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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 Darren Copeland, National Mortgage Broker. KC Market Expert.
(Summit Lending)
Too many veterans are still being told “no” when the real answer should be “yes.”After years of working with VA loans, underwriters, and veterans directly, one thing is clear: many VA loan denials are not caused by VA guidelines. They’re caused by misinformation, lender overlays, or someone applying the wrong rules to the file.That matters here in the Kansas City area, where many veterans and military families are buying in communities across both sides of the state line.The truth? VA loans are one of the best home financing tools available—but only if you’re working with someone who actually understands how they work.The Broker Advantage: Why It Can Matter So MuchA recent national study found that veterans who worked with an independent mortgage broker saved significantly more on their...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post toRe-Blog today on Active Rain. Good post by Ken and Ari today, andworthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZGILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler#Sellmyhouse #whatsmyhomeworth #homevalues#2026market #ArizonaEliteProperties #ChandlerAZ#yourValleyProperty #GilbertRealtor #AZVHV#buyingaHome #LiveinSunnyAZ #BillSalvatore California Is Quietly Reappearing on the Investor Radar For the last few years, the narrative around real estate investing sounded almost automatic:  Investors were leaving expensive coastal markets and heading toward places like Florida and Texas where prices looked cheaper and entry points felt easier. But ...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
California Is Quietly Reappearing on the Investor RadarFor the last few years, the narrative around real estate investing sounded almost automatic:  Investors were leaving expensive coastal markets and heading toward places like Florida and Texas where prices looked cheaper and entry points felt easier.But toward the end of 2025, the data started showing something different.  Investor demand has not disappeared, but it is shifting again, and California is quietly reentering the conversation!Across the country, real estate investor activity has been relatively steady. Purchases have only inched up slightly over the past year, which suggests that many real estate investors are still cautious in the current rate environment. Higher borrowing costs and elevated home prices have made deals h...
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By Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375, Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers
(Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside)
Antes de enamorarte de una casa,obtén la preaprobación. Seamos realistas: has estado navegando por Zillow, Realtor, MLS —o cualquiera que sea tu sitio de referencia— a altas horas de la noche, simplemente «echando un vistazo». Así es como empieza todo. Si ya has llegado a ese punto, es hora de obtener la preaprobación hipotecaria.No se trata de comprometerse a comprar de inmediato, sino de conocer tus números. Un prestamista analiza tus ingresos, deudas y historial crediticio para ofrecerte un rango real y concreto, no una simple suposición. Una vez que tienes esa información, tu búsqueda se vuelve mucho más precisa: dejas de perseguir propiedades que no se ajustan a tu presupuesto y evitas que se te escapen aquellas que sí lo hacen. Y aquí es donde la gente suele cometer un error de cá...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
If saving money feels more difficult lately, you are not imagining it.Across the boards the cost of living has increased, from housing and utilities to insurance and everyday expenses. At the same time, larger financial goals like homeownership now require significantly more upfront capital, making it harder for many people to build the reserves they need. For those looking to invest in real estate, this could create a real challenge.Saving for a down payment while managing higher monthly expenses can feel like trying to move forward while everything around you is getting heavier. Even strong income earners are finding that it takes longer to build meaningful savings than it did just a few years ago.This is where expectations matter.There is often a lot of attention placed on fast succe...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.24% CANHOU 06/15/31 [-0.03%]     10 Year - 3.77%* Est CANHOU 09/15/36 [-0.02%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 2.52% [-]     Prime Rate 4.45% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.78% CAN 02/01/28 [-0.03%]     3 Year - 2.90% CAN 03/01/29 [-0.03%]     5 Year - 3.07% CAN 03/01/31 [-0.02%]     10 Year - 3.46% CAN 12/01/35 [-0.01%]  
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By Leo Namiot - LeoLends.com, More than just great rates
(Hartford Funding, LTD - Leo Namiot)
What Is a 1099 Mortgage? | Leo Namiot FL Mortgages | Leo Lends FL Mortgage LenderA 1099 mortgage is a home loan designed for self-employed borrowers, independent contractors, and business owners in Jacksonville and St. Augustine who receive income through Form 1099. Instead of requiring full tax returns, lenders may use your 1099 income to help you qualify.This is a major advantage if you maximize tax deductions. Traditional loans often use your net income after write-offs, which can make qualifying harder. With a 1099 mortgage, you may qualify using your gross 1099 earnings, giving you more buying power and flexibility.Ideal for:• Self-employed borrowers• Realtors & commission-based professionals• Contractors & freelancers• Small business ownersIf you're buying or refinancing in Jackso...
