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The Benefits of Paying Points on Your Mortgage

August 13, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When you take out a mortgage, you may be given the option to pay points in exchange for a lower interest rate. A mortgage point, also known as a discount point, is equal to 1% of the loan amount. For example, if you re financing $200,000, one point would cost $2,000. While paying points means you ll pay more upfront, it can offer long-term savings. Understanding the benefits of paying points on your mortgage can help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Loans, Mortgage Points, Mortgage Tips

Cash-Out Refinance vs. Rate-and-Term Refinance: Which One Is Right for You?

August 12, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When considering refinancing your mortgage, two main options often come to the forefront: Cash-Out Refinance and Rate-and-Term Refinance. Both allow you to change the terms of your mortgage, but they serve different purposes and have distinct advantages. Understanding the differences between these two refinancing options is crucial to making an informed decision that best aligns with your financial goals.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Loans, Mortgage Refinance, Refinancing Options

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 11th, 2025

August 11, 2025 by Robby Oakes

There were several notable releases this last week, with the largest being the PCE Index — the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator. The PCE Index may be the more accurate indicator going forward, as data collection for the Consumer Price Index has been recently cut, thereby reducing its reliability. As expected, the inflation numbers have been steadily rising with the PCE Index, indicating that impacts from the tariffs are now filtering into prices for both producers and consumers.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Financial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

Why Retirees Are Taking Out Mortgages on Purpose

August 8, 2025 by Robby Oakes

For generations, the goal was simple, pay off your mortgage before retirement and enjoy your golden years debt-free. But today’s retirees are changing the conversation. More and more, homeowners in or near retirement are choosing to take out a mortgage on purpose, not out of necessity. And for many, it is a smart financial move.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage In Retirement, Retirement Mortgage, Smart Retirement Planning

Your Mortgage Timeline, Backward

August 7, 2025 by Robby Oakes

For many homebuyers, the mortgage process feels like a maze. You know you want to own a home, but the path to get there can feel confusing. So let us try something different. Instead of walking forward through the process, let us walk backward, starting from the moment you get the keys and working our way to where you are now.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Closing Day Countdown, Home Loan Steps, Mortgage Timeline

From Divorce to Fresh Starts, the Mortgage Paths No One Talks About

August 6, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When people think about getting a mortgage, the story usually sounds the same, young couple, starter home, perfect timing. But real life does not always follow that script. The truth is, many people come to the mortgage process in the middle of a major life change. Divorce, job loss, rebuilding credit, or starting over later in life, these chapters are real, and so are the mortgage paths that come with them.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Life After Divorce, Mortgage Fresh Start, Real Life Home Loans

Why Getting Pre-Approved Feels So Intimidating, and Why It Shouldn’t

August 5, 2025 by Robby Oakes

For many people, the idea of getting pre-approved for a mortgage feels overwhelming. You are asked to hand over personal financial information, trust a stranger with your credit report, and answer questions you may not feel ready to face. It is no wonder some buyers delay this step, even when they are serious about purchasing a home.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buying Confidence, Mortgage Pre Approval, Real Estate Journey

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 4th, 2025

August 4, 2025 by Robby Oakes

There were several notable releases this last week, with the largest being the PCE Index — the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator. The PCE Index may be the more accurate indicator going forward, as data collection for the Consumer Price Index has been recently cut, thereby reducing its reliability. As expected, the inflation numbers have been steadily rising with the PCE Index, indicating that impacts from the tariffs are now filtering into prices for both producers and consumers.

As a follow up, Personal Income & Spending has had a light upturn after the initial panic with the tariffs. Lastly, the job numbers from last week have been unexpectedly weak, showing a slow down of the economy overall due to many factors.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Financial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

The Risks of Using a Mortgage for House Flipping

August 1, 2025 by Robby Oakes

House flipping, the practice of buying a property, renovating it, and quickly selling it for a profit, can be an exciting and potentially lucrative investment strategy. However, financing a flip with a traditional mortgage carries significant risks that investors should carefully consider before proceeding.

Filed Under: Home Financing Tips Tagged With: House Flipping, Investment Property, Mortgage Risks

Should You Get a Mortgage If You Plan to Move Soon?

July 31, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Deciding to buy a home when you know you might move within a few years can be a challenging choice. Many people wonder if it makes financial sense to take on a mortgage if they will not live in the property long term. The answer depends on several factors, including your personal goals, market conditions, and your financial situation.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Home Buying, Mortgage Tips, Moving Soon

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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