Blog - Robby Oakes Mortgage

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 23, 2015

February 23, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s housing related reports included the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Housing Market Index for February, The Commerce Department’s report on Housing Starts for January and Freddie Mac’s weekly report on average mortgage rates. The Federal Reserve released the minutes of January’s FOMC meeting, which indicated that FOMC members are in no hurry to raise the target federal funds rate.

Selling Your Home in 2015? Boost Your Resale Value with These Three Inexpensive Renovations

February 20, 2015 by Robby Oakes

To get top dollar for your home, renovations may be necessary. However, some renovations can prove costly and they donât always add value to your home. Here are three inexpensive renovations that are sure to improve the resale value of your home.

Fed Not in a Hurry to Raise Rates: FOMC Meeting Minutes

February 19, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Federal Open Market Committee policymakers are in no hurry to raise the target federal funds rate. Members said that raising rates too soon could swamp the strengthening economy and expressed concerns that changing the committeeâs current “patient” stance on rising rates could cause more harm than good to current economic conditions.

Saving Up for Your First Home? Our Guide to Finding Ways to Save Your Down Payment Faster

February 18, 2015 by Robby Oakes

If your goal is to purchase a home, you may find that it is challenging to save up enough money for your down payment. While this is something that many first time home buyers struggle with, it is by no means insurmountable.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 16, 2015

February 17, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s economic news included an index of labor market conditions provided by the Federal Reserve, a report on small business sentiment, and a report from the Labor Department on job openings. Weekly jobless claims, Freddie Mac’s mortgage rates report and a report on Consumer Sentiment rounded out the week.

DIY Lovers: ‘Greenify’ Your Home with These Three Eco-friendly Home Improvement Projects

February 13, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Are you a homeowner who is searching for ways to make your home a bit more eco-friendly? In today’s post we’ll explore a few projects that handy do-it-yourselfers can undertake in order to make a home a bit friendlier to the local environment.

Mortgage Refinancing: How to Ensure a ‘Re-Fi’ Makes the Most Sense for Your Financial Situation

February 12, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Refinancing your mortgage can make good financial sense, as long as you are doing it for the right reasons. Before considering a refinance, it’s worth spending some time to assess what your financial goals are.

Three Excellent Reasons to Buy a Home So You Can Get out of the “Renting Rut”

February 11, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Renting a home is a good option for some, but buying a home just might be the best thing for you. Let’s take a look at some big advantages to buying a house that will help you get out of your renting rut and focus more on your future.

Freelancing in 2015? Three Tips for How to Secure a Mortgage if You’re a Self-Employed Entrepreneur

February 10, 2015 by Robby Oakes

If you are self-employed, either as a freelancer or as the owner of your own business, your income can fluctuate greatly from year to year. That can make it difficult to get approved for a mortgage, although there are some things you can do to improve your chances. Here are three tips for securing a mortgage if you are self-employed.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 9, 2015

February 9, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s economic news included construction spending, which fell shy of expectations but exceeded the prior month’s spending, and several consumer and labor-related reports.