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!

Is a Cash-out Refinance Mortgage Right for Me?

Posted on December 1, 2022 by Anthony Bird - Local Michigan, Mortgage Rates, Refinance

What is a Cash-out Refinance Mortgage? A cash-out refinance mortgage is a type of home loan where the borrower takes out additional cash beyond the amount due on their existing mortgage. The extra cash is used to pay off debts, make home improvements, or for other expenses. What are the Benefits of a Cash-out Refinance… Read more »

Michigan Borrowers Now Ready For 2023 Conventional Loan Limits

Posted on November 29, 2022 by Anthony Bird - Local Michigan

Conventional Loan Limits Announced for 2023

2023 Conventional Loan Limits jump as home values have continued to increase at a record breaking pace throughout 2022. Between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022, homes appreciated 12.21 percent on average (slightly slower than 18.05% between 2020 and 2021). The FHFA uses this metric to calculate the 2023 maximum conventional loan limits. The… Read more »

Top 10 Uses for a Home Equity Line of Credit

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Anthony Bird - Investment, Local Michigan, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Tips, Refinance, Second Mortgage

Many homeowners are using their home’s equity to secure a home equity line of credit. A HELOC is typically a second mortgage with interest only payments and low rates compared to credit cards or unsecured debts. Don’t miss out on these top 10 uses for HELOCs. 1. A HELOC can help you consolidate your debt… Read more »

Down Payment Assistance to Buy a Home in Michigan with BorrowSmart

Posted on July 25, 2022 by Anthony Bird - Buying a Home, First Time Home Buyer, Low Down Payment Loans, Mortgage Tips

Michigan BorrowSmart Down Payment Assistance Program

Buy a home using down payment assistance in Michigan with Freddie Mac’s BorrowSmart Program. Homebuyers below the Area Median Income (AMI) Limits can receive up to $2500 in down payment assistance. The program is available only for purchase loans being used as a primary residence. Homebuyers may be eligible with a credit score of at… Read more »

Did Michigan Mortgage Rates Blast Off in 2022?

Posted on May 26, 2022 by Anthony Bird - Buying a Home, Local Michigan, Mortgage Rates

If you listen to the news, you will get fed consistent updates about how mortgage rates are jumping and how housing markets may be in a bubble. It is no wonder why the average home buyer may second guess their timing to buy a home in 2022. It is true that mortgage rates have shot… Read more »

Second Home Loan Rates Skyrocketing in 2022

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Anthony Bird - Buying a Home, Local Michigan, Mortgage Rates, Second Mortgage, Vacation Homes

Fannie Mae has announce that they will be raising rates on second home loan for all purchases after April 1st, 2022

2022 Conventional Loan Limits in Michigan

Posted on December 2, 2021 by Anthony Bird - Local Michigan

With home values appreciating at a record breaking clip, the maximum conventional loan limit has also increased a substantial amount for 2022. The Federal House Finance Agency (FHFA) reviews home sales data on an annual basis and adjusts the max conforming loan limit to the rate of appreciation using the FHFA House Price Index (FHFA… Read more »

Fannie Mae RefiNow Mortgage

Posted on May 28, 2021 by Anthony Bird - Local Michigan, Mortgage Rates, Refinance

New Michigan RefiNow Mortgage introduced to save low-income borrowers thousands by refinancing to lower rates. Lower Costs. Appraisal Waivers Possible.