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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 Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Having equity in real estate is a great way to invest your money. The more equity you have, the more financial flexibility you have. Send me a message when you're ready to make an investment in your future, I'm standing by to help. #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #a032525 #realestate #investment #themoreyouknow #icanhelp #smartmoney #finances #realtor #realestateagent
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
A second opinion is a prudent choice. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a vital step in the home-buying process. While many buyers rely on online calculators or their first pre-approval offer, these tools and initial approvals might not always provide the best options. If you're serious about making a wise financial decision, seeking a second opinion from a trusted mortgage officer is a step worth taking.  Why a Second Opinion Matters  Your first pre-approval might feel like a green light to move forward, but it's important to remember that not all lenders offer the same terms. A second opinion could uncover better interest rates, saving you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. It might also provide access to unique loan programs tailored to your financial needs or reve...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(eXp Realty)
The previous week had the Federal Reserve making their first rate decision since the Trump administration had taken office. With many uncertainties about the current direction of things, the Federal Reserve had decided there would not be any change necessary to the current rates. Stating that the current inflation and economic conditions have largely been a result of the Trump administration’s policies on tariffs. Chairman Powell has been strongly dovish at this point, stating they would need to “see how things actually work out.” There were a slew of other minor data releases but none were far reaching in their impact on the economy and current direction of things.FOMC Rate DecisionFaced with pressing concerns over the impact tariffs will have on a slowing economy, the rate-setting Fed...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Dreaming of your next home? 🏡 Preapproval is your ticket to turning those dreams into reality! It shows sellers you mean business, gives you confidence in your budget and sets you apart in a competitive market. I work with amazing loan officers who can help you get started—just reach out, and I’ll connect you! Let’s make your next move the best one yet. ✨ #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #themoreyouknow #preapproved #a032125 #finances #realestate #realtor #realestaeagent #dreamhome
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(eXp Realty)
The VA home loan program is one of the most valuable benefits offered to those who have served in the U.S. military, providing veterans and active-duty personnel with access to favorable mortgage terms. One common question is whether these VA entitlements ever expire.What is VA Home Loan Entitlement?VA home loan entitlement refers to the amount the Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees to a lender if the borrower defaults on the loan. This guarantee significantly reduces the lender’s risk, which allows veterans to access zero down payments and lower interest rates. The VA doesn’t issue the mortgage itself but backs loans made by private lenders.VA entitlements come in two forms: Basic Entitlement: In 2023, the basic entitlement is typically around $36,000 or 25% of the loan amount, ...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(eXp Realty)
The inflation data report released last week showed a surprising result—it was cooler than expected across the board. This has led to a much more positive outlook, even in light of recent events regarding the Trump administration. While consumer sentiment reports from the University of Michigan still showed more dissatisfaction than expected, they were accompanied by largely positive data across various releases. There are strong expectations that there will be no interest rate increases, with some potential for rate cuts this year.Consumer Price IndexThe consumer price index increased a mild 0.2% last month, the government said, breaking a string of elevated inflation readings since November. The rate of inflation in the past 12 months fell to 2.8% from 3.0% in January. It had slowed t...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Seems strange doesn't it? Save for a down payment on a home before saving for retirement. That is what financial guru Dave Ramsey says. Why? Well, read on...Save for down payment on a "home" before saving for retirement?Per Realtor.com on March 3, 2025 by Dina Sartore-Bodo, "As home prices rise, so do down payments, making it increasingly difficult for potential buyers to invest in real estate. While experts have suggested a multitude of ways to afford a house in the current market, financial expert Dave Ramsey proposed a radical solution to anyone trying to find the money for a down payment. His advice? Stop planning for the future in order to get your dream house today. Buy a house with your retirement savingsRamsey’s advice on how to afford a down payment for a home in 2025 is to put...
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By Jeff Markell, Sr. Mortgage Consultant - Forward & Reverse
(Empire Home Loans Inc.)
