Robby Oakes Mortgage

Chapel Hill Mortgage Lender | Robby's Blog about Mortgages in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Crystal Coast area of NC

  • Home
  • Our Main Site
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Mortgage Calculator
    • First Time Home Buyer Tips
    • First Time Home Seller Tips
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Checklist
    • Loan Process
    • Loan Programs
    • Mortgage FAQ
    • Mortgage Glossary
  • Contact Us

Creative Ways to Use Rent-to-Own Agreements to Buy a Home

July 10, 2025 by Robby Oakes

A rent-to-own agreement is a contract that allows a tenant to rent a home with the option to buy it later. Part of the monthly rent payment typically goes toward the future down payment or purchase price. This approach can be ideal for buyers who need more time to improve their credit, save money, or get financially ready for homeownership. It blends the flexibility of renting with the long-term goal of owning.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: First-Time Home Buyer, Home Buying Tips, Rent-to-Own Agreements

The Psychology of Homebuying and Emotions vs. Financial Logic

July 9, 2025 by Robby Oakes

Buying a home is not just a financial decision, it is an emotional one too. For many people, homeownership represents stability, success, and personal freedom. Whether it is the excitement of finding your dream kitchen or imagining holidays with family, emotions naturally come into play. These feelings can create a strong connection to a property and often influence the decisions buyers make, sometimes even more than logic does.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Emotions vs Logic, First-Time Home Buyer, Home Buying Tips

Pet-Friendly Mortgages And How Owning Pets Could Affect Your Loan Choices

May 21, 2025 by Robby Oakes

We love our pets, they are part of the family. But did you know that your furry (or feathered) friend could play a surprising role in your homebuying journey? While your dog probably will not impact your credit score, being a pet owner can influence where and how you buy a home, and even the type of loan you choose.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buying Tips, Mortgage Advice, Pet Friendly Living

Creative Ways to Use Mortgage Pre-Approval to Your Advantage

April 2, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When shopping for a home, securing mortgage pre-approval is one of the most important steps you can take. Not only does it show sellers that you are a serious buyer, but it also gives you a clearer picture of your budget and financing options. However, many homebuyers do not realize that mortgage pre-approval can be leveraged in multiple ways to maximize their home search and negotiation power.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buying Tips, Mortgage Pre Approval, Mortgages

How Debt-to-Income Ratio Affects Your Mortgage Eligibility

March 18, 2025 by Robby Oakes

When applying for a mortgage, lenders evaluate several factors to determine your loan eligibility. One of the most critical metrics is your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI). Understanding how DTI impacts mortgage approval can help you better prepare for homeownership and improve your chances of securing the loan you need.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Debt To Income Ratio, Home Buying Tips, Mortgage Approval

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 5
  • Next Page »

Robby Oakes


Robby Oakes

CIMG Managing  Director
NMLS# 91606

How can we help?

Connect with Us

CIMG Residential Mortgage

Quick Links

  • Our Main Site
  • Accessibility Statement
  • NMLS Consumer Access
  • Privacy Policy
©2025 Robby Oakes Mortgage Team
Corporate Investors Mortgage Group
NMLS# 39460.
Licensed to Do Business in the State of NC

Equal_Housing_Opportunity

Copyright © 2025 · Powered by MySMARTblog

Copyright © 2025 · Genesis Sample Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in