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Mortgage / Finance

Anybody that's hung around the ActiveRain “water cooler” for any length of time understands the value of the relationships built on the site. AR is so much more than a social networking site, however.


It's also the place to get up-to-the-minute information on topics that affect your clients. Ask yourself: what's the most confusing aspect of buying a home for the real estate consumer? The answer is most likely financing the purchase. Credit scores and how they affect the mortgage rate, types of loan products, points, fees – whew! -- there's a lot to know about mortgages.


To serve your clients effectively you need to know about this stuff and keep abreast of changes in the mortgage industry. Thankfully, ActiveRain is not only popular with real estate agents and brokers but with finance professionals as well.


Whether you're an agent trying to figure out what the Fed's latest move means to your clients or a mortgage pro who needs input on how to build relationships with real estate agents, ActiveRain is the place to tap into a wealth of knowledge.

Recent blogs on Mortgage / Finance
By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.32%* Est CANHOU 06/15/31 [-0.01%]     10 Year - 3.81%* Est CANHOU 09/15/36 [-]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 2.54% [-]     Prime Rate 4.45% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.94% CAN 02/01/28 [+0.06%]     3 Year - 3.03% CAN 03/01/29 [+0.08%]     5 Year - 3.13% CAN 03/01/30 [+0.03%]     10 Year - 3.49% CAN 12/01/35 [-]    
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By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
Hey Melanie and Laura — what a perfect way to kick off the weekend with another happy homeowner! 🎉Amy, congratulations on your new loan! Wishing you nothing but happiness and success in this next chapter.Thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey — it truly means a lot. We look forward to working with you again and being your go-to mortgage resource whenever you need us.If you ever have questions about your mortgage or anything financial, don’t hesitate to reach out. And if you know anyone thinking about buying or refinancing, we’d greatly appreciate the referral!You can be next… #justcallwilliam 📲 630-881-8655 
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Mortgage Rates, Market Timing & Reality. Let’s Talk!  We had this conversation on our AR Zoom call on Tuesday. It is almost exactly as we discussed—quite predictable. All eyes were on the Federal Reserve, and as many economists predicted, the Fed chose to keep interest rates exactly as they are. In a market that has been absolutely craving clarity (and frankly, a little good news), today’s announcement brings a sense of stability… but not necessarily certainty. Buyers, sellers and homeowners alike continue to watch every signal from the Fed, hoping for clues about where mortgage rates and the housing market, may head next. While the decision itself wasn’t a surprise, what it means for real estate, affordability and timing is where the real conversation begins. So, no real surprises this...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
Almost every investor hits this crossroads early on. You are ready to buy, you have capital and you want to scale.  The question becomes simple but heavy: should you buy a single family home or a small multifamily property?On paper, the debate sounds straightforward. Single family feels cleaner as it’s one tenant, one roof, one lease so less complexity. Small multifamily on the other hand promises stronger cash flow, multiple income streams, and built in efficiency. But it also feels bigger, riskier and harder to manage - especially if you are investing out of state or just getting started.The truth is, the right answer depends less on the asset class and more on your position!If you strip emotion out of the decision and look at performance, small multifamily often wins. Multiple units ...
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By Nick Marr, Promoting real estate internationally
(HOMESGOFAST)
Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans have emerged as a popular financing choice for real estate investors, especially those focused on income-generating properties. Unlike traditional mortgage loans, which depend heavily on a borrower’s personal income and employment history, DSCR loans are primarily evaluated based on the property’s ability to produce enough cash flow to cover its debt payments. The DSCR is calculated by dividing a property’s net operating income (NOI) by its annual debt service, or total loan payments. For instance, a DSCR of 1.25 indicates that the property generates 25% more income than is needed to meet its loan obligations. While many lenders look for a minimum DSCR of 1.0, a higher ratio can often help borrowers secure more favorable loan terms, including low...
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By John Lake, Sarasota and Cape Cod Mortgage Ba
(Shamrock Home Loans)
We are currently seeing the 'Cost of Conflict' translate directly into the economy and home affordability.Despite global efforts to release oil reserves, crude prices have surged—Brent is up over 55% since the conflict began, climbing above $113 a barrel. At the pump, we’ve seen prices jump over $1.00 a gallon, which will inevitably spike shipping and diesel costs for almost every consumer good.The Fed’s "Uncertainty" Problem Yesterday’s Federal Reserve meeting did little to calm the markets. In fact, the Chairman used the word 'Uncertainty' seven times. This lack of a defined goal for the conflict has sent markets into a sell-off: Bonds & Treasuries: Yields on 2-year Treasuries jumped 11 basis points to 3.88% as traders started pricing out the possibility of any Fed rate cuts for the r...
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By Chris Goulart, California Hard Money Loans & Solutions
(All California Lending)
