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 Frank Worrell, Turning BPOs Into Six-Figure Incomes
(BPOS FOR LIFE LLC)
BPO agents, with their adept skills in property valuation, find a new avenue in the realm of hybrid appraisals, particularly as data collectors. Hybrid appraisals, which combine elements of traditional appraisals and automated valuation models, are gaining traction in the real estate industry for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.BPO Agents as Vital Data CollectorsIn a hybrid appraisal, a BPO agent can play a crucial role as a data collector, gathering essential information about a property's condition, features, and any factors that might influence its value. This involves conducting an on-site inspection, taking photographs, and noting details about the property’s interior and exterior. The collected data is then handed over to a licensed appraiser who analyzes it, alongside oth...
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By Frank Worrell, Turning BPOs Into Six-Figure Incomes
(BPOS FOR LIFE LLC)
Let's talk about how using Broker Price Opinions (BPOs), especially the interior kind, can help homeowners when they want to get rid of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).Getting Rid of PMI with the Help of Interior BPOsSo, PMI is like an extra safety net for lenders, but for homeowners, it's an extra cost. When a homeowner has built up enough ownership in their home (usually around 20%), they might want to remove PMI to lower their mortgage payments. This is where Interior BPOs come in handy.Interior BPOs involve a detailed check of the inside of a property. The agent looks at the condition inside, the number of rooms, layout, and other factors like recent upgrades or needed repairs, to figure out the property’s value. This detailed check helps give a more accurate property value, which ...
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By Femme Capital Partners, Residential & Commercial Mortgage Broker
(Femme Capital Partners)
The rental market, like many other aspects of life, has undergone significant changes since 2020. Across various U.S. cities, renters have been facing the reality of escalating rents that have outpaced wage growth. In this blog post, we will delve into the data to explore how rents have surged in some key cities, and why it matters for renters.The Rent vs. Wage DilemmaSince 2020, several cities have witnessed substantial increases in rent prices. These increases have left many renters in a challenging predicament as they grapple with the rising cost of housing while their incomes remain relatively stagnant. Let's take a closer look at the situation in some major cities: Los Angeles: Rent prices have surged by a staggering 23% since 2020. This means that renters in the City of Angels are...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
The big story of last week was the release of the PCE - (personal consumption expenditures) the Fed's preferred inflation gauge. More specifically, the Fed follows Core PCE which excludes food and energy (they claim that there are too many global variables that influence energy prices, such as oil, so excluding them gives us a better idea of actual US inflation). The month-over-month (MoM) change in core PCE came in at an increase of 0.1%. The market was expecting a 0.2% increase MoM. Not only did this beat expectations, but it's the lowest MoM increase since November 2020. Year-over-year (YoY) inflation came in at 3.9%. This was the first time this year that this piece of data came in under 4%. The markets rallied on this news and so did the bond markets, bringing yields down. The Nove...
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By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
A loan company empowers homebuyers by providing them with the necessary funds to purchase a home. They offer various loan options, such as mortgages, that help homebuyers secure the financing they need. Additionally, loan companies may offer educational resources and guidance throughout the homebuying process, ensuring that buyers have the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions. Overall, loan companies play a crucial role in empowering homebuyer programs by enabling them to achieve their homeownership goals.Fortunately, there are industry experts like Linda Peltz realtor Fresno and Joe Musser from Franklin Loan Center who are on a mission to guide and empower homebuyers. In a recent conversation, Linda and Joe Musser discussed how Franklin Loan Center plays a pivotal...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
As Congress continues to negotiate appropriations bills and/or a continuing resolution to fund the United States government for FY 2024, Federal agencies are preparing for the possibility of a government shutdown when the current appropriations expire in just two weeks on Saturday, September 30. While we are hopeful that Congress and the President will come to an agreement that keeps the government operating, there is a strong possibility that a lapse in funding will occur.A shutdown would necessitate a furlough of certain federal employees and significant curtailment of agency operations. Employees exempted from a furlough include those performing emergency services protecting human life and property, individuals executing minimal activities to suspend agency operations, and other work...
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By John Lake, Sarasota and Cape Cod Mortgage Ba
(Shamrock Home Loans)
What are the headlines saying and where is the opportunity. This is a challenging market without question. I always look for opportunity in any of the market signals. If we have opportunity, all the other head winds really are distractions. Here are headlines from today, September 27, 2023, news stories.FLORIDA OVERTAKES NEW YORK AS SECOND BIGGEST US MARKETNEW HOME SALES FALL TO FIVE-MONTH LOW AMID ELIVATED RATESEXISTING-HOME SALES FALL TO SEVEN-MONTH LOW ON RATES AND SUPPLYSTUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS RESTART WILL DENT U.S. HOUSING MARKETHOME INSURANCE WOES THREATEN MORTGAGE LENDING, EXPERTS WARNHOME PRICES GREW TO RECORD LEVELS IN JULYHOMEBUILDER SENTIMENT DROPS AS MORTGAGE RATES RISEMORTGAGE APPLICATIONS HIT LOWEST LEVEL SINCE 1996Allot for one day! So, let’s break it down and look for oppo...
