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Creative Ways to Finance a Home Renovation with Your Mortgage

May 14, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Renovating a home can be an exciting yet costly endeavor. Whether updating an outdated kitchen, adding more living space, or improving energy efficiency, homeowners often seek financing options that make renovations more affordable. One strategic way to fund home improvements is by leveraging your mortgage. Several loan programs and refinancing options allow homeowners to roll renovation costs into their mortgage, making upgrades more accessible and financially manageable.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Renovation, Mortgage Options, Renovation Loans

The Rise of Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance

May 13, 2025 by Robby Oakes

For many homeowners, a mortgage is one of the largest financial commitments they will ever undertake. With economic uncertainty, job market fluctuations, and unforeseen life events, many borrowers seek additional safeguards to ensure they can meet their mortgage obligations. One such safeguard that has gained prominence in recent years is Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance (MPPI).

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Financial Safety, Home Security, Mortgage Protection

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 12th, 2025

May 12, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Over the weekend, the recent talks with China and the U.S. about the recent tariffs have been said to be making progress recently in Geneva, leading to restoring some stability across all sectors and markets. The prior week, the FOMC decided not to change the rates and that will likely be the case in the foreseeable future. While having less presence due to the current economic climate, this week’s CPI and PPI inflation data releases remain as important as ever. These reports will offer insight into the recent impact of the trade war and help inform expectations for the near-term economic outlook.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Financial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

Explaining Mortgage Options for Self-Employed Borrowers with Irregular Income

May 9, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Securing a mortgage can be challenging for self-employed borrowers, especially those with irregular income. Traditional lenders typically rely on W-2s and steady paychecks to assess financial stability, which can make qualifying more complex for business owners, freelancers, and gig workers. However, several mortgage options cater specifically to self-employed individuals, allowing them to secure financing based on alternative income verification methods.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage Options, Mortgages, Self-Employment

The Impact of Rental Income on Mortgage Qualification

May 8, 2025 by Robby Oakes

For real estate investors and homeowners looking to purchase additional properties, rental income can play a crucial role in mortgage qualification. Lenders often consider this income when assessing a borrower’s ability to repay a loan, but the way it is calculated and applied varies based on different loan programs and underwriting guidelines. Understanding how rental income factors into mortgage approval can help buyers maximize their borrowing potential and secure favorable financing terms.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Mortgage Applications, Mortgage Qualification, Rental Income

The Impact of Homeowners Associations (HOAs) on Mortgage Approval

May 7, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When purchasing a home in a community with a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), it’s important to understand how this organization can impact your mortgage approval. While HOAs provide benefits like maintaining neighborhood amenities and enforcing community standards, they also add financial obligations that lenders consider when evaluating your loan application.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: HOAs, Mortgage Approval, Mortgages

The Benefits of Online Mortgage Calculators for Borrowers

May 6, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions a person can make, and understanding the costs involved is essential. Online mortgage calculators have become a valuable tool for borrowers, helping them estimate monthly payments, compare loan options, and determine affordability, all from the convenience of their computer or phone.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Financial Planning, Mortgage Calculators, Mortgage Planning

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 5th, 2025

May 5, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Last week featured a slew of releases, but the most important one as of this writing is the GDP estimates. Both the GDP and GDP deflator data have started to reverse their previous trends, raising serious concerns that the economy may be experiencing deflationary effects.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Financial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

Mortgage Options as a Visa or Green Card Holder

May 2, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but if you are on a visa or have a green card, you may wonder how your immigration status impacts your mortgage options. The good news is that many lenders offer home loans to non-citizens, though the process may involve additional requirements. Understanding your options can help you navigate the path to homeownership with confidence.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage Options, Mortgage Tips, Visa Holder

Can I Roll Closing Costs Into My Mortgage to Reduce My Upfront Expenses?

May 1, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a range of upfront costs that can add up quickly. One of the biggest financial concerns for many homebuyers is closing costs. These expenses, which typically range from 2 to 5 percent of the home’s purchase price, can put a strain on your budget. If you are wondering whether you can roll your closing costs into your mortgage to reduce your upfront expenses, the answer depends on the type of loan you are using and your lender’s guidelines.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Closing Costs, Home Financing, Mortgage Loans

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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