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Preparing Your Mortgage for Life on One Income When a Baby Is on the Way

December 19, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Welcoming a new baby is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with financial changes, especially when a household shifts to one primary income. Managing a mortgage during this transition can feel overwhelming at first, but many families successfully navigate it every day. With thoughtful planning and a few smart adjustments, it is possible to maintain stability while focusing on what matters most.

Filed Under: Homeowner Tips Tagged With: Homeownership, Mortgage Planning, Mortgage Tips

What Makes Jumbo Mortgages Different and Why Refinancing Them Requires a Specialized Approach

December 18, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Not all mortgage loans are created equally, and jumbo mortgages are a clear example of that difference. These loans are designed for higher priced homes and come with unique guidelines that affect both buying and refinancing decisions. Understanding how jumbo mortgages work and why refinancing them is different can help you make smarter long-term financial choices.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Loan Education, Jumbo Mortgages, Mortgage Refinance

Will You Need Private Mortgage Insurance on Your Mortgage Loan?

December 17, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When preparing to buy a home, many borrowers focus on the interest rate and monthly payment, but mortgage insurance is another important factor to understand. Private mortgage insurance is often required when a borrower makes a smaller down payment and knowing how it works can help you plan more confidently and avoid surprises during the loan process.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Home Buying Tips, Mortgage Education, Mortgage Insurance

Smart Ways to Protect Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage

December 16, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Your credit score plays a major role in the mortgage process. It helps determine whether you qualify for a loan, how much you can borrow, and the interest rate you may receive. Even small changes to your credit profile can impact your long-term cost of homeownership. The good news is that there are clear steps you can take to protect your score and position yourself for better mortgage options.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Credit Score, Financial Planning, Mortgage Tips

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 15th, 2025

December 15, 2025 by Robby Oakes

The Federal Reserve Interest Rate decision occurred the prior week, with the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates another quarter as expected by many industry analysts. This has given the market a lot of optimism that the trend will still continue and the Chairman Jerome Powell has stated it’s a good time to wait and see where the economy is headed before cutting rates further, giving further confidence more will be coming next year.

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

What Really Happens If You Miss a Mortgage Payment

December 12, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Missing a mortgage payment can feel scary, especially when you are working hard to manage your finances and stay on track. Life happens, and sometimes unexpected situations make it difficult to pay on time. The good news is that one missed payment does not mean you will lose your home. Understanding what happens behind the scenes, what lenders look for, and how quickly you should take action can help you stay calm, fix the issue, and protect your credit.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Homeowners, Mortgage Help, Mortgage Tips

Mortgage Planning for Long-Distance Relationships Becoming Local

December 11, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When two people in a long-distance relationship decide to finally live in the same city, the excitement is huge, and so are the financial decisions that come with it. Moving from long-distance to local often means navigating new jobs, new routines, and possibly a new home purchase.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Long-Distance Relationships, Mortgage Planning, Mortgage Tips

How to Avoid Overpaying for Homeowners Insurance with Your Mortgage

December 10, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When you buy a home with a mortgage, homeowners’ insurance is not optional, it is required. Lenders need to know the property is protected, and you need the peace of mind that comes with knowing your largest investment is covered. The challenge is that many homebuyers end up paying too much for their policy without even realizing it. With a little preparation, you can avoid overpaying and make sure your insurance matches your true needs rather than one size that fits all approach.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buyers, Mortgage Tips, New Homeowners

What Are the Pros and Cons of No Deposit Mortgage Loans

December 9, 2025 by Robby Oakes

No deposit mortgage loans can sound appealing to buyers who want to purchase a home without spending years saving for a down payment. While these loans offer clear advantages, they also come with risks and responsibilities that every buyer should consider before moving forward.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: First Time Buyer, Home Buyers, Mortgages

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 8th, 2025

December 8, 2025 by Robby Oakes

The PCE Index reports have come in–albeit delayed–and show inflation numbers that fell within expectations. The data also indicates that inflation has not worsened since before the government shutdown. It is widely believed that the Federal Reserve will likely cut rates once more.

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

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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