Guides
Mortgage guides, without the jargon
Evergreen explanations of how rates work, how approval actually happens, and how to choose between loan programs. Written for buyers in Michigan and anywhere else.
Loan types
FHA vs. Conventional Loans
Down payment, credit score, mortgage insurance and property rules compared, so you can pick the loan that fits your file.
Read more →Mortgage basics
Mortgage Rates Explained: What Homebuyers Need to Know Before Buying a Home
How mortgage rates are set, what moves them, and how to compare offers. Includes a payment table at 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5% and 7.0%.
Read more →Buying process
Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification
A pre-qualification is a quick estimate. A pre-approval is a reviewed file. Here is what each one means when you make an offer.
Read more →Refinancing
When to Refinance Your Mortgage
Refinancing can lower your payment or shorten your term, but it costs money. Here is how to tell whether the math works.
Read more →Detroit-specific guides
Local rates, first-time buyer steps, refinancing and Michigan loan programs.
Visit the Detroit hub