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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 Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
Last week's reports were plentiful, but few had a greater impact on the lending and broader markets. The most significant among them were the Nonfarm Payrolls, Consumer Credit, and Consumer Sentiment reports. Currently, considerable movement within the government administration is contributing to widespread uncertainty and instability across various markets. Additionally, the recent outbreak of Avian Flu has driven poultry prices sharply higher, further adding to consumer unease. This uncertainty is reflected in the Consumer Sentiment reports, which have seen their most significant decline since July, as inflation concerns intensify.Meanwhile, Consumer Credit data came in worse than expected, while job reports exceeded expectations. Given these factors, we should anticipate continued un...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: What’s the Difference?Choosing the right mortgage can feel overwhelming, especially when deciding between Fixed-Rate and Adjustable-Rate options. Let’s break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.When it comes to financing your home, understanding the differences between Fixed-Rate and Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) is essential. Here’s what you need to know:Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Definition:A Fixed-Rate Mortgage has the same interest rate throughout the life of the loan. Pros: Stable monthly payments Consistent interest rates protect you from market fluctuations Great for long-term buyers who want predictable costs Cons: Higher initial interest rates compared to ARMs Less flexibility if market rates decrease Adjustable...
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By Kimo Stowell, REALTOR® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i
(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 verify Wednesday, February 5th, 2025   Lender Term/Type Interest Rate % Points % *APR American Savings Bank808-593-1226NMLS#423168 15-YR Fixed 5.500 2.000 5.942 30-YR Fixed 6.375 2.000 6.656 5-YR ARM 5.000 2.125 6.462 Bank of Hawaii877-616-2636 15-YR Fixed 5.625 0.750 5.742 30-YR Fixed 6.125 1.750 6.292 5-YR ARM 5.375 1.750 6.551 Central Pacific Bank808-544-0500NMLS#416603 15-YR Fixed 5.500 2.000 5.951 30-YR Fixed 6.250 2.125 6.546 5-YR ARM 6.875 0.000 7.219 Finance Factors808-548-3300NMLS#449916 15-YR Fixed 5.500 2.250 6.081 30-YR Fixed 6.375 1.875 6.704 5-YR ARM 6.125 1.500 7.114 First Hawaiian Bank...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
The principal of your mortgage, like the principal of a school, is your pal, and so am I! Want to understand more about buying a house? I can answer all your questions. #thehelpfulagent #home #house #houseexpert #listreports #homeowner #realestate #a020525 #homeowner #themoreyouknow #realtor #icanhelp #realestateagent #happyhomeowner
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
The previous week’s reins were held by the Federal Reserve’s Rate Decision and also the preferred inflation indicator, the PCE Index. With the PCE Index coming in well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, it suggests that rate cuts may be postponed much longer this year than initially anticipated.Looking ahead, the upcoming week features the CPI and PPI inflation data reports, making for a busy schedule. However, this week’s reports are relatively limited in terms of significant market impact. The most notable releases include Unemployment Data and U.S. Wages, both of which will complement the inflation data to provide a broader outlook on the economy’s trajectory. Additionally, the Consumer Sentiment and Consumer Credit reports may offer insight into consumer conditions amid a changi...
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By Christopher Shearer MBA DRE #02062657, Experience You Can Trust. Results You Can Count On
(Christopher Shearer Real Estate)
Should President Trump disband the CFPB? A Case for Ending the Bureau’s Role in Consumer ProtectionThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis with the goal of protecting consumers from deceptive, unfair, or abusive practices in the financial industry. But nearly a decade after its creation, it’s time to ask whether the CFPB is still necessary—or whether its existence has become an overreach, duplicating efforts from other already established regulatory bodies. Given its growing power, increasing cost to taxpayers, and the question of its true effectiveness, there’s a strong case for disbanding the CFPB and returning regulatory responsibilities to existing agencies.A Bureaucratic Overreach: Duplicating Existing Laws and Agenc...
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By Jill Kravitz, Luxury Living, Community Insights, Real Estate
(Exp Realty LLC)
With all the buzz around interest rates and the economy, it's easy to get caught up in timing the market when buying a home. But the reality is, mortgage rates are just one piece of the puzzle.As I continue learning about how mortgage rates fluctuate, one question keeps coming up: Is there ever a perfect time to buy?With the Federal Reserve’s announcement on January 29, many are wondering what’s next for mortgage rates. Will they finally drop, or will economic uncertainty keep them high? Let’s take a look at what’s happening and what it means for buyers in 2025.Where Are Mortgage Rates Now?Inflation is currently around 3%, still above the Fed’s target. New policies from the Trump administration could push it further. Initially, experts predicted mortgage rates would dip below 6% in 2025...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
I had the opportunity today to sit down with Mike Storti of Foxtrot Mortgage, we discussed interest rates, buyer assistance programs, and Second Look, a program Foxtrot has been running for a couple of years where they will check the rates and fees being offered to a buyer to make sure they are the best available. They have saved buyers literally thousands in fees and interest over the length of the loan. Check out the video.I help buyers and sellers along and around the Main Line and Chester County. I have lived in the area for over 30 years. If you want help reach out today to set up an appointment to discuss how I can help you reach your real estate goals, making sure you have the confidence to make the right decisions throughout the transaction. Call Nick Vandekar, Realty ONE Group ...
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By Don Alexander
(1st Prime Realty)
Business Funding AvailableDo you have ideas to Explore, and Grow your Business?  Our Business Funding has helped 1000's of Business Owners. Business-Funding will help with Marketing Campaigns, Payroll, Business Expansion, Upgrading Technology,  and more.How to Qualify? Business must be located in the U.S or Canada. In Business for 3+ Months. Business Owner Credit Score 500+. Business Bank Account in Business Name.  Business Funding is based on your Past 3 Months of Business Revenue.No Collateral Required.100% Online Application.No Obligation to Accept Funding.Get Approved Today!
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By Chris Goulart, California Hard Money Loans & Solutions
(All California Lending)
California's real estate market offers plenty of upside opportunities for fix and flip investors.  In particular, the San Francisco Bay Area provides real estate investors with a highly liquid market.  Many areas have homes that sell with lower days on market than other locations.  Finding a profitable fix and flip deal with a property that can sell quickly once completed is an ideal situation, especially for real estate investors utilizing fix and flip loans in the San Francisco Bay Area.Understanding how these private hard money rehab loans work is crucial for any investor interested in this type of financing.  In particular, new investors need to have a full understanding before jumping into a project.  In this post we will look at hard money fix and flip loans in California and some...
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