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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.


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Recent blogs on Lending / Financial
By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
You Need a 20% Down Payment — Pensacola Edition.One of the biggest myths I hear from buyers across Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze is the belief that you must have a 20% down payment to purchase a home. This misconception keeps far too many people on the sidelines, leading them to assume homeownership is out of reach when it’s actually closer than they think.The truth is, today’s buyers have far more flexible options. VA and USDA loans offer zero‑down opportunities for qualified buyers—something especially valuable here along the Gulf Coast, where many military families and rural‑area buyers benefit from these programs. Beyond that, Florida offers state-specific grants and down‑payment assistance designed to help first-time buyers step confidently into homeownership.According to the Na...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
A nice Christmas present? Buy a home with a $0 (zero) down payment. Here are Homes For Sale in Arizona Eligible for USDA Loan. Other homes are available through other methods, read on...Zero Down Payment, Image by Gerd Altmann from PixabayThere are in essence, three primary methods for a buyer to consider in purchasing a home with $0 down payment1. USDA Loan (US Department of Agriculture)2. Free grant programs (down payment and/or closing costs assistance)3. VA Loan (Veterans Administration)$0 Down Payment with USDA rural farm loan was available for a home like these  in n areas of Maricopa County and Pinal Counties designated for USDA loansUSDA Loan Homes For Sale UPDATED DAILY and includes NEW HOMES. View on FULL SCREEN Homes For Sale in Arizona Eligible for USDA Loan . Create your ow...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
The Consumer Price Index was scheduled to be released this week but has once again been delayed, with no explanation provided. This left the unemployment data as the only notable economic release from last week. The data showed that unemployment numbers came in higher than expected; however, this result is somewhat tempered by the fact that the figures are supported by a more limited data set.Even so, it is not a positive sign that unemployment numbers are exceeding expectations under these circumstances. At this time, there is still no word on when the Consumer Price Index will be released, with the Christmas holiday fast approaching.Unemployment ReportUnemployment rate climbs to 4-year high of 4.6%, November jobs report shows. The economy lost 105,000 jobs in October and added 64,000 ...
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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 inched lower this week on December 18, 2025 to 6.21% for 30 years down from 6.72% at this time last year.  (Weekly National Survey): Freddie Mac Mortgage Rate Weekly SurveyMortgage rates continue to tick down. How LOW CAN THEY GO?How Low Can They Go? Mortgage rates that is (Photo: Stocksnap, Pixabay)There may be a window of opportunity to own a home in the Phoenix Arizona metro now with home prices having declined somewhat while mortgage rates continue to "tick down" to 6.21% (good credit). Remember, you can marry the home of your dreams but only have to date the mortgage rate. One can date the rate by refinancing later when rates decrease. Over the past 100+ years home prices have gone up and down through the decades but the overall trend is up....WAY UP! As your parents...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
We❤️ Love OUR Seniors!Eleven Pipers Piping Seniors: Holiday traditions—recipes, storytelling, decorating, music, faith services, volunteering, card exchanges, photo albums, gift-giving, community events, gratitude rituals. Buyers: Negotiation tips—know comps, stay calm, prioritize needs, offer clean terms, use contingencies, ask for credits, time offers, lean on agent, avoid lowballing, build rapport, be flexible. Sellers: Market-ready signs—clean, staged, priced right, good photos, repairs completed, strong curb appeal, disclosures ready, flexible showings, agent engaged, marketing plan set, paperwork organized. Investors: Resources—local REI groups, podcasts, books, mentors, forums, property managers, contractors, lenders, accountants, attorneys, market reports. Search MLS  For Your N...
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By Jerry Thomas-Construction Loans, Construction Loans in MI, OH, PA, CO VA, GA and FL
(Cranbrook Loans)
Why? The short answer is that most lenders that offer OTC (One Time Close) Construction Loans will immediately reject your application if you do. The longer answer involves tracking who has worked on the project, who has provided materials, and can you document if they have been paid or not.  If someone works on your project, or provides materials, and they are not paid they can put a Workman’s Lien on your project. Liens on property have priorities and Workman’s Liens will most likely take precedence over any other kind of lien. Most importantly they will supersede a mortgage lien, the lien your lender is counting on to be the first and only lien. If a lien like this pops up during construction, the lender will freeze any draws until it is removed.  If you have started construction and...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
What can we all learn from each other.  Some may be pro's and other are con's  Debe Maxwell came up with a interesting blog that she blog on Dec 16.  Catch it if you missed it. Biweekly Mortgage Plans: What They Promise… and What You Really Need to Know If you’ve ever opened an email promising to save you thousands on your 30-year mortgage—without refinancing, points, or paperwork—you’re not alone. These biweekly mortgage ads show up everywhere, and while the claims sound exciting, there’s always more to the story. Most of these offers don’t come from actual mortgage lenders. They come from third-party companies that package the concept with lots of flashy selling points: No closing costs! No refinancing! No points! No credit check! No appraisal! Save thousands! Cut years off your mortg...
