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Starting the New Year with Smart Home Financing

January 2, 2026 by Robby Oakes

The New Year is a natural time to pause, reset, and think intentionally about financial goals. For many buyers and homeowners, real estate and home financing are part of that plan. Whether you are considering purchasing a home, refinancing, or simply positioning yourself for future opportunities, starting the year with a clear strategy can make a meaningful difference.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buying Goals, Mortgage Planning, Smart Home Financing

Why Good Credit Score Is Not Always Enough to Secure a Mortgage

December 31, 2025 by Robby Oakes

A strong credit score gives many buyers confidence as they prepare to purchase a home. Good payment history and responsible credit use are valuable, but they do not guarantee approval. There are several other important factors that lenders review, and any one of them can slow down or stop the process.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Debt Management, Home Buying Info, Loan Approval

How the Sharing Economy Is Changing Mortgage Underwriting

December 30, 2025 by Robby Oakes

The rise of the sharing economy has changed the way many people work, earn, and budget. Income from rideshare driving, freelance projects, short-term rentals, and delivery apps has become a normal part of modern finances. These new income streams are helpful for building savings and paying bills, but they also affect how lenders view your mortgage application. Understanding how the sharing economy influences underwriting can help you prepare for a smooth approval process.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buying 101, Mortgage Tips, Sharing Economy

How Real-Time Income Verification Is Changing Mortgage Approval

December 26, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Mortgage approval used to require weeks of gathering documents, submitting pay stubs, waiting for HR departments to respond, and hoping everything lined up perfectly. Today, more lenders are moving toward real-time income verification, a faster and more accurate way to confirm your income during the mortgage process. This shift is making the approval timeline smoother for buyers and giving lenders a clearer picture of your financial situation.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage Approval, Mortgage Tips, Real Time Verification

How Medical Collections Affect Mortgage Approval

December 24, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Medical bills are one of the most common reasons people face unexpected debt, and many borrowers are surprised when they see a medical collection appear on their credit report. Even though medical debt is often caused by emergencies rather than irresponsible spending, it can still impact your mortgage application. Understanding how lenders view medical collections can help you prepare, protect your credit, and move confidently toward homeownership.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Medical Collections, Mortgage Approval, Mortgage Tips

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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