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!

Bank Statement Loans for Self Employed

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Anthony Bird - Buying a Home, Mortgage Tips

Bank statement loans for self employed in 2026: requirements, rates, documents, pros and cons, and how to qualify fast. Step-by-step guide.

How to Use Your Tax Refund to Buy a Home

Posted on April 8, 2026 by Anthony Bird - Buying a Home, First Time Home Buyer

Tax refund season and home buying season land at almost exactly the same time every year — here is how to use your tax refund to buy a home! For a lot of buyers, that refund check is the missing piece for first time home buyers. The average federal refund this year is running close… Read more »

VA IRRRL: How Veterans Are Saving $200+/Month With One Simple Refinance

Posted on April 4, 2026 by Anthony Bird - va, VA Loan

If you bought or refinanced your home in 2023 or 2024 — when mortgage rates were at their peak — there’s a good chance you’re paying more than you need to right now. And if you have a VA loan, there’s a program built specifically to fix that: the VA IRRRL. Most veterans have never… Read more »

2026 Conventional Condo Guideline Changes: What Buyers Need to Know

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Anthony Bird - Buying a Home, Mortgage Tips

Conventional Condo Guideline Changes If you’re buying, financing, or working with condos, things just changed. In March 2026, Fannie Mae dropped Lender Letter LL-2026-03 conventional condo guideline changes — a significant overhaul to conventional condo guideline requirements that affects project reviews, reserve funding, insurance rules, and more. Some of it makes life easier. Some of… Read more »

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 »