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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 Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 2.92%* Est. CANHOU 06/15/30 [-0.06%]     10 Year - 3.48%* Est. CANHOU 09/15/35 [-0.03%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 3.60% [-]     Prime Rate 4.95% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.57% CAN 09/01/27 [-0.04%]     3 Year - 2.63% CAN 09/01/28 [-0.06%]     5 Year - 2.69% CAN 09/01/29 [-0.06%]     10 Year - 3.07% CAN 12/01/34 [-0.04%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate
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By ReadySetLoan Team, Home Loans, Market Trends, Condo Approval Experts
(ReadySetLoan)
A major shake-up in credit scoring is on the way, and it could make mortgage approvals more confusing for homebuyers. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is rolling out a new system that will require lenders to evaluate four different credit scores instead of three when assessing mortgage applicants.Currently, lenders pull one score from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Under the new rules, lenders will now pull two scores from two bureaus—one from FICO 10T and one from VantageScore 4.0—creating a total of four scores per borrower.🔹 What This Means for Homebuyers🐷 More Confusion: Borrowers will see two different scores from the same credit bureau, which could differ by 100 points or more.🐷 Stricter Credit Evaluations: New scoring models analyze ...
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By ReadySetLoan Team, Home Loans, Market Trends, Condo Approval Experts
(ReadySetLoan)
Mortgage Market Turbulence: How Government Programs Are Reshaping Home Prices....(and not for the better) 🏡📉The housing market has been a rollercoaster in recent years, and despite high interest rates, home prices continue to climb. Why? A combination of government-backed mortgage programs and relief initiatives are keeping distressed borrowers in their homes—even when they struggle to make payments.Over the past decade, lending standards have shifted, making it easier for homebuyers to qualify for low-down-payment loans backed by government agencies like the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). While this has expanded homeownership access, it has also increased risk. 🏡 In 2007, about 35% of FHA borrowers had debt-to-income (DTI) ratios exceeding 43%—a level generally considered risky....
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
What if I told you Treasury Secretary Bessent just stated "The housing market is stuck right now, but it will unfreeze in weeks" - while most economists remain pessimistic about mortgage rates?There's a major disconnect between headlines and economic indicators that few are talking about. While potential buyers and sellers remain frozen in place, the data shows mortgage rates could potentially drop below 6% if spreads return to historical norms—without requiring any Fed action. The video explains why.How To Squeeze Every Dollar From Your Home Sale Please remember to "like" the post and the video on YouTube too! Thank you. 🏡  Link to all homes for sale in Tallahassee 📺 Subscribe To The Joe Manausa Real Estate Channel and Get More Housing Market Reports, Listings, Real Estate Marketing Ti...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 2.92%* Est. CANHOU 06/15/30 [+0.03%]     10 Year - 3.44%* Est. CANHOU 09/15/35 [+0.02%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 3.82% [-]     Prime Rate 5.20% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.59% CAN 09/01/27 [+0.06%]     3 Year - 2.63% CAN 09/01/28 [+0.03%]     5 Year - 2.68% CAN 09/01/29 [+0.03%]     10 Year - 3.02% CAN 12/01/34 [+0.02%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate
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By Peter Kici EA, Enrolled Agent
(Tax Debt Relief Group)
The IRS is facing significant downsizing, with staff reductions and office closures affecting operations nationwide. While this shift may seem like a relief to taxpayers concerned about audits and collections, it also comes with major implications. Understanding how these changes impact enforcement, customer service, and taxpayer rights is essential for those dealing with IRS issues. So what IRS Downsizing and Office Closures Means for Taxpayers.Longer Response Times and DelaysOne of the immediate consequences of IRS downsizing is an increase in response times. With fewer employees available to handle tax filings, audits, and collection cases, taxpayers can expect longer wait times when calling the IRS, delays in processing tax returns, and slower responses to appeals or penalty abateme...