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By Renee Hahn, Top Real Estate Agent Serving Naples Florida Area
(Renee Hahn, Your Naples Real Estate Expert (Alfred Robbins Realty Group))
When you sell a home or an investment property, the IRS may want a piece of your profit - and that’s called capital gains tax. In 2025, the rules around these taxes didn’t change dramatically, but there are a few important updates that might affect how much you owe when you sell. Whether you’re a homeowner selling a primary residence, someone with a rental property, or just curious how taxes impact real estate profits - this guide breaks it down in simple terms.First, What Are Capital Gains?Capital gains are the profits you make when you sell an asset - like a house or a piece of land - for more than you paid for it. Short-term capital gains happen if you sell the property within one year of owning it. These are taxed like regular income, which can be a higher tax rate. Long-term capita...
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Biweekly Mortgage Plans: What They Promise… and What You Really Need to KnowIf you’ve ever opened an email promising to save you thousands on your 30-year mortgage—without refinancing, points, or paperwork—you’re not alone. These biweekly mortgage ads show up everywhere, and while the claims sound exciting, there’s always more to the story.Most of these offers don’t come from actual mortgage lenders. They come from third-party companies that package the concept with lots of flashy selling points: No closing costs! No refinancing! No points! No credit check! No appraisal! Save thousands! Cut years off your mortgage! And technically, they’re not lying. They’re simply charging you for something you can easily do yourself—for free.How Biweekly Payments Actually WorkA standard mortgage requi...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
The Federal Reserve Interest Rate decision occurred the prior week, with the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates another quarter as expected by many industry analysts. This has given the market a lot of optimism that the trend will still continue and the Chairman Jerome Powell has stated it’s a good time to wait and see where the economy is headed before cutting rates further, giving further confidence more will be coming next year.There was also the U.S. Trade Deficit to gauge where the current trade policies have positioned the U.S. and it has been reported that the expectations for the trade deficit have been beat this time by a significant amount. With the economy still in an overall strong position, there is some optimism that the tariff policies have not had as negative an impa...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
OK you made it to the end of another year in Sunny Arizona. Congratulations. Have you been weak this year in making investments fo retirement? Now is the time to plan for 2026 and then do something. (Calendar by Gerd Altmann, Pixabay)What is the BEST investment for retirement? Some may tell you: IRA, Stocks, Treasury Bonds, Crypto, or Mutual Funds. Wait, what is better than ALL of those? That would be a down payment on your first home. Mortgage rates declining even makes it better. It is time to build generational wealth.Read what Dave Ramsey says about Down Payment Math and Strategy for buying your first home. Read on...OK! Tell me more...(photos by Robin Higgins, Pixabay)Hint! Saving for a Down Payment to buy a home is also the BEST way to save for retirement. What gives? Seems strang...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Is a 50-Year Mortgage in Your Best Interest?The AppealFor Gulf Coast homeowners in Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze, affordability is often the biggest hurdle. A 50-year mortgage stretches payments across five decades, lowering monthly costs and making it easier to qualify for a loan. For example, a $400,000 loan at 6% could save $250–$300 per month compared to a 30-year loan. That extra cash flow may help families manage rising insurance premiums or other living expenses.The DrawbacksThe long-term costs are steep. Total interest paid nearly doubles, meaning you could pay the price of your home all over again in interest. Equity builds very slowly, leaving homeowners vulnerable if they need to sell or refinance within the first decade. Extended terms also prolong private mortgage insura...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
After months of elevated mortgage rates, there's finally good news for homeowners: rates have been trending down over the past few months, and many experts expect this trend to continue as the Federal Reserve signals potential rate cuts through the end of the year.If you purchased your home when rates were at or above 7%, now might be a good time to evaluate whether refinancing could reduce your monthly payment and improve your long-term financial picture.But refinancing isn't just about chasing a lower rate. It's a financial decision that should be based on two critical factors: how long you plan to stay in your home, and how long it will take to recapture the cost of refinancing.Every refinance comes with costs, typically 3-5% of the loan amount, and the lender will give you an estima...
Comments 2
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