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Our Rule for Online Lenders: Never. Ever.
Online lenders and giant monster megabanks might seem convenient—but they don’t know this market, they don’t care about your experience, and they rarely deliver when it counts. Your best move is to work with a local, boots-on-the-ground lender who is competitive on rates and fees, offers white-glove service, and can hand-select trusted underwriters and appraisers. That kind of control matters—especially in competitive situations where timing and trust are everything.
How to Choose the Right Lender
When comparing lenders, look for someone who:
- Explains things clearly and returns your calls
- Offers strong interest rates with transparent fees
- Has access to loan programs that fit your goals
- Understands the kind of property you’re buying
- Can get things approved locally and quickly
Our Go-To Lending Team: CIMG
We proudly partner with Corporate Investors Mortgage Group (CIMG) and the Robby Oakes Mortgage Team, led locally by Senior Loan Officer Nate Haines. We’ve worked with Nate and Robby for over two decades and have closed hundreds of transactions together. In our 20+ years in this business, we’ve never seen a lending team deliver a better combination of competitive rates, low fees, and five-star service.
They’ve been ranked the #1 lending team in North Carolina (out of 4,000+) for six years running, and #11 nationally out of more than 200,000 loan officers. Nate has the heart of a teacher and will walk you through everything—whether it’s your first time buying or your fifth. He’s quick, clear, and incredibly good at what he does. You’ll be in great hands.
To connect with Nate or apply online:
- Schedule with Nate: https://www.robbyoakes.com/s/nate-haines
- Start your application: https://quickapp.robbyoakes.com
Be sure to select Nate Haines as your loan officer. It’s a soft credit pull and a quick financial review—just enough to get you moving with confidence.
Types of Loans
In most cases, we believe a fixed-rate loan—whether it’s 30 years or 15—is the smartest, safest choice. It gives you consistent payments and peace of mind over the long haul. That said, there are other options depending on your goals, timeline, and financial strategy. Here are a few of the most common:
- Fixed-Rate Loan: Offers stable monthly payments over multiple decades. Ideal if you’re planning to stay in the home long-term and want predictability.
- ARM (Adjustable-Rate Mortgage): Starts with a lower interest rate that adjusts over time. This may be a good fit if you plan to sell or refinance within a few years.
- Hybrid ARM: A combination of fixed and adjustable, this option starts with a fixed rate for a set number of years, then shifts to a variable rate tied to the market. Offers short-term savings with longer-term flexibility.
We’ll help you understand the pros and cons of each and guide you toward the structure that fits your specific plan best.