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By Darren Copeland, National Mortgage Broker. KC Market Expert.
(Summit Lending)
🏡 How to Tell If Your Mortgage Lender Is Helping You… or Hurting YouBuying a home—whether it’s your first in Kansas City or your next investment—is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make.But here’s something most buyers don’t realize:Not every lender is built to protect you.Some are there to guide you.Others are there to push a deal through.And the difference can cost you thousands of dollars—and a lot of stress.⚠️ Why This Matters in Today’s MarketAcross the Kansas City metro, from Overland Park to Liberty, buyers are re-entering the market and competition is picking up again.That means: Faster decisions More pressure Less room for mistakes And in that kind of environment, lender quality matters more than ever.Because when things move fast, the wrong lender doesn’t just slo...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
Just as the real estate market was beginning to regain a sense of rhythm, conditions shifted again: Mortgage rates had been trending downward, inventory levels were improving, and both buyers and agents were entering the spring season with cautious optimism. There was a growing sense that the market, while still challenging, was starting to stabilize.Then, almost overnight, a new layer of uncertainty entered the picture.Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has begun to ripple into the broader U.S. economy, and while it may seem distant from day-to-day real estate activity, the impact is already being felt in one of the most influential areas of the housing market: mortgage rates. After briefly dipping below 6%, the 30-year fixed rate moved back above 6.1% within a matter of days. While t...
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By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
Hey Melanie & Laura ☀️ What a perfect way to celebrate this sunny day… another WIN! 🏡 Alexander — congratulations on your new loan! Wishing you nothing but happiness and success in this next chapter.Thank you for trusting me to be part of your journey. It truly means a lot, and I look forward to working with you again in the future. If you ever have questions about your mortgage or anything financial, I’m always here as a resource. And if I don’t have the answer, I’ve got a strong network that will. 🙏 The biggest compliment you can give me is a referral—If you know anyone thinking about buying, selling, or refinancing, I’d truly appreciate you connecting us. 👉 You can be next. 📲 #justcallwilliam 630-881-8655 
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By Jeff Markell, Sr. Mortgage Advisor - Forward & Reverse
(Empire Home Loans Inc.)
One of the most common questions future homeowners ask is this: How much money should I put down? The truth is, there is no single perfect answer for everyone. What works beautifully for one buyer may not be the smartest move for another.A down payment is not just a number. It is part of a bigger strategy.Some buyers feel most comfortable putting as little down as possible. Others want to bring more money to the table so they can lower their monthly payment and start with stronger equity. Both approaches can make sense, depending on your goals, your savings, and how you want your overall finances to look after closing.For buyers using a lower down payment, usually somewhere in the 0 to 5 percent range, the biggest advantage is getting into a home sooner. This route can make homeownershi...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
Not every real estate loan fits neatly inside traditional lending guidelines, especially when the property price, loan amount, or timeline starts to stretch beyond the conventional guidelines.In larger transactions, financing can become one of the first sticking points. A deal may look strong overall, but if the loan scenario falls outside conventional comfort zones, the process can slow down quickly or stop altogether.That is one reason jumbo private money loans continue to matter. They can offer a path forward in situations involving higher-priced properties, larger capital needs, or scenarios where timing and flexibility play a bigger role than usual.For borrowers and investors alike, the key is often not whether a deal is possible, but whether the financing structure fits the realit...
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By Doug Jones, Mortgage Broker - NMLS 286668
(Mortgage Magic)
I frequently post mortgage market updates and several people have asked me what is  the UMBS that they see posted.When you look at daily mortgage market updates like those from Mortgage News Daily you’ll often see a mix of rates and indicators such as 30-year fixed, 15-year fixed, 30-year FHA, UMBS, and the 10-year Treasury. For many people the “UMBS 5.0 at 98.87” part can look confusing, but it’s actually one of the most important benchmarks behind the scenes of mortgage pricing. A UMBS, or Uniform Mortgage-Backed Security, is a bundle of home loans packaged together and sold to investors by institutions like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Investors earn returns as homeowners make their monthly mortgage payments. The “5.0” refers to the coupon rate, or the interest paid to investors not t...
