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Lending / Financial

Buying real estate is even more challenging for those of us whose eyes glaze over at the mere mention of decimals, percentages or anything else that even hints of mathematics.


The financial aspect of purchasing the largest investment of your lifetime, though, is the most important. Nobody wants to lose money. Nobody wants to leave money on the table.


If you're in the market for information on mortgages, credit scores and interest rates, you've come to the right place. The financial and mortgage pros here at ActiveRain even tell you how to shop for and compare lenders, how to raise your credit score, how to get a mortgage after a short sale or foreclosure and how to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. Even Mom and Dad can't give the great advice you'll find here at ActiveRain.


Plan to spend some time here because ActiveRain's content library is massive. Lucky for you we've arranged it so that it's über user-friendly. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to put your finger on just the information you're looking for without having to surf a million other pages.

Recent blogs on Lending / Financial
By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Homeowners know a mortgage is the easiest way to buy a house — but too many Gulf Coast families have no idea how much interest quietly inflates the true cost of that home over time.PUT Charles In Charge™ | Charles Stallions Real Estate Services Inc. | Gulf Coast Homeownership AdvisorsIf I told you I’d sell you a $200,000 home for $455,040, you’d laugh me out of the room. But at today’s rates, that’s exactly what a 30‑year mortgage does.At 6.5%, a $200,000 mortgage costs $255,040 in interest over 30 years. That means 56% of every dollar you pay goes to the bank — not your equity. And most homeowners in Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze were never shown this math when they signed. Why Your Early Payments Are Almost All InterestMortgage interest is front‑loaded. In the early years, the bank...
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By Kimo Stowell, James "Kimo" Stowell - REALTOR®, ABR®, GREEN
(HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 )
               Latest rates, based on 20 percent down, $200,000 owner-occupant mortgages. The rates and terms may vary; check with lenders for details. Rates may have changed click here to verifyPosted September 2nd, 2026  Lender Term/Type Interest Rate % Points % *APR American Savings Bank808-593-1226NMLS#423168 15-YR Fixed 5.625 1.875 6.006 30-YR Fixed 6.375 2.125 6.639 5-YR ARM 5.500 2.000 6.273 Bank of Hawaii877-616-2636 15-YR Fixed 5.875 0.750 5.992 30-YR Fixed 6.375 1.625 6.532 5-YR ARM 5.875 1.625 6.332 Central Pacific Bank808-544-0500NMLS#416603 15-YR Fixed 5.500 2.250 5.991 30-YR Fixed 6.250 2.250 6.558 5-YR ARM 5.625 2.000 6.467 Finance Factors808-548-3300NMLS#449916 15-YR Fixed 5.625 1.875 6.149 30-YR Fixed 6.375 2.125 6.730 5-YR ARM 6.125 1.500 6.965 First Hawaiian Bank808-6...
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By Real Estate Broker Cape Cod Heath Coker Falmouth, Heath Coker
(https://capegroup.com)
How Currency Stability Helps Keep Mortgage Rates LowWhen currencies move in a calm and orderly way, life feels more stable. This matters for housing more than most people realize.The government holds foreign currency as part of its financial toolkit. Sometimes it exchanges one currency for another to help keep markets balanced. This is not a loan. No new debt is created. No repayment is owed. It is simply trading one asset for another to support order.Why does this matter for a home buyer? When foreign exchange markets become disorderly, investors get nervous. They may sell assets quickly to cover risk. This fast selling can push up costs across global markets. When that happens, borrowing costs for families and businesses in the US can rise. That includes mortgage rates.Stable markets ...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
The PCE Index has remained above the Federal Reserve’s target and continues to be the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure for tracking inflation. Although the latest reading was not significantly above expectations, when considered alongside a number of other factors, it could contribute to the potential for a rate increase, particularly as the PCE Index has repeatedly come in higher than expected in recent months.At the Jackson Hole Symposium, the Federal Reserve commented that it remains committed to bringing inflation back to its 2% target. The Fed additionally stated that it would no longer provide forward guidance on future rate decisions, signaling a change in its communication approach going forward.PCE IndexThe U.S. PCE price index rose 0.4% month-over-month in May 2026, matchin...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
  🏡 Affordability Isn’t Just About Home Prices — It’s About Buying Power PUT CHARLES IN CHARGE™ — Stallions Real Estate Group Pensacola • Pace • Gulf Breeze • There’s a lot of noise out there about a “housing affordability crisis.” Yes, home prices matter. Yes, wages matter. But there’s a third factor that changes the entire equation:Mortgage Interest Rates.Affordability isn’t determined by the price of the home alone — it’s determined by what you pay per month. And interest rates drive that number heavily. 📉 Today’s Mortgage Rates (August 2026) 30‑year fixed: 6.66% 15‑year fixed: 5.98% Rates are higher than the pandemic lows, but they’ve stabilized, and buyers today benefit from slower price growth, rising incomes, and more balanced inventory across the Gulf Coast.This combination is c...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
