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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, 30+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
Rate locks play a crucial role in the mortgage application process, helping borrowers secure a favorable interest rate for their home loans. Here's an explanation of the importance of rate locks and when and how to secure the best rate:Interest Rate Protection: Mortgage rates are subject to market fluctuations and can change daily or even multiple times a day. Rate locks protect borrowers from potential rate increases during the loan processing period.Budgeting and Planning: Knowing the exact interest rate allows borrowers to budget more effectively and plan their finances with certainty. It prevents unexpected increases in monthly payments, helping borrowers manage their expenses.Peace of Mind: Homebuyers can experience peace of mind when they know their interest rate is secured. This ...
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By Bob Elliot, 30+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
It was an uneventful week for the data reports, as the majority of the interest waits for the Federal Reserve’s rate decision heading into the following week. One of the most notable reports is for New Home Sales, which had managed to greatly exceed the projections for the end of the year moving into January. It is an early sign that there is a surge in response to the week-to-week rate cuts we have been observing over the last two weeks. The second largest data reports come from the PCE Index and preliminary projections for the Q1 GDP statistics. It is expected that the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold the current rate will hold true, but there is some optimism that a small rate cut may be a possibility.Pending Home SalesU.S. pending home sales shot up in December as falling mortgage...
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By Joseph Lorenzo, Your Law And Order Realtor
(Frank Rubi Real Estate LLC)
In our series "Real Estate Terms You Should Know, Today, we are going to learn about Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)." This financial metric is crucial in the real estate market, particularly when it comes to securing a mortgage.The Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV) is a calculation used by lenders to assess the risk of a mortgage loan. It's determined by dividing the amount of the mortgage by the appraised value or purchase price of the property, expressed as a percentage. For example, if you're buying a home valued at $200,000 and you have a down payment of $40,000, you'll need a loan of $160,000. This makes your LTV 80% ($160,000 divided by $200,000).LTV is important because it influences a lender's decision to approve a mortgage. A lower LTV ratio is seen as less risky because it suggests that th...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Welcome to Mortgage Monday, where 28-year veteran realtor Charles Stallions CBR, CRS of Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze, Florida, will bring you the rates and insight into the mortgage industry. The real estate market has been a whirlwind of activity on the sun-soaked shores of Pensacola, Florida, where the gentle Gulf breeze meets the vibrant city life. Buyers eager to call this paradise home have grappled with soaring prices, bidding wars, and limited inventory. Amid this housing frenzy, one trend has emerged as a beacon of hope for prospective homeowners: the surge in demand for adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). As the housing market in Pensacola becomes increasingly competitive, many buyers find it challenging to afford their dream homes through traditional fixed-rate mortgages. Th...
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By Lisa Brown-McDonald CT Real Estate Agent, Fairfield & Litchfield County REALTOR®
(The Brokerage of New England)
How to Secure a Mortgage SuccessfullyInsider Tips for HomebuyersBuying a home is a significant investment, and securing a mortgage is an essential part of the process. Whether you're buying your first home or returning to the market to purchase another one, there is a lot of preparation to ensure your mortgage application is approved. To avoid unnecessary stress, wasted time and financial loss, it is crucial to understand and avoid the common mistakes that are often made when applying for a mortgage. Read on discover what they are and how to avoid them. Do not change job or career: stability is key when it comes to securing a mortgage. Your emplyement and income are major factors in calculating your mortgage. Changing jobs before closing can impact your eligibility and delay or cancel y...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Vintage 2298 Restaurant and Butcher Shop in Auburn ALVintage 2298 creates an immersive atmosphere where guests of all ages can enjoy a fine dining experience and food made with farm-to-table ingredients. My daughter and I recently ate at this wonderful restaurant to celebrate my birthday and had a fabulous time. I enjoyed the grilled beef tenderloin and she enjoyed the buttermilk fried chicken. Both dishes were absolutely delicious and we plan to go back. The atmosphere was also very nice with soothing live music in the background. They even signed the menu wishing me a happy birthday. Grateful for such a lovely experience.The Vintage 2298 restaurant invites diners to indulge in a unique gastronomic experience, where meticulously crafted dishes showcase the finest local ingredients. Fro...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
In our series "Real Estate Terms You Should Know, Today, we are going to learn what is meant by a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). This financial tool is an important concept for homeowners to understand, as it can be a valuable resource in managing your property’s equity. A Home Equity Line of Credit, commonly known as HELOC, is a type of loan where the uses the equity of their home as collateral. It is a revolving line of credit, similar to a credit card, allowing homeowners to borrow money against the equity of their home as needed, up to a certain limit, and repay it over time. HELOCs are typically used for large expenses like home renovations, education costs, or consolidating high-interest debt. The interest rates on HELOCs are generally lower than credit cards or personal loa...
