Category: First Time Home Buyer

Three Rules for First-Time Homebuyers

first time homebuyers

Ready to stop wasting money on rent and invest in your own home? As a first-time home buyer, the process may seem overwhelming. Here are three rules for first-time home buyers and a basic run-down of everything you need to know to buy your first home. Get your finances in order First and foremost, you… Read more »

Mortgages for the Self-Empoyed

Getting a Mortgage when Self Employed.

  The process of getting a home loan when self-employed does not have to be difficult if you are prepared. While the self-employed enjoy the freedom to work when and how they want, full-time employees benefit from getting the same paycheck month-to-month from long-established companies. In the eyes of lenders, that gives them a sense of security… Read more »

Waiting to Buy a Home in West Michigan?

5 reasons why not to wait to buy a home

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Buy Timing can mean the difference between getting a home at a good value or missing out completely. Right now, the West Michigan housing market is red hot. If you are thinking about buying a house in West Michigan, here are five reasons you shouldn’t wait much longer: 1)… Read more »

Buying a Home with Student Loan Debt

Buying a Home with Student Loan Debt In a few short months, thousands of college students across the country will walk across a stage, shake a hand, and graduate from a university with a degree and more than likely… a whole lot of debt. Student loans are often necessary to reach your educational goals, but… Read more »

Mortgage Bankers vs. Mortgage Lenders vs. Mortgage Brokers

Bankers and Lenders and Brokers, Oh My! Mortgage Bankers When many prospective homebuyers think about getting pre-approved for a mortgage, they picture their local bank. They stop by the nearest branch, are greeted by a friendly teller, and ask to speak to a loan officer. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this concept, but it certainly… Read more »

Buy a Home with No Closing Costs

Buy a Home with No Closing Costs An alarming number of first time homebuyers are unaware that mortgages involve closing costs, and which often creates a financial obstacle. Here, we’ll explain not only what closing costs are, but more importantly, how to avoid paying them! What are Closing Costs? Closing costs are additional fees a… Read more »

VA Loans Just Got Better

  For eligible servicemembers, veterans, and surviving spouses, the existing VA home loan program just got better! The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has introduced a new policy regarding how student loan debt affects mortgage eligibility. Related: VA Loans for Military Veterans VA loosens Guidelines for Student Loans The new policy makes it easier for… Read more »

Use Your Tax Refund as a Down Payment on a Home

Use Your Tax Refund as a Down Payment on a Home One of the biggest roadblocks to homeownership for prospective first time homebuyers is the down payment. Given the cost of rent, utilities, student loan debt, and many other expenses, it is hard to save up thousands of dollars for a down payment. Some first… Read more »