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Why Your Cash Reserves Matter After You Buy a Home

September 10, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Saving enough money for a down payment and closing costs can feel like the primary financial goal when purchasing a home. However, becoming a homeowner does not mean your need for savings disappears at closing. Keeping money available after the purchase can provide an important financial cushion as you adjust to the costs and responsibilities of homeownership.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Emergency Fund, Homeownership, Mortgage Tips

What Happens If Your Income Changes Before Closing?

September 9, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Getting approved for a mortgage is an important milestone, but the financial review does not necessarily end once you receive an initial approval. Lenders may verify certain information again before closing, including your employment and income. If your income changes during this period, it could affect your mortgage approval, depending on the circumstances.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buyer Tips, Mortgage Approval, Mortgage Tips

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 8th, 2026

September 8, 2026 by Robby Oakes

The Non-farm Payroll figures are a strong indicator of the job market and showed a notable increase this quarter. However, this doesn’t necessarily indicate a significant shift in the job market as a whole, as certain sectors have experienced outsized impacts compared to others. JOLTs job openings data does support the increase in openings seen over the last quarter, though it is not among the largest indicators on the broader economic scale.

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

4 Ways to Help Your Mortgage Transaction Close On Time

September 4, 2026 by Robby Oakes

When you’ve finally found the home you’re looking for at the right price, it’s easy to think that the hard part is over; however, there’s still a lot to do in order to ensure your purchase goes through without a hitch. If you’re tying up the loose ends on your home purchase, here are some things you should do to avoid any unnecessary delays.

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

Ways That You Can Go Greener On Your Home Improvement

September 3, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Use eco-friendly materials: Consider using materials that are made from sustainable and renewable resources such as bamboo, cork, or recycled materials. These materials not only have a lower impact on the environment but can also add a unique touch to your home.

Filed Under: Around The Home Tagged With: Aroundthe Home, Eco Friendly, Go Green

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Online Mortgage Lenders

September 2, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Using online mortgage lenders can offer several advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional brick-and-mortar lenders. It’s important to weigh these factors based on your individual preferences, needs, and financial situation. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage, Mortgage Lender, Online Mortgage Lending

A Deep Dive into Mortgage and Tax Facts

September 1, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Owning a home is a significant milestone that comes with a multitude of financial considerations. Beyond the pride of homeownership, there are substantial tax benefits and deductions available to those who embark on this journey. We will explore key facts about mortgages and taxes, focusing on the deductions, credits, and benefits that can make homeownership a financially savvy decision.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Homebuyer Credits, Mortgage, Taxes

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 31st, 2026

August 31, 2026 by Robby Oakes

The PCE Index has remained above the Federal Reserve’s target and continues to be the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure for tracking inflation. Although the latest reading was not significantly above expectations, when considered alongside a number of other factors, it could contribute to the potential for a rate increase, particularly as the PCE Index has repeatedly come in higher than expected in recent months.

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

What Homeowners Should Know Before Removing Mortgage Insurance

August 28, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Mortgage insurance can make homeownership accessible with a smaller down payment, but many homeowners eventually wonder whether it can be removed. The answer depends on the type of mortgage you have, your loan balance, property value, payment history, and the rules that apply to your specific loan.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Homeownership, Mortgage Insurance, Mortgage Tips

How a Large Down Payment Can Affect More Than Your Monthly Payment

August 27, 2026 by Robby Oakes

When buying a home, it is natural to assume that putting as much money down as possible is always the best financial decision. A larger down payment can provide meaningful advantages, but it also affects more than the size of your monthly mortgage payment. Understanding the broader impact can help you decide how much cash makes sense to use at closing.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Downpayment, Homeownership, Mortgage Tips

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

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