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Start with the Basics: How to Create a Budget to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Afford

July 7, 2015 by Robby Oakes

A mortgage is typically one of the biggest monthly payments and financial responsibilities that a person is responsible for. Mortgage payments usually impact the person’s budget significantly for several decades or longer.

While there are mortgage calculators online that can be used to estimate an affordable mortgage payment, it is important to start with a basic budget. A budget will allow you to more accurately determine how large of a mortgage payment is truly affordable before applying for a new mortgage.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgage Payments, Mortgages

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 6, 2015

July 6, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s housing-related economic events included the Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports for April, the Commerce Department’s Pending Home Sales report and a report on Construction Spending. In other economic news, Non-Farm Payrolls, the ADP Employment report and Consumer Confidence reports were released. Freddie Mac’s mortgage rates summary and the weekly unemployment claims report were released as usual.

Filed Under: Market Outlook Tagged With: Case Shiller, Freddie Mac, Jobless Claims

3 Reasons Why the Lowest Mortgage Interest Rate Isn’t Always Your Best Option

July 2, 2015 by Robby Oakes

One of the more common methods that home loan applicants use to find the best loan program available is to compare interest rates, but choosing the lowest rate possible is not always the best option available. In fact, in some cases, it may be one of the least advantageous options when all factors are considered.

Filed Under: Mortgage Rates Tagged With: Home Mortgage Tips, Interest Rates, Mortgages

Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slower in April

July 1, 2015 by Robby Oakes

According to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for April, home prices slowed from the March reading of 4.30 percent year-over-year to 4.20 percent year-over-year.

Filed Under: Market Outlook Tagged With: Case Shiller, Home Price Index, S&P Index

Buying a New Home? 3 Tips for Being Approved for a Second Mortgage – and How to Manage It

June 30, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Applying for a second mortgage is a great way to keep your down payment amount to a minimum and to keep more of your cash in your bank account. It can also help you to avoid making PMI payments…

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgages, Second Mortgages

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 29, 2015

June 29, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s economic news was largely positive as both new and existing home sales beat expectations. The Federal Housing Finance Agency reported that home price growth held steady in May, while weekly jobless claims edged up, but were lower than expected.

Filed Under: Market Outlook Tagged With: FHFA, Freddie Mac, Home Sales

Safety Tips: 5 Ways to Prepare for a House Fire – and What to Do if One Breaks Out

June 26, 2015 by Robby Oakes

House fires can break out for a wide range of reasons, and these include everything from grease fires while cooking in the kitchen to lightning striking the home.

Filed Under: Around The Home Tagged With: Around The Home, Home Safety, Homeowner Tips

Summer’s Coming! Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal and Get a Quick Sale with These 3 Tips

June 25, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Curb appeal is important in the home sales process, and this is because it will impact the overall first impression that potential home buyers have about the property.

Filed Under: Home Seller Tips Tagged With: Home Seller Tips, Selling a Home, Staging

Moving to the City? How to Downsize from a Large House to a Smaller Condo or Apartment

June 24, 2015 by Robby Oakes

With the higher cost of real estate in central urban areas and with real estate space at a premium, many who make the decision to relocate will need to downsize from a larger house to a smaller condo or apartment.

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

Four Surefire Ways to Ensure That You Get the Best Possible Deal on Your Mortgage

June 23, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Taking time to set up your home mortgage is one of the best steps that you can take to promote financial health and security. If you want to ensure that you get the best deal on your mortgage, focus on these key tips.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgage Payments, Mortgages

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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