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By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
Success in the real estate market isn't just about experience—it's about building the right connections and leveraging smart strategies. In Fresno and Clovis, California, Marshawn Govan and Linda Peltz are demonstrating how collaboration between mortgage professionals and buyer seller agents can create an exceptional home-buying and home selling experience.With Linda’s deep understanding of the local housing market and Marshawn’s expertise in innovative mortgage solutions, their combined approach offers clients seamless transactions and greater opportunities.Lets tune in to video belowElevating Mortgage and Marketing StrategiesTechnology-Driven Solutions for RealtorsMarshawn Govan goes beyond traditional mortgage lending by incorporating cutting-edge marketing strategies into the home f...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 2.91% CANHOU 06/15/30 [-0.04%]     10 Year - 3.39%* Est. CANHOU 09/15/35 [-0.03%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 3.82% [-]     Prime Rate 5.20% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.61% CAN 09/01/27 [-0.02%]     3 Year - 2.62% CAN 09/01/28 [-0.05%]     5 Year - 2.67% CAN 09/01/29 [-0.04%]     10 Year - 2.97% CAN 12/01/34 [-0.03%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Mortgage 101: From Thinking About the Process to Knowing the ProcessAre you considering financing, refinancing, or just trying to understand how the mortgage process works? It all starts here! We break down the mortgage myths and help determine whether you need a VA, FHA, conventional, or non-traditional owner-financing loan. The process doesn't have to be complicated—we simplify it for you! Call or Text "Mortgage 101" to Charles at 850-476-4494 for your FREE INFO PAK.Finding your dream home is exciting, but securing the right mortgage is just as crucial for long-term success. This is where having a knowledgeable mortgage lender comes in—they're your financial partner, helping you navigate your options and determine how much you can borrow.So, who exactly is a lender? They're the financ...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.13% CANHOU 06/15/30 [+0.02%]     10 Year - 3.64%* Est. CANHOU 09/15/35 [-0.01%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 3.82% [-]     Prime Rate 5.20% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.80% CAN 09/01/27 [-0.01%]     3 Year - 2.84% CAN 09/01/28 [-0.01%]     5 Year - 2.89% CAN 09/01/29 [-0.01%]     10 Year - 3.19% CAN 12/01/34 [-0.02%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate
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By Dan Papadapoulis, Home equity loans, second mortgages Toronto
(Mortgage Central Nationwide)
Mortgage brokers' toolkits include a section on fraud prevention. This is a good thing.According to Michael McPhee with Haywood Hunt & Associates, a private investigation agency with office in Toronto, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has processed over 63,000 reports of fraud in 2023, leading to staggering losses totaling $569 million. The Anti-Fraud Centre estimates only 5- 10% incidents are reported. These numbers likely understate the true extent and scope of fraud. Fraud can affect anyone, but older Canadians tend to be more vulnerable.Equifax reports that mortgage fraud is the most common form of financial deception. It occurs at a rate 30 percent higher than before the pandemic. Mortgage brokers must be vigilant and know what to look out for in order to protect their clients agains...
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By Dan Papadapoulis, Home equity loans, second mortgages Toronto
(Mortgage Central Nationwide)
It is a journey full of challenges, opportunities and challenges. But to do so requires money. You can use the equity in your home to fund a new business. It is important to know both the pros and cons.In the last two years, home equity loans have grown in popularity as the value of property has increased across the nation. Home equity loans, also known as home equity lines of credit or HELOCs (home equity loan), have been used at their highest level since 2007. These are still risky ways to fund new businesses.Danny Papadopoulis is a Toronto-based mortgage broker at Homebase Mortgages and an expert in Home Equity Loans. Papadopoulis says that even entrepreneurs who have been successful in their business face the risk of failing. You want to rely on your house or roof as your sole sourc...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I could easily take this into a deep theological discussion but I'm going to keep it Real Estate related. 🙂One of the biggest Real Estate traps homeowners fall into is thinking they should spend their maximum borrowing limit on their new home. Just because you can borrow a Million doesn't mean that you should.Almost every market has bank repossessed homes in it because the owner assumed that if the bank approved them for it they can afford it. I have seen it work when the owners planned it out by limiting their expenses:NO new furniture for a year, often leaving several rooms in the home with NO furniture for a year or two. I have seen living rooms with milk crates for furniture.Purchase a simple walk behind lawn mower as opposed to a ritzy zero turn riding mower.No new toys for two yea...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 2.94% CANHOU 06/15/30 [+0.07%]     10 Year - 3.47%* Est. CANHOU 09/15/35 [+0.06%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 3.82% [-]     Prime Rate 5.20% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.63% CAN 09/01/27 [+0.05%]     3 Year - 2.67% CAN 09/01/28 [+0.07%]     5 Year - 2.72% CAN 09/01/29 [+0.07%]     10 Year - 3.04% CAN 12/01/34 [+0.07%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
