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Creative Ways to Use Rent-to-Own Agreements to Buy a Home

July 10, 2025 by Robby Oakes

A rent-to-own agreement is a contract that allows a tenant to rent a home with the option to buy it later. Part of the monthly rent payment typically goes toward the future down payment or purchase price. This approach can be ideal for buyers who need more time to improve their credit, save money, or get financially ready for homeownership. It blends the flexibility of renting with the long-term goal of owning.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: First-Time Home Buyer, Home Buying Tips, Rent-to-Own Agreements

The Psychology of Homebuying and Emotions vs. Financial Logic

July 9, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is not just a financial decision, it is an emotional one too. For many people, homeownership represents stability, success, and personal freedom. Whether it is the excitement of finding your dream kitchen or imagining holidays with family, emotions naturally come into play. These feelings can create a strong connection to a property and often influence the decisions buyers make, sometimes even more than logic does.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Emotions vs Logic, First-Time Home Buyer, Home Buying Tips

Celebrating National Homeownership Month and How First-Time Buyer Programs Make It Possible

June 18, 2025 by Robby Oakes

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and spotlight the many programs designed to help first-time buyers turn that dream into reality. For many Americans, the biggest challenge to buying a home is coming up with the funds for a down payment or qualifying for a loan. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of mortgage options and assistance programs available to make homeownership more achievable.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: First Time Buyer, Homeownership Dream, National Homeownership Month

Can I Finance Home Renovations Into My Mortgage at Closing?

April 25, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Purchasing a home that needs renovations or upgrading your current home can be costly, but financing home improvements through your mortgage can be an effective solution. Instead of taking out a separate loan for renovations, some mortgage programs allow you to roll the cost of home improvements into your home loan at closing. This strategy can help you spread renovation costs over time while securing a potentially lower interest rate compared to personal loans or credit cards.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Home Buying, Home Renovation, Mortgage Tips

How Debt-to-Income Ratio Affects Your Mortgage Eligibility

March 18, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When applying for a mortgage, lenders evaluate several factors to determine your loan eligibility. One of the most critical metrics is your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI). Understanding how DTI impacts mortgage approval can help you better prepare for homeownership and improve your chances of securing the loan you need.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Debt To Income Ratio, Home Buying Tips, Mortgage Approval

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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