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Why an Easement on the Property Could Raise Questions During Mortgage Approval

October 28, 2026 by Robby Oakes

You may love a home’s layout, yard, and neighborhood without realizing that someone else has a legal right to use part of the property. That right may be an easement. Easements are common, and many cause no problems at all. Still, buyers should understand what an easement allows, where it is located, and whether it affects the property’s value or access before moving forward with a mortgage.

Filed Under: Home Buying Tips Tagged With: Home Buying Tips, Mortgage Education, Property Easements

Can a Home-Based Business Affect Your Mortgage Approval?

October 27, 2026 by Robby Oakes

A home office, a small workshop, or a room used to meet clients may seem like a normal part of modern homeownership. But when you apply for a mortgage, the way a property is used can matter just as much as how it looks. A home-based business does not automatically prevent financing. The questions usually involve whether the property remains primarily residential, whether its use is permitted, and whether the lender can comfortably evaluate it as a home.

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

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 26th, 2026

October 26, 2026 by Robby Oakes

The Consumer Sentiment report was the largest release in an otherwise light week. The report showed that sentiment has improved over the last couple of months. However, this improvement comes against the backdrop of consumer sentiment having dropped more than 30 points since January and remaining at relatively low levels throughout the year.

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

How Leased Solar Panels Can Affect Your Mortgage Approval

October 23, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Solar panels can make a home attractive to buyers who want to manage electricity costs. But the panels on a roof are not always owned by the seller. When a solar system is leased or covered by another third-party agreement, buyers may need to review additional paperwork before their mortgage can be finalized.

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

What Happens When the Home You Want Is on a Private Road?

October 22, 2026 by Robby Oakes

A home tucked away at the end of a quiet private road may offer the privacy and space buyers have been looking for. Yet the road leading to the front door can raise questions that have little to do with the home’s appearance. Before purchasing, it is important to understand who has the right to use that road and who is responsible for maintaining it.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage Tips, Private Road, Property Access

Why Unpermitted Renovations Can Create Problems During Mortgage Approval

October 21, 2026 by Robby Oakes

A remodeled kitchen, converted garage, or added bedroom can make a home look more appealing. But a beautiful renovation does not always tell the full story. If work was completed without permits that were required locally, buyers may encounter questions during the appraisal, inspection, or mortgage approval process.

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

Can You Finance a Home That Has a Second House on the Property?

October 20, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Finding a property with two houses can feel like discovering a bonus. The smaller home might provide space for relatives, visiting friends, or future rental income. Before making plans, however, buyers should understand that financing a property with two residences may be different from financing a typical single-family home.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Accessory Dwelling Unit, Mortgage Tips, Property Financing

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 19th, 2026

October 19, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Inflation numbers are in and came in much higher than expected. Even the core inflation numbers for both reports were higher than anticipated. Core inflation is intended to exclude some of the most volatile components, including food and energy costs, painting a picture in which the Federal Reserve will need to continue its tightening measures until inflation is under control.

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

Can You Get a Mortgage on a Home That Has Been Moved From Another Location?

October 16, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Most buyers assume that the home they are purchasing has always been located on its current property. However, some houses have been physically relocated from one location to another.

Whether a historic home was preserved by moving it or an existing structure was transported to a new lot, the property’s relocation history can create unique questions during the mortgage process.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buying, Property Appraisal, Unique Homes

Why a Mortgage Lender May Question a Property With More Than One Parcel

October 15, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Imagine finding a beautiful home that comes with an extra piece of land next door. Perhaps the additional lot provides more privacy, a larger backyard, or room for future improvements.

While this may sound like an attractive bonus, purchasing a home that includes multiple parcels can introduce mortgage questions that buyers might not expect.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage Education, Mortgage Tips, Property Parcels

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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