Admin

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 Jeff Markell, Sr. Mortgage Consultant - Forward & Reverse
(Empire Home Loans Inc.)
Did You Know, VA Loans Are Assumable? — Here's What That Means for Buyers and SellersIf you're a veteran or active-duty service member, you’re probably familiar with the many benefits of a VA home loan—no down payment, no mortgage insurance, competitive interest rates, and flexible credit guidelines. But there's one powerful feature that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: VA loans are assumable.What does that mean? In simple terms, an assumable mortgage allows a buyer to take over the seller's existing loan—with the same interest rate, terms, and balance. In today’s market, where rates are often much higher than they were just a few years ago, this can be a huge win for both parties.Let’s say a veteran bought a home in 2021 with a VA loan locked in at 2.75%. Fast-forward to 2025, and ...
Comments 0
By David Buck, Realtor-Broker
(Harcourts Island Real Estate)
If you're a veteran or active-duty service member eyeing a move to Hawaii, your VA loan benefits might be your greatest asset. In a recent 4th of July real estate breakdown, expert David Buck shared key updates and insights on the VA loan landscape across Oahu.Assumable VA Loans: A New TrendVA loans with locked-in low rates from years past are now being offered to buyers as “assumable” loans. That means military families could inherit sub-3% mortgage rates—a rare deal in today’s market.Hawaii's High BAH Rates: A Powerful Wealth-Building ToolHawaii boasts some of the nation’s highest Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates. When paired with 100% VA financing, this gives service members a real opportunity to build equity instead of renting or living on base... Read More
Comments 2
By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.16%* Est. CANHOU 12/15/30 [-0.02%]     10 Year - 3.68% CANHOU 09/15/35 [-0.03%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 3.00% [-0.08%]     Prime Rate 4.95% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.72% CAN 03/01/28 [-0.02%]     3 Year - 2.82% CAN 03/01/29 [-0.02%]     5 Year - 2.90% CAN 03/01/30 [-0.03%]     10 Year - 3.34% CAN 12/01/34 [-]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate
Comments 1
By Matt Brady, San Diego's Equity Advisor
(Watermark Capital)
 Fed Watch: No Rate Change, But July Is in PlayAs expected, the Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged last week. Chairman Powell noted that potential inflation from tariffs is one reason they’re proceeding with caution.Up to this point, the Fed has followed a “current data” approach—making decisions based on real-time inflation and labor numbers. But now, despite low inflation and strong employment data, Powell is suddenly waiting on future data. It feels like he's ignoring current signals in anticipation of what might happen.And it’s not just the markets noticing... Trump vs Powell: The Rate Cut Battle ContinuesPresident Trump has again voiced frustration with Powell, reportedly sending him a handwritten note saying he’s “too late” on rates. Trump continues to argue that the U.S. should...
Comments 4
By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
When most people picture real estate investing, they imagine shiny new properties, slick fix‑and‑flip projects, or tidy rental portfolios. Chris Seveney, founder of 7e Investments, sees opportunity in a very different corner of the market: Defaulted Mortgage Notes loans that have fallen behind on payments, often for years. By buying these distressed notes at a discount and working directly with borrowers, Seveney’s team transforms what looks like a loss for everyone into a victory for homeowners, investors, and local communities alike.Lets dive into this insightful podcast with Linda Peltz Realtor Fresno & Chris Seveney from 7e Investments:Why Buy a Loan That Isn’t Being Paid?Traditional thinking says a non‑performing loan is a headache waiting to happen. Seveney’s 25‑plus years in cons...
Comments 0
By Jeff Markell, Sr. Mortgage Consultant - Forward & Reverse
(Empire Home Loans Inc.)
Hey Realtors — if you’re not actively working with VA buyers, you’re leaving opportunity on the table. And if you are working with veterans, I’ve got a game-changing resource to share with you.I recently purchased an amazing app, VA Loan Educator, that includes 50+ powerful videos designed to educate veterans on the VA home loan benefit — and it’s one of the best tools I’ve seen in a long time.We all know VA loans can be a bit misunderstood. Some agents and lenders shy away from them because of old myths about appraisals, fees, or timelines. But the truth is: VA loans are one of the best financing options out there, and when presented clearly and confidently, veterans respond.This app breaks everything down in a way that’s simple, smart, and easy to digest. It covers: VA loan basics Myt...
