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Understanding the Financial Power of Mortgage Points

July 14, 2026 by Robby Oakes

In the world of home financing, mortgage points are a powerful yet often misunderstood tool that can significantly impact your long-term financial outlook. Whether you’re purchasing a home or refinancing, understanding how these points work can help you make more informed decisions that align with your financial goals.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tagged With: Home Financing, Mortgage Points, Mortgage Tips

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 13th, 2026

July 13, 2026 by Robby Oakes

The Trade Balance has offered little new insight, as it has largely returned to levels seen prior to the earlier period of unstable tariff policies. Consumer Credit had been trending upward nearly every month; however, this latest report breaks that pattern by showing a decline in consumer credit usage. Meanwhile, the Fed’s Minutes revealed nothing particularly substantial, instead reflecting a dovish stance and a willingness to maintain current interest rates for the foreseeable future.

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

Why Your Spending Habits Matter More Than Your Income When Buying a Home

July 10, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Many people believe that earning a higher income automatically makes buying a home easier. While income certainly plays an important role, it is only part of the equation. How you manage the money you earn can have an even greater impact on your ability to qualify for a mortgage and comfortably afford homeownership. Developing healthy spending habits before you begin your home search can put you in a much stronger financial position.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Financial Wellness, Homeownership, Mortgage Tips

How Much Emergency Savings Should You Keep After Buying a Home?

July 9, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but your financial planning should not stop once you receive the keys. While it is tempting to put every available dollar toward your down payment or decorating your new space, maintaining an emergency savings fund is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Having money set aside for unexpected expenses can help you enjoy homeownership with greater confidence and less financial stress.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Emergency Savings, Financial Wellness, Homeownership

How to Build a Home Buying Budget That Still Lets You Enjoy Life

July 8, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it should not mean giving up everything you enjoy. A well-planned budget helps you become a homeowner while still making room for vacations, hobbies, family outings, and the occasional dinner out. The goal is to create a financial plan that supports your lifestyle instead of limiting it.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buying, Homeownership, Mortgage Planning

Should You Buy a Home Before Your Lease Ends?

July 7, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home before your lease expires may seem like paying for two places at once, but in many cases it can actually make the transition smoother and less stressful. Every situation is different, and understanding your options can help you decide whether overlapping your lease and mortgage is the right move.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: First-Time Home Buyer, Home Ownership, Mortgage Tips

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 6th, 2026

July 6, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Unemployment data has shown some rather interesting statistics, with the lowest unemployment rates in the last 14 months being reported. Looking closer at the statistics shows that the unemployment rate hasn’t just dropped due to more people finding work, but also because a significant number of people have stopped looking for work, causing the numbers to appear more favorable.

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

Why Small Financial Changes Can Delay Your Closing

July 3, 2026 by Robby Oakes

As closing day approaches, many homebuyers assume the mortgage process is nearly complete. While that is often true, lenders may continue reviewing your financial information until the final approval is issued. Even small changes to your finances can create new questions, require additional documentation, and potentially delay your closing. Knowing what to avoid can help keep your home purchase on track.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Closing Day, Mortgage Approval, Mortgage Tips

How a Co-Borrower Can Strengthen Your Mortgage Application

July 2, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but qualifying for a mortgage may feel challenging for some buyers. If your income, credit profile, or purchasing power falls short of your homeownership goals, applying with a co-borrower may help strengthen your mortgage application. While adding another borrower is not the right solution for everyone, understanding how it works can help you make an informed decision.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Co-Borrower, Mortgage Applications, Mortgage Approval

What to Do Financially During the 30 Days Before Closing

July 1, 2026 by Robby Oakes

The final month before closing is one of the most exciting parts of the home buying journey. It is also one of the most important times to keep your finances as stable as possible. Many buyers believe that once they receive loan approval, they can return to their normal spending habits. In reality, lenders often continue reviewing financial information until just before closing. Taking a few simple steps during these final weeks can help keep your mortgage on track and prevent unnecessary delays.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Closing Day, Mortgage Approval, Mortgage Tips

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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