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By Femme Capital Partners, Residential & Commercial Mortgage Broker
(Femme Capital Partners)
In today's financial landscape, your credit score plays a pivotal role in your financial health and opportunities. Whether you're aiming to secure a mortgage, access affordable loans, or enjoy the perks of premium credit cards, a high credit score is your ticket to financial success. In this blog, we'll explore the common mistakes that can harm your credit score and provide actionable tips on how to fix your credit and reach those coveted high scores.Common Credit Score Mistakes Late Payments: Your payment history accounts for a significant portion of your credit score. Consistently missing payments or paying them late can have a detrimental impact on your score. High Credit Card Balances: High credit card balances relative to your credit limit, known as credit utilization, can harm you...
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By Joe Metzler, Sr Loan Officer
(Cambria Mortgage)
Did the Bank say No?Are you an independent contractor, or even a Real Estate Agent who is paid with a 1099, and has has trouble getting a mortgage loan? We have the solution for your problem.We can potentially approve you for your home loan with just your 1099 income and NO TAX RETURN needed.Qualify using 90% of your gross 1099 earnings and as little as just one year's 1099. You can combine your 1099 income other income sources too, like a regular W2 job, SSI, Pension, and of course, any co-applicants income.  You’ll need at least a 620 credit score, and officially you must be self-employed for at least two years, but less than 2 years may be considered if in the same line of work as your old W2 job.  We make it EA$Y, give me a call to learn more about our 1099 for income mortgage loans...
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By Bob Elliot, 20+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
Last week’s economic reports included readings on U.S. housing markets, housing starts and building permits, and the scheduled post-meeting statement from the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve. Data on sales of previously owned homes were released along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims.National Association of Home Builders: Rising Mortgage Rates Shake Builder ConfidenceHomebuilders lost confidence in U.S. housing market conditions in September. September’s index reading was 45 as compared to the expected reading of 49.5 and August’s reading of 50. The combination of rising mortgage rates and high home prices presented obstacles to first-time and moderate-income buyers, while homeowners delayed listing homes for sale while awaiting lower mortgag...
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By Kim & Kristine Halverson, Sisters, Realtors
(Sotheby's & Knipe ERA)
🌟 Taking a Leap of Faith 🌟 Hey there, lovely souls! 🌸 I wanted to share a little piece of my journey with you all. 🗺️ Years ago, I was considering a big move to charming small city of Bend, Oregon! 🏞️ The thought of this adventure brought a mix of excitement and jitters, but I was ready to embrace the unknown with open arms. 💪🌈 🔍 Research & Plan: 📚 I dove into everything about Bend - from its cozy culture to the breathtaking landscapes. 🌄 Having a solid plan in place helped me feel more confident about this exciting step! 🌍 Embrace the Adventure: 🌟 Life is all about new experiences, right? I'm fully embracing this new chapter, seeing it as a chance to grow and explore in ways I've never imagined. 🌱✨ 🙌 Building Resilience: 🌼 I know there might be moments of challenge or homesickness, but...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
The Fed paused rate hikes, as the markets were expecting. The markets were hung up on Fed Chairman Powell's speech where he indicated that rates would be higher for longer than originally anticipated. The market originally priced in a rate cut in Q2 of next year but now they don't think there will be one until Q3 or Q4. I, however, think Powell had to be hawkish in tone to not get markets excited. He knows that he can create the market reaction he wants without actually doing anything to policy. The part of his speech that I was most excited about was when he said that the Fed can finally "proceed carefully" with its policy decisions. This means that they now have the ability to make decisions based on the data and how they view the economy. They couldn't do that before.Before, inflati...
