FHA 203(k) Loans in 2026: Full vs. Streamline, and What’s Changed
If you’ve been looking at homes in Metro Detroit, you’ve probably run into the same thing a lot of buyers are seeing right now. Move-in-ready houses get bid up fast, and the ones that need work sit on the market longer. That gap is exactly what the FHA 203(k) program was built for. It lets…
Read More5 Myths About Renovation Lending Debunked for Today’s Metro Detroit Market
If you’ve been house hunting in Metro Detroit lately, you already know the problem: there just aren’t enough move-in-ready homes to go around. Rates remain elevated compared to a few years ago, and a lot of homeowners who locked in a much lower rate aren’t in a hurry to sell. That’s kept inventory tight, especially…
Read MoreCan a Non-Permanent Resident Alien Get a Mortgage in the U.S.? A Metro Detroit Guide
If you’re living and working in the United States on a visa, you can still buy a home here. That surprises a lot of people. But the rules changed significantly in 2025, and if you’re anywhere near the Detroit-Windsor border, those changes matter more to you than almost anyone else in the country. Here’s what…
Read MoreBig Changes Are Coming to Condo Financing in Metro Detroit — Here’s What Buyers, Sellers, and Realtors Need to Know!
If you own a condo in Oakland County, Macomb County, or anywhere in Metro Detroit or you’re planning to buy or sell one, revised guidelines from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are about to change how that transaction gets financed. These aren’t small tweaks either. This is one of the most significant overhauls to condominium…
Read MoreThe Little-Known Loan Michigan Real Estate Investors Should Know About: DSCR Mortgages
If you’re investing in rental property in Michigan, whether that’s a duplex in Ferndale, a short-term rental up in Traverse City, or a portfolio of single-family rentals across Metro Detroit there’s a financing tool that flies under the radar for most investors: the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan. Most people go straight to a…
Read MoreThe Michigan “Contingency Buster”: A Strategic Deep Dive into HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell Program
In my 25 years as a mortgage lender in Metro Detroit, the “Catch-22” of real estate has remained the same: Do you buy first and risk carrying two mortgages, or sell first and risk having nowhere to live? In today’s market—from the historic streets of Royal Oak to the suburbs of Novi and Clarkston—sellers will…
Read MoreSpecial Refinancing Considerations for Michigan Homeowners
Most people think of refinancing as a simple way to lower their interest rate or get some cash out of their home’s equity. But what happens when your situation is a little more unique? Sometimes, a standard refinance just doesn’t fit the bill. For these special situations, there are unique loan programs and considerations that…
Read MoreTop 5 Things You Need to Know About Refinancing Your Home Loan in Michigan
Refinancing your home loan in Michigan can seem like a big puzzle but understanding a few key things can make the whole process much clearer and easier. With my 25 years of experience helping homeowners in Metro Detroit and across Michigan, I want to share the top 5 things you really need to know before…
Read MoreCommon Refinancing Mistakes to Avoid in Michigan
Refinancing your home in Michigan can be a fantastic way to save money or reach your financial goals. But just like anything important, there are some common mistakes homeowners make that can cost them time and money. Knowing what to watch out for can help you have a smooth and successful refinance experience. Here are…
Read MoreRefinancing Your Michigan Vacation Home or Investment Property
Prior posts have addressed refinancing your primary home – the place you live in every day. But what if you own another property in Michigan, like a cozy cabin up north in Kalkaska, a lakeside cottage Lewiston, or a rental property in Melvindale? Can you refinance those too? The answer is usually yes, but it’s…
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