Blog - Robby Oakes Mortgage

Buying a New Home in the City? The Pros and Cons of Buying a Home on a Busy Street

January 29, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home in the city is a venture that comes with an entire assortment of advantages and disadvantages. While the location might be close in proximity to businesses, services, and other people, it’s easy to worry about the other aspects of city living. What are the great and not-so-great facets of living on a busy street?

Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slower in November

January 28, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports for November indicate that home price growth continues to slow. The 20-City Home Price Index dropped by 0.20 percent to November’s reading of 4.30 percent year-over-year.

Three iPhone and Android Apps That Make Managing Your Mortgage Payments Quick and Easy

January 27, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Managing your mortgage payments can be challenging, but there are some incredible apps available for use with Android or iPhone smartphones that can simplify your mortgage management tasks.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 26, 2015

January 26, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s economic reports included the National Association of Home Builders Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, Housing Starts for December and the FHFA Home Price Index report for November. Freddie Mac and the Department of Commerce released their weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

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.

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