We have been discussing all sorts of different mortgages in these recent posts. One that often gets mentioned is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage. But what exactly is that? In my conversation with Mike Storti of Foxtrot Mortgage we covered some basics. There are all sorts of ARMS, 5, 7 and 10 year arms. The number of years related to how many years you are buying the rate down. The mortgage is still a 30 year term loan, just it has a lower interest rate for a set number of years. It then resets according to the terms of the mortgage using specific indexes to set the rate.  ARMS became popular because for a long time the rate was substantially lower, sometimes it is not, they are useful if you know you are not going to stay in the house you are buying longer than the term of the ARM. For exam...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
No cash? No Way! Actually, "Yes Way" and No Problem!(No Way by Ahmed Al-Maslamani, Pixabay)Are you looking for a home to buy in Arizona with "NODO" or no downpayment, aka as No Dough? That is right no down payment for your loan or NODO? Yes, it can actually happen and you have come to the right place for information and a list of homes for sale on the links provided.Nothing down or nada, zilch, nil, zero down payment for a home to buy in Arizona. YES! It still exists.There are in essence, three primary methods for a buyer to consider in purchasing a home with $0 down payment4 Types of Zero Dollar Down Payments (Image Gerd Altmann, Pixabay)1. Zero Down FHA Loan- 3.5% FHA Downpayment on a 10 year 2nd Mortgage. See for more information: Access Zero Loan2. USDA Loan (US Department of Agricu...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Buying a home is a matter of moving through many steps, one of which is getting pre-approved for a mortgage and then fully approved. I recently sat with Mike Storti of Foxtrot Mortgage and asked him what are the documents a buyer needs to provide today to get pre-approved and then fully approved for a mortgage. It is less than you think.If you are looking to buy a home on or around the Main Line or Chester County call Nick Vandekar with Realty ONE Group Advocates, office 484-237-2055, cell or text 610-203-4543 or email Nick@VandekarTeam.com and let's get you started finding the home of your dreams.
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By Michael Shotnik
(Colorado Mortgage)
Reverse Mortgage vs. HELOC for Colorado Homeowners 62+Colorado homeowners who have owned their homes for many years may be sitting on substantial home equity.That can create opportunities in retirement, but it also raises an important question:What is the best way to access that equity?For homeowners age 62 and older, two options often worth comparing are a traditional Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, and a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, commonly called a HECM reverse mortgage.Neither option is automatically better.The right choice depends on what the homeowner is trying to accomplish, how much cash they need, their income, their existing mortgage, how long they plan to stay in the home, and how important preserving equity is to them.Here are five questions I think Colorado homeo...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Many buyers ask what mortgage should I use?There are plenty of mortgage options out there, VA, USDA, FHA, Conventional, Jumbo for example. These are not all equal and many sellers look at a mortgage choice differently to a buyer.I recently sat down with Mike Storti of Foxtrot Mortgage and discussed exactly this question. Check out the video below and let me know if you have any questions.Many buyers overlook how the choice of mortgage they select can affect their chances of having their offer accepted.So, if you are considering buying along the Main Line or Chester County or surrounding counties give me call and let's discuss the options and what is the best option for you. I want you to be confident in all the decisions you make throughout the transaction. Call Nick Vandekar, Realty ON...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Many buyers ask what credit score do I need to get a mortgage?  I recently sat down with Mike Storti of Foxtrot Mortgage and discussed this question as well as how your credit score affects your rate as well. Watch our video: If you are looking to buy in Chester County, along the Main Line or surrounding counties I can help you in your search and your purchase. Call Nick Vandekar, Realty ONE Group Advocates, office 484-237-2055, cell or text 610-203-4543, email Nick@VandekarTeam.com.
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
I was sitting talking with Mike Storti of Foxtrot Mortgage last week and we got to discussing USDA loans. You may or may not have heard of them but they provide a useful no money down option to buy homes in rural areas.You can check eligibility using this map just click the link.Watch the video to hear about the benefits of this loanLooking to buy in Chester County, the USDA loan may be a great option. Contact me, Nick Vandekar with Realty ONE Group Advocates, office 484-237-2055, cell or text 610-203-4543, or email Nick@VandekarTeam.com and lets start working to fins you the perfect property.
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Last week I sat down with Mike Storti of Foxtrot Mortgage and we talked abut a host of different mortgage related subjects. One that Mike talked about was the buyers' debt ratios and why they are important. There are two different ratios, so watch the video to get a better understanding. If you are looking to buy or sell on the Main Line or in Chester County give me a call, Nick Vandekar, Realty ONE Group Advocates and let me give you the confidence to make the right decisions throughout the transaction. Office 484-237-2055, cell or text 610-203-4543, email Nick@VandekarTeam.com.
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By Andrews Collen Guide Real Estate, California Real Estate in Orange County
