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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 Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.25% CANHOU 06/15/31 [+0.02%]     10 Year - 3.72%* Est. CANHOU 03/15/36 [+0.03%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 2.73% [-]     Prime Rate 4.45% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.75% CAN 09/01/28 [+0.01%]     3 Year - 2.90% CAN 09/01/29 [+0.02%]     5 Year - 3.02% CAN 09/01/30 [+0.01%]     10 Year - 3.45% CAN 06/01/35 [+0.04%]    
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By Patrick Holloway, CPA, CTRC, Tax Resolution & IRS Compliance Services
(Midwest Tax Resolution, LLC)
Carmel Indiana, I am a CPA and Certified Tax Representation Consultant who helps Individuals and Businesses withh Civil and Criminal Tax problems.The IRS 10-year collection statute is a critical timeline that taxpayers should be aware of when dealing with IRS tax debts. Understanding this statute can greatly influence your financial planning and legal strategy. In this blog, we'll delve into what the 10-year collection statute entails and why consulting with a professional is crucial for navigating these waters.What is the IRS 10-Year Collection Statute?The IRS 10-year collection statute refers to the time limit that the IRS has to collect outstanding tax liabilities from individuals and businesses. According to the Internal Revenue Code, the IRS has 10 years from the date a tax liabili...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
There is a strange tension in the air right now when people talk about money. On one hand, the headlines celebrate record stock gains, rising home values and an economy that looks strong on paper. On the other hand, borrowers, homeowners, and even seasoned professionals quietly admit that everyday life feels heavier and more expensive than it did just a few years ago. That contrast shows up in loan applications, in open houses, in escrow delays, and in the challenges, people bring to our office every week.You can see it most clearly when you compare how different households experience the same economy: One family may have bought their home long before prices surged, built equity through appreciation, and watched their retirement accounts grow along with the market. Another family that l...
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By Scott Smolen, Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future
(RE/MAX Leading Edge)
In Anne Arundel County’s competitive housing market, appraisal waivers have become an increasingly common topic. When buying or refinancing a home, lenders typically require a full appraisal to verify value. An appraisal waiver allows the lender to skip that step and rely on automated data instead.Lenders use automated underwriting systems (AUS) that analyze prior appraisals, MLS sales, tax records, and neighborhood trends. If the home’s value is strongly supported and the loan is low risk, the lender may waive the in-person appraisal.In data-rich areas like Odenton, Crofton, Gambrills, Bowie, and many condo and subdivision communities, appraisal waivers are more likely—especially when buyers have strong credit and solid down payments.Why Local Buyers See Benefits Faster closings in com...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
It is easier to manage a rental business when you know the full picture of the operating expenses incurred in the operation of rental property, and the effects on the long-run profitability. Most of the landlords only look at the rental income initially, yet it is also important to incorporate the costs incurred in the course of proper financial planning. This is also where such platforms as baselane come into play allowing property owners to remain organized and have a better insight into their numbers. The acquisition of landlord operating expenses helps to minimize risks, increase forecasting, and establish a better financial basis of their properties.The reasons why operating expenses are important to any landlordAll landlords should be aware that operating costs of rental property ...
