MSHDA ‘First Generation’ $25,000 Down Payment Assistance Grant

February 18, 2025

*As of May 2025, the funds for MSHDA First Generation Down Payment Assistance have been used to completion. All information pertaining to MSHDA $10,000 Down Payment Assistance is still applicable. Great news for first generation home buyers in Michigan! MSHDA – The MI State Housing & Development Authority announced that for a short time (until […]

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 […]

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 It takes a particular vision to see a home’s hidden potential beneath layers of outdated wallpaper or cracked tiles.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

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 2026?

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 […]

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 […]