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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 21st, 2025

July 21, 2025 by Robby Oakes

While inflation has slowed down since the pandemic, it is showing a faster-than-expected rise for consumers, as the CPI (Consumer Price Index) has reported a higher than expected 0.3% increase, contrasted to the 0.2% expected increase.

Meanwhile, the PPI (Producer Price Index) has proven to be entirely flat, with the largest takeaway being that signs of tariff-related inflation are, at best, scattered among data reports, leading to many speculating that the impacts have been overestimated.

Given continued inflation for consumers, it is very unlikely the Federal Reserve will make any adjustments to the rate as it adopts a “wait-and-see” approach to the administration’s policies. Another noteworthy data release is retail sales, which has shown to snap back after the concerns about tariffs and widespread price increases have eased.

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

Could You Save Money by Refinancing Right Now?

July 18, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Many homeowners assume that if they did not refinance when rates hit historic lows, they missed their chance. But the truth is, refinancing is not only about chasing the lowest possible rate. It is about improving your overall financial picture. Depending on your current loan, interest rate, and personal goals, refinancing could still save you money or help you reach new financial milestones.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Mortgage Tips, Refinance Reports, Save Money

The One Number More Important Than Your Credit Score for Mortgage Approval

July 17, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When it comes to getting approved for a mortgage, most people immediately think of their credit score. While it is definitely important, there is another number that can play an even bigger role in your approval, our debt-to-income ratio. Also known as DTI, this number gives lenders a clearer picture of your ability to manage monthly payments and overall debt.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Debt to Income, Home Financing, Mortgage Tips

How to Talk to Your Parents About Co-Signing a Mortgage

July 16, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Asking your parents to co-sign a mortgage can be one of the most vulnerable conversations you will ever have. It is not just about paperwork and finances, it is about trust, timing, and long-term commitment. Whether you are a first-time buyer or trying to qualify for better loan terms, a co-signer can make a big difference, but only if everyone involved is fully informed and comfortable.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Cosign Help, First Time Buyer, Mortgage Tips

Understanding the Fear Behind Mortgage Debt and How to Move Past It

July 15, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but the thought of taking on a mortgage often creates anxiety. The idea of owing hundreds of thousands of dollars can feel overwhelming, even if you are financially stable. If you have ever hesitated to move forward with a home loan out of fear, you are not alone. This emotional reaction is more common than many people realize.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Financial Confidence, Homeownership Journey, Mortgage Help

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 14th, 2025

July 14, 2025 by Robby Oakes

This was an extremely light release week with only the Consumer Credit Report. The amount of expected credit was expected to rise but only showed half the growth — a sign that things are still in stable condition. The most important reports will be featured with next week’s releases of inflation data in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Producer Price Index (PPI), as well as the Federal Reserve’s Beige book. The Trump Administration has also further extended the pauses on the tariffs which has been a welcome relief.

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

Creative Strategies for Managing Mortgage Payments During Financial Hardship

July 11, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Financial hardship can happen for many reasons — job loss, medical emergencies, rising expenses, or unexpected life changes. One of the most important steps homeowners can take is to recognize early signs of financial strain. If your savings are shrinking, your income has dropped, or monthly bills are piling up, it is time to take action before falling behind on your mortgage.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Financial Hardship, Mortgage Payments, Mortgages

Creative Ways to Use Rent-to-Own Agreements to Buy a Home

July 10, 2025 by Robby Oakes

A rent-to-own agreement is a contract that allows a tenant to rent a home with the option to buy it later. Part of the monthly rent payment typically goes toward the future down payment or purchase price. This approach can be ideal for buyers who need more time to improve their credit, save money, or get financially ready for homeownership. It blends the flexibility of renting with the long-term goal of owning.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: First-Time Home Buyer, Home Buying Tips, Rent-to-Own Agreements

The Psychology of Homebuying and Emotions vs. Financial Logic

July 9, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is not just a financial decision, it is an emotional one too. For many people, homeownership represents stability, success, and personal freedom. Whether it is the excitement of finding your dream kitchen or imagining holidays with family, emotions naturally come into play. These feelings can create a strong connection to a property and often influence the decisions buyers make, sometimes even more than logic does.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Emotions vs Logic, First-Time Home Buyer, Home Buying Tips

How to Finance Energy-Efficient Home Improvements with a Mortgage

July 8, 2025 by Robby Oakes

As more homeowners look for ways to reduce utility bills and make their homes environmentally friendly, energy-efficient improvements have become a smart investment. The good news is that you do not need to pay out of pocket for all the upgrades at once. There are mortgage financing options that allow you to make energy-efficient improvements while also making your home more comfortable and affordable in the long run.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Energy Efficiency, Green Mortgage, Home Upgrades

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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