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What Mortgage Lenders Really Look At Before Approving Your Loan

November 5, 2025 by Robby Oakes

One of the first questions homebuyers ask is how much they can afford to borrow. While the number may seem mysterious, lenders use a clear set of financial factors to decide how much you qualify for.

Understanding these factors can help you plan ahead, make smart choices, and feel confident as you start your homebuying journey.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Loan Approval, Mortgage Education, Mortgage Tips

Deciding Whether to Pay Extra Toward Principal or Save for Other Investments

September 18, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When it comes to managing your mortgage, one of the most common questions is whether to put extra money toward paying down the loan principal or to save that money for other investments. Both choices have advantages, and the right decision often depends on your goals, financial situation, and comfort with risk.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Mortgage Education, Mortgage Tips, Wealth Building

Understanding the Federal Housing Administration Title I Home Improvement Loan Program

July 2, 2025 by Robby Oakes

The Federal Housing Administration Title I Home Improvement Loan Program is a government-backed initiative designed to help homeowners finance necessary repairs, upgrades, and improvements to their primary residence. Established under the National Housing Act, this program makes funding accessible for individuals who may not qualify for traditional home equity loans due to limited equity or lower credit scores.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Home Improvement Loan, Mortgage Education, Title I Program

The Top 5 Mortgage Myths Debunked for National Homeownership Month

June 20, 2025 by Robby Oakes

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the opportunities and advantages of owning a home. It is also the perfect moment to clear up some of the most common myths that hold people back from pursuing a mortgage. Many potential buyers delay their homeownership dreams because of outdated beliefs or misinformation. Let’s break down the top five myths and explain what is really true in today’s mortgage world.

Filed Under: Homebuyer Tips Tagged With: Homeownership Truths, Mortgage Education, Mortgage Myths

What Every Homebuyer Should Know About How Are Property Taxes Calculated

May 30, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When buying a home, it’s easy to focus on the down payment and mortgage rate, but don’t overlook property taxes. They can significantly affect your monthly payment and long-term budget and understanding how they’re calculated is key to making smart homebuying decisions.

We will break down the basics and highlight a few often-missed factors that could influence how much you’ll pay.

Filed Under: Home Buying Tips Tagged With: Budget Wisely, Mortgage Education, Property Taxes Explained

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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