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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 Dana Scanlon, Bethesda MD- Award-Winning Bethesda Realtor
(Keller Williams Capital Properties)
If the answer to that question is "yes," then please read on!Traditionally, diplomats -- those with A1 or A2 visas -- have has difficulty obtaining a mortgage to purchase a home in the United States because they are seen as a greater risk. The reasons: diplomatic immunity, lack of credit history in the US, uncertainty as to length of stay.As a specialist working with international clients, many of them French-speaking, and many of them diplomats, I could not take "no" for an answer after learning that many diplomats could not secure mortgage financing.  Over the years, I have developed relationships with lenders and investors in order to make home loans possible for my clients with A1 or A2 visas, diplomats who meet certain criteria. As a result, I have a proven track record of getting ...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
Markets were on edge last week as they awaited the numbers from the PCE report. This is the Fed's preferred inflation data. The CPI numbers that came in a week earlier were higher than expectations (albeit they did continue their downtrend and expectations were rather aggressive) so the markets were justifiably nervous.The PCE numbers came in exactly as expected. Remember, before the CPI report the market was betting on a 75% chance of a March Fed rate cut (I was never in this camp and expect the first one to come in the summer/closer to elections). The fact that the PCE numbers came in as expected gave the markets some hope of the Fed not delaying the rate cut too much further.In other news, New York Community Bank (NYCB) hit the news citing "material weaknesses" with their internal co...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
According to the Wall Street Journal, AARP, and others, 11,200 people a day turn 65. A higher-than-ever percentage still work. Networth has increased for those over 75. We are all living longer. Many divorces for those over 50 are not necessarily contentious. The kids are gone, people have just changed, and those over 65 aren't "winding down." They are still gearing up. In fairly amicable "silver divorces," both parties want homes and aren't motivated by destroying the other financially. When working on the dissolution of assets, including home equity, there is frequently a place for a reverse mortgage strategy that enables both parties to achieve homeownership without the burden of mortgage payments. One can stay, or one can go and buy, without having to qualify for a standard cashout ...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
Slam Dunk into a New HomeLooking for your dream home? It's time to lace up your sneakers and get ready to slam dunk into homeownership! Just like in basketball, securing the perfect mortgage requires strategy, skill, and a winning mindset. Let's dive into the playbook and discover how you can score big in the mortgage game.  1. Master Your Dribble: Understand Your FinancesBefore stepping onto the court of homeownership, it's crucial to assess your financial readiness. Determine your budget, including how much you can afford for a down payment, monthly mortgage payments, closing costs, and ongoing expenses such as property taxes and insurance. Consider factors like your income, savings, debts, and credit score to get a clear picture of your financial health. 2. Play Defense: Get Pre-Appr...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.91%CANHOU 06/15/29 [-0.05%]   ‌ 10 Year - 3.98%CANHOU  03/15/34 [-0.03%]         * denotes interpolated rate GoC 2 Year - 4.32% CAN 11/01/25 [-0.05%]   ‌ 3 Year - 3.93% CAN 09/01/26 [-0.05%]   ‌ 5 Year - 3.59% CAN 03/01/29 [-0.04%]   ‌ 10 Year - 3.52% CAN 12/01/33 [-0.02%] GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only Floating rate insured cost of funds 5.46% [-]                   Prime Rate 7.20% [-]    
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By Michael Mahoney, Boston Realtor
(Real Broker, LLC)
Mortgage Rates Increase for the Fourth Consecutive WeekFebruary 29, 2024Mortgage rates continued their ascent this week, reaching a two-month high and flirting with....See the full article on Mortgage Rates this Week by Boston Realtor Michael Mahoney 
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By Matt Helganz
(Meridian Capital Real Estate)
So, you're in the market for a new home or thinking about refinancing your current one? Exciting times ahead! But before you dive in, let's talk strategy. The key to getting the best deal on your mortgage is to shop around like a pro. Here's how to do it:First off, do your homework. Research, research, research. Take the time to analyze different mortgage plans and really crunch the numbers. Trust me, it'll pay off. Let's break it down with an example: say you're looking at a $300,000 house with a 30-year mortgage. At a 4.5 percent rate, you'd be looking at around $1,520 a month. But bump that rate up to 5.10 percent, and suddenly you're shelling out $1,633 a month. Over 30 years, that's a difference of $40,680! So yeah, every percentage point counts.Next up, check your credit scores. L...
