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Robby Oakes Mortgage Team
A North Carolina Mortgage Originator Committed
to Service and Transparency

Serving Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Greensboro, Wilmington, Charlotte, Morehead City and all of North Carolina.

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 23rd, 2026

February 23, 2026 by Robby Oakes

The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator has come in showing that inflation is still running hotter than expected. This creates a difficult position for the Federal Reserve as it tries to balance interest rate cuts while managing inflation at the same time. Despite previous rate adjustments, inflation has remained stubbornly high.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Financial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

The Hidden 60 Day Window That Can Change Your Mortgage Outcome

February 20, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Most borrowers believe mortgage qualification is determined primarily by long term financial history. Credit scores, employment consistency, and income trends absolutely matter. However, there is a shorter window that often carries disproportionate influence. The 60 days before you apply can either strengthen your file or introduce unnecessary friction into the underwriting process.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Loan Preparation, Mortgage Planning, Smart Borrowing

Using Your Mortgage as a Built-In Wealth Discipline Tool

February 19, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Most people view a mortgage as a liability. While it is technically debt, it can also function as a structured financial discipline system that builds long term equity. When approached intentionally, a mortgage becomes more than a payment. It becomes a framework for consistent wealth accumulation.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Home Equity, Mortgage Education, Wealth Building

The Emotional Budget Behind Every Mortgage Decision

February 18, 2026 by Robby Oakes

When buyers evaluate a mortgage, they focus heavily on qualification numbers. Income, debts, credit scores, and approval amounts dominate the conversation. Pre-approval letters feel like the finish line. But there is another factor that often gets ignored, and it carries just as much weight over time. Emotional affordability.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Financial Wellness, Home Buying Strategy, Mortgage Planning

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 17th, 2026

February 17, 2026 by Robby Oakes

In an unexpected turn, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed that inflation came in cooler than expected for the month of January, falling to a five-year low.

The jobs report showed that unemployment numbers came in worse than expected, perhaps signaling further hesitation from the Federal Reserve, despite inflation data coming in favorably.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Financial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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