What Is an Escrow Account? A Guide for Michigan Homebuyers

January 19, 2026

Buying a home in Michigan is exciting, but there’s a lot to learn along the way. Escrow isn’t usually one of the first things buyers think about, yet it plays an important role in the process. Whether you’re working with property taxes in Detroit or homeowners insurance near Grand Rapids, understanding escrow helps you budget, […]

Deciding Between FHA vs Conventional Loans in 2026

January 9, 2026

When it comes to choosing a mortgage, homebuyers have several options. Two of the most popular types of mortgages are FHA Loans and Conventional Mortgages, but what are the differences between the two, and which one is right for you? FHA vs Conventional Key Differences Which is Cheaper?   FHA vs Conventional Loans FHA Loans […]

Current Mortgage Interest Rates in Michigan — 2026

January 9, 2026

What Are Today’s Home Interest Rates in Grand Rapids? 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 […]

Neighborhood News & Market Insights — Winter 2026

December 28, 2025

Local Market Insights Looking at West Michigan real estate compared to the rest of the country; our local market continues to show resilience and opportunity. One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing right now is increased inventory. While headlines often frame changing numbers as negative, this trend can actually be a positive sign, especially for […]

Beginner’s Guide to Investment Properties

December 14, 2025

Getting started in real estate investing to build wealth can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Even a single investment property (or house hack) can put you on the path to building equity, earning extra income, and creating long-term financial stability. You don’t need to jump into a multi-unit building or a luxury […]

Understanding Loan Terms for Your Mortgage

November 19, 2025

Life-changing decisions feel best when they happen on your terms, and mortgages are no different. When financing a home, you should understand your options for terms — from how they affect your payments and interest to what they mean for the overall life of your loan, so you can decide which set of terms works […]

What is FHA Mortgage Insurance?

September 29, 2025

FHA Loans open the door to homeownership for buyers who might not qualify for conventional financing, especially those with lower credit scores or less money saved for a down payment. Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these loans are designed to be more accessible, and one key feature that helps make that possible is mortgage […]

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 […]