2026 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 It takes a particular vision to see a home’s hidden potential beneath layers of outdated wallpaper or cracked tiles.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 2026

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 […]

Conventional Home Limits for 2026

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 […]

How to Decide Between Renting vs Buying a House in Michigan in 2025

January 12, 2025

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 […]

What is the Opt-Out Pre-Screen and How to Opt-Out in 2025

January 2, 2025

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 […]

5 Common Mortgage Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Home

December 11, 2024

Avoiding Common Mortgage Mistakes Buying your first home is sort of like hitting the road for a cross-country trip. Reaching your destination (or destinations) is exciting, but without a solid plan, it’s easy to take a wrong turn, hit unexpected detours, or run out of gas. Many first-time home buyers encounter similar pitfalls that can […]

Will Interest Rates Go Down in 2025?

December 6, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of real estate and finance, one question consistently rears its head: Will interest rates for mortgages go down? While the answer is never set in stone, and there are intricate dynamics behind interest rates, we can still shed light on the outlook with a rates forecast.   Will Mortgage Interest Rates […]

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 […]