Why Pre-Approvals for Mortgages are Important for Home Buyers in 2025

February 14, 2025

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 […]

10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your First Home

February 6, 2025

Important Questions for First-Time Homebuyers Buying your first home? It’s exciting, overwhelming, and, let’s be honest, a little bit scary all at once. Asking the right questions can make all the difference. We’ve rounded up the 10 most important questions to ask before taking the plunge into homeownership. From finances to future plans, this guide […]

From Renting to Buying: Buying a Home with a Friend

February 6, 2025

Why Rent Forever? Buy Together & Build Equity Sharing a home doesn’t have to mean marriage, family ties, or a landlord collecting your rent. More friends are skipping the rental cycle and pooling their resources to buy property together — building equity while still enjoying the perks of communal living. With rising housing costs, co-ownership […]

VA Loan Secrets: Advantages You Can Use in 2025

February 6, 2025

Get the Most Out of Your VA Loan For those who have served our country, homeownership represents more than just having a place to live — it’s about building a life, creating a sanctuary, and securing a future for your family. As a veteran, you’ve already given so much, and you deserve to take full […]

2024 Michigan Property Tax Millage Rates by County

February 2, 2025

From the mortgage and interest rates to the price of property taxes, there are plenty of expenses to factor in when it comes to homeownership — some with more complexities than others. The cost of property taxes in Michigan is subject to considerable variation depending on the county in which a property is located. Each […]

Guide to Homeownership & Mortgages During Divorce

January 27, 2025

Divorce isn’t typically a decision anyone takes lightly, and is more often the culmination of a lot of stress, some struggle, and plenty of emotions (hopefully ending with a sense of relief). During the process, you might feel like the mere thought of purchasing another home outside of your previous marriage is overwhelming and daunting, […]

Fixer-Upper or Move-in Ready: Which One is Right for You?

January 27, 2025

Let’s be real — buying a fixer-upper isn’t for everyone. It takes a particular vision to see a home’s hidden potential beneath layers of outdated wallpaper or cracked tiles. It also takes a good set of hands ready to roll up the sleeves and get to work. For some, that’s half the fun — transforming […]

USDA Income Limits for 2025

January 25, 2025

USDA income limits determine eligibility for Rural Development Home Loans. Updated annually, these limits vary by location and family size. Changes reflect shifts in median incomes, ensuring assistance reaches those with financial need to promote the program’s goal of promoting sustainable rural communities in West Michigan and the rest of the country.   Who Qualifies […]

Deciding Between FHA vs Conventional Loans in 2025

January 24, 2025

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 […]

Conventional Home Limits for 2025

January 19, 2025

Understanding your mortgage goes beyond calculating your payment and reviewing the terms of your loan. Monthly payments and interest rates aside, the first step is understanding what kind of loan you’ll need to secure for the specific home you want to purchase. If you are seeking a conventional or conforming loan, you will have to […]