Comments 0
By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.14%* Est. CANHOU 12/15/30 [-0.02%]     10 Year - 3.68% CANHOU 09/15/35 [-0.02%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 3.08% [-]     Prime Rate 4.95% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.69% CAN 03/01/28 [-0.01%]     3 Year - 2.79% CAN 03/01/29 [-0.02%]     5 Year - 2.88% CAN 03/01/30 [-0.01%]     10 Year - 3.30% CAN 12/01/34 [-0.01%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate  
Comments 1
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
When you find your dream home, it’s normal to want to move in right away. Unfortunately, the timeline from offer to move-in day rarely provides as much of a rush. While things like buying chains are out of your control, some decisions you make can affect how fast (or slow) things move. The type of mortgage you choose is one of them. If you’re planning to go with a conventional loan, here’s what you should know about how it can affect your homebuying timeline. What Is a Conventional Mortgage? If you’re house hunting, you’ve probably already heard the term, but what exactly is a conventional mortgage? At its core, it’s a loan that’s not backed by the government, unlike USDA, FHA, or VA loans. Instead, conventional loans are issued by a private lender, like a bank or credit union. They mak...
Comments 2
By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
Real estate can look like a maze when you first step in, do you flip, rent, wholesale, or grab that shiny short-term rental everyone’s raving about? Jorge Vasquez has walked every corridor of that maze for nearly a quarter-century, and he’s mapped the shortcuts. A former financial advisor who landed in the United States without cash or English fluency, Jorge now owns multiple Florida properties, leads several real-estate-related companies, and has overseen more than 3,500 transactions. His story is equal parts hustle, hard-won lessons, and a firm belief that anyone can build wealth with the right guidance. Lets tune in to podcast below with Linda Peltz Realtor Fresno: From Financial Advisor to Multifaceted InvestorJorge Vasquez career started in finance, where he learned how money moves...
Comments 2
If you're an active-duty service member, veteran, or eligible surviving spouse, you’ve earned one of the most powerful tools in home financing—the VA loan.   If you're an active-duty service member, veteran, or eligible surviving spouse, you’ve earned one of the most powerful tools in home financing—the VA loan. This incredible benefit helps make homeownership more accessible and affordable, and honestly, more people should be talking about it! Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading to a new one, or even refinancing, the VA loan stands out in a big way. Here’s why: 10 Reasons to Love the VA Home Loan ✅ No down payment required – That’s right. In most cases, you can buy a home with zero money down. That’s a huge leg up in today’s market. ✅ No private mortgage insurance (PMI) – ...
Comments 0
By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Great post by Jeff, and worthy of a share. Bill #AZVHV If you're an active-duty service member, veteran, or eligible surviving spouse, you’ve earned one of the most powerful tools in home financing—the VA loan. This incredible benefit helps make homeownership more accessible and affordable, and honestly, more people should be talking about it! Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading to a new one, or even refinancing, the VA loan stands out in a big way. Here’s why: 10 Reasons to Love the VA Home Loan ✅ No down payment required – That’s right. In most cases, you can buy a home with zero money down. That’s a huge leg up in today’s market. ✅ No private mortgage insurance (PMI) – Skip the monthly PMI fees that most buyers with less than 20% down have to pay. That savings adds up qu...
Comments 3
By Jeff Markell, Sr. Mortgage Consultant - Forward & Reverse
(Empire Home Loans Inc.)
If you're an active-duty service member, veteran, or eligible surviving spouse, you’ve earned one of the most powerful tools in home financing—the VA loan. This incredible benefit helps make homeownership more accessible and affordable, and honestly, more people should be talking about it!Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading to a new one, or even refinancing, the VA loan stands out in a big way. Here’s why:10 Reasons to Love the VA Home Loan✅ No down payment required – That’s right. In most cases, you can buy a home with zero money down. That’s a huge leg up in today’s market.✅ No private mortgage insurance (PMI) – Skip the monthly PMI fees that most buyers with less than 20% down have to pay. That savings adds up quickly.✅ Competitive interest rates – VA loans often offer l...
Comments 5
By Sandra Nickel, The Hat Team
(Sandra Nickel REALTORS)
Nobody likes thinking about what happens after they die. But none of us live forever. One of the best things you can do for your loved ones is to prepare for what happens to your estate in the event of your death or incapacitation.Estate planning is the process of arranging how your assets will be managed and distributed after your death or if you become incapacitated. It ensures that your wishes are followed, reduces potential family conflicts, and can minimize taxes and legal costs. Here are the key elements:WillA will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after death.  A will can also name guardians for minor children.TrustsA trust is a legal arrangement to hold assets for beneficiaries. You can save your loved ones from a lot of headaches by setting...
