Michigan Down Payment Assistance Programs for First-Time Home Buyers

May 1, 2023

Homeownership might not be as far off as you think with Treadstone’s down payment assistance options! For first-time home buyers, these options directly decrease the amount of cash needed at closing, making home ownership achievable for more buyers. Not all programs or options are available for all buyers. If you’re starting the search for a […]

You Won’t Get a Better Interest Rate With a Lower Credit Score

April 25, 2023

The Media is Wrong In the last few days, we’ve heard the news advertising how new changes rewards people with low credit with better interest rates. It’s not what it seems! We aim to deliver information that is simple and clear enough that the average home buyer could understand without having to scratch their head too much! […]

Conventional Loans Explained for First-Time Home Buyers

April 10, 2023

What is a Conventional Loan? A Conventional Loan is a type of mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by the government, but rather by mortgage companies! It is called a “Conventional” Loan because it follows the guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two government-sponsored enterprises that purchase and sell mortgage loans in […]

The Pickleball Craze Hits Real Estate in Michigan

April 6, 2023

You might start hearing the sound of plastic balls bouncing nearby, or excited neighbors shouting, “get out of the kitchen” (even if they are nowhere near an actual kitchen). Why? It’s one of the newest trends in real estate: pickleball courts. Did you know that having a pickleball court at your home is now considered […]

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, […]