(Orange County Real Estate Group)
A Nebraska hard money lender provides short-term, asset-based financing for real estate investors — funding fix and flip purchases, rental acquisitions, and time-sensitive deals based primarily on the property's value and the investor's exit plan rather than income documentation. Investors typically turn to private lending when speed, flexibility, or a property's condition rules out conventional or government-backed financing.Quick AnswerA hard money lender does more than wire funds — a good one evaluates the deal itself, structures financing around the purchase price and rehab budget, manages staged draws as work is completed, and provides Proof of Funds documentation that helps an investor compete on offers. For Nebraska investors, working with a lender who actually understands the lo...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
The latest FOMC minutes reinforced the Federal Reserve’s continued focus on price stability, with policymakers voting to maintain the current federal funds rate for the time being. However, the path forward remains uncertain, particularly as persistent inflation continues to complicate the case for additional rate cuts. In fact, several policymakers have indicated greater concern about inflation and favored tighter monetary policy at the most recent meeting.With the more recent departure of former Fed Chair Jerome Powell, there is a lot of uncertainty about where the Federal Reserve will move under the current administration. There is also a lot of speculation about further interest rate cuts, although such cuts may be difficult to justify given current inflation rates. Leading economic...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Refinancing your mortgage can save you money over a period of time. There always used to be a rule of thumb which could be applied. But is that true today?I sat down with Mike Storti of Foxtrot Mortgage and asked the question. If you have any other mortgage questions check out my YouTube Channel or let me know in the comments and we will address them in a future video.Looking for help buying or selling homes or land along the Main Line or Chester County, contact Nick Vandekar, Realty ONE Group Advocates, office 484-237-2055, cell or text 610-203-4543, or email Nick@VandekarTeam.com.
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By Tammie Jungling, Strategic Mortgage Solutions for AL, FL & GA
(loanDepot.com LLC)
Two Weeks of Better Rate Direction. What Does It Mean for Buyers?Happy Friday!We have a little more encouraging news heading into the weekend. Mortgage rates improved modestly this week compared with the prior week, according to Freddie Mac's August 20 Primary Mortgage Market Survey. That makes two consecutive weeks of improvement in its national weekly measure.The improvement is modest, not a dramatic market shift, and other daily measures have continued to show some volatility. Rather than trying to predict where rates go next, buyers can use periods of improvement to update their numbers and see whether their comfortable monthly payment or purchasing range has changed. North Central Florida Market WatchAcross Alachua, Gilchrist, Levy, and Dixie Counties, buyers can find everything fr...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Mortgage rates dropped the last two weeks in America to 6.65% on August 20, 2026 per Freddie Mac. Hey, that "ain't" too bad. Why do I say this? Well, we are closer to historic low mortgage rates right now than to historic high mortgage rates. For that matter we are better off than most decades, going back 8 decades to 1950. Read on...Mortgage Interest Rates Look Back (clipart, Pixabay)Historical Mortgage Rates by Year 1950: ~4.00% to 4.65%(Post-WWII era characterized by massive housing expansion, low inflation, and government-backed lending programs). 1960: ~5.25%(Rates began a gradual upward trend as economic growth accelerated and minor inflationary pressures built up). 1970: ~7.30% to 7.50%(The onset of the "Great Inflation" period, pushing borrowing costs upward across all sectors)....
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
Both the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) reported figures that were either entirely in line with expectations or just slightly below them. This does not set any new precedent for the potential of a rate increase from the Federal Reserve, as inflation is still rising, just at a largely expected rate.Retail sales have also shown signs of a slump compared to previous quarters, with gas prices and Amazon Prime Day among the primary culprits. This isn’t necessarily a broader indicator of overall economic health, but there is certainly pressure being felt from persistent inflation across both consumer and manufacturing sectors.Consumer Price IndexCPI increased 0.1% m/m (3.4% y/y) following a 0.4% monthly decline in June. The core index rose 0.2% after having been unc...
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Buying a Home? Why “Buy Now, Pay Later” Purchases Can Hurt Your Mortgage Approval“Four easy payments.” “Pay over time.” “Only $75 a month.” Buy Now, Pay Later plans from companies such as Affirm, Klarna and Zip have made it incredibly easy to finance everything from clothes and electronics to furniture, vacations and home improvements and even Door Dash delivers. Instead of paying $600 today, you click a button and spread the purchase over a series of smaller payments. You can hardly buy on-line these days without seeing this buy now, pay later, pay over time offer.It may feel more like a payment option than taking out a loan.But if you're shopping for a home or preparing to apply for a mortgage, that's exactly where you can get into trouble.Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) financing is an ins...
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