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How to Remove PMI Without Refinancing

July 30, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, is often required when a homebuyer makes a down payment of less than twenty percent. While PMI helps lenders reduce risk, it adds extra cost to your monthly mortgage payment. The good news is that you may be able to remove PMI without refinancing your loan. Understanding the options available can help you save money and accelerate building equity in your home.

Filed Under: Personal Finance Tagged With: Home Equity, Mortgage Advice, PMI Removal

Smart Strategies for Building an Emergency Fund

April 15, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Life is full of unexpected expenses, from medical bills to car repairs and even job loss. Having an emergency fund in place can help protect you from financial stress and prevent you from relying on high-interest loans or credit cards. If you don’t already have one, now is the perfect time to start building your safety net.

Filed Under: Personal Finance Tagged With: Emergency Fund, Financial Security, Money Tips

Five Things to Do With a Windfall Other Than Spend it Right Away

June 14, 2019 by Robby Oakes

Perhaps you have won the lottery, received an inheritance, or cashed in one of your investments, and now you have a large sum of money you don’t know what to do with.

Although it is tempting to cruise around town in a brand new sports car it is important to think carefully about how to spend your newfound cash.

To give you some ideas on the smartest way to use your new wealth, here are five things to do with a windfall other than spend it right away:

Filed Under: Personal Finance Tagged With: Inheritance, investment, windfall

How Much Should You Budget for Closing Costs? Let’s Take a Look

October 14, 2015 by Robby Oakes

If you’re in the market for a new home, you’re probably trying to budget for all of the expenses that come with a home purchase. After all, the asking price isn’t necessarily the entire amount that you’ll pay – there are other expenses that will factor in to the final price. One such expense is your closing costs.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips, Home Seller Tips, Personal Finance Tagged With: Closing Costs, Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgages

The Down Payment: Four Great Reasons To Make The Largest Down Payment You Can Afford

August 5, 2015 by Robby Oakes

If you’re looking for a new home, you’ve probably heard lots of advice about down payments. About how it’s okay to just have a five percent down payment – you’ll still get approved. About how you should make the down payment as small as possible to avoid cash flow problems. Here are just four reasons why you should make the largest down payment possible.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips, Personal Finance Tagged With: Down Payments, Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgages

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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