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By Patrick Holloway, CPA, CTRC, Tax Resolution & IRS Compliance Services
(Midwest Tax Resolution, LLC)
Carmel, In., I represent Individuals and Businesses with significant IRS and State Tax issues in Carmel Indiana and all of Indiana.Dealing with tax debt can be overwhelming, especially when the IRS isn’t forthcoming with solutions. If you owe $30,000 or more, mastering the landscape of IRS tax resolution options is crucial — and this is where professional guidance can make a world of difference.Understanding Your OptionsTo alleviate your tax burden, the IRS offers several resolution options: Offer in Compromise: Settle your tax debt for less than the total amount you owe if you qualify. Installment Agreement: Pay off your tax debt over time through monthly installments, making it more manageable. Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status: Temporarily stop IRS collection activities if you’r...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.22% CANHOU 06/15/31 [+0.20%]     10 Year - 3.69%* Est. CANHOU 03/15/36 [+0.17%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 2.73% [-]     Prime Rate 4.45% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.74% CAN 09/01/28 [+0.20%]     3 Year - 2.88% CAN 09/01/29 [+0.21%]     5 Year - 2.99% CAN 09/01/30 [+0.20%]     10 Year - 3.40% CAN 06/01/35 [+0.17%]    
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
If you are a freelancer, gig worker, or small business owner, proving your income to a lender is often much harder than it is for a traditional W-2 employee. You might have excellent cash flow, but your tax write-offs can make your "on-paper" income look too low to qualify for a standard loan. This article solves that problem by comparing the best mortgage types specifically designed for self-employed borrowers—such as bank statement loans, P&L programs, and DSCR options—and providing a clear checklist to help you prepare. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which loan fits your financial profile, what documents to gather immediately, and how to start the process. For the most efficient path, it's recommended to visit Bluerate to directly contact a verified, local NMLS self-...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
Some loans fall through the cracks for reasons that have nothing to do with the borrower’s real ability to successfully repay the loan. A client might have strong equity, reliable income, and a solid plan, yet the moment their debt-to-income ratio rises above a tight guideline, the bank shuts the door. It is a frustrating experience for borrowers and brokers who know the deal makes sense.That is where our approach stands apart: We do not solely rely on DTI calculations, and we do not require traditional income documentation. Instead, we look at the property, the equity, and the purpose of the loan. When those pieces align, we can move quickly with creative financing programs!We often help self-employed clients who have fluctuating income, borrowers carrying personal or business debt, an...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
Mortgage rates took a noticeable dip recently and the change felt different from the small ups and downs we have seen over the past year. It has been a long stretch of choppy movement and cautious optimism, so seeing rates fall back to levels we have not had since late 2022 brought a new kind of energy into the market.  People who have been watching this roller coaster for months felt the shift almost immediately.  Some were relieved, some surprised, and some simply felt it was about time!The move started with another softer employment report. When hiring slows down, it usually hints that the broader economy is losing a little steam. A cooler economy often means less pressure on inflation, and the bond market reacts very quickly to that kind of hint.  This past week the reaction was str...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
Every week we see the same story unfold: A borrower is excited to buy a primary home or refinance, but conventional underwriting slows the process down or says “no” because the borrower isn’t a perfect fit. Maybe the borrower is self-employed and writes off expenses. Maybe they use 1099 income. Maybe their credit took a hit, or the property needs work. Whatever the reason, momentum stalls and the deal starts slipping away.This is where our owner-occupied programs step in! Our Bridge loan offers eleven months of interest only with no prepayment premium, perfect for buyers who need speed. Our fifteen-year program gives three years of interest payments with taxes and insurance included, before transitioning into a fully amortized schedule. Both programs give borrowers the flexibility neede...
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By John Lake, Sarasota and Cape Cod Mortgage Ba
(Shamrock Home Loans)
I hope everyone enjoyed there holiday weekend. ALLOT OF US WENT SHOPPING! That was bad. Give the gift of something you already don't want in your house. Too late. The results from Black Friday to Cyber Monday beat expectations and showed the consumer is resilient and caused the rate market to give back pre-Thanksgiving gains. That might have given the Fed an excuse to pause in rate cuts. As we all know from my previous blogs that the vote for a December rate cut is close, with several Governors on the fence. Today we got ADP Payroll numbers. It was predicted to add between 10,000 and 40,000 jobs. It came in with a loss of 32,000 and a four month revision to a loss of 17,000. OUCH! That should be a wake up call to the Fed on a weakening jobs . The biggest losses came from the Business-Pr...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 2.87% CANHOU 12/15/30 [+0.01%]     10 Year - 3.46%* Est. CANHOU 03/15/36 [+0.01%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 2.81% [-]     Prime Rate 4.45% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.51% CAN 09/01/28 [+0.02%]     3 Year - 2.61% CAN 09/01/29 [-]     5 Year - 2.73% CAN 09/01/30 [+0.01%]     10 Year - 3.14% CAN 06/01/35 [-]    
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
As a real estate agent, your job goes beyond showing properties and closing deals. Clients often look to you for guidance on financing options, and having a solid understanding of property lending can set you apart. When you know how different lending solutions work, you become a trusted resource rather than just a salesperson.The truth is, property finance is not one-size-fits-all. Some buyers need traditional bank loans, while others require faster or more flexible options. In this guide, we will walk you through the key lending solutions every agent should understand to better serve clients and build lasting relationships.The Role of Mortgage Brokers in Property Transactions Why Buyers Rely on Professional GuidanceMost buyers do not have time to compare dozens of loan products from d...