We can all learn from others here in the Rain and Gwen has a great blog that she shared with us. Why Choose USDA Financing Over FHA for Your Oconee County Home? If you're considering buying a home in Oconee County, South Carolina, understanding your financing options can make a big difference in affordability. For many, USDA loans offer significant advantages over traditional FHA loans, especially in rural areas like Salem, Long Creek, Mountain Rest, and Westminster. No Down Payment Required One of the most attractive benefits of USDA financing is that it requires no down payment. Unlike FHA loans, which mandate a minimum 3.5% down payment, USDA loans let you purchase a home with zero money down, making homeownership more accessible—especially for first-time buyers. Lower Mortgage Insur...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Why Choose USDA Financing Over FHA for Your Oconee County Home?If you're considering buying a home in Oconee County, South Carolina, understanding your financing options can make a big difference in affordability. For many, USDA loans offer significant advantages over traditional FHA loans, especially in rural areas like Salem, Long Creek, Mountain Rest, and Westminster. No Down Payment Required One of the most attractive benefits of USDA financing is that it requires no down payment. Unlike FHA loans, which mandate a minimum 3.5% down payment, USDA loans let you purchase a home with zero money down, making homeownership more accessible—especially for first-time buyers. Lower Mortgage Insurance PremiumsUSDA loans generally come with lower mortgage insurance premiums compared to FHA loan...
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By Rodney Mason, VP of Mtg Lending, AL,AR,AZ,CA,CO,FL,GA,IN,MI,MS,NC,NV,SC,TN,TX,VA,WA
(Rate, Inc NMLS# 2611)
Join EVP Kate Amor to learn how to expand your business, and better serve your customers with products to help get them into their homes fast. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 5th at 4PM EST/3PM CST. http://ms.spr.ly/6185UTlN5  #Rate #LoanPrograms #LoanPrograms #NonQM
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By Matt Brady, San Diego's Equity Advisor
(Watermark Capital)
  Realtors and Lenders face a new problem creating more scarcity. I have closed 1500 new construction loans over the past 20 years, but my builder clients are now building rental units instead of for-sale units. A building boom is underway across the country in communities designed for renters, according to a new report by Point2Homes. A total of 110,727 single-family homes are in the construction pipeline in “built-to-rent” communities, the listing portal reported this week based on data provided by its sister company Yardi Matrix. These units are in various stages of construction or have been permitted, according to Point2Homes. Once completed, the total inventory in the 613 communities nationwide will increase by more than 50%, the company said.    Yardi Matrix defines built-to-rent ...
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By Rodney Mason, VP of Mtg Lending, AL,AR,AZ,CA,CO,FL,GA,IN,MI,MS,NC,NV,SC,TN,TX,VA,WA
(Rate, Inc NMLS# 2611)
Help your high-net-worth clients secure mortgages without the need for W-2s, paystubs or tax returns. With Rate’s asset utilization loans, you can better serve buyers with unique financial profiles and position yourself as a go-to advisor. I can personally assist with all your unique mortgage needs in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, MI, MS, NC, NV, SC, TN, TX, VA & WA. 🏡 Give me a call at (404) 591-2453 to learn more today. #Mortgage #MortgageLoan #MortgageLender #DownPayment #AssetDepletion #AssetDepletionMortgage #AssetDepletionLoan #AssetUtilization #BankStatement #BankStatementMortgage #BankStatementLoan #DSCRMortgage #DSCRLoan #InvestmentProperty #AlabamaMortgage #ArizonaMortgage #ArkansasMortgage #CaliforniaMortgage #ColoradoMortgage #FloridaMortgage #GeorgiaMortgage #IndianaMortg...
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By April Delgado Guzman, Mortgage Lender for the Real Estate Investor
(Skyline Financial Mortgage LLC)
Mortgages, Money, Moves: A Real Estate Investor’s Guide to FinancingNATIONWIDE LENDING!!  Welcome to the exciting world of real estate investment! If you’re here, you’re probably ready to turn that “for-sale” sign into a “sold” one — and I’m here to help you do it without getting lost in all the paperwork. Let’s talk about how to navigate the often confusing (but always rewarding) world of mortgage lending to fund your next big move.As a real estate investor, you already know that securing the right financing is often the difference between a solid deal and a disaster. Whether you’re flipping houses, building a rental empire, or tackling commercial projects, the right mortgage product can make all the difference. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for...
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