Home for the Holidays: A Guide to Buying a Home at the End of the Year

December 3, 2024

A Gift You Can’t Wrap While Scotch tape and wrapping paper are no match for a whole house, and you certainly can’t fit a two-bed, two-bath under a Christmas tree, buying a home for the holidays is still a viable option (and hey, if you really want to get festive, you can at the very […]

Winter Property Taxes in Michigan — The Complete Guide

November 21, 2024

Winter tax season is upon us, and if you’re a Michigan homeowner, you may be wondering what exactly winter taxes are, why they exist, and how they affect your budget. In Michigan, property taxes are divided into two payments: summer taxes and winter taxes, each playing a unique role in funding local services, schools, and […]

How to Save for a Down Payment in Less Time — Practical Strategies for Homebuyers

November 20, 2024

Accelerate Your Path to Homeownership In today’s housing market, saving for a down payment on a home can feel like chasing a moving target. Every time you get a little closer, rising prices, inflation, and that nagging down payment requirement can push the bullseye a little further away. The key to finally hopping the homeownership […]

What Interest Rate Trends Mean for the Mortgage Market

November 20, 2024

Home Interest Rate Trends: Understanding the Domino Effect With interest rates regularly making headlines, it’s no wonder homebuyers and homeowners alike are keeping a close watch (with many potential buyers downright obsessing over them). Shifts in mortgage rates don’t just influence loan numbers — they have a ripple effect on affordability, buyer behavior, and even […]

Closing Costs in Michigan Explained — What West Michigan Homebuyers Should Watch Out For

November 18, 2024

When it’s time to finalize your home purchase, there’s a final step that might catch you by surprise — closing costs. Understanding these costs can make a difference in your home buying experience, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the final expenses. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about closing costs in Michigan and […]

A Home for Every Hero: The Story of the VA Loan Program

November 11, 2024

Imagine coming home after serving your country, ready to build a new life but facing the daunting challenge of starting from scratch. The brave people who serve in the armed forces give up so much to protect our freedoms — attainable homeownership shouldn’t be added to that list. For many veterans and active-duty service members, […]

Home Renovation Loans for Older Homes in Grand Rapids

October 9, 2024

Reviving the Charm of Older Grand Rapids Homes If you’re a homebuyer looking for Grand Rapids homes for sale, you might come across plenty of older homes — don’t overlook them! Instead, think of older homes as hidden gems that you can only see through a certain lens. That is, you have to be able […]

The Role of Mortgage Pre-Approval in a Competitive Market

October 7, 2024

In the bustling Grand Rapids housing market, competition among homebuyers is fierce. With limited inventory and a growing demand for homes, having a mortgage pre-approval can be a game changer. It signals to sellers that you’re a serious buyer with the financial backing to make a swift purchase. In such a competitive landscape, being pre-approved […]

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Buy a Starter Home in Grand Rapids

October 4, 2024

A Starter Home is the Perfect First Step to Home Ownership A starter home is an excellent stepping stone for first-time buyers, offering an affordable way to enter the housing market and build financial stability. It’s important to remember that your first home doesn’t need to be your “forever” home. Many buyers start small, using […]

Your Guide to Buying a Home with Student Debt

October 3, 2024

Buying a Home with Student Debt Buying a home is one of the biggest financial milestones in life, but if you have student loan debt, it might feel like you’re carrying extra weight on that climb. The good news? You can still reach the top. Student loans don’t have to be a deal-breaker when it […]