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your wishes are honored. A thorough and strategic estate plan spares your loved ones unnecessary stress, legal complications, and financial burdens. However, many people make critical mistakes that can create confusion and cost their heirs dearly. Here are the top 10 common estate planning mistakes and how to avoid them.1. Not Having an Estate Plan at AllOne of the biggest mistakes is not having a plan. If you don’t create an estate plan, the state will decide how your assets are distributed. This can lead to long probate delays and unintended beneficiaries.2. Failing to Update Your PlanLife events—such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, and financial changes—can make an old estate plan ...
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By Chris Goulart, California Hard Money Loans & Solutions
(All California Lending)
Some fix and flip investors will fund their projects with cash on hand.  Most, however, are looking for debt to leverage their existing cash on hand.  There are many ways to obtain leverage for a rehab deal.  California ARV hard money lenders are one such direction investors may wish to explore.Being able to leverage cash on hand is important for a number of reasons.  For new investors, leverage may be the only way to get into the fix and flip space - especially in the California real estate market.  For more seasoned investors, utilizing leverage may allow for them to take on multiple projects concurrently.  Additionally, utilizing leverage can allow investors to retain cash on hand in case of overruns - or to retain the flexibility and liquidity to take advantage of new opportunities ...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(eXp Realty)
While the data releases were plentiful, many are made less significant in consideration of the current disruption with the administration and the oncoming inflation data reports with the CPI and PPI arriving next week. The largest and most noteworthy report this time is the Job Report numbers, which will help give a clearer idea on the state of the job market. With the mass federal layoffs, there is much uncertainty, but the labor market is still holding up in light of things. The most pressing data to be released is the predictions for GDP, which has shown to have shown a deflationary value. As long as the inflation data remains consistent then there is little chance the Federal Reserve will consider increasing the interest rates once again. The silver lining in all the reports is the ...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Should you buy a home now or try and time the market and buy later if mortgage rates come down further? This is always a difficult decision especially when life is drawing you to buy a home. (Image: Freddie Mac Mortgage Rate Weekly Survey)Mortgage rates decline 7 consecutive weeks. How LOW CAN THEY GO?How Low Can They Go? Mortgage rates that is (Photo: Stocksnap, Pixabay)There may be a window of opportunity to own a home in the Phoenix Arizona metro now with home prices having declined somewhat while mortgage rates are inching down for the 7th consecutive week to 6.63% (good credit). Remember, you can marry the home of your dreams but only have to date the mortgage rate. One can date the rate by refinancing later when rates decrease. Over the past 100+ years home prices have gone up and...
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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, March 5th, 2025  Lender Term/Type Interest Rate % Points % *APR American Savings Bank808-593-1226NMLS#423168 15-YR Fixed 5.250 2.125 5.706 30-YR Fixed 6.000 2.125 6.284 5-YR ARM 5.000 1.875 6.439 Bank of Hawaii877-616-2636 15-YR Fixed 5.500 0.750 5.616 30-YR Fixed 6.000 1.625 6.153 5-YR ARM 5.375 1.625 6.540 Central Pacific Bank808-544-0500NMLS#416603 15-YR Fixed 5.250 2.000 5.695 30-YR Fixed 6.000 1.875 6.265 5-YR ARM 6.875 0.000 7.219 Finance Factors808-548-3300NMLS#449916 15-YR Fixed 5.250 1.875 5.764 30-YR Fixed 6.125 1.875 6.448 5-YR ARM 6.000 1.500 7.063 First Hawaiian Bank808-...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(eXp Realty)
It doesn't really matter what kind of investing you are participating in, it's almost always a wise idea to have multiple streams of income in order to maximize your profits while spreading your risks.What Are My Options?Even within the confines of real estate investing there are different types of investing that can help you spread your risks when markets meet turbulent times, and this is a very good safety net for those who do not want to feel as though they are gambling away their investments on a real estate market that is fickle on its best days.First there are rental properties. You have two options even with these. You can either choose to rent properties outright to families, students, singles, and the elderly in your town or you can offer a lease or rent to own situation for th...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