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By Hugh Grant, I help investors and consumers with real estate
(RealMax Realty)
Bankruptcy can have a significant impact on a person's financial situation, including their ability to maintain homeownership. When someone files for bankruptcy, they are essentially admitting that they are unable to pay their unsecured debt. This can lead to the liquidation of assets, such as a home, in order to pay off creditors.The type of bankruptcy filing can make a difference in how it impacts homeownership. Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves the liquidation of assets to pay off debts, which could include a home. However, there are exemptions that may allow a person to keep their home. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, on the other hand, involves a repayment plan that allows the filer to keep their assets, including their home, as long as they make regular payments.It is important to understand h...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 4.55%CANHOU 12/15/28 [-0.04%]   ‌ 10 Year - 4.47%*Est. CANHOU  03/01/34 [-0.02%]         * denotes interpolated rate GoC 5 Year - 4.23% CAN 09/01/28 [-0.05%]   ‌ 10 Year - 3.94% CAN 06/01/33 [-0.03%]   ‌ 15 Year - 3.95%* Est. 12/01/38 [-0.01%]   ‌ 20 Year - 3.95%* Est. 12/01/43 [-0.01%] GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only Floating rate insured cost of funds 5.28% [-]                   Prime Rate 7.20% [-]    
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By Greg Harrelson, Myrtle Beach Real Estate
(Century 21 The Harrelson Group Firm | 7 Offices)
Welcome to the world of investments, where your money has the potential to grow and multiply! If you're looking for ways to make your hard-earned cash work harder for you, then you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll delve into four types of investments that have proven ROI potential: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate.Whether you're a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into the investment waters, it's important to understand these different avenues before diving in headfirst. Remember - knowledge is power when it comes to investing!What are stocks?Stocks, also known as equities, represent ownership in a company. When you buy stocks, you become a shareholder and have the potential to profit from the company's success. The value of your stock may incre...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
NO BANKS NEEDED! Looking for an Owner Carry or Seller Carry Home For Sale? (Photo: Camelback Mountain view from Paradise Valley, Jeff Masich)Here today are Paradise Valley homes for sale with Seller May Carry or Owner Financing next to Scottsdale Arizona and UPDATED DAILY on the MLS. Are you ready to move to Paradise Valley the most expensive place to live in Arizona? When buying a home one will need a jumbo loan if not buying with cash. However there are usually some Owner May Finance homes available. (Photo: by Jeff Masich Paradise Valley and Camelback Mountain)Paradise Valley Arizona Estates with Owner Financing or Seller Carry Financing AvailableSee Paradise Valley homes for sale with Seller May Carry or Owner Financing on the MLS on FULL PAGE view and obtain your own FREE MLS SEARC...
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By Hugh Grant, I help investors and consumers with real estate
(RealMax Realty)
Buying or selling a home can be complicated, requiring expert advice and assistance. However, before diving into this you must understand Finding the RIGHT title and escrow company is equally as important as the points I highlight below. So, HOW do you find the right one?  Know/understand YOUR needs in the closing process Ask friends you have experience with title and escrow companies for referrals. Use the web to search for title and escrow companies in your area AND interview them, asking specific questions that will speak to your needs!  Ok so let's get started as I, Brandon Gilkey, will offer some points on how these professionals play an essential role in the real estate transaction process, ensuring that the transfer of ownership goes down without any legal issues. As well as, som...
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By Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI 623-582-4444
(Level 4 Funding )
Nowhere does it say an investor needs to fund a deal with their money. As it turns out, there are several options for funding a deal made available to today's investors, none of which will require you to use capital from your pocket. It's pretty easy to argue that using other people's money is the gold standard, at least when investing in real estate. If for nothing else, private lenders, hard money lenders, and any house-flipping investors interested in making money flipping homes are all more than viable options to seek out for your next deal. Here are a few options to help you learn how to flip a house with no money: Private LendersMore often than not, private lenders will serve as an investor's most significant funding source. After all, private money lenders are essentially banks w...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
We had a volatile week with renewed fears that the Fed will continue its rate hikes. On Thursday, initial jobless claims came in lower than expected (216k actual vs the 229k estimate). The labor market data has been resilient in the face of inflation and higher rates. As I’ve mentioned before, the Fed wants a weaker labor market before considering rate cuts.The problem with waiting for a weaker labor market is I don’t think the Fed has that much time. Everyone is worried about the stock market, but the debt markets are in greater trouble (hence the inversely related higher interest rates).At least 20% of publicly traded companies will not be able to afford refinancing their debts at today's higher interest rates. These “zombie” companies will need a jolt of life from the Fed in the form...
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By Joseph Orabona, Your defense against the IRS
(Vector Tax & Accounting LLC)
The gig economy has been around a lot longer than the term, which was coined in 1915, according to some sources. While the gig economy has been growing for decades, the pandemic saw a boom in the number of traditional 9-5ers shifting to self-employment and business ownership. The IRS has noticed the shift to gig work, freelancing and self-employment, and their auditors and agents are increasingly focusing on those brand-new small business owners. Taxpayers, holding a traditional job that issues a W-2, have less than a 1% chance of getting a notice from the IRS; the audit rate is on the rise for small business owners. And if you work in the gig economy that means you too.The rising audit rate for small business owners is certainly cause for concern. If you’re being audited by the IRS or ...
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