A few months back I got a referral from an agent I work with. Her client needed to buy a rental property, the purchase was time-sensitive, and she thought hard money was the right call. Standard assumption — investor deal, needs to move fast, must be hard money.We talked through the scenario. The property was in good condition, the client was planning to hold it as a long-term rental, and the rent-to-purchase price ratio worked. There was no reason to use hard money. We went with a DSCR loan instead.The difference for the client:Lower down payment than the hard money program would have requiredSignificantly lower interest rate — DSCR rates run meaningfully lower than hard money rates30-year fixed term instead of a 2–3 year short-term loanLower loan feesBetter cash flow from day one beca...
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By Doug Haney, Springfield Ohio Real Estate Agent
(The Haney Group / Coldwell Banker Heritage)
For many aspiring homeowners, trying to save enough money to cover the down payment and closing costs is their biggest hurdle to homeownership. It may feel like an overwhelming task, a goal that takes a considerable amount of time and effort to accomplish.  It isn't surprising, considering that the national median home price as of the last quarter of 2025 was a record high of $365,000, according to real estate data provider ATTOM. If you are working towards putting the conventional 20 percent down payment, that would easily equate to $73,000.  Even if you’re not putting 20 percent down, we’re still talking about saving thousands of dollars. This is why it’s also crucial to know your options on where to keep your funds while working toward this huge financial accomplishment. You’d want ...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
The Sonoma County market is still moving, but buyers are taking more time and being more selective. Homes that are priced correctly and show well are still getting strong activity, while properties that miss the mark are sitting longer. That is creating a healthier dynamic for everyone involved: buyers have more room to negotiate, sellers have clear feedback from the market, and agents can guide strategy with real data.Sonoma County Single Family Homes Snapshot Median Sold Price: $800,000 Down 4.8% month over month Down 2.3% year over year Days on Market: 87 Up 8.8% month over month Up 40.3% year over year Properties Sold: 165 Down 40.0% month over month Down 11.3% year over year Sold to Original List Price: 91% Down 5.2% year over year Available Listings: 498 Down 3.5% month over month...
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By Leo Namiot - LeoLends.com, More than just great rates
(Hartford Funding, LTD - Leo Namiot)
Jacksonville VA Veterans Relocation & Loan Assistance | VA Loans Jacksonville, FLRelocating to Jacksonville, FL or Northeast Florida using your VA home loan benefit? I help veterans and active-duty military secure VA loans in Jacksonville, FL with $0 down financing and competitive mortgage rates.As a local Florida mortgage loan officer, I specialize in helping veterans buy homes in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra, and surrounding Northeast Florida communities.VA Loan Benefits for Jacksonville Veterans:• $0 Down Payment VA Home Loans• No Monthly Mortgage Insurance• Competitive VA Mortgage Rates• Flexible Credit Guidelines• Options for Relocating Military FamiliesIf you're relocating to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Mayport Naval Station, or Kings Bay, I can h...
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By Moshon Reuveni
(Private Lending Company)
If you spend enough time driving up and down the sun-drenched, winding asphalt of the Pacific Coast Highway in Southern California, you’ll eventually hear the name Tony. In the hyper-competitive, shark-infested waters of Los Angeles luxury real estate, Tony is something of a local legend. He isn’t just your run-of-the-mill agent pointing out crown molding and imported Italian marble; he’s a matchmaker, a therapist, a master negotiator, and, when the situation demands it, a financial magician.Tony built his formidable reputation on a simple, unwavering premise: no deal is truly dead until the property is bulldozed to the ground. He thrives on the impossible. He loves the deals that make other agents sweat. But even for a seasoned pro who routinely navigates the massive egos of the Hollyw...
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By Dennis Neal, Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free
(Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc.)
Carmelo Ginés provides a critical reality check on mortgage forbearance. By clarifying that "temporary pause" does not mean "forgiveness," this post serves as an essential guide for homeowners in financial distress. It’s a transparent look at the long-term obligations that come with short-term relief. Financial hardship can happen to anyone. Job loss, medical emergencies, economic downturns, or unexpected life events can make it difficult for homeowners to keep up with their mortgage payments. During these times, one option that lenders may offer is mortgage forbearance. While it can provide temporary relief, it's important for homeowners to fully understand how it works before choosing this option. What Is Mortgage Forbearance? Mortgage forbearance is an agreement between a homeowner a...
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By Darren Copeland, National Mortgage Broker. KC Market Expert.
(Summit Lending)
Should You Refinance Your Mortgage in Lee’s Summit Right Now?Refinancing sounds simple.Lower rate. Lower payment. Done.But if you’ve owned a home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, you’ve probably already realized mortgage decisions are rarely that simple.Homeowners around Lee’s Summit have been asking the same question lately:“Should I refinance my mortgage — or will it set me back?”The honest answer?It depends on your situation, your timeline, and your strategy.At Summit Lending, right here in Lee’s Summit, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners run the numbers and decide whether refinancing is a smart move — or something that should wait.Watch DC Break It Down in 60 SecondsOur founder, Darren “DC” Copeland, has spent more than 20 years helping homeowners navigate mortgage decisions.Instead of ...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
