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What If My Mortgage Pre-Approval Expires?

December 19, 2024 by Robby Oakes

A mortgage pre-approval is one of the most valuable tools in your homebuying journey. It’s not just a letter stating how much you’re qualified to borrow; it’s a written commitment from your lender that assures sellers you have the financial backing to make a competitive offer.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buying Tips, Mortgage Pre Approval, Pre-Approval Process

Exploring Down Payment Options for Homebuyers

December 18, 2024 by Robby Oakes

Saving for a down payment is a common hurdle for many homebuyers, but there are several ways to make it happen. Whether you’re tapping into savings, receiving a gift, or utilizing assistance programs, understanding your options can make the journey to homeownership smoother.

Filed Under: Home Mortgages Tagged With: Down Payment Tips, Home Buying Journey, Mortgage Help

Condo Financing vs. Single-Family Home Mortgages

December 17, 2024 by Robby Oakes

Purchasing a condo can be an exciting step, offering a more affordable option or an appealing lifestyle in certain areas. However, financing a condo differs significantly from securing a mortgage for a single-family home. These differences arise from the shared nature of condo ownership, affecting the underwriting process, appraisal requirements, insurance needs, and sometimes even the interest rate.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Condo Financing, Home Loan Tips, Mortgage Advice

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 16th, 2024

December 16, 2024 by Robby Oakes

Last week featured a light release schedule, with the key highlights being the CPI and PPI reports. The CPI has proven to be exactly within expectations, signaling the Federal Reserve should be on track for another planned rate cut. However, this was offset by higher-than-expected PPI inflation. Despite these mixed signals, both indicators show stable trends, and overall inflation appears to be moving toward the Federal Reserve’s target. The Federal Reserve remains committed to reducing inflation until their goal is achieved.

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

Why Getting Preapproved Before Your House Hunt Is Crucial

December 13, 2024 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and you want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible. Whether you’re just starting to browse homes or are ready to put in an offer, one of the most important steps you can take is getting preapproved for a mortgage.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Home Buying Mortgage Preapproval, Preapproved Home Loan

The Differences Between Hard and Soft Credit Inquiries

December 12, 2024 by Robby Oakes

Credit inquiries, also known as credit pulls or checks, are a standard part of assessing creditworthiness. However, not all credit inquiries are the same. They fall into two main categories: hard and soft credit inquiries.

Filed Under: Credit Scoring Tagged With: Credit Health, Financial Literacy, Hard Vs Soft Inquiries

5 Financial Tasks to Tackle Before the New Year

December 11, 2024 by Robby Oakes

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your financial health and set yourself up for success in the coming year. You can create a solid foundation to achieve your goals by focusing on key areas. Here are five important financial tasks to consider before the new year begins.

Filed Under: Holidays Tagged With: Budgeting Tips, Financial Planning, Year End Goals

Will Refinancing Impact Your Credit?

December 10, 2024 by Robby Oakes

Refinancing a mortgage can provide significant financial benefits, such as lowering your interest rate or accessing home equity. However, it’s important to understand how the process may temporarily affect your credit score.

Filed Under: Credit Scoring Tagged With: Credit Health, Mortgage Tips, Refinance Smart

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 9th, 2024

December 9, 2024 by Robby Oakes

With the CPI and PPI scheduled for release in the upcoming week, the previous week was lightly peppered with a small amount of impactful financial data releases. The highlight was the S&P Manufacturing PMI, which reported final numbers for the year showing better-than-expected improvements in the manufacturing sector. Unemployment data also aligned with expectations, reinforcing the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate cut remaining on track. Lastly, the Consumer Credit Report had the expected jump just before the Holiday Season as consumers relied on credit to make holiday purchases for the end of the year.

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

Why Refinancing Your Mortgage Before the Year Ends Is a Great Option

December 6, 2024 by Robby Oakes

As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to consider refinancing your mortgage. Whether you’ve been thinking about lowering your monthly payment, securing a better interest rate, or tapping into your home’s equity, refinancing can offer many benefits.

Filed Under: Mortgage Rates Tagged With: Mortgage Rates, Refinance, Tax Benefits

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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