Neighborhood News & Market Insights — Fall 2025

September 11, 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 […]

Turning Extra Side Hustle Income Into Mortgage Power

August 29, 2025

Side hustles have become a way of life for millions of Americans. Whether it’s freelancing, driving for a ride-share app, managing a weekend gig, or running a small online shop, extra income streams are more common than ever, and they can help you afford more when it comes to buying a home. That income, whether […]

5 Smart Ways to Use Your Home Equity

August 29, 2025

Your home isn’t just where life happens, it’s also one of your biggest financial assets. Over time, as you pay your mortgage and your property gains value, you naturally build something called equity. Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage — think of it […]

Experience the Best of Grand Haven, Michigan

August 14, 2025

Welcome to Grand Haven! Welcome to Grand Haven! Tucked along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven is a vibrant harbor town with a magnetic mix of natural beauty, waterfront charm, and small-town hospitality. Known for its historic boardwalk, iconic red lighthouse, and summer festivals, Grand Haven blends laid-back lake life with an active […]

DSCR Loans vs. Traditional Mortgages for Investment Properties

July 14, 2025

Which Path Should You Take to Financing Your Investment Property? Real estate investing is becoming more popular than ever with borrowers getting more creative. The increase in investment property activity has also opened up new creative ways to finance and pay for these properties. For buyers looking to build or expand a rental portfolio, there […]

Explore All That Traverse City, Michigan Has to Offer

June 27, 2025

Welcome to Traverse City! Nestled along the picturesque shores of Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is a vibrant, welcoming city known for its stunning natural beauty, thriving food and wine scene, and rich local culture. Famous for its annual Cherry Festival, scenic landscapes, and dynamic downtown, Traverse City effortlessly blends small-town charm with lively city […]

New USDA Update: Zero Down Loans Now Available for More Home Types in Michigan

June 10, 2025

Big News for Homebuyers in Michigan One of Michigan’s most accessible home loan programs just became even more inclusive. As of May 5, 2025, the USDA Rural Development (RD) mortgage program has expanded its guidelines to allow financing for more types of manufactured homes — including pre-existing ones. This update means more Michiganders can take […]

FHA Loans & House Hacking: A Smart Move for New Homeowners

May 29, 2025

House Hack Your Home with an FHA Loan Buying your first home doesn’t have to mean draining your savings or biting off more than you can chew. With a little creativity and the right loan, you can turn your first place into both a home and a source of income. That’s the magic of house […]

RD Loan Myths Debunked : Areas, Limits, Qualifications & More

May 28, 2025

RD Loan Myths: What You Think You Know Might Be Wrong RD Loans are only for houses out in the middle of nowhere. You have to be low-income to qualify. They’re harder to get than other loans. Sound the buzzer — these are wrong. RD Loans, also called USDA or Rural Development Loans, have long […]

Can a USDA Loan Work for a Fixer-Upper?

May 27, 2025

Shopping for a home is rarely as simple as people hope. You start with a vision. Maybe you’re picturing a charming farmhouse or a cozy place on the outskirts of town, but what’s available (and what’s in your budget) might not match that dream. That’s where fixer-uppers come in. These properties might lack a few […]