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By Joseph Lorenzo, Your Law And Order Realtor
(Frank Rubi Real Estate LLC)
In our series "Real Estate Terms You Should Know, Today, we are going to learn what is meant by a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). This financial tool is an important concept for homeowners to understand, as it can be a valuable resource in managing your property’s equity.A Home Equity Line of Credit, commonly known as HELOC, is a type of loan where the uses the equity of their home as collateral. It is a revolving line of credit, similar to a credit card, allowing homeowners to borrow money against the equity of their home as needed, up to a certain limit, and repay it over time.HELOCs are typically used for large expenses like home renovations, education costs, or consolidating high-interest debt. The interest rates on HELOCs are generally lower than credit cards or personal loans ...
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By Philip Bennett, Mortgage Brokerage
(Bennett Capital Partners Mortgage)
The Best Miami Warrantable Condos: A Condo Financing GuideWelcome to the vibrant world of Miami real estate, where sun-kissed beaches merge with urban charm. If you're drawn to the allure of condominium living, understanding warrantable condos is key in this bustling market.These gems are favored by lenders like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, making them a smart investment for savvy buyers—the promise of lower down payments and competitive mortgage rates await.Nestled on Brickell Avenue, Bennett Capital Partners stand as seasoned stewards in mortgage brokerage. They bring a wealth of experience to the table—navigating complex financial waters to anchor your dream property at terms tailored just for you.With Miami's condo scene flourishing from Sunny Isles Beach to Coconut Grove, let's dive...
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By Patty Clark, Helping Families Move with Care
(Morningside Homes, LLC 720-231-5200)
  American homeowners have a record amount of equity in their home.  Many of these homeowners would like to cash out part of that equity but don't want to trade an historically low interest rate for one that is as high as it's been in 20 years. Instead of refinancing their home, an option is to get a fixed-rate second-lien.  This is different than a HELOC, home equity line of credit, which gives you continual access to your equity at a variable rate.  A HELOC has a draw period where you only must pay the interest. A second mortgage is a loan against the equity where the homeowner will receive a lump sum and will make payments to repay the loan and interest over a specified period.  Generally speaking, lenders want the combination of the existing first-lien and the new second-lien not to...
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By Bob Elliot, 30+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
The following week of CPI and PPI reports are typically lighter, with this week showing the same trend. There are a number of interesting interim reports that are worth noting however, including the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book which indicates the labor market has been cooling across most of the country. Following up is the Consumer Sentiment Reports, which is an excellent indicator for how the average consumer feels about their buying power, reflecting on the current economic conditions. Slower inflation, cheaper gas and a healthy economy have boosted optimism. Lastly, retail sales reports showing activity in December.Consumer Sentiment ReportThe numbers: Consumer sentiment jumped in January to the highest level since the summer of 2021, reflecting fresh optimism about the economy as i...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Welcome to Mortgage Monday, where 28-year veteran realtor Charles Stallions CBR, CRS of Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze, Florida, will bring you the rates and insight into the mortgage industry.Navigating the Mortgage Market: Understanding Current Trends and What to ExpectIn the ever-changing landscape of the real estate market, Charles Stallions, a 28-year real estate veteran, says one of the critical factors that homebuyers and homeowners keep a close eye on is mortgage rates. These rates play a crucial role in determining the affordability of homes and impact the housing market's overall health. This post will delve into the current state of mortgage rates and provide insights into what to expect soon.As of [current date], many factors influence mortgage rates, including economic in...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Home buyers in Pensacola who are holding off on their purchases in hopes of lower mortgage rates may need to reconsider their strategy. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.6% this week, still below the historical norm of 7.74%. Furthermore, experts predict that mortgage rates will continue to decline throughout the year.Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS®, encourages home buyers to take advantage of the ongoing drop in mortgage interest rates. She highlights that this week's average mortgage rates are the lowest in eight months. For those considering a home purchase, Lautz suggests using this winter season to set financial goals and prepare for the upcoming year. With the current rate, the monthly mortgage payme...
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By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
Navigating the Credit Maze: Best Practices to Establish or Repair CreditIn today's financial landscape, a good credit score is more than just a number; it's the key to unlocking a world of opportunities. Whether you're looking to secure a mortgage, apply for a credit card, or even land that dream job, your creditworthiness plays a crucial role. If your credit score is not where you want it to be, fear not – there are practical steps you can take to establish or repair your credit. Let's explore some best practices that can pave the way to a healthier credit profile.1. Check Your Credit Report Regularly:Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your credit. Obtain a copy of your credit report from each of the major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – and review the...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
"Explore our latest inventory of homes by, 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.Owner financing, FHA, VA, Conventional, Rent to Own put our 28 years of KNOWING how to do it. If you want to own a home, call or text 850-476-4494; we have programs that will work for any buyer.For Mortgage 101 guidance, whether it's about financing, refinancing, or understanding the process, start here. We undertake the research for you, covering VA, FHA, Conventional, or non-traditional loans, making the process smoother.Learn about getting a mortgage and receive a FREE Credit Report.If you're Ready to sell your home, click here for a Free Appraisal and a comprehensive guide by Charles Stallions, a marketing e...
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