Blog - Robby Oakes Mortgage

The Pros and Cons of Putting in More Than 20 Percent as a Down Payment on Your New Home

April 21, 2015 by Robby Oakes

One of the most common questions home buyers ask today relates to how much money they need to put down on a home. There are several points to consider to determine if making a larger down payment is right for your financial situation.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 20, 2015

April 20, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s economic reports included the NAHB Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, Housing Starts, and Freddie Mac’s weekly survey of mortgage rates. Other news included the weekly jobless claims report and consumer sentiment for April.

Pre-sale Painting: Color Combinations to Use – and Avoid – when Painting Your Home

April 17, 2015 by Robby Oakes

You have a rainbow of possibilities for your space when preparing your home for sale, but you want to choose colors that will have broad or universal appeal to buyers and that will showcase your home in the best possible light.

Home Builder Confidence Rises in April

April 16, 2015 by Robby Oakes

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that April’s Housing Market Index rose from a reading of 52 in March to 56 for April. This is in line with warmer weather and the peak home buying season in spring and summer. Readings over 50 indicate that more builders view market conditions as positive as those who do not. NAHB members cited lower mortgage rates and better labor market conditions as reasons they expect more home buyers to enter the market.

You Ask, We Answer: How Often Should I Refinance the Mortgage on My House?

April 15, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Refinancing a home mortgage can provide you with an incredible range of benefits. These include everything from reducing your mortgage term and lowering your payments to helping you more effectively build equity or pulling equity out to use for beneficial purposes.

Suffering from Credit Problems? Understanding Mortgage Lenders and How They Assess Your Credit

April 14, 2015 by Robby Oakes

One of the most significant factors a mortgage lender will review when you apply for a new mortgage loan is your credit history and rating. While some people have stellar credit, others have a troubled credit history with lower scores. If you fall into the latter scenario, you may be wondering how lenders will assess your credit situation when you apply for a mortgage in the near future.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 13, 2015

April 13, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Last weekâs economic news included the minutes from the most recent FOMC meeting, which indicated that the Fedâs monetary policymakers are eyeing a potential increase in the target federal funds rate, but donât expect to do so immediately.

Looking for a Fun DIY Project This Spring? How to Plant Your Own Vegetable Garden

April 10, 2015 by Robby Oakes

When spring arrives, many people want to spend more time outdoors enjoying the fresh air and warmer temperatures. While you could lounge in a chair with a good book, you may find it more enjoyable to plant your own vegetable garden.

FOMC Minutes: Housing Market Stable But Slow

April 9, 2015 by Robby Oakes

The minutes of the March meeting of the Fedâs Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) were released Tuesday and included a staff review of current economic conditions. The minutes noted that while labor markets continued to grow, inflation to the Fedâs target rate of 2.00 percent was impeded by dropping fuel prices. The Committee noted that expectations for longer-term inflation remained stable.

First-time Real Estate Investor? Here Are 3 Helpful Tips That Will Get You Started

April 8, 2015 by Robby Oakes

As a first time real estate investor, you may be excited to start searching for a property to invest in. However, be sure to consider the following helpful tips to make your search more successful.