Blog - Robby Oakes Mortgage

Case-Shiller: December Home Price Growth Slowest in 4 Years

February 27, 2019 by Robby Oakes

Case-Shiller Home Price Indices reported the slowest rate of U.S. home price growth since November 2014. According to the 20-City Home Price Index, Home prices grew by 4.20 percent year-over-year and were 0.20 percent higher in December as compared to November. The 20-City Home Price Index fell short of analysts’ expected gain of 4.80 percent year-over-year. Case-Shiller’s National Home Price Index reported home prices increased 4.70 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Managing Finances Before Applying For A Mortgage

February 26, 2019 by Robby Oakes

Are you planning on using a mortgage to help cover the cost of a new home? If so, you will want to prepare your finances and figure out how you will manage all those wallet-draining monthly expenses. Let’s take a look at how to run a quick financial health check to ensure you are ready to apply for a mortgage.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 25th, 2019

February 25, 2019 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s economic news included readings on homebuilder confidence in housing market conditions, minutes of January’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting, and existing home sales reported by the National Association of Realtors(R). Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.

FOMC Meeting Minutes: Why Fed’s Rate Policy Reversed Course

February 22, 2019 by Robby Oakes

After raising the target range for the federal funds rate in 2018, the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee did not raise the Central Bank’s key interest rate at its meeting of January 29 and 30. While Committee members did not raise the Fed’s key rate, members were divided on the interest rate decision.

Inexpensive Updates That Will Appeal To Buyers

February 21, 2019 by Robby Oakes

While you could spend tens of thousands of dollars or more completing a home makeover, there are more than a few budget-minded ideas that you may consider.

5 Simple Tips To Make Your Home Showings Easier

February 20, 2019 by Robby Oakes

Your real estate agent will likely give you 24 hours’ notice before bringing over interested buyers to see your home. Sometimes eager buyers may request less of an advance, or even ask for a last minute showing.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 19th, 2019

February 19, 2019 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s economic reports included readings on the Consumer Price Index, Core CPI, Retail Sales and Retail Sales excluding autos. The University of Michigan also released its Consumer Sentiment Index. Weekly readings for mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released.

3 Ways To Help Your Kids Deal With The Move

February 15, 2019 by Robby Oakes

Kids of all ages often have a hard time dealing with moving. They may not be able to understand why the family can’t stay in the same place forever. Even with explanations, children often can’t readily envision how amazing the new place will be.

5 Tips To Price Your Home To Sell For Top Dollar

February 14, 2019 by Robby Oakes

Many home sellers are confused about how to price their home to sell. It’s definitely challenging to try and find that sweet spot between pricing it low enough so it flies off the market without undercutting the home’s value.

Garage Organization Ideas For Your New Home

February 13, 2019 by Robby Oakes

Now that you have a beautiful new home with a garage, the fun of organizing can begin. When your garage is well organized, everything is much easier. You can get home projects finished faster, get out the door quicker and better enjoy all your sporting activities.