Comments 3
By Seesan Ed, Trust Delivery Agent /Apostile Agent/Translations
(206 715 1642)
4 Important Steps To Avoid Incomplete or Inaccurate Loan Signings. Mortgage loan signing activity goes on every single day regardless of current real estate market conditions.  A loan signing notary should take an approach of prioritizing thoroughness and clarity with each client. This aligned with best practices for ensuring proper document execution.  Proper execution of your signing assignment often should include: Verifying completeness: Ensuring all required fields are filled and signatures, dates, and initials are present. Confirming understanding: Walking the client through the document to ensure they understand what they are signing. Witnessing the signature (when required): Ensuring proper witnessing procedures are followed, especially in states where it is mandatory. Verify Id...
Comments 3
By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.20% Est. CANHOU 12/15/30 [+0.04%]     10 Year - 3.73% CANHOU 09/15/35 [+0.04%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 3.08% [-]     Prime Rate 4.95% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.76% CAN 03/01/28 [+0.04%]     3 Year - 2.86% CAN 03/01/29 [+0.05%]     5 Year - 2.94% CAN 03/01/30 [+0.04%]     10 Year - 3.34% CAN 12/01/34 [+0.04%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate
Comments 2
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
Hopefully you just watched the full video with Ronda, I want to share her scenario for you.  This is based on a purchase price of $450,000 with a 80/20 loan:Here is an example using the buydown and seeing the savings to you:$360,000 Loan amountFirst year: Interest rate is 4.75% Full payment P&I would be $2334.95. Subsidizedpayment is $ 1,877.93 (Savings of $457.02)Second Year: Interest rate of 5.75% full payment for P&I is $2334.95. Subsidizedpayment of $2,100.86 (savings of $234.09)Total Combined Savings of $8,293.32Remember you can refinance at any time without penalty and the balance in the seller funded escrow account goes directly onto your principal.  This program gives you the opportunity to take advantage of our current buyer’s market in The Villages while prices are slightly lo...
Comments 3
By Sandra Nickel, The Hat Team
(Sandra Nickel REALTORS)
There was a time when there were three mortgage loan types available to home buyers. You could get a Fixed-Rate Conventional Mortgage, an FHA Loan or a VA Loan. But times, they are a changin’.  Now there is a vast array of mortgage loan types to be had!  Let’s learn about some of them, and the differences between them.We will start with the most popular: FIXED-RATE MORTGAGES​These loans come in 5-year, 10-year, 15-year, 20-year, 30-year, 40-year, and even 50-year timeframes. The interest rate remains the same for the duration of the loan, meaning monthly payments are predictable. FHA LOANS​ FHA Mortgage Loan types are insured by the government through mortgage insurance that is funded into the loan. This is an ideal loan type for first-time buyers because it has minimal down payment req...
Comments 2
By Jeff Markell, Sr. Mortgage Consultant - Forward & Reverse
(Empire Home Loans Inc.)
Besides a Reverse Mortgage, there are other choices for seniors to consider, but they often fall short.If you’re a homeowner in or near retirement, chances are you’ve come across a few loud opinions about Reverse Mortgages—especially from media outlets and financial pundits who, frankly, often miss the mark. Yes, it’s smart to educate yourself and consider all your options. But let’s be real: for many older adults living on a fixed income, those so-called “options” often aren’t all that helpful—or even feasible.As someone who works closely with seniors, I’ve seen firsthand how a Reverse Mortgage can dramatically improve quality of life. For some, it’s about ending monthly mortgage payments. For others, it’s creating a financial cushion or gaining access to a flexible line of credit they...
Comments 4
By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
  Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.19% Est. CANHOU 12/15/30 [+0.07%]     10 Year - 3.71% CANHOU 09/15/35 [+0.06%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 3.08% [-]     Prime Rate 4.95% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.74% CAN 03/01/28 [+0.07%]     3 Year - 2.85% CAN 03/01/29 [+0.08%]     5 Year - 2.93% CAN 03/01/30 [+0.07%]     10 Year - 3.32% CAN 12/01/34 [+0.07%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate  
Comments 0
By Jasvir Josan, Target Marketing Specialist
(Direct Realty and Mortgage)
As a homeowner in Sacramento, you're not just paying a mortgage each month; you're diligently building one of your most significant financial assets: home equity. It's the silent wealth builder, the portion of your home that you truly own. But how do you know how much equity you've accumulated? Understanding your home equity is crucial, whether you're planning a major renovation, considering refinancing, or thinking about selling your Sacramento home.As your local real estate agent, I’m here to explain how home equity works and show you how to quickly estimate this valuable asset. Let's uncover the wealth hidden in your Sacramento property!What Exactly is Home Equity?Simply put, home equity is the difference between your home's current market value and the outstanding balance of all loa...
Comments 3