What is the Opt-Out Pre-Screen and How to Opt-Out in 2026

March 18, 2026

At Treadstone, nothing makes us more frustrated than the fact that pulling a client’s credit report gives the 3 major credit bureaus the legal right to sell your information to other companies. You will also experience this when you open a credit card or finance a new car. Don’t worry — they don’t get your […]

How to Decide Between Renting vs Buying a House in Michigan in 2026

March 18, 2026

Making the jump from renter to becoming a first-time home buyer in Michigan can feel like a big commitment! While the feeling is real, buying a home can be hugely rewarding both financially and emotionally in the long run. Here’s our advice: Buy a home if you’re planning on staying in one place for more […]

How to Buy a House When You’re Self-Employed

March 18, 2026

Self-employed individuals and small business owners don’t have to be bogged down by the tedium of punching a clock, reporting to a boss, or adhering to a strict 30-minute lunch break. Instead, they enjoy unlimited income potential, certain tax benefits, and the value of owning something that is their own. In true “every rose has […]

How to Use Your Section 8 Voucher to Buy a House: A Complete Guide

March 17, 2026

At a Glance The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Homeownership Program gives Section 8 renters an opportunity many thought was out of reach — using voucher to buy a home instead of renting. Your monthly assistance can help pay your mortgage, opening the door to equity, stability, and a place you can truly call your own. […]

Understanding and Disputing Property Taxes in Michigan: A Comprehensive Guide

February 25, 2026

Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been settled in your home for years, understanding property taxes is crucial for managing your finances effectively. In Michigan, the nuances of property tax assessments and the available avenues for disputes can be particularly intricate. This guide aims to explain these processes, offering clear, step-by-step advice on evaluating […]

Why Pre-Approvals for Mortgages are Important for Home Buyers in 2026

February 20, 2026

What Is a Pre-Approval? Pre-approvals are simple and easy, but they’re a heavy-hitter when you’re shopping for Michigan homes. Simply put, a pre-approval is when we check (and double-check) your qualifications for a potential home loan, and give you the green light to move forward with a home purchase. No more guessing! During the pre-approval […]

Current Mortgage Interest Rates in Michigan — 2026

February 18, 2026

 What Are Today’s Interest Rates in Michigan? Below is a mortgage interest rates chart* for rate trends in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The rates below are for educational purposes only. Displayed figures indicate trends and are not rates offered by Treadstone Funding to any particular borrower, as interest rates are affected by factors including credit, loan […]

The Best Loan Programs in Michigan for First Time Homebuyers

February 18, 2026

Are you a first-time homebuyer exploring your options in Michigan? If so, you might be sifting through a sea of loan programs, down payment assistance options and requirements, minimum credit score parameters, Michigan home buyer incentives, interest rates, and pre-approvals, all on the quest to find the best loan program for you. The ins and […]

What Happens After You Close on a House

February 3, 2026

Closing day is often viewed as the finish line of the home buying marathon. You sign the papers, your hand cramps up, money changes hands, and finally, you get the keys. But whether you are just starting your research, currently under contract, or sitting in your new living room surrounded by boxes, it is crucial […]

How to Use Your Tax Refund to Buy or Improve a Home in Michigan

January 30, 2026

For many people in Michigan, a tax refund represents one of the largest single payments they will receive all year. While it can be tempting to spend it, that refund can also be a powerful tool for your long-term financial goals. Instead of letting it get absorbed into daily expenses, you can use it as […]