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Why Closing Old Credit Accounts Can Hurt Your Mortgage Approval

January 9, 2026 by Robby Oakes

When you are preparing to buy a home, it is natural to want your credit profile to look clean and organized. Many buyers think closing old credit accounts will improve their score, simplify their finances, and make them appear more responsible to lenders. In reality, closing old accounts can have the opposite effect. Those accounts play a much bigger role in your credit profile than most people realize and shutting them down can create sudden changes that impact your mortgage approval.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Credit Health, Home Buying 101, Mortgage Tips

What to Know About Fractional Homeownership and Mortgages

January 8, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Fractional homeownership is becoming more popular as buyers look for creative ways to enjoy a second home or vacation property without taking on the full cost. Instead of owning one home entirely, you purchase a fraction of the property and share ownership with several other people. While the idea sounds simple, fractional ownership comes with unique rules, financing challenges, and long-term commitments that every buyer should understand before moving forward.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Fractional Ownership, Mortgage Tips, Vacation Homes

Mortgages for Parents With Young Kids and What to Consider

January 7, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home when you have young kids brings unique challenges, but it also creates opportunities to build stability for your family. Your priorities might look different from other homebuyers, and your financial decisions may need to reflect the needs of a growing household. By planning ahead and understanding what matters most, you can choose a mortgage that supports your budget, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals as a parent.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Family Finances, Home Buyers, Mortgage Tips

Mortgage Impacts of Using Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal for Income

January 6, 2026 by Robby Oakes

More people are earning money through freelancing, side gigs, digital work, consulting, and online sales. Because of this, it is common for income to flow through platforms like Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal instead of traditional direct deposits. While these tools make it easy to get paid, they can also affect your mortgage application in ways many buyers do not expect. Understanding how lenders view these platforms can help you prepare long before you apply for a home loan.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: First Time Buyers, Mortgage Tips, Self-employed Buyers

How the Sharing Economy Is Changing Mortgage Underwriting

December 30, 2025 by Robby Oakes

The rise of the sharing economy has changed the way many people work, earn, and budget. Income from rideshare driving, freelance projects, short-term rentals, and delivery apps has become a normal part of modern finances. These new income streams are helpful for building savings and paying bills, but they also affect how lenders view your mortgage application. Understanding how the sharing economy influences underwriting can help you prepare for a smooth approval process.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buying 101, Mortgage Tips, Sharing Economy

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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