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Five Things First-Time Home Buyers Should Know in 2026 Helpful tips for Michigan buyers entering the housing market this year Buying your first home is both exciting and overwhelming — especially in 2026, with shifting interest rates, tighter inventory, and evolving buyer programs. If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Michigan (or thinking about moving here),…

Getting a Joint Mortgage With Your Son or Daughter: What Michigan Families Should Know If you’ve ever wondered “Can I get a joint mortgage with my son or daughter?”, you’re not alone. More Michigan families than ever are teaming up to buy homes—whether to help a child purchase their first place, assist an aging parent,…

Jumbo Loan Refinances: Everything You Need to Know Your best friend in home finance explains how jumbo refinances work — and when they can save you serious money. If you’re a homeowner with a jumbo mortgage and you’re wondering whether now is a good time to refinance, you’re not alone. Jumbo loan refinances are becoming…

How You Can Use Your Assets to Qualify for a Mortgage (Also known as “asset depletion”) When you think about qualifying for a mortgage, you probably picture pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, and employment history. But what if you don’t have a traditional paycheck—or your income doesn’t reflect the financial strength you really have? That’s…

Jumbo Loans: Everything You Need to Know About Jumbo Mortgages in Michigan If you’re looking to buy a high-value home in Michigan, a jumbo loan might be what you need. Jumbo loans are mortgages that exceed the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They’re designed for buyers of luxury homes or…

What’s the Average Cost of a House in Michigan? (With Regional Breakdown) If you’re looking to buy a home in Michigan—whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating from another state, or simply exploring your options—it’s helpful to understand what home prices really look like across the state. Michigan provides a range of housing markets, from affordable…

Michigan Property Taxes Explained: A Complete Guide for Homeowners Buying a home in Michigan comes with a lot of excitement—but also some important financial considerations. One of the biggest factors many new homeowners overlook is property taxes. Understanding how Michigan property taxes work can help you budget accurately and avoid any surprises. Here’s everything you…

6 Things Veterans Should Know About VA IRRRL and VA Refinance Options Refinancing a VA loan can be one of the smartest financial moves for veterans and active-duty service members—especially with programs like the VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan). Whether you’re hoping to lower your monthly payment, shorten your loan term, or skip…

Why West Michigan Is a Great Place to Buy Your First Home Buying your first home is a big milestone — and choosing where to buy is just as important as choosing the home itself. If you’re considering putting down roots in Michigan, there’s no better place than West Michigan. From affordable housing to beautiful…

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Michigan — whether it’s your first house or a relocation from another state — understanding property taxes is a must. Michigan’s system is unique compared to many states, and knowing how it works can help you avoid surprises in your monthly mortgage payment and long-term budget. Here…