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Why Your ‘Debt-to-Income Ratio’ Number Matters When Obtaining a Mortgage

August 26, 2016 by Robby Oakes

If you are looking to buy a home, you may want to consider shopping for a loan first. Having your financing squared away ahead of time can make it easier to be taken seriously by buyers and help move along the closing process. For those who are looking to get a mortgage soon, keep in mind that the Debt-to-Income ratio of the borrower plays a huge role in the approval of your mortgage application.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage Tips

The Type of Home You Want to Buy Determines Your Closing Cost and Here’s Why

August 25, 2016 by Robby Oakes

Savvy home buyers who are preparing to make a real estate purchase should do their research and understand that they need to save money for not only the down payment but the closing costs as well. The closing costs can account for as much as three to five percent of the sales price in some cases, so this can be a rather sizable amount of money. Some home buyers however, may not realize that the amount of closing costs can vary considerably based on the home that is purchased. With a closer look at why this is, home buyers can make a more educated decision when selecting a home to purchase.

Filed Under: Mortagage Tips Tagged With: Closing Costs, Home Purchase

Buying Your First Home? Learn These 5 Essential Home Maintenance Skills as Soon as Possible

August 24, 2016 by Robby Oakes

New homes can be scary. But when you take the time to think about it, and plan ahead, maintaining a home is easier than you think – a manageable mix of experience and common sense. Here are five skills that will help maintain your new home for years to come.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Buying a Home, Home Buyer Tips, Home Maintenance

Getting to Know the Neighbors: 3 Tips for Building Good Relationships

August 23, 2016 by Robby Oakes

One of the factors involved in feeling truly comfortable in your community is the relationships that you’ve been able to establish with the locals in your neighborhood, but it can be hard to know how to nurture a good relationship. Whether you’re moving to a new home soon or are wondering how to make some nearby friends, here are some simple tips for ingratiating the ones that live closest to you.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Home Buyer Tips, Neighbor Relationships

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 22, 2016

August 22, 2016 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s economic news included the NAHB Housing Market Index, Commerce Department releases on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.

Filed Under: Mortagage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage Tips

Real Estate Investing: How to Find Great Deals on Undeveloped Lots with Big Potential

August 19, 2016 by Robby Oakes

Purchasing a plot of land can be one of the best investments to make. A landowner has great (but not unlimited) freedom in how to develop their plot, and land never expires so its potential is essentially infinite. That said, buying undeveloped or vacant land can be risky business, so read on to find tips on purchasing a plot.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Buying a Home, Home Buyer Tips, Investment Properties

NAHB: Builder Sentiment Improves in August

August 18, 2016 by Robby Oakes

According to the National Association of Home Builders, August home builder sentiment met analyst expectations and rose by two points to a reading of 60; July’s reading was revised downward to 58. Two out of three components used in calculating the Home Builder Index were higher. Builder sentiment concerning current housing conditions rose two points to 65. Builders were also more confident about housing market conditions within the next six months; August’s reading was one point higher at 56. Builders were less confident about buyer traffic in new housing developments. August’s reading slipped one point to 44.

Filed Under: Home Building Tips Tagged With: Home Builders

3 Things You Must Do after Inheriting a Home

August 17, 2016 by Robby Oakes

There can be a lot of excitement when it comes to the realization that you’ve inherited a home, but simply because it’s an inheritance doesn’t mean there aren’t a few strings attached. Whether you’re expecting to be gifted with a home in the future or you’re currently going through this process, here are a few things you may need to watch out for.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tips Tagged With: Inheriting A Home, Real Estate Tips

Bi-weekly or Monthly Mortgage Payments – Which is better?

August 16, 2016 by Robby Oakes

When you apply for a new mortgage, your lender may ask if you want to set up monthly payments or bi-weekly payments. At one time, monthly payments were common, but bi-weekly payments are increasing in popularity. This is because they break a large expense up into two smaller and seemingly more manageable payments. In addition, you can also make what equates to a full extra payment on the mortgage each year with a bi-weekly payment structure. Before you decide which is best for you, consider a few factors.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage Tips

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 15, 2016

August 15, 2016 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s economic news included reports on job openings, retail sales and recurring reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Job openings and hiring increased, which provided further evidence of stronger economic conditions. Retail sales were flat in July, new unemployment claims dropped and mortgage rates changed little.

Filed Under: Mortgage Rates Tagged With: Labor Report, Mortgage Rates

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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