Category: First Time Home Buyer

Budgeting to Become a Homebuyer

budgeting for home ownership

You have found yourself in debt, but you have also found yourself wanting to buy a home.  You want to pay off the money that you owe all while saving up money for your dream home. It is possible? First off, you should know that you are not alone. Many people find themselves in situations… Read more »

8 Common Mortgage Questions

For some, buying a home can be a scary experience, but it doesn’t have to be. The first step of the homebuying process should be to do research. Researching is one of the most important things that future homebuyers could and should do. Here are some commonly asked questions about mortgages and the homebuying process.… Read more »

USDA Mortgage Repair Escrow Program

What is a USDA Mortgage? The USDA loan, or Rural Developmental loan, allows for homebuyers to purchase a home with a zero down payment.  This is great for people that want to live in a rural area and get a loan that is truly zero down.  Benefits of getting a USDA loan is that you… Read more »

The Mortgage Process: What Happens After Pre-Approval

Congratulations! You passed the pre-approval stage for getting a home, but what happens next? Once you have a pre-approval letter from your lender, you can start looking for a home to purchase. Keep in mind that the letter is only good for 60 to 90 days, depending on the type of approval you received. Why… Read more »

How to get pre-approved for a mortgage

Things to avoid when buying a home in Michigan.

If you are new to the home-buying process, you are probably aware that one of the best first courses of action is to get pre-approved before you start house hunting. So, you head to your bank or financial institution, but you have no idea what goes into the process of pre-approval. What do you need… Read more »

How to avoid or get rid of PMI

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) protects the lender in case you default on your loan. In most cases, unless you have a 20% down payment, you would have to pay PMI. But if that sounds like one more expense you can’t afford, here are some ways you can avoid PMI or get rid of it if… Read more »

VA Loans for Reservists and National Guard

As a Reservist or member of the National Guard, did you know that you could be eligible for a no down payment VA Loan? If you’re thinking about refinancing or buying a house, maybe you didn’t even realize the VA Loan could be an option for you. Although your role is different than that of a… Read more »

Can I get a co-signer for a home loan?

Things to avoid when buying a home in Michigan.

If you want to buy a house, you have to meet certain requirements in order to secure a mortgage. What if you do not meet the requirements for income and credit history? The good news is you can ask someone to cosign on your loan, even if they won’t live at your house. Here’s what… Read more »