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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 )
Paying off your mortgage can bring peace of mind, but is it the right move for you now? As your trusted real estate broker in Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze, Florida, Charles Stallions is here to help you navigate this important decision.First, consider your current debt situation. Do you have higher-interest debt, such as credit card balances with double-digit rates or personal, car, or student loans? Paying off these obligations first can save you more interest than paying down your mortgage, which typically has a lower interest rate. Many financial advisors suggest prioritizing your annual retirement contributions before paying a mortgage. If your employer offers matching contributions, you're leaving free money on the table by not taking full advantage of this benefit. For instanc...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
The Federal Trade Commission encourages you to ensure that the information on your credit reports is accurate, complete, and up to date at least once a year. Your credit reports are an important part of your financial life and can determine whether you get credit, the terms of the credit, and how much it will cost.Good credit could affect borrowing money, insurance premiums, employers' hiring decisions, and the ability to rent a home.Checking your credit history and credit scores: It helps you better understand your current credit position. It makes you aware of what lenders may see. Protects you from inaccurate or incomplete information. Recognize identity theft. Free annual credit reports can be ordered from Equifax, Experian, and Transunion through their centralized website - AnnualC...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Mortgage 101: Thinking of financing, refinancing, or just needing to understand how the process works? It all starts here. We research whether it's a VA, FHA, conventional, or non-traditional loan for you. We can help simplify the process and remove the challenges.How to Get Mortgage Info and a FREE Credit ReportThe C-Note is a short version of the monthly newsletter put out by Charles Stallions, (CRS) Certified Residential Specialist, (SREE) Senior Real Estate Expert, (CPI) Certified Property Investor, New Home Specialist, Certified Buyer Expert, and Broker of Real Estate since 1995."Explore our latest inventory of homes or conduct your search at your convenience.Check out the latest Guide to Buying a Home.Check out the latest Guide to Selling Your Home.Are you looking to sell your hom...
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By Bob Elliot, 30+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
As a homeowner, the thought of foreclosure can be daunting. Understanding what foreclosure is and how to prevent it can provide peace of mind and safeguard your investment.What is Foreclosure?Foreclosure is a legal process where a lender attempts to recover the balance of a loan from a borrower who has stopped making payments. The lender forces the sale of the asset used as collateral for the loan—in this case, your home.How Does Foreclosure Work?The foreclosure process typically begins after several missed mortgage payments. First, the lender issues a notice of default, giving you a certain period to catch up on payments. If the default isn't resolved, the lender can proceed with selling the home at a foreclosure auction.Steps to Avoid Foreclosure Communicate with Your LenderFirstly, i...
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By Toby Lorenc, Make your next move your BEST move
(Rocky Mountain Realtors®)
  585 Calle Entrada Fountain CO 80817 VA Assumable Loan at 2.875% Nearly quarter-acre corner lot, ready for your chickens! This updated bi-level house gives you room to spread out and flex space for your hobbies. 2 bedrooms upstairs and 2 bedrooms on the lower level. Plus, two living areas ready for whatever occasion. A quiet night by the woodburning fire in the garden level family room, or entertain upstairs using the walk-out to the large wood deck. Set up one of the many bedrooms as a gym or office, and keep your guest comfortable in one of the lower level bedrooms with a jack-and-jill bathroom in the middle. Plus, the large lot is flat and useable, perfect for RV parking or extra space for cars. The fully fenced backyard includes wood privacy fence, and a newer chain linked fence al...
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By Bob Elliot, 30+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
With so little in the way of data releases following the previous week's FOMC Rate Decision, we’re left with a small release schedule with Consumer Credit and U.S. Trade Deficit rounding up the reports. While relatively light indicators of the current health of the economy, they are still useful for determining more impactful trends in the future. Next week, the inflation data reports with the CPI and PPI are the ones to look out for. This time, these are the ones that will largely determine whether we see rate cuts this year, and lending partners have already been lowering rates in anticipation.U.S. Trade DeficitThe trade deficit fell by 2.5% in June and receded from a 19-month high, owing to higher exports of aircraft and U.S.-produced oil and gas. The deficit dropped to $73.1 billion...
