Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) Explained & 2024 Refinance Programs

January 10, 2023

What Is the Home Affordable Refinance Program? A HARP mortgage, also known as a Home Affordable Refinancing Program, was a flexible home loan type that allows homeowners, who were underwater or near underwater in their loan, to refinance their mortgage to avoid a default if they struggled to make payments. HARP was created in 2009 […]

The Family Opportunity Mortgage Program Explained

January 1, 2023

What Is the Family Opportunity Mortgage Program? The Family Opportunity Mortgage Program, also called the Family Assist Program, is a specialized mortgage program designed to help family members purchase a home for a loved one. The program was created to address the challenges faced by families who want to help their elderly or disabled relatives […]

USDA Eligibility Property Checker for Grand Rapids, MI

December 9, 2022

USDA Loans, also known as RD Loans, are a home mortgage option that offers 0% down—but only in rural areas! RD stands for Rural Development. The Rural Development Loan Program was created and is backed by the United States government to encourage the growth and improvement of rural areas. Because “rural” is a generic label, […]

How to Get Down Payment Assistance in Michigan — 2026 Buyers

November 7, 2022

Want to become a home owner, but you’re short on funds for the necessary down payment or closing costs? We have down payment assistance options available for Michigan home buyers to help get you across the finish line! These programs range from state-sponsored programs and grants to local municipalities and non-profits, and also include programs […]

Your Guide to Buying a Home After Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, or Short Sale

November 1, 2022

We get it. Sh*t happens! Emergency expenses, job loss, health issues, even global pandemics—anything can cause financial hardship. Treadstone is proud to help folks going through financial hardship get back into their normal rhythm, and back into their own home. As we like to say: onward and upward! No matter your situation, we’re here to help. We […]

How to Protect your Home During the Winter Months

October 24, 2022

The home buying process doesn’t exactly end at closing, it simply transitions into the home owning process! Depending on where you live and how extreme the winter season is, there are useful tips and tricks to help protect your biggest and newest investment—your home. West Michigan Buyers who purchase in the late fall are often […]

Don’t Keep Your House Hunting a Secret!

April 26, 2022

House Hunting Tip! With the low inventory right now, we know that finding a home can be difficult. One tactic for combating this is spreading the word to everyone one you know that you are looking for a home. The more people you talk to, the more people you have on your side. Word of […]

5 Tips for a Seamless Mortgage Process

March 28, 2022

Anyone who watches shows about real estate sees the glam — the house hunting, the cocktails at trendy downtown bars with the Real Estate Agent, the lender calling to happily tell the clients that their financing came through. You may even see two hunks coming over to do all of your renovations and design. Although […]

Michigan First-Time Home Buyer Savings Program

March 22, 2022

At a glance: 50% of home buyers save for five years prior to their first home purchase. As a benefit of recent legislation, Michigan residents can save for a down payment for their first home, using a tax-free savings account, using the Michigan First-Time Home Buyer Savings Program. Savings accounts can be opened at a […]

How to Qualify for a Mortgage with Debt

March 5, 2022

Many people think that it is impossible to buy a house if you have debt. That is simply not true! Everyone has debt! It’s the type and amount of debt you have that will influence mortgage qualification. When it comes to personal debt and getting a mortgage, the main considerations are: How much debt do […]