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By Mitch Valmer, Nationwide Private Money Balance Sheet Lender
(Private Money Lender & Real Estate Backed Investments)
This post is for new active real estate investors on how to Calculate your (IRR) in real estate. Everyone at one point in their lives starts out as a Real Estate Rookie.The internal rate of return (IRR) is a measure of the profitability of an investment. It represents the annualized rate of return that is earned on an investment over a specific time period. In real estate, IRR is often used to evaluate the potential profitability of a real estate investment, such as a rental property or a development project.To calculate the IRR of a real estate investment, you will need to know the cash flows and the timing of those cash flows for the investment. Cash flows in real estate can include a variety of sources, such as rental income, appreciation in the value of the property, and the sale of...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Your credit score is more than just a number; it's the key that opens doors to mortgage approval and favorable interest rates. Whether you're aiming for a cozy starter home or eyeing a luxurious estate, building a healthy credit score demonstrates creditworthiness and increases your approval odds for certain credit cards, car loans, mortgages and more. If you're ready to buy, send me a message and let's chat! #realestate #realestateagent #listreports #buying #selling #realestateexpert #homeowner #financehub #dreamhome #homeownership #homebuying #homesearch #buyingahome 
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By Michael Mahoney, Boston Realtor
(Real Broker, LLC)
Mortgage Rates today from Freddie Mac See Full Details Belowhttps://www.realtormikemahoney.com/mortgage/ Michael MahoneyRealtorReal Broker, MA LLCmike@mmahoney.com617-615-943510 Common Street #645Walpole, MA 02081
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By Sandra Nickel, The Hat Team
(Sandra Nickel REALTORS)
While there are many perks to home ownership (and tax breaks are a big one!), people who are beginning the journey of purchasing a home may be easily misled by common homeowner tax myths.First, it is important to note that owning your own home does come with tax benefits. For example, a conventional loan’s PMI (private mortgage insurance), the VA loan funding fee, the USDA loan guaranteed fee, and FHA loan upfront mortgage insurance premiums are each tax deductible per the IRS. But as a first-time homeowner, it’s important that you educate yourself on extended tax benefits so that you will know what you can and cannot deduct. Because, unfortunately, some things you might have heard about homeowner tax perks may not be true.MYTH: DEDUCTIONS ALWAYS CUT YOUR TAX BILL IN HALFTRUTH: While it...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
Happy Tuesday! Markets reacted harshly to the consumer-led inflation data which came out last Tuesday. The market was expecting a 2.9% YoY reading and inflation came in at 3.1%. Although it was higher than the market expectations, it came in 0.3% lower than the previous month's reading. So yes, inflation continued its downtrend, but the market expectations were just a little too ambitious. After Tuesday's news report came out, markets placed their bets that there would not be a March rate cut. I've been saying this for months. It is way too soon to start cutting, but markets like to get ahead of themselves by placing their bets. Investors were originally placing over a 70% chance of a March cut and today that number is under 10%. To me, it makes the most sense to have the first cut duri...
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By Joe Metzler, Sr Loan Officer
(Cambria Mortgage)
What is MBS speculative pricing and why it is hurting mortgage rates?Minneapolis, MN:  MBS speculative pricing  (Mortgage Backed Securities) is one big reason that mortgage interest rates today are pretty good IF you are willing to pay a few discount point, but much higher if you are not.Mortgage rates, just like just about everything else you buy has a markup and profit margin. Speculative pricing is part of what factors into what Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pay to lenders to buy loans from them based on Fannie and Freddie's prediction on how long they think a loan is going to be held on their books.  The longer a loan is held, the more interest paid, the more profit they make.This is an overly simplistic example, but after a mortgage broker or lender does a home loan, they almost alway...
