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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 Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
5 Tips to Maximize Your Property Appraisal ValueA home appraisal is critical in selling, refinancing, or determining your property's market value. A favorable appraisal can significantly impact your financial outcomes, so being prepared is essential. Here are five actionable steps you can take to help the appraiser assess your property at the best possible value.1. Provide Comparable Sales (Comps)Comparable sales, or "comps," are essential tools appraisers use to evaluate your home’s value. These are recent sales of similar properties in your area that give a benchmark for what buyers are willing to pay.What to do: Research recent sales in your neighborhood for homes similar to yours in size, age, and features. Highlight relevant details, such as proximity to schools, parks, or other am...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.26% CANHOU 06/15/30 [+0.02%]     10 Year - 3.74%* Est. CANHOU 03/15/35 [+0.02%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 4.03% [-]     Prime Rate 5.45% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.95% CAN 09/01/27 [+0.03%]     3 Year - 2.98% CAN 09/01/28 [+0.02%]     5 Year - 3.04% CAN 09/01/29 [+0.03%]     10 Year - 3.33% CAN 12/01/34 [+0.03%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate  
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.24% CANHOU 06/15/30 [-0.11%]     10 Year - 3.72%* Est. CANHOU 03/15/35 [-0.12%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 4.03% [-]     Prime Rate 5.45% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.92% CAN 09/01/27 [-0.09%]     3 Year - 2.95% CAN 09/01/28 [-0.11%]     5 Year - 3.02% CAN 09/01/29 [-0.11%]     10 Year - 3.29% CAN 12/01/34 [-0.12%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate  
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By Matt Brady, San Diego's Equity Advisor
(Watermark Capital)
Mortgage rates have had a rougher start to the new year, climbing above the 7.25% mark recently. The big question that is on everyone's mind is "where are rates headed?" Let's start off with what we do know.The Fed has two main weapons in its arsenal: manipulating rates and the monetary supply. So far, we have seen the Fed take center stage with its interest rate policies. We have gone from historic lows in 2021 to aggressively raising them at an unprecedented pace, to a pause, and to a cutting cycle that began in September of last year. Ironically, as discussed in the last issue, as the Fed's funding rate has been cut, the Treasury yields have increased. One assumes they would move in tandem with each other. Therefore, bond markets are not on the same page as the Fed on this one. Take ...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.37% CANHOU 06/15/30 [+0.14%]     10 Year - 3.87%* Est. CANHOU 03/15/35 [+0.14%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 4.03% [-]     Prime Rate 5.45% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 3.03% CAN 09/01/27 [+0.12%]     3 Year - 3.09% CAN 09/01/28 [+0.13%]     5 Year - 3.15% CAN 09/01/29 [+0.14%]     10 Year - 3.44% CAN 06/01/34 [+0.13%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate  
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
  Rate Cuts to Slow in the New YearBy Charles Stallions, Your Trusted Real Estate Advisor The Federal Reserve’s recent decision to slow the pace of rate cuts in 2025 will influence everything from mortgages to auto loans and credit card debt. As your trusted real estate advisor, I’m here to help you understand how these changes may impact your financial and homeownership goals. Slower Rate Cuts Ahead The Federal Reserve has announced it will likely cut rates more gradually in 2025 than previously projected, with only two cuts anticipated instead of four. For borrowers expecting significant relief, this tempered approach may be disappointing. Loan rates are unlikely to see dramatic reductions in the near term. “This could be the last rate cut for a while,” says LendingTree senior economi...
