Blog - Robby Oakes Mortgage

2015 and Kitchen Design: Three Trends That You Need to Be Aware of Before You Renovate

January 23, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Renovating your kitchen is an excellent way to improve its look, increase the value of your home and appeal to a more diverse range of home buyers if you decide to sell. However, a kitchen remodel can easily cost $10,000 to $20,000 or more, which is why you want to make choices that you can live with.

Three Tips for Reducing Your Closing Costs if You’re Looking Forward To Buying a Home in the Spring

January 22, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Home buying has costs associated with it other than the mortgage itself. Known as closing costs,,these fees are a part of the home buying process and they are due at the time that the mortgage is finalized. Buyers, however, can negotiate these costs and reduce the expense with a little bit of effort and with the help of a good mortgage professional.

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Nears 2005 High

January 21, 2015 by Robby Oakes

The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index reported that homebuilder confidence in sales conditions for single-family homes declined one point to a reading of 57. The NAHB Housing Market Index measures home builder confidence based on builder opinions of current market conditions, future market conditions and buyer foot traffic in new homes.

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

January 20, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s scheduled economic news was mixed. Job openings increased and jobless claims increased, and consumer sentiment rose. Mortgage rates fell across the board. Labor market conditions improved and consumer prices fell in large part due to decreasing fuel prices.

Three Subtle Painting Tricks That Will Make Your Home Look Amazing

January 16, 2015 by Robby Oakes

When it comes to painting the walls of a house, sometimes subtle is best. You want to add design, color, and texture to the walls, but you don’t want it jarring to the eyes. Here are three subtle painting techniques you can try on your home walls.

Budgeting: How to Manage Large Mortgage Payments when Buying a Costly, High-value Home

January 15, 2015 by Robby Oakes

If you are preparing to take on a larger mortgage payment that is reasonably manageable for you, you may do so with greater confidence when you follow a few tips.

Three Major Mortgage Mistakes Which Are Sure to Increase Your Closing Costs

January 14, 2015 by Robby Oakes

When shopping for a mortgage, it is important to take closing costs into account. Let’s take a look at some major mistakes that could result in borrowers paying more than they need to in closing costs.

How Low Can They Go: With Mortgage Interest Rates Low, Should You Refinance?

January 13, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Do you have a mortgage? In today’s blog post we’ll explore the topic of mortgage refinancing, including when you should consider refinancing and how to take advantage of low interest rates.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 12, 2015

January 12, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s economic news was dominated by labor reports and FHA’s announcement that it will lower its mortgage insurance premiums in an effort to make homes more affordable for first-time and moderate income home buyers. Mortgage rates fell last week as employment reports showed strengthening job markets.

Tankless Water Heaters: The Pros and Cons of Going Tankless In Your Home

January 9, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Large water heaters are unsightly appliances that home-sellers would rather hide. Although it’s not always possible to banish these structures, it is possible to replace them with a version that is not as overbearing.