Robby Oakes Mortgage - Chapel Hill Mortgage Lender | Robby's Blog about Mortgages in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Crystal Coast area of NC

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 13, 2015

July 13, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Last week’s scheduled economic events were few due to the Independence Day holiday. Freddie Mac’s weekly survey of mortgage rates brought good news as mortgage rates fell across the board. The Federal Reserve released the minutes of its most recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and weekly jobless claims rose.

Dealing with the Summer Heat? How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Using a Ton of Energy

July 10, 2015 by Robby Oakes

Many people look forward to the long, relaxed, sunny days of summer, but they also dread opening up their energy bills throughout the summer months. Cooling a home can be costly, and many are searching for convenient ways to lower cooling costs without sacrificing on comfort inside the home on the warmest days of the year.

The Pros and Cons of Paying Your Mortgage Bi-weekly Vs. Monthly

July 9, 2015 by Robby Oakes

When applying for a new mortgage or after closing, many will have the option to choose between a single monthly mortgage payment or smaller bi-weekly payments. There are benefits and drawbacks associated with both options, and some personal financial considerations may need to be reviewed in order to make a decision that is best for the individual.

Let’s Talk Hardwood: Why Converting Your Home to Hardwood Flooring Will Boost Its Value

July 8, 2015 by Robby Oakes

When a homeowner makes the decision to upgrade flooring in one area of the home or throughout the entire space, there are numerous materials that may be considered. While each material option has its unique benefits and advantages, many are drawn to hardwood flooring as an option.

Start with the Basics: How to Create a Budget to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Afford

July 7, 2015 by Robby Oakes

A mortgage is typically one of the biggest monthly payments and financial responsibilities that a person is responsible for. Mortgage payments usually impact the person’s budget significantly for several decades or longer.

While there are mortgage calculators online that can be used to estimate an affordable mortgage payment, it is important to start with a basic budget. A budget will allow you to more accurately determine how large of a mortgage payment is truly affordable before applying for a new mortgage.

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