Author: Anthony Bird

My name is Anthony Bird, an owner of Riverbank Finance, a Grand Rapids Mortgage Company, based here in Michigan. I am a graduate from Grand Valley State University majoring in both Business Management and Marketing. I have been a mortgage professional in Michigan for 6 Years with experience as a retail bank loan officer as well as for private mortgage companies. Riverbank Finance is a local mortgage company that values community and the West Michigan Area. We hire only licensed loan officers that can custom tailor loans for our client's needs. If you have any real estate or mortgage questions, call me at 616-365-5792 or email me at info@riverbankfinance.com and I will do whatever it takes to help. Learn more about me on my Google Profile: About Anthony Bird. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Self-Employed Home Loans in Michigan: The Complete 2026 Guide

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Anthony Bird - Buying a Home, Mortgage Tips

Discover how self-employed Michiganders can secure the perfect mortgage in 2025. Learn eligibility, documentation, loan options, rates, tips & expert advice.

Cash-out 95% Mortgage in 2026: How to Unlock Maximum Equity from Your Home

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Anthony Bird - Buying a Home, Mortgage Tips

Image of a borrower receiving a 95% cash out mortgage on their home.

Discover how a Cashout 95% Mortgage works in 2025, eligibility criteria, pros & cons, and tips to access nearly all your home’s equity today.

Home Value Estimator: How to Accurately Calculate Your Home’s Worth in 2026

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Anthony Bird - Buying a Home, Mortgage Tips

Want to know how much your home is worth? Use this guide on home value estimators to understand key factors, online tools, and expert tips to maximize your property’s value in 2025.

2026 Conventional Loan Limits in Michigan

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Anthony Bird - Local Michigan

2026 Conventional Loan Limits in Michigan have been put into action, jumping up yet again as home values have continued to increase throughout 2025. The FHFA has officially announced the 2026 Conventional Loan Limits at $832,750 for Single Family Homes. Each year, the FHFA adjusts the conforming loan limits based on its third quarter House Price… Read more »

How to Qualify for a Mortgage with Student Loans in 2026

Posted on March 5, 2026 by Anthony Bird - Local Michigan

Student Loan Begin Repayments The rising cost of education has meant that a significant number of graduates are left with student loans to repay when they enter the workforce. These debts can, unfortunately, make it more difficult for people to become homeowners. While student loans may limit your buying power when it comes to buying… Read more »

The 50 Year Mortgage. Is a Longer Loan Better?

Posted on November 9, 2025 by Anthony Bird - Buying a Home, Mortgage Tips

Discover how a 50-year mortgage works, who it’s for, pros & cons, rate comparisons, qualification tips and alternatives in our 2025 guide to ultra-long home loans.

USDA Mortgage Repair Escrow Program in Michigan

Posted on November 1, 2025 by Anthony Bird - Buying a Home, First Time Home Buyer, Mortgage Tips

Michigan homebuyers looking to purchase a home in rural or suburban areas have a unique financing opportunity through the USDA Mortgage Repair Escrow Program. This specialized program allows you to buy a home that needs repairs while financing both the purchase price and renovation costs into a single, zero down payment loan. The USDA Repair… Read more »

New Law Helps More Veterans Stay in Their Homes

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Anthony Bird - Mortgage Tips, Refinance, va, VA Loan

Today, 7/30/2025, President Trump signed the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act into law, and for thousands of veterans across the country, this could be a game-changer. This bill passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate, which is nearly unheard of in politics. If you’re a veteran using the VA home loan benefit… Read more »