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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)
Our Metro Statistical Areas (MSAs) have expanded. What does that mean for buyers? It means buyers living within eligible MSAs can take advantage of HomeReady® Special Purpose Credit Program with reduced mortgage insurance and low-down payment options. If you currently live in one of these areas, you may qualify for our HomeReady First program: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Brownsville-Harlingen, TX Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Cleveland, OH Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Memphis, TN-MS-AR Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL New York-Newark-New Jersey, NY-NJ Oklahoma City, OK Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD​ P...
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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)
From anywhere at any time, you can fund your future, all from the Rate App. Download today to apply for a Personal Loan in minutes and get up to $50,000 delivered in just 2 business days. http://tinyurl.com/msucwtft #PersonalLoan #PersonalLoans
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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)
With Same Day Mortgage, Veteran and active service members can get approved for a VA loan in as fast as one day. And with other great benefits like $0 down payment and no lender fee at close, you’ll be equipped with the speed and savings to make homeowning a reality. Reach out to learn more. 🎖️💰 I can personally assist with all your VA mortgage needs in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, MI, MS, NC, NV, SC, TN, TX, VA & WA. 🏡 https://www.rate.com/resources/waived-va-loans?LOID=18865 #Mortgage #NoDownPayment #VA #Veteran #VAHomeBuyer #VALoanMyths #VALoanExpert #VALoan #VALoans #VALoanSpecialist #VAMortgagePro #VAIRRRL #VARefinance  
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Jump start your home-buying journey by getting pre approved! 🚀 Gathering key documents like your ID, social security number, and list of current debts can speed up the process and bring you one step closer to your dream home. Ready to make your move? Contact me today to get started! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #realestate #a080824 #investment #realtor #realestateagent #househunting #dreamhome
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By David Buck, Realtor-Broker
(Harcourts Island Real Estate)
We've had a really busy summer with home sales and I'm just trying to play catch up now. Please take a look at the video above celebrating the 249th birthday of our nation. We're excited about 250 coming up next year! We're going to talk a little about 4th of July in Hawaii, what it means.Then, we're going to jump into VA home loans in Hawaii, history of VA loans, going back to COVID (you'll see some charts below) going back to 2020 and through today, 2nd quarter of 2024... Read More
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By Chris Goulart, California Hard Money Loans & Solutions
(All California Lending)
The Sacramento housing market has been hot.  According to Redfin, in June 2024 housing prices were up over 11% from the year prior, selling in an average of 12 days on the market.  With the housing marketing continuing to perform well, we are able to offer a wide range of Sacramento hard money loans and products for a wide variety of situations.While the housing market has been great, interest rates on conventional loans are higher than they were not long ago.  Many property owners have low rate first position loans that are fixed for 30 years with rates well below 5%.  For those looking to tap the equity in their Sacramento area home to purchase additional investment property, expand their business or invest in other ventures, a hard money second can be an option to consider.  We do a ...
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By Alberto Pacheco, Experience and Trust
(Home Smart Evergreen Realty)
Attention Homeowners Facing Mortgage Issues 🚨Are you a homeowner struggling with late mortgage payments and facing a notice of default from your lender? You're not alone, and we're here to help! Frustrations Mounting? • 😞 Feeling like nobody is there to help you? • 💸 Stressed because you don't have the money to catch up? • 🤯 Confused and overwhelmed with limited choices? We understand how daunting this can be, but there’s hope! The Solution You Need The best solution is to find expert help from someone who can navigate these tricky waters. With the right guidance, you can explore options to get back on track and protect your home.Take Action Now! ⏳ Don't wait until it's too late. If you want to learn more about these solutions, take the first step towards resolving your mortgage issues....
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By Bob Elliot, 30+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain the current interest rates has paved the way for a potential rate cut in September. While this news has been met enthusiastically by lending partners, the broader markets have indicated a slightly less warm reception despite both the data and Federal Reserve’s intentions being a match. Until September, we can expect a lull in significant data releases, with more substantial decisions anticipated then.FOMC Rate DecisionPowell stated that the Federal Reserve seeks "a little more confidence" that inflation is consistently trending downward before taking action. The Federal Reserve’s benchmark short-term interest rate now stands at 5.25% to 5.5%. Although consumer prices spiked briefly in the first few months of the year, causing the Federal Reserv...
