event to take place is the Fed meeting on interest rate policy. I, along with 97.9% of the market, believe that the Fed will have another pause on rate hikes (2.1% are voting for a 25bp cut). Since that is what the market is expecting, it is already priced into current interest rates. So the question isn't what is the Fed going to do Wednesday, but what are they going to do in the coming months? This is why the markets will be weighing every word of Chairman Powell's speech very carefully: looking for clues as to when we can expect the first rate cut. In December we saw Powell talk in a dovish tone (looser monetary policy language) for the first time in over a year. He was gettin...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
We have a very busy week and this issue may take a little longer than usual to cover it. The most important event to take place is the Fed meeting on interest rate policy. I, along with 97.9% of the market, believe that the Fed will have another pause on rate hikes (2.1% are voting for a 25bp cut). Since that is what the market is expecting, it is already priced into current interest rates. So the question isn't what is the Fed going to do Wednesday, but what are they going to do in the coming months? This is why the markets will be weighing every word of Chairman Powell's speech very carefully: looking for clues as to when we can expect the first rate cut. In December we saw Powell talk in a dovish tone (looser monetary policy language) for the first time in over a year. He was getting...
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By Philip Bennett, Mortgage Brokerage
(Bennett Capital Partners Mortgage)
Understanding Condo Loans: A Comprehensive Mortgage GuideDeciding to buy a condo comes with its own set of financial puzzles. Did you know that getting a loan for a condominium often involves slightly higher interest rates? Our guide will lay out the essentials, making it easier for you to grasp the ins and outs of condo financing.Let's dive into finding the best path for your condo purchase journey.Key Takeaways Condo mortgage loans differ from traditional home loans with higher interest rates and more scrutiny of the condo association by lenders. Warrantable condos must meet lender guidelines, making it easier to finance, while non-warrantable condos may require special loan programs with higher rates. FHA, VA, and conventional loan programs are available for financing condos; each ha...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Debt-to-income ratio is your monthly debt obligations compared to your gross monthly income, expressed as a percentage. It is generally agreed that a good debt-to-income ratio is less than or equal to 36%, whereas a debt-to-income ratio above 43% is considered to be too much debt. Focus on reducing your existing debt as much as possible before purchasing a home, as your debt-to-income ratio has an impact on how much you can borrow.#realestate #realestateagent #listreports #buying #selling #realestateexpert #homeowner #dreamhome #homeownership #homebuying #homesearch #buyingahome #financehub
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
Unveiling Your Financial Canvas: The Importance of Getting Your Annual Credit ReportYour financial health is like a canvas, and your credit report is the masterpiece that depicts your financial journey. Just as an artist periodically assesses their work, it's crucial for individuals to regularly review their credit report. In this blog post, we will dive into the significance of obtaining your annual credit report, understanding its components, and how this simple act can empower you on your financial journey. Why Check Your Credit Report Annually?Identity Protection: One of the primary reasons to check your credit report annually is to safeguard yourself against identity theft. Monitoring your report helps you detect any unauthorized or suspicious activities, ensuring that your financi...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
Last week we saw some home builder data come in, better than expected. Housing starts, building permits, and homebuilder confidence were all higher than expectations. It seems that December's rate drop got the whole industry excited. In January we have seen a little bit of a snap back to reality. Remember, nothing runs forever without taking a breather. I said that as we climbed to above 5% on the 10-year yield and again with the massive drop afterward. The markets are still trying to figure out what the Fed will be doing after Chairman Powell's extremely dovish speech in December. On the one hand, the Fed said we will see 75bp worth of cuts in 2024 but on the other hand, the labor market remains strong. I've always said we will see lower rates for this election year. I do not, however,...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Home loan programs can help promote homeownership by providing financial assistance to individuals or families who may not have enough savings to afford a home. These programs often offer low-interest rates, down payment assistance, and flexible eligibility requirements. By making homeownership more accessible, these programs give people the opportunity to build equity, stabilize their housing situation, and contribute to their community's wealth. Recently Linda Peltz held discussion with Leigh Fisher from RWM Home Loans. They unravel the Community Lending Program and takes center stage in connection with a fantastic property at 6050 North San Pablo Ave in Fresno, California—a location that could be your gateway to an unparalleled homeownership experience.  Let's dive into the details ...
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By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
Home loan programs can help promote homeownership by providing financial assistance to individuals or families who may not have enough savings to afford a home. These programs often offer low-interest rates, down payment assistance, and flexible eligibility requirements. By making homeownership more accessible, these programs give people the opportunity to build equity, stabilize their housing situation, and contribute to their community's wealth.Recently Linda Peltz held discussion with Leigh Fisher from RWM Home Loans. They unravel the Community Lending Program and takes center stage in connection with a fantastic property at 6050 North San Pablo Ave in Fresno, California—a location that could be your gateway to an unparalleled homeownership experience. Let's dive into the details wit...
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By Joseph Orabona, Your defense against the IRS
(Vector Tax & Accounting LLC)
The IRS is known for its formidable reputation when it comes to collecting taxes and pursuing non-compliant taxpayers. However, there are common misconceptions about the extent of their powers and the severity of the tactics they can pose. In this article, we'll shed light on some common IRS tactics and what the IRS can actually do, providing valuable insights from a tax relief professional's perspective.If you have dealt with any of the common tactics listed below, contact our office today at (860) 580-5183 for a free, no-obligation consultation to review your options. Tactic #1: Seizing Your Home or AssetsOne of the most feared IRS tactics is the potential seizure of your home or assets. Many taxpayers worry about losing their property if they owe back taxes.Reality: While the IRS doe...
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By Joseph Orabona, Your defense against the IRS
(Vector Tax & Accounting LLC)
Back tax relief is a lifeline for individuals and businesses burdened by unpaid or delinquent taxes. As tax relief professionals, we understand that navigating the IRS maze of complexities of back taxes can be overwhelming. In this article, we'll provide an in-depth perspective on what back tax relief is, its significance, and how it can transform your financial outlook. Contact our office today at 860-580-5183 to understand how exactly back tax relief pertains to your situation. What Are Back Taxes?Back taxes, sometimes referred to as delinquent taxes or tax arrears, are taxes that have not been paid by the due date. They can result from various factors, including underreporting income, failure to file tax returns, audit assessments or disputes with the IRS over tax liabilities. Regard...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
Last week we saw inflation data come in slightly higher than expectations on some gauges and in line with others. Here is the data below. Core = excluding food and energy from the data calculations. The Fed prefers core measurements.  CPI month over month increased by 0.3% when the market was expecting 0.2%. This was higher than the previous month's 0.1% increase. Core CPI MoM was unchanged and came in at expectations of 0.3%. CPI year over year increased by 3.4%, 0.2% higher than expectations and 0.3% higher than the previous month. Core CPI YoY came in at 3.9%, 0.1% above expectations but a 0.1% decrease from the previous month. PPI MoM came in at -0.1% beating expectations by 0.2%! This is the 2nd month of declines Core PPI MoM came in meeting expectations at 0.2%, an increase of 0.1...
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