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By Peter Kici EA, Enrolled Agent
(Tax Debt Relief Group)
If you're a non-filer, understanding how the IRS uses wage and earning reports, like W-2s and 1099s, to track your income could keep you out of hot water and or possibly jail . These reports come from your employer and financial institutions, helping the IRS verify the information you may or may not provide in your returns. Ignoring these IRS reports can lead to hefty penalties and fines even a potential audits if discrepancies arise. Plus, you could miss out on refunds or credits you might be entitled to. There are steps you can take to ensure compliance and protect your financial future.Understanding Non-FilersUnderstanding non-filers and why they have not filed tax returns starts with recognizing who they're and why they don't submit tax returns. Non-filers are individuals who, for v...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.16% CANHOU 06/15/30 [-0.01%]     10 Year - 3.63%* Est. CANHOU 03/15/35 [-]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 4.26% [-]     Prime Rate 5.45% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.88% CAN 09/01/27 [+0.01%]     3 Year - 2.90% CAN 09/01/28 [-]     5 Year - 2.94% CAN 09/01/29 [-]     10 Year - 3.18% CAN 06/01/34 [-]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate
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By Steve Houck
(Real Estate Partners, LLC)
Embarking on the journey to homeownership is both exciting and challenging. To help first-time buyers navigate this process, here are five common mistakes to avoid: Skipping Mortgage Pre-Approval: Without pre-approval, buyers may overestimate their budget, leading to disappointment when they find their dream home is out of reach. Securing pre-approval clarifies your financial standing and strengthens your position when making an offer. Real Simple Overlooking Additional Costs: Focusing solely on the purchase price can be misleading. It's essential to account for expenses like property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities to ensure the home remains affordable in the long run. The Spruce Neglecting Professional Advice: Attempting to navigate the real estate market without expert g...
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By Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD, Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D
(http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com)
The Federal Reserve System lost over $114 billion in 2023. This seems unfathomable and it is!!! There is an explanation...but it ain't good!!! You can argue that the money the Fed prints is an asset.  It can theoretically be  placed into a bank or invest in anything.Alas,  from the Fed’s perspective, money is a liability - actually a form of debt. It appears on the liabilities side of the Fed’s balance sheet. Just look at a dollar bill in your purse or wallet some day and read it. It says, “Federal Reserve Note.” And a note is a form of debt. So, the Fed can’t print its way out of an operating loss. When the Fed prints money, it is essentially  buying Treasury notes or mortgages from big banks. The money comes out of thin air, but the Treasuries and mortgages are delivered to the Fed an...
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By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
Understanding credit, forming a business, and managing taxes can feel like navigating a maze. Fortunately, experts like Aldiva, the founder of Recovery Credit Repair and other ventures, offer tailored solutions to simplify the process. From credit repair to tax consulting, Aldiva services aim to empower individuals and businesses to achieve financial freedom. Recently realtor Linda Peltz held an interactive talk with Aldiva to deep dive into her expertise and how it can help you take control of financial future. Tune in to video below The Foundations of Credit RepairCredit is the cornerstone of financial health, yet many misunderstand its complexities. Aldiva emphasizes the importance of education in credit management, noting that: Credit Repair Expertise: Aldiva Recovery Credit Repair ...
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By Matt Brady, San Diego's Equity Advisor
(Watermark Capital)
As the festive season approaches, we at Watermark Capitol wanted to take a moment to extend our heartfelt greetings to you and your loved ones.Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!We hope this season brings you joy, peace, and wonderful moments with family and friends. It's a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to the opportunities the new year will bring.May your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and happiness. Wishing you a prosperous and successful New Year!
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.28% CANHOU 06/15/30 [-0.03%]     10 Year - 3.72%* Est. CANHOU 03/15/35 [-0.01%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 4.26% [-]     Prime Rate 5.45% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 3.00% CAN 09/01/27 [-0.02%]     3 Year - 3.01% CAN 09/01/28 [-0.05%]     5 Year - 3.04% CAN 09/01/29 [-0.04%]     10 Year - 3.27% CAN 06/01/34 [-0.01%]  
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By Jasvir Josan, Target Marketing Specialist
(Direct Realty and Mortgage)
Understanding the Role of Interest Rates in Home Buying/Selling You're ready to take the plunge into the world of homeownership, or maybe it's time to move on from your current place. But with all the talk about interest rates, you might be wondering: should I wait for a better rate, or is now the right time? The answer, like most things in real estate, is a bit of a "yes, but..." situation. Interest rates absolutely impact the buying and selling process, but they're just one piece of the puzzle. Here's a breakdown of how rising and falling rates can affect you: The Interest Rate Rollercoaster Interest rates and home prices tend to have an inverse relationship. When interest rates go up, buying power goes down. This means fewer people can afford those expensive mortgages, which can lea...
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