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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 RENEE THOMPSON, Mortgage Loan Officer - VA Loans are my Jam!
(The Mortgage Firm & Spartan Group Realty)
When most sellers hear “VA loan,” they immediately think of stricter appraisals, extra paperwork, or delays. But here’s the truth: VA loans can actually be one of the strongest—and smoothest—financing options for a seller to accept. Let’s break down why.1. VA Buyers Are Highly MotivatedVeterans, active-duty service members, and their families don’t casually shop for homes. They’re moving because they have to—new duty station, retirement transition, or planting roots after years of service. These buyers are serious and motivated, which means fewer wasted showings and more committed contracts.2. Zero Down Payment Doesn’t Mean Weak BuyerA common misconception is that a buyer putting “0% down” is somehow less qualified. Wrong. Veterans choose to use their VA loan not because they don’t have...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
 the Federal Open Market Committee voted to leave the Fed Funds Rate unchanged within its current target range of 0.000-0.250 percent.The vote was 10-0 -- the third straight meeting after which the FOMC vote was unanimous.In its press release, the FOMC noted that since its March 2011 meeting, the economic recovery is proceeding "at a moderate pace" and that labor markets conditions are "improving gradually". Household spending and business investment "continue[s] to expand" but the housing sector remains "depressed".Furthermore, the FOMC's statement discussed the Federal Reserve's dual mandate of (1) Managing inflation levels, and (2) Fostering maximum employment. The statement acknowledged recent inflation pressures on the economy, but it expects those pressures -- because they're rela...
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By John Lake, Sarasota and Cape Cod Mortgage Ba
(Shamrock Home Loans)
That’s a good question. In the past 3 years rates have been between the high 6% to mid-7% range, so there is definitely an opportunity to make your home less expensive. But when? How do I maximize my savings? If I am going to pay for another closing (yes you are going to pay, whether it is rolled into the loan or subsidized into the rate) I want the biggest bang for my buck.We should be entering a rate cutting cycle. We have indication from the Federal Reserve that they are shifting focus from inflation to labor market weakness (read all about that in my last 2 blogs). Next Friday the 5th of September we get the August jobs report. If it’s in line or worse, “Start your Engines”. If it’s better or even Much Better as we saw in January with the December report. Jobs added came in at almos...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
In this article:  Preparing for Life After the Military  Investing in Real Estate as a Military Member The VA Home Loan Additional Home Financing Options Down Payment Assistance Everyone has a vision of what retirement life after military service looks like. Some might see a chef’s kitchen filled with family and friends for holiday dinners. Others have dreams of first-class seats around the world to satisfy their wanderlust, finally. For others, a retirement future holds the freedom to visit grown kids at the drop of a hat. But to achieve any of these dreams, they'll need the money to fund the fun. So how do they get there? How can they ensure they're ready? Time marches faster than most think, especially as more and more birthdays appear in the rearview mirror.  Preparing for Life Afte...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Pre-approval letters aren’t the most exciting part of the military home-buying process, by far. They can’t compete with the experience of choosing between the to-die-for house with the sitting room off the primary suite or the picture-perfect home style with the wrap-around front porch.However, rest assured that a mortgage pre-approval letter is essential. Little is more critical in the home-buying process than obtaining your pre-approval. It solidifies your financial well-being, attracts lenders (including VA loan lenders), and helps you move into the home of your dreams faster. Without pre-approval, you’ll run into a long list of problems that can set your house hunt back months. If you’re wondering how to prepare to buy your first home (or any home buyer, for that matter), you can av...
