Helping The First Time Home Buyer

Buying a home in Michigan isn't just about the house—it's also about what can happen around the house. Many buyers research schools, taxes, and neighborhoods but forget one critical factor: zoning. Zoning determines how land can be used today and how it may be developed in the future. Understanding it can help you avoid costly surprises after closing. What Is Zoning? Zoning is a set of local rules created by a city, township, or village that controls how land and buildings ca

One of the biggest misconceptions about buying a home is that you need a 20% down payment. Fortunately, that's simply not true. Many first-time home buyers purchase a home with as little as 3% to 5% down. However, putting less than 20% down often means you'll pay mortgage insurance. While mortgage insurance increases your monthly payment, it can also help you become a homeowner years sooner than waiting to save a larger down payment. Let's break down what mortgage insurance i

If you've been shopping for homes in the Ann Arbor area, you may have noticed something new appearing on some MLS listings: HERD Score or Home Energy Score Many first-time buyers see these reports and have no idea what they mean. The good news is that they can provide valuable information about a home's future operating costs and help buyers make more informed decisions. What Is a HERD Score? HERD stands for Home Energy Rating Disclosure. The program uses the U.S. Department