Just recently one of the most important economic updates in months was delivered.  Labor data surprised to the upside, inflation came in softer than expected, and a major revision to prior job numbers reshaped how we interpret this past year’s strengths.For brokers, lenders, and borrowers, this is not background noise. These shifts directly influence mortgage rate direction, buyer confidence, refinance opportunities, and transaction activity as we move into Spring.Let’s start with labor:January added 130,000 jobs and unemployment dipped to 4.3%. On the surface, that signals stability. A steady labor market supports home purchases, rental demand, and underwriting confidence. But the details matter.Most of the hiring was concentrated in healthcare, while sectors like technology, manufactu...
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By John Lake, Sarasota and Cape Cod Mortgage Ba
(Shamrock Home Loans)
Here is what I'm telling my refinance clients. We have discussed a target rate that makes sense for them to refinance. Because dips are short lived, we have the advantage of striking when the time is right for them. I wanted to reach out with a quick update on the direction of mortgage rates.A little over a week ago, we finally saw rates break slightly under 6%. When the BLS Jobs Report was released, it gave the first accurate account of a softening market we’ve seen in months. In a normal world, that report should have pushed rates down into the mid-5% range—hitting the savings goal we discussed in our last conversation.But, as we all know, the 'unpredictable' happened.The conflict with Iran has created an 'Oil Shock vs. Inflation' battle. Typically, war causes a 'Flight to Quality' wh...
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By Carmelo Ginés, Broker / Owner -Albany, NY & surrounding Towns
(CKM Team Realty)
Financial hardship can happen to anyone. Job loss, medical emergencies, economic downturns, or unexpected life events can make it difficult for homeowners to keep up with their mortgage payments. During these times, one option that lenders may offer is mortgage forbearance. While it can provide temporary relief, it's important for homeowners to fully understand how it works before choosing this option.What Is Mortgage Forbearance?Mortgage forbearance is an agreement between a homeowner and their mortgage lender that allows the borrower to temporarily pause or reduce mortgage payments during a period of financial hardship. The key word here is temporary. Forbearance does not erase what you owe, it simply gives you time to recover financially.For example, a lender may allow you to: Pause ...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
The average top tier 30-year fixed rate moved back to 5.99% recently, a level we only saw briefly on January 9, 2026 when the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bond purchase plans were announced.There is always a chance the bond market reverses during the day, and if that happens, lenders can adjust pricing mid-day. The difference this time however, is how we got here; Instead of a sharp 0.20% drop like we saw on January 9, today’s improvement was a modest 0.05% from Friday, which is a healthier sign because it suggests a more gradual, more stable trend.There is not a single breaking headline driving the move. The broader bond market has been improving steadily and is now at its best level since November. Mortgage-backed securities have also been performing stronger than usual, supported by on...
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By John Lake, Sarasota and Cape Cod Mortgage Ba
(Shamrock Home Loans)
This is a critical moment for the market. As of today, March 9, 2026, we are seeing a classic "geopolitical tug-of-war" that has ended our brief stay in the 5% range. After a "flash sale" last week where rates dipped to 5.98%, the start of the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran on February 28th has pushed the 30-year fixed rate back up to an average of 6.13% - 6.17%.Here is the breakdown of why this is happening and what you need to know: The Oil Shock vs. The Safe HavenTypically, war causes a "Flight to Quality" where investors buy bonds, pulling rates down. However, because this conflict involves Iran and the Strait of Hormuz (where 20% of the world's oil passes), the "Inflation Story" is currently winning. The Inflation Spike: Oil prices shot past $100 a barrel this weekend ...
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By Leo Namiot - LeoLends.com, More than just great rates
(Hartford Funding, LTD - Leo Namiot)
DSCR Loans in St. Augustine, FL for Real Estate InvestorsLooking to grow your rental portfolio in St. Augustine without the hassle of traditional income documentation? A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan allows real estate investors to qualify based on the property’s rental income—not personal income. That means no W-2s, tax returns, or personal income verification required.If you’re investing in rental property in St. Augustine, a DSCR loan can help you scale faster and keep your personal finances separate from your investment strategy.Benefits of DSCR Loans for Investors: Qualify using property rental income, not personal income No W-2s, tax returns, or employment verification required Ideal for short-term and long-term rental properties Fast approvals and quick closings Great o...
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By Leo Namiot - LeoLends.com, More than just great rates
(Hartford Funding, LTD - Leo Namiot)
VA Loans in St. Augustine, FLFor eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and military families, VA loans in St. Augustine, FL are one of the most powerful home financing options available. VA loans allow qualified borrowers to purchase a home with no down payment, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).Because St. Johns County is home to many military families relocating to Northeast Florida, VA loans are one of the most common mortgage programs used in the St. Augustine real estate market.Benefits of VA LoansVA loans offer several advantages for qualified borrowers: No down payment required No monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI) Competitive interest rates Flexible credit guidelines Limited closing costs Many veterans choose to buy homes in St. ...
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