Neighborhood News & Market Insights — Fall 2025

Local Market Insights

Looking at our real estate stats compared to the rest of the US — it’s a good time to be in Michigan. The Midwest real estate market is currently outperforming most other regions, with Michigan buyers benefiting from greater affordability compared to coastal markets, while still seeing strong property appreciation potential.

For sellers, the current market offers excellent opportunities with homes moving faster than the national average and inventory remaining relatively tight, creating as balanced of a market as we have seen in years.

 

Mortgage Insights

How to Take Advantage of Your Home Equity
Your home equity can be a powerful financial tool when used wisely. From renovating your home to consolidating high-interest debt, covering tuition, or preparing for the unexpected, tapping into equity can help protect and grow your wealth.

How We Help Our Clients Win
Every client’s path to homeownership is different and that’s where Treadstone shines. We take pride in finding creative solutions others may overlook, whether that’s helping a self-employed borrower qualify with bank statements, using a bridge loan to buy before selling, or an interest rate buy-down to ease into homeownership.

Recently we’ve been expanding our specialty loan programs, so we can match more clients with options that fit their lives, their goals, and their dreams of homeownership.

More Options for Investment Properties
We now offer DSCR Loans which are mortgages geared towards investors who want to qualify for a home based on the homes potential to make money, instead of their own personal income and assets. While DSCR Loans are a great option for seasoned investors looking to grow their rental portfolios, we do have options tailored to first time investors as well.

 

Community Info & Updates

The places, people, and experiences that make West Michigan a great place to live

Heart & Home Project — Giving Back to Educators
We’re excited to launch the Heart & Home Project — our new initiative focused on giving back to those who serve our community every day. As the school year begins, we’re showing appreciation for education professionals with two meaningful offers.

$500 Home Buyer Credit for Educators
Educators and their spouses can receive a $500 credit toward closing costs when they buy or refinance a home with us. To qualify, they just need to apply and get pre-qualified between now and October 31, 2025. The credit is valid for up to 18 months and can be used for purchases or refinances in Michigan.

$500 Educator Impact Giveaway
We’re also giving away $500 in cash to one local educator, based on community nominations. Anyone can submit a nomination now through October 31 — just tell us about an educator who’s made a difference. One winner will be selected and notified in November.

 

Hustle & Heart Scholarship Recap
This year, we proudly launched the Hustle & Heart Scholarship, created to recognize local students who show grit, resilience, and a drive to make a difference. Unlike traditional scholarships, Hustle & Heart emphasizes character and community impact over grades or test scores. The response was incredible: nearly 300 applications from 99 schools, each filled with stories of determination, leadership, and service.

This summer we had the honor of awarding our four winners with $5,000 each. Meeting these students and hearing their stories reminded us how much impact young people have on the future of our communities.

To support the program’s growth, we also gave our annual Pickleball Tournament a new mission — directing proceeds to the scholarship. Nearly 100 players from the community joined us on the courts, raising more than $12,000 for next year’s scholarship.

We’re excited to bring the Hustle & Heart Scholarship back in 2026, and we invite you to keep an eye out for the launch in January and help us spread the word!

 

Community Guides
We’ve always said we know the local market inside & out, and that extends beyond mortgages to the communities we serve. That’s why we’ve created detailed guides for more than 30 West Michigan cities and neighborhoods — highlighting the best places to eat, shop, and explore.

Whether you’re moving into a new neighborhood or just exploring close to home, these guides are here to help you connect with your community. Explore a few featured guides above, or click below to see them all.

 

Stats Source: GRAR.com. Stats quoted are from Kent County unless otherwise stated. Figures are for illustrative purposes only. Subject to credit qualification, not all applicants may qualify, not a commitment to lend. Please contact us for an exact quote and for more information on fees and terms.