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Can I Finance Home Renovations Into My Mortgage at Closing?

April 25, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Purchasing a home that needs renovations or upgrading your current home can be costly, but financing home improvements through your mortgage can be an effective solution. Instead of taking out a separate loan for renovations, some mortgage programs allow you to roll the cost of home improvements into your home loan at closing. This strategy can help you spread renovation costs over time while securing a potentially lower interest rate compared to personal loans or credit cards.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Home Buying, Home Renovation, Mortgage Tips

What Every Buyer Should Know About Home Appraisals

April 18, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is an exciting yet complex process, and one critical step often catches buyers off guard—the home appraisal. This professional evaluation determines the fair market value of a property, ensuring that both you and your lender are making a sound investment. Understanding how appraisals work can help you navigate this stage with confidence and avoid potential roadblocks.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Home Buying, Mortgage101, Real Estate Tips

Why Did My Mortgage Lender Change?

April 17, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial steps you’ll ever take. After securing a mortgage, you expect to send your payments to the same lender for years to come. So, when you receive a notice saying your mortgage has been sold and your payments should now go to a different company, it might feel alarming.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Home Buying, Home Loans, Mortgage Tips

The Airbnb Factor and How Renting Out a Room Can Help You Qualify for a Mortgage

April 9, 2025 by Robby Oakes

With rising home prices and strict lending requirements, many aspiring homeowners are looking for creative ways to strengthen their mortgage applications. One potential game-changer? Renting out a room on Airbnb or another short-term rental platform. This additional income stream could help you qualify for a mortgage and make homeownership more affordable.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Airbnb Income, Home Buying, Mortgage Tips

The Difference Between FICO Score and Credit Score: How It Affects Your Mortgage and Rates

March 26, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When applying for a mortgage, your creditworthiness plays a significant role in determining your loan approval and interest rates. Two commonly referenced terms are FICO score and credit score, which are often used interchangeably but have distinct differences.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Credit Score, Home Buying, Mortgage Rates

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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