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Robby Oakes Mortgage Team
A North Carolina Mortgage Originator Committed
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Serving Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Greensboro, Wilmington, Charlotte, Morehead City and all of North Carolina.

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Smart Ways to Strengthen Your Credit Before Buying a Home

May 19, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Your credit profile plays a major role in your ability to qualify for a mortgage and secure favorable loan terms. A stronger credit score can lead to better interest rates, lower monthly payments, and more loan options.

Taking the time to improve your credit before applying for a mortgage can have a lasting financial impact and make the entire homebuying process smoother.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Credit Tips, Financial Tips, Mortgage Tips

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 18th, 2026

May 18, 2026 by Robby Oakes

The CPI and PPI came in on schedule, and the results were warmer than expected, with the Producer Price Index showing an increase of 0.6% — nearly double the expected 0.3% rise. This is also reflected in the elevated, though expected, CPI reading of 0.6%. This is certainly being driven by increased fuel and energy costs.

This is further supported by U.S. Retail Sales showing an increase, though high gas prices and inflation are playing a major role in the rise in sales figures. As a result, the rate cuts the Federal Reserve had discussed in the past are now looking very unlikely to happen.

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

Common Mortgage Mistakes to Avoid Before Closing on Your Home

May 15, 2026 by Robby Oakes

The mortgage process does not end once you are pre-approved or even after your offer is accepted. The period leading up to closing is just as important, and mistakes during this time can delay or even jeopardize your loan. Understanding what to avoid helps ensure a smooth path to closing and keeps your home purchase on track.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: First Time Buyer, Home Loans, Mortgage Tips

What to Expect During the Mortgage Approval Process

May 14, 2026 by Robby Oakes

Getting pre-approved is an important step in the homebuying journey, but it is only the beginning of the mortgage process. Many buyers are surprised by what happens next and are not fully prepared for the steps involved in final approval.

Understanding what to expect can help you stay on track and avoid delays that could impact your ability to close on your home.

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

How to Get Started with Down Payment Assistance Programs

May 13, 2026 by Robby Oakes

For many homebuyers, especially first-time buyers, saving for a down payment can feel like the biggest barrier to homeownership. The good news is that down payment assistance programs exist specifically to help bridge that gap. Understanding how these programs work and how to get started can open the door to opportunities you may not have realized were available.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Down Payment Assistance, First Time Buyer, Mortgage Tips

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Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

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