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By Tom Gilliam | RE/MAX Classic, Exceeding Your Expectations
(RE/MAX Classic)
 Understanding the Mortgage Approval Process ClearlyBuying a home might seem like just finding the right place and making an offer. And yet, most people are surprised when they discover lenders review far more than a credit score. In fact, the average mortgage approval process can take between 30 and 45 days, with lenders pouring over dozens of financial details. The real surprise is how understanding this process upfront could be the difference between your dream home and a rejected application.Table of Contents What Is The Mortgage Approval Process And Why Is It Important? Understanding The Financial Screening The Strategic Importance Of Mortgage Approval Key Players Involved In The Mortgage Approval Process The Primary Decision Makers Specialized Roles And Responsibilities Essential ...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
A 1% down FHA program is now available to all home buyers! This program allows home buyers to only bring 1% of the mortgage amount to the closing table and even that amount can be gifted per FHA guidelines. Only a select number of lenders have this program. More details are available under the mortgage section of my homepage. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts on if this is a good idea for our current economy or if this is a bad idea. please leave comments on the website so they stay current with the article. Right now, this program is only available in Arizona, to my knowledge. Contact me, billsalvatore.teamiii@gmail.com or call 602-999-0952  YOUR   Latest activity in the VALLEY of the SUNFor ALL your Valley AZ Real Estate NeedsPHONE   Bill   at   602-999-0952Text          Bill   at ...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
I came across this great tool for anyone looking for information on the mortgage problems we are facing and might be facing in the future. This tool breaks down the number of homes in foreclosure, ARMs, 90 days late in payment, etc for each stat in the month, and also has the option to show the last 6 months tend. This is a great tool to use with clients.Check out the Mortgage Crisis MapsContact me, billsalvatore.teamiii@gmail.com or call 602-999-0952  YOUR   Latest activity in the VALLEY of the SUNFor ALL your Valley AZ Real Estate NeedsPHONE   Bill   at   602-999-0952Text          Bill   at    602-999-0952Email       Bill    at BillSalvatore.teamiii@gmail.com Read other YVP Blogs hereFor more information, Call or Text: 602-999-0952eMail: golfarizona@cox.netBill Salvatore / Arizona Eli...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
The FOMC meeting that was held the previous week to discuss upcoming decisions addressed the future of the economic landscape.During his remarks, Jerome Powell stated that inflation will rise in the future, with consumers bearing the burden. Many have speculated that this means reductions in current rates are unlikely to happen anytime soon, in an attempt to keep inflation under control.Another notable release was the leading economic indicators, which once again showed contraction—signaling the potential for further economic decline.Leading Economic IndicatorsThe Leading Economic Indicator (LEI) for the US inched down by 0.1% in July 2025 to 98.7 (2016=100), after declining by 0.3% in June. The LEI fell by 2.7% over the six months between January and July 2025, a faster rate of decline...
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By Sean Aujla, MBA - Los Angeles, #SoCal R/E & Mtg. Broker 🏠 ☀️ www.seanaujla.com
(Rise Realty )
Aug/24/25Your credit score plays a major role in your financial life — it affects your ability to get approved for loans, credit cards, mortgages, and sometimes even jobs.  That’s why it’s important to make sure the information on your report is accurate. Mistakes happen, but the good news is you have the right to dispute any inaccuracies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).✅ Step 1: Get Your Free Credit Reports & Score: (If you do not wish to click the links, google each product for more info) 1) EquifaxEquifax Core Credit™ offers a free monthly credit report & VantageScore® 3.0,with no credit card required: https://www.equifax.com/personal/products/credit/free-credit-score 2) TransUnionTransUnion offers a free credit report & VantageScore® 3.0 - no credit card required: https:/...
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By JORGE VAZQUEZ, Investor-Focused Broker | FL Statewide | 3,500+ De
(Graystone Investment Group)
This past week, I had one of the craziest experiences in my 20+ years of real estate. I pulled my credit for a loan, nothing unusual, and within hours my phone went from quiet to absolute chaos. In just two days, I had nearly 100 calls from mortgage lenders I had never heard of, and some were even pretending I was already pre-approved.It didn’t matter if I was on the phone with a client, texting an investor, or on WhatsApp coordinating with a contractor—every single moment was interrupted by another buzz or ring. Some texts even referenced my property address to sound convincing. At first it was annoying, then it felt like straight-up harassment.So why did this happen? It all comes down to something called trigger leads.Here’s how it works: when your lender pulls your credit, the big th...