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By John Lake, Sarasota and Cape Cod Mortgage Ba
(Shamrock Home Loans)
In the current market, it is easy to focus on the higher monthly payment, but there are several strategic advantages to purchasing when rates are elevated. As a veteran in the mortgage industry, I often remind clients that you can "refinance a rate, but you can't refinance your purchase price."Here are the primary advantages of buying in a higher-rate environment: Reduced Competition and "Bidding War" FatigueWhen rates are low (in the 3% or 4% range), the market is flooded with buyers. This leads to intense competition, multiple-offer scenarios, and "highest and best" showdowns. The Advantage: Higher rates act as a natural filter, thinning out the competition. You are less likely to be one of twenty offers on a single property, giving you a much better chance of actually getting the hom...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
The Sonoma County real estate market is beginning to feel different, not in a sudden or dramatic way, but through a steady shift that both buyers and sellers are starting to recognize. The pace is changing, expectations are adjusting, and the overall market is becoming more balanced, yet also more selective in the way it responds to each property.Inventory is opening up which is giving buyers more choices than they have had in recent years. At the same time, homes that are priced correctly, presented well, and aligned with what buyers want, are still attracting strong interest and moving quickly. That combination is shaping a market where success is no longer based on simply listing a property and waiting for momentum to take over. Buyers are looking more carefully, comparing more thoug...
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By John Lake, Sarasota and Cape Cod Mortgage Ba
(Shamrock Home Loans)
Whether it is a "good" time to refinance depends entirely on your current interest rate and your long-term goals. As of April 1, 2026, the market is in a very specific, volatile place.After dipping to 5.98% in Early March, the 30-year fixed refinance rate has drifted back up to an average of 6.78% – 6.85% due to the ongoing conflict in Iran and rising oil prices.Here is the breakdown to help you decide:The "1% Rule"With 30 years of experience, I usually tell clients that a refinance starts making sense when you can lower your current rate by at least 0.75% to 1.00%. If your current rate is 7.5% or higher: You are likely "in the money" right now. Even with the recent bump to 6.7%, you could see significant monthly savings. If your current rate is 6.5% or lower:  It might be better to wai...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
Mortgage Rates Are Moving With the ChaosMortgage rates are not reacting to just housing news alone right now. They are also responding to a much wider wave of uncertainty, including war, airport chaos, rising oil prices, and ongoing market volatility. Those kinds of events can quickly affect the bond market, and because mortgage rates tend to follow bond movement, even a single headline can create noticeable changes in rate pricing. Reuters, an international news agency, reported this week that airport disruptions tied to the TSA funding standoff have created long security lines and growing operational strain, while broader war related uncertainty has kept oil prices and market nerves elevated. That is what makes this rate environment feel so unsettled for borrowers. A day can begin wit...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.44% CANHOU 06/15/31 [+0.09%]     10 Year - 3.94%* Est CANHOU 09/15/36 [+0.09%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 2.54% [-]     Prime Rate 4.45% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 3.00% CAN 02/01/28 [+0.06%]     3 Year - 3.11% CAN 03/01/29 [+0.07%]     5 Year - 3.26% CAN 03/01/31 [+0.09%]     10 Year - 3.62% CAN 12/01/35 [+0.09%]  
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
 A lot of investors reach this same point in their journey: The first rental worked, maybe the second one did too. The numbers made sense, the rents covered the payments, and equity started building. Then they tried to buy again, only to hear that their debt-to-income ratio was too high, their tax returns showed too little income, or their write offs worked against them.This is usually when frustration sets in!The property is performing; the strategy is working yet traditional underwriting does not see it that way.Conventional mortgage guidelines are built around personal income with W2 wages, tax returns, and documented earnings carrying most of the weight. For investors who are self-employed, commission based, or strategically minimizing taxable income, that structure can feel disconn...
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By Chris Goulart, California Hard Money Loans & Solutions
(All California Lending)
If you work with real estate investors in San Joaquin County — or if you're starting to — it's worth understanding what hard money lending looks like in this market and how it can help you close deals that conventional financing would pass on.San Joaquin County has become one of the more active investment markets in Northern California. Stockton's inventory of older residential properties creates a steady stream of fix and flip opportunities. The Bay Area commuter communities of Tracy, Manteca, and Lathrop have seen consistent rental demand. Lodi's wine country market generates commercial investment activity. And the county's agricultural belt produces regular demand for land and rural property financing. Each of these market segments creates situations where hard money lending is usefu...
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