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By Philip Bennett, Mortgage Brokerage
(Bennett Capital Partners Mortgage)
Securing a home loan can be challenging for self-employed individuals. Traditional mortgages often require extensive documentation and proof of steady income, which may not suit freelancers or small business owners.This is where Bank Statement Loans come in. Bank Statement Loans are designed for those with non-traditional income sources. Instead of relying on tax returns to prove earnings, lenders review bank statements over the past 12-24 months.This flexibility makes it easier for self-employed borrowers to qualify. For Florida residents looking into these innovative loan programs—help is just around the corner!Keep reading to unlock new opportunities... Key Takeaways Bank statement loans help self-employed individuals qualify for mortgages using their bank statements instead of tradi...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Investing in rental property can be a lucrative way to build wealth, but securing a mortgage for such an investment requires careful planning and preparation. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get a mortgage to buy a rental property.Understand Your Financing Options Conventional Loans: These are typically offered by banks and mortgage lenders. They often require a higher credit score and a larger down payment compared to loans for primary residences. Expect to put down at least 20% to 25%. Government-Backed Loans: While options like FHA loans are usually for primary residences, some government programs designed to help investors are less common for rental properties. Portfolio Loans: Some lenders offer portfolio loans, which they keep in-house rather than selling on the secondary m...
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Here are the top 4 things to consider when choosing a mortgage...   TOP 4 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU CHOOSE YOUR MORTGAGE   Ready to buy a home but are feeling overwhelmed by financing options? Here are the top 4 things to consider when choosing a mortgage:   📈 Credit Score: This three-digit number can significantly impact your interest rate and the types of loans you qualify for.   📊 Income & Expenses: Lenders want to ensure your income will comfortably cover your mortgage payments and other debt obligations. 💰 Down Payment: The amount you put down will affect your loan options, monthly payments, and need for mortgage insurance.   📆 Lifestyle & Risk Tolerance: Your term length and interest rate type (fixed or variable) should align with your financial goals and comfort level.   For ...
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Realtor
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
TOP 4 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU CHOOSE YOUR MORTGAGE Ready to buy a home but are feeling overwhelmed by financing options? Here are the top 4 things to consider when choosing a mortgage: 📈 Credit Score: This three-digit number can significantly impact your interest rate and the types of loans you qualify for.  📊 Income & Expenses: Lenders want to ensure your income will comfortably cover your mortgage payments and other debt obligations.💰 Down Payment: The amount you put down will affect your loan options, monthly payments, and need for mortgage insurance.  📆 Lifestyle & Risk Tolerance: Your term length and interest rate type (fixed or variable) should align with your financial goals and comfort level. For more on choosing the right mortgage for your specific situation, check out my...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
How to Get Your PMI Canceled When you take out a conventional mortgage loan (not insured by the U.S. government), with a down payment of less than 20%, your lender will require that you pay monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI) which protects the lender in case you default. PMI costs can vary between 0.58% and 1.86% of the mortgage amount. According to Nerdwallet’s PMI calculator, if you buy a home for $350,000, put down $35,000 or 10% with a 6% interest rate on a 30-year note, and with a credit score of 620 to 639, you’ll pay 1.50% PMI, or $394 per month. It’ll take 7.40 years for your loan balance to get to 80% loan to value (LTV). The earliest you can get a PMI cancellation is two years of ownership and an LTV of 75%. You can ask your lender to remove PMI when your loan balance re...
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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)
August started off with a closing for a First Time Home Buyer.  She graduated in May with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and closed on her first home yesterday using our 100% LTV Physician Loan.  With our 100% LTV Physician Loan, she was able to purchase with no money down.  If you are recent Medical School graduate, you too may be able to qualify to purchase your first home with no money down using this great loan program.   Also, there is No Mortgage Insurance with this program.  That can save $$ each month.  Additionally, the Physician Loan program is great for those with high student loan debt.    Reach out to me today for more details!!!!! 
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