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The Impact of Rental Income on Mortgage Qualification

May 8, 2025 by Robby Oakes

For real estate investors and homeowners looking to purchase additional properties, rental income can play a crucial role in mortgage qualification. Lenders often consider this income when assessing a borrower’s ability to repay a loan, but the way it is calculated and applied varies based on different loan programs and underwriting guidelines. Understanding how rental income factors into mortgage approval can help buyers maximize their borrowing potential and secure favorable financing terms.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Mortgage Applications, Mortgage Qualification, Rental Income

The Impact of Homeowners Associations (HOAs) on Mortgage Approval

May 7, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When purchasing a home in a community with a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), it’s important to understand how this organization can impact your mortgage approval. While HOAs provide benefits like maintaining neighborhood amenities and enforcing community standards, they also add financial obligations that lenders consider when evaluating your loan application.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: HOAs, Mortgage Approval, Mortgages

The Benefits of Online Mortgage Calculators for Borrowers

May 6, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions a person can make, and understanding the costs involved is essential. Online mortgage calculators have become a valuable tool for borrowers, helping them estimate monthly payments, compare loan options, and determine affordability, all from the convenience of their computer or phone.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Financial Planning, Mortgage Calculators, Mortgage Planning

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 5th, 2025

May 5, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Last week featured a slew of releases, but the most important one as of this writing is the GDP estimates. Both the GDP and GDP deflator data have started to reverse their previous trends, raising serious concerns that the economy may be experiencing deflationary effects.

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

Mortgage Options as a Visa or Green Card Holder

May 2, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but if you are on a visa or have a green card, you may wonder how your immigration status impacts your mortgage options. The good news is that many lenders offer home loans to non-citizens, though the process may involve additional requirements. Understanding your options can help you navigate the path to homeownership with confidence.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage Options, Mortgage Tips, Visa Holder

Can I Roll Closing Costs Into My Mortgage to Reduce My Upfront Expenses?

May 1, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a range of upfront costs that can add up quickly. One of the biggest financial concerns for many homebuyers is closing costs. These expenses, which typically range from 2 to 5 percent of the home’s purchase price, can put a strain on your budget. If you are wondering whether you can roll your closing costs into your mortgage to reduce your upfront expenses, the answer depends on the type of loan you are using and your lender’s guidelines.

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

Should You Use a 401(k) for a Down Payment?

April 30, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is a major financial milestone, and saving for a down payment can be one of the biggest challenges. If you’re struggling to gather the necessary funds, you might be considering using your 401(k) retirement savings to cover the cost. While this option is available, it’s essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks before making a decision.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: 401k Loans, Down Payment, Mortgages

What Percentage of Your Income Should Go Toward a Mortgage?

April 29, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When buying a home, one of the most critical financial decisions is determining how much of your income should go toward your mortgage. Striking the right balance ensures that you can comfortably afford your home without stretching your budget too thin. Lenders use various guidelines to help buyers determine affordability, but personal financial goals and lifestyle should also factor into the decision.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: DTI, Mortgage Payments, Mortgages

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 28th, 2025

April 28, 2025 by Robby Oakes

While many useful indicators are set to be released this week, the previous week left us only with the Leading Economic Indicators, which showed signs of the economy slowing down in the future. Consumer Sentiment reports also indicated widespread dissatisfaction across all levels of income and education, largely due to the impacts of recent tariff decisions, which have been on hold.

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

Can I Finance Home Renovations Into My Mortgage at Closing?

April 25, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Purchasing a home that needs renovations or upgrading your current home can be costly, but financing home improvements through your mortgage can be an effective solution. Instead of taking out a separate loan for renovations, some mortgage programs allow you to roll the cost of home improvements into your home loan at closing. This strategy can help you spread renovation costs over time while securing a potentially lower interest rate compared to personal loans or credit cards.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Home Buying, Home Renovation, Mortgage Tips

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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