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By Randy Tudor, EA, CTRC, Certified Tax Representation Consultant in Phoenix
(Tudor Financial Group, LLC)
The SECURE 2.0 Act, signed into law as part of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, introduces significant changes for individuals with overfunded 529 plans. One of the most notable provisions allows for the tax-free transfer of funds from an established 529 account to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, marking a pivotal shift in how unused educational funds can be utilized to bolster retirement savings. This blog post delves into the intricacies of distributing an over-funded 529 plan by rolling over to a Roth IRA under the new rules effective January 1, 2024, outlining all conditions, rules, and potential pitfalls to avoid.Conditions and Rules for RolloverThe SECURE 2.0 Act stipulates several conditions for the rollover from a 529 plan to a Roth IRA: Account Age: The 529 ...
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By Esperanza Butler® 818 926 5425, Homes For Sale in West Hills, Ca (818) 926-5425
(Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty)
Smart Strategies to lowering mortgagesCheck your credit: Regularly monitor your credit score, a crucial factor in dermining mortgage terms and rates.Save for down payment: Larger down payments can led to lower interest rates and avoid private mortgage insurance. Avoid Major Purchases: Refrain from big expenses before applying to mantain a favorable debt-to income ratioPay Down Debt: Reduce existing balances to improve your credit score, a key factor in determining rates.  Stable Employment Matters: Mantain steady employment; avoid major job charges or self-employment before applying for a mortgage. Compare Multiple Lenders: Research and compare rates from vaious lenders, considering fees and terms for accurate evaluations. 
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 4.09%CANHOU 06/15/29 [+0.15%]   ‌ 10 Year - 4.09%CANHOU  03/15/34 [+0.13%]         * denotes interpolated rate GoC 2 Year - 4.51% CAN 11/01/25 [+0.16%]   ‌ 3 Year - 4.11% CAN 09/01/26 [+0.14%]   ‌ 5 Year - 3.78% CAN 09/01/28 [+0.15%]   ‌ 10 Year - 3.63% CAN 12/01/33 [+0.13%] GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
Fed Chairman Powell, during his speech after the Fed decided to keep rates unchanged, said how the Fed is looking for more confidence in inflation. What he's saying is that he wants to see the numbers continue coming down year over year, within expectations, and without any sudden jumps higher. I've pushed that statement further by saying that we need to see 3 months of continuous month-over-month (MoM) declines in inflation before the Fed makes any moves. However, we may be running out of time. I can see the Fed making its first round of cuts this summer. The Fed used to want to see lower employment too. They have since retraced those comments since the labor market has remained strong while inflation has been declining. This week we get CPI and PPI: Consumer and Producer Price Indexes...
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By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
Credit Card Designed To Take You Over The LimitI recently obtained a credit card from Discover Card.When I applied for the card, I do not believe that they asked about my income.They promptly approved me and gave me a $500 credit limit.After two months, I asked to have the credit limit increased.  I was not looking to spend money that I did not have, but if I solely used this card for just groceries and gas, it was quite possible to go over the $500 limit.  My only concern was that I would not go over the credit limit, whereby I would end up paying some ridiculous interest rate like 25% or more.  I would pay the full balance at the end of the month.  They told me that I did not have a long enough history to increase the credit limit. I set it up so that I would have an automatic payment...
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By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
In 2024, the real estate market continues to be dynamic, presenting both challenges and opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. As we delve into the intricacies of the market, it's crucial to understand key factors such as interest rates, inventory levels, and buyer-seller dynamics.  This comprehensive home market report aims to provide insights and guidance for individuals navigating the complex terrain of real estate transactions in the Fresno, CA area. But before we dive right in, lets hear what the expert Michelle Johnson from Hero Loan Team and Linda Peltz has to say about this topic:  Interest Rates and Mortgage Trends January 2024Interest rates play a pivotal role in shaping the affordability and attractiveness of homes in the market. As discussed in conversations between Lin...
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Become an All 50 States Mortgage Loan Officer. Non Traditional Way. Traditional Way- Prelicensing Training Course, State Exam, Associated  State Fees, Background Check, possible minimum Credit Ratings, etc. for 1 State.Non Traditional Way:Sign-up, Complete Company Training at your Own Pace, Pass a D.O.J Background Check, MLO  IS ACTIVE Through the NMLS. If you are Interested,  Join one of our ZOOM Meetings to get all the Information.Reply Interested, and I will forward you the ZOOM Meeting Information 
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