Entries by Amber Darsch

The 2026 Homebuyer Playbook: What Michigan Buyers Need to Know

Buying a home in 2026 can feel overwhelming — changing interest rates, competitive markets, and a flood of online advice can leave buyers unsure of where to begin. At Michigan Mortgage, our role is to cut through the noise and guide you with clarity, honesty, and confidence. This beginner-friendly playbook is designed to help Michigan […]

Everything You Need to Know About MSHDA Down Payment Assistance

How Michigan Mortgage Helps Make Homeownership More Achievable for Michigan Buyers Buying a home is one of the biggest financial steps you’ll ever take — and for many buyers, the down payment feels like the biggest hurdle. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) offers […]

Your Mortgage Team Matters

Why Having the Right Lender Changes Everything When you’re buying a home, the mortgage process can feel like a maze of numbers, paperwork, and unfamiliar terminology. But here’s something every homebuyer deserves to know: your experience doesn’t depend on the loan alone — it depends on the team guiding you through it. Choosing the right […]

From Frustrated to Informed

From Frustrated to Informed: How to Turn Homebuying Stress Into Success Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting milestones—but it can also be one of the most stressful. Between finding the right property, securing financing, and managing endless paperwork, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? That stress doesn’t have to define […]

Timeline Trouble: What Causes Delays in Closing

When you’re buying a home, few things are more exciting than getting close to the finish line and closing day! However, unexpected bumps in the road can sometimes cause delays. Understanding what causes these hiccups (and how to avoid them) can help keep your closing on track and stress levels low. Common Causes of Closing […]

What Underwriters Are Looking For.

What Underwriters Are Looking For (And How You Can Help Speed It Up) Buying a home is exciting, but it’s no secret that the underwriting process can feel like a waiting game. The good news? Understanding what underwriters are looking for (and how you can help) can make the process smoother and often faster. At […]

How We Keep You in the Loop from Start to Finish

Communication Is Key: How We Keep You in the Loop from Start to Finish Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed by the process. At Michigan Mortgage, we believe that the journey to homeownership doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. […]

5 Things You Should Not Do During the Mortgage Process

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life—but it also comes with a few rules you’ll want to follow carefully. While your lender is reviewing your finances and preparing your approval, certain actions could throw a wrench in the process and even jeopardize your loan. To help you stay on track, […]

Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification: What’s the Difference?

When you’re starting your homebuying journey, two terms you’ll hear often are pre-qualification and pre-approval. While they might sound similar, these steps are very different — and understanding the distinction can make a big impact on your home search, your timeline, and your ability to negotiate confidently. Let’s break it down. What is Pre-Qualification? Pre-qualification is typically the first […]

Mortgage Terms, Explained: No Jargon, Just Answers

Let’s be honest: the mortgage process can feel like learning a whole new language. Between acronyms, industry lingo, and legal-sounding terms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’re breaking it all down — no jargon, just clear answers — so you can feel confident every step of the way. Whether you’re a first-time buyer […]