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By John Lake, Sarasota and Cape Cod Mortgage Ba
(Shamrock Home Loans)
We prepare for Thanksgiving, family and the start of the holiday season with a side a data. In the past 2 days we have seen several reports with fresh and delayed data from the shutdown. In my last blog Short Week, Big Data I provided a menu of of impactful economic reports that would change the debt market. Lets look at what has happened.  Consumer confidence hits a low point as job worries growCore Wholesale Prices(PPI) rose less than expected Retail sales softer than forecastedLosses in private payroll are accelerating over the last 4 weeks (ADP)Initial Jobless claims rose 5,000 last weekThis is pointing towards a slowing economy and employment outlook. There were some positives. 10 year Treasury dipped below 4.00 and is hovering at 4.00%October's Case Schiller Home Price Index came ...
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By Wayne L. Brown
(Franklin Advantage Inc.)
 Each year the Federal Housing Finance Agency reviews and adjust the Conforming Limits for loan amounts affecting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan purchases.As announced today by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the standard and high-cost area loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are increasing. In most of the United States, the 2026 CLL value for one-unit properties will be $832,750, an increase of $26,250 from 2025. High-Cost Areas For areas in which 115 percent of the local median home value exceeds the baseline conforming loan limit value, the applicable loan limit will be higher than the baseline loan limit.   HERA establishes the high-cost area limit in those areas as a multiple of the area median home value, while setting the ceiling at 150 percent of the baseline ...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
As we move deeper into the fourth quarter, there is no denying that the market feels different this year. While rates, policy changes, and economic data remain in the headlines, many brokers are quietly turning toward creative and flexible lending programs, to keep pipelines full and clients moving forward.At Pacific Direct Mortgage, we have seen a steady rise in demand for Non QM loans, bridge financing, and Private Money solutions, especially among self-employed borrowers, individual investors, and homeowners who need quick access to cash before the year ends.The Rise of Non QM and Alternative LendingTraditional underwriting does not fit every qualified borrower. Business owners, independent contractors, and investors often have strong cash flow and equity but limited documentation th...
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By Patrick Holloway, CPA, CTRC, Tax Resolution & IRS Compliance Services
(Midwest Tax Resolution, LLC)
Carmel, In.  I represent Businesses and Individuals with significant Tax Liabilities in Carmel Indiana and all of Indiana who need someone to help them resolve their Tax Liabilities in an efficient and affordable manner.When faced with overwhelming tax debt, the IRS's Offer in Compromise (OIC) might initially seem like an attractive option to you. By allowing taxpayers to settle their tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed, it provides a path to relief that can be enticing. However, an OIC is not always the best solution for everyone. Below I have listed several reasons, supported by specific Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) references and relevant tax code sections, why an OIC might not serve as the optimal resolution for all taxpayers.Eligibility Requirements Are StringentThe...
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By Patrick Holloway, CPA, CTRC, Tax Resolution & IRS Compliance Services
(Midwest Tax Resolution, LLC)
I represent taxpayers in the Indianapolis area and the rest of Indiana who have civil and criminal tax issues.  Recently I have been in contact with a number of elderly taxpayers who have been scammed out of their savings and retirement accounts.  What happens is the scammers contact the elder taxpayers after their Checking, Savings or Credit Card Accounts have been compromised and pose as FBI Agents with badge numbers and convince the elderly taxpayers that they need to send them money, for a variety of false reasons, and then continue until their savings and pension accounts are exhausted.  By the time the taxpayers find out that nothing is happening with their case, it is too late and the scammers are long gone.  I know that this all sounds ridiculous, but these guys are really slick...
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By John Lake, Sarasota and Cape Cod Mortgage Ba
(Shamrock Home Loans)
As we kick off the holiday season, next week is the last week of the month. Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving is the last day in November. (Friday is technically the last day but most municipalities that record deeds are closed) Don't kick back and plan your holiday menu or Black Friday shopping strategy, because there is a ton of Economic data that will impact interest rates.In the spirit of Thanksgiving here is your Holiday Data Menu Appetizer Monday2 year Note Auction Main CoursesTuesday ADP Employment ReportPPI (Producer Price Index)Retail SalesCase Schiller Home Price IndexFHFA Home Price IndexPending Home Sales5 yr Note AuctionWednesdayWeekly Jobless ClaimsBeige BookDurable Goods OrdersNew Home Sales7 yr Note Auction Thursday HAPPY THANKSGIVING Dessert FridayThe markets are o...
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