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By Scott Smolen, Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future
(RE/MAX Leading Edge)
If you’re planning to buy a home, getting a mortgage pre-approval is one of the smartest first steps. It shows sellers you’re serious and gives you a clear budget.How Long Is It Good For? ⏳Most pre-approvals last 60–90 days. Some lenders may go as short as 30 or as long as 120, but 60–90 is standard. Lenders want current info on your credit, income, and job status. What If It Expires? 🔄No problem—you can usually renew by providing updated financial documents. Your lender may recheck your credit and income to confirm nothing has changed. Tips to Stay Approved ✅ Don’t take on new debts 🚫 Keep paying bills on time 📅 Stay in touch with your lender if your job or income changes 📞 Why It Matters 💡A pre-approval gives you confidence, keeps your search focused, and makes your offer stronger in ...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
This marks the first release of CPI and PPI data since the recent reduction in data collection that is used to determine the current inflation. The Producer Price Index has shown quite clearly that there has been the biggest whole price jump in the last 3 years, showing that the administration's policies on tariffs are having an impact. The CPI has shown a similar increase in inflation, but still within expectations in lieu of the current tariff policies.There is still data to be collected, with some speculation that the Federal Reserve may implement rate cuts in the future. Consumer sentiment has also shown increased concern regarding inflation and unemployment statistics, as trends have worsened following the tariff changes, leading to a three-month low in consumer sentiment.Consumer ...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
  In this article:  What Is a VA Loan? How Is a VA Loan Different from Other Loans? How to Apply for a VA Loan How Long Does VA Loan Approval Take? When you first begin shopping for houses and home loans, your family, friends, and real estate agent will tell you to start looking at your VA loan benefit. This is excellent advice because the loan checks so many boxes in the “pro” column.It’s helpful to know the application process step by step before searching for your dream home, since you’ll have some prep work to do before applying for a VA loan.  What Is a VA Loan?A VA loan might sound intimidating to a first-time military home buyer, but it's really just a government-insured home financing option. The government doesn’t actually provide the loan; private mortgage lenders do. This mea...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Early Bird Special or Late-Night Snack? I Know the Best Spots for BothAre you the type who loves an early dinner and being home before the sun sets—or do you thrive on grabbing a bite after the rest of the world has gone to sleep? Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, Auburn and Opelika have dining options that match your rhythm.For the early crowd, there are plenty of restaurants that open their doors at 5 p.m. sharp, serving hearty meals with friendly service before the evening rush begins. Picture yourself enjoying a quiet dinner at one of Auburn’s local favorites, where you can grab a table without waiting and still make it home in time for your favorite show or an early bedtime. These spots are perfect for families, retirees, and anyone who likes their evenings calm and pred...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
I’ve worked with countless mortgage lenders over the years and have come to depend on just a handful, to provide me with timely, accurate information, with no drama.I’ve always believed that the home buying process should not be stressful or confusing. But I’ve seen that it can be and the majority of issues arise when Realtors and Lenders are not understanding, open and forthcoming with their clients.I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If you are a home buyer or a home seller, and you feel overwhelmed, you’re working with the wrong Realtor or Lender. Every loan officer that I’ve come in contact with more than once, understands that I insist on being informed, being respectful of contract terms, and being educated along the way. A home loan is about far, far more than just a low r...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
When you decide to sell your house, you have to consider how you want to go about it. You may be a bit confused about what to do next, especially if you have never sold a property before. You might ask yourself these questions: Is selling your home as easy as calling a local realtor and letting them take it from there? How to find a suitable real estate agent? Is it really required to hire an agent?  The answer to these and most of the questions is “it depends”. It depends on how fast you want to sell your house, how much time you have to allot to the sale of your home, how much you want to sell your home for (how much are you willing to pay to your agent for a commission from the sale price), and many other factors.  Approximately 93% of home sales involve an agent to some extent. In m...
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