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What Homeowners Should Know Before Removing Mortgage Insurance

August 28, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Mortgage insurance can make homeownership accessible with a smaller down payment, but many homeowners eventually wonder whether it can be removed. The answer depends on the type of mortgage you have, your loan balance, property value, payment history, and the rules that apply to your specific loan.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Homeownership, Mortgage Insurance, Mortgage Tips

How a Large Down Payment Can Affect More Than Your Monthly Payment

August 27, 2026 by Robby Oakes

When buying a home, it is natural to assume that putting as much money down as possible is always the best financial decision. A larger down payment can provide meaningful advantages, but it also affects more than the size of your monthly mortgage payment. Understanding the broader impact can help you decide how much cash makes sense to use at closing.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Downpayment, Homeownership, Mortgage Tips

Why the Amount You Qualify For May Be Different From What You Should Spend

August 26, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Getting approved for a mortgage can be exciting, especially when you discover how much financing may be available to you. But the maximum amount you qualify to borrow and the amount you are personally comfortable spending are not necessarily the same. Understanding the difference can help you choose a home that supports your lifestyle as well as your finances.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Budget, Mortgage Planning, Mortgage Tips

What Happens to Your Mortgage When Property Taxes Are Reassessed?

August 25, 2026 by Robby Oakes

A fixed-rate mortgage provides predictability because your interest rate and principal-and-interest payment remain consistent. However, that does not necessarily mean your total monthly housing payment will stay exactly the same. Property taxes can change over time, and when they do, homeowners who pay taxes through an escrow account may see their monthly mortgage payment change as well.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Homeownership, Mortgages, Property Taxes

Financial Habits That Make Homeownership Less Stressful

August 21, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Homeownership can be rewarding, but it also introduces expenses and responsibilities that are easy to underestimate. A few consistent financial habits can make those responsibilities feel far more manageable. The goal is not to predict every cost perfectly, but to create enough preparation and flexibility to handle routine bills and unexpected surprises with confidence.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Financial Habits, Homeownership, Mortgage Tips

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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