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Is Homeownership Still the American Dream?

August 27, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is more than a place to live, it is a path to financial growth, every mortgage payment builds equity, giving homeowners a valuable asset over time, unlike renting where monthly payments go to a landlord, homeowners are investing in their future, with the right mortgage strategy, owning a home can be one of the smartest financial moves you make.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: American Dream, Homeownership, Mortgages

How to Qualify for a Mortgage While Carrying Credit Card Debt

August 20, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Many potential homebuyers worry that carrying credit card debt will prevent them from qualifying for a mortgage. While it is true that lenders carefully evaluate your financial profile, having credit card balances does not automatically disqualify you. By understanding how lenders view debt, taking strategic steps to improve your application, and choosing the right mortgage program, you can still achieve your goal of homeownership.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Credit Card Debt, Homeownership, Obtaining a Mortgage

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

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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