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What to Know About Fractional Homeownership and Mortgages

January 8, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Fractional homeownership is becoming more popular as buyers look for creative ways to enjoy a second home or vacation property without taking on the full cost. Instead of owning one home entirely, you purchase a fraction of the property and share ownership with several other people. While the idea sounds simple, fractional ownership comes with unique rules, financing challenges, and long-term commitments that every buyer should understand before moving forward.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Fractional Ownership, Mortgage Tips, Vacation Homes

Mortgages for Parents With Young Kids and What to Consider

January 7, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home when you have young kids brings unique challenges, but it also creates opportunities to build stability for your family. Your priorities might look different from other homebuyers, and your financial decisions may need to reflect the needs of a growing household. By planning ahead and understanding what matters most, you can choose a mortgage that supports your budget, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals as a parent.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Family Finances, Home Buyers, Mortgage Tips

Mortgage Impacts of Using Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal for Income

January 6, 2026 by Robby Oakes

More people are earning money through freelancing, side gigs, digital work, consulting, and online sales. Because of this, it is common for income to flow through platforms like Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal instead of traditional direct deposits. While these tools make it easy to get paid, they can also affect your mortgage application in ways many buyers do not expect. Understanding how lenders view these platforms can help you prepare long before you apply for a home loan.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: First Time Buyers, Mortgage Tips, Self-employed Buyers

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 5th, 2026

January 5, 2026 by Robby Oakes

With the only notable item on the schedule being the release of the Federal Reserve minutes, which reflect the current stance of the Fed, virtually nothing has changed since the last rate cut. The Federal Reserve is expected to continue its wait-and-see approach.

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

Starting the New Year with Smart Home Financing

January 2, 2026 by Robby Oakes

The New Year is a natural time to pause, reset, and think intentionally about financial goals. For many buyers and homeowners, real estate and home financing are part of that plan. Whether you are considering purchasing a home, refinancing, or simply positioning yourself for future opportunities, starting the year with a clear strategy can make a meaningful difference.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buying Goals, Mortgage Planning, Smart Home Financing

Why Good Credit Score Is Not Always Enough to Secure a Mortgage

December 31, 2025 by Robby Oakes

A strong credit score gives many buyers confidence as they prepare to purchase a home. Good payment history and responsible credit use are valuable, but they do not guarantee approval. There are several other important factors that lenders review, and any one of them can slow down or stop the process.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Debt Management, Home Buying Info, Loan Approval

How the Sharing Economy Is Changing Mortgage Underwriting

December 30, 2025 by Robby Oakes

The rise of the sharing economy has changed the way many people work, earn, and budget. Income from rideshare driving, freelance projects, short-term rentals, and delivery apps has become a normal part of modern finances. These new income streams are helpful for building savings and paying bills, but they also affect how lenders view your mortgage application. Understanding how the sharing economy influences underwriting can help you prepare for a smooth approval process.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buying 101, Mortgage Tips, Sharing Economy

How Real-Time Income Verification Is Changing Mortgage Approval

December 26, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Mortgage approval used to require weeks of gathering documents, submitting pay stubs, waiting for HR departments to respond, and hoping everything lined up perfectly. Today, more lenders are moving toward real-time income verification, a faster and more accurate way to confirm your income during the mortgage process. This shift is making the approval timeline smoother for buyers and giving lenders a clearer picture of your financial situation.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage Approval, Mortgage Tips, Real Time Verification

How Medical Collections Affect Mortgage Approval

December 24, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Medical bills are one of the most common reasons people face unexpected debt, and many borrowers are surprised when they see a medical collection appear on their credit report. Even though medical debt is often caused by emergencies rather than irresponsible spending, it can still impact your mortgage application. Understanding how lenders view medical collections can help you prepare, protect your credit, and move confidently toward homeownership.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Medical Collections, Mortgage Approval, Mortgage Tips

How Buy Now Pay Later Debt Can Affect Your Mortgage Application

December 23, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buy Now Pay Later services have become a popular way to spread out small purchases, and for many buyers, these plans feel harmless. The payment amounts are usually small, the approval process is quick, and the apps are easy to use. What many future homebuyers do not realize is that Buy Now Pay Later activity can affect a mortgage application in ways that may not be obvious. Understanding how this type of debt shows up in your financial profile can help you prepare before you apply for a mortgage.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Budgeting Tips, Mortgage Education, Mortgage Tips

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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