What is the "Discounted Apartment" ("Price per Resident") Program and Who is it Intended For?The "Discounted Apartment" program, also known as "Price per Resident," is a blessed government initiative whose primary goal is to help young families and couples without an apartment fulfill the cherished dream of buying a home in Israel. In an era where housing prices are skyrocketing, this program is a beacon of hope for many.Under the program, the state allocates land to contractors in tenders, with the main condition being the sale of apartments at a price significantly lower than the free market price. The discount can reach tens of percent, making the purchase of an apartment a realistic option for many families.But who exactly is the program intended for? Well, those eligible to partici...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Is It Worth Taking Out a Mortgage with Parents?In an era where housing prices are skyrocketing, the idea of buying an apartment is becoming an almost impossible task for many young couples. The search for a roof over one's head becomes a tiring journey, full of frustrations and compromises. In this reality, help from parents can be like a ray of light, a significant turning point in the journey to the coveted apartment.But before jumping into the water, it is important to stop and ask: Is involving parents in the mortgage really the right solution for you? Do the benefits outweigh the risks? In this article, we delve into the subject, examining all the relevant aspects to help you make an informed decision. We will examine how parents can help, what are the inherent advantages of such c...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Real estate investments have long been a popular method for generating passive income and building wealth. In recent years, more investors are exploring whether these investments can also help in repaying their mortgages. This approach involves using the income and equity generated from real estate properties to cover mortgage payments. Understanding how real estate investments can be leveraged for mortgage repayment can provide financial flexibility and potentially reduce the financial burden of home loans. In this article, we will explore the various ways real estate investments can be used for mortgage repayment, the benefits and risks associated with this strategy, and practical considerations for investors looking to maximize their returns while managing their mortgage obligations....
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
In today's economic climate, a lot of home buyers are being pushed out of the housing market.  Rising prices and interest rates have kept home buyers out of buying, including first time buyers.   But a new program might just give that boost that's needed to get even more buyers into a home. The bonus is it's a grant program, not a silent second lien, and solar panels are included and added into the mortgage, thereby providing lower utility bills.   It's a win win program! We all know that principal + interest + taxes + insurance = your mortgage payment.  But we also inherit electricity bills  as part of owning a home that can sometimes be as high as luxury car payments.  With this new program, you can effectively lower or even eliminate an electric bill and take advantage of down paymen...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(eXp Realty)
The PCE Index has aligned with expectations, and as the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation, it eases the sense of urgency for policy action. GDP data has also indicated continued economic growth, though this is tempered by future forecasts predicting a potential economic contraction. This outlook is further reflected in the Consumer Confidence report, which has shown a significant decline since the change in administration. Uncertainty is evident across lending and broader markets, affecting all aspects of the economy.PCE IndexThe Federal Reserve’s preferred PCE index rose by 0.3% last month, according to government data released on Friday. This increase matched the forecasts of economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal. Year-over-year inflation edged down slightly to...
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By Alberto Pacheco, Experience and Trust
(Home Smart Evergreen Realty)
#interest,#interestrate,#ratecut,#weakerdollar,#unemployment,#jobgrowth CLICK HERE AND DO YOUR HOME SEARCH
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(eXp Realty)
Owner financing is an alternative home-buying method that many buyers and sellers overlook. Instead of securing a mortgage through a traditional lender, the buyer makes payments directly to the seller under agreed-upon terms. While this arrangement can be beneficial, there are key details to consider before choosing owner financing. No Traditional Lender InvolvementOne of the biggest advantages of owner financing is that it bypasses banks and mortgage lenders. This can be helpful for buyers who may not qualify for a traditional loan due to credit history, self-employment income, or other financial factors. Instead, the buyer and seller agree on loan terms, including the interest rate, repayment schedule, and down payment. Faster and More Flexible Closing ProcessSince there’s no need for...
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