Why Your Property Taxes Go Up After Buying A Home

March 28, 2023

What Are Property Taxes? When you own a property, you are required to pay property taxes based on the assessed value of your land and buildings. Unlike federal tax brackets which are dependent on a particular filing status, property taxes are different for each individual property. Real estate listings often show the prior year’s property […]

Average Monthly Mortgage Payments for First Time Home Buyers

February 3, 2023

First-time homebuyers often ask us how much their mortgage payment should be, but the answer varies based on individual situations and scenarios. Some of the factors that go into determining your monthly mortgage payment may include your home’s value and the purchase price, your interest rate (as determined by the broader market conditions and your […]

What is DTI Ratio, and How Does Debt-to-Income Ratio Work?

January 25, 2023

What is the Debt-to-Income Ratio? The debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is a measure of how much of your monthly income goes towards paying your debts. Lenders use it to determine how much of a mortgage you can afford to take on. When you are buying a home, your DTI ratio is an important factor that lenders […]

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 — 2025 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 […]

How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Buying a Home

October 11, 2022

Why is Your Credit Score Important for Mortgages? Lenders estimate your ability to pay back money borrowed based on your credit score. A high credit score can result in a lower interest rate and save you thousands of dollars in interest paid over the life of the loan. At a glance, credit scores measure your […]