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Mortgage Programs
Home Loan Options
Our experienced mortgage advisors will walk you through the best mortgage loan program that will fit your specific scenario.
Conventional Home Loans.
FHA Home Loans.
USDA Home Loans.
VA Home Loans.
There is no limit to the number of times you can refinance. However, you must qualify every time you apply and there will be costs associated with closing the loan each time.
Yes! There are a number of bond programs that offer low or no down payment financing options.
The key to choosing the right mortgage is to understand the range of options and features available to you, as well as your budget, circumstances, and goals. Our licensed mortgage professionals are here to help you navigate that process. The more you know, the more comfortable and confident you will be choosing the best option for you and your family.
The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) does not permit a lender to close a loan until at least seven (7) business days have passed from the date your application was received. A typical home loan takes 30 days, as a number of third-party services such as appraisals, title work, and credit are required in conjunction with the mortgage process. Once you familiarize your Loan Officer with the details of your specific loan scenario, they will be able to provide you with a more specific timeline.
The only way to find out is to speak with a qualified mortgage professional. Our Loan Officers have helped numerous clients who didn’t know if they could qualify to become home owners. We take the time to understand your financial situation and long-term financial goals, and then match you with the loan program that best fits your needs. Your approval for a loan may also largely depend on the price of the home you are financing. Getting pre-qualified prior to beginning your home search can give you an idea of what you may be able to afford.
Homeowners typically refinance to save money, either by obtaining a lower interest rate or by reducing the term of their loan. Refinancing is also a way to convert an adjustable loan to a fixed loan or to consolidate debts.
This question does not have a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. The exact amount will depend on the price of the home you buy as well the type of mortgage financing you choose. Depending on your loan program, your down payment could be as much as 20% of the home’s price or as little as 3%, while some loans require no down payment at all.
You may still qualify for a home loan even if you have experienced a bankruptcy. The best way to find out if you qualify is to talk with a Loan Officer to discuss your options. Be sure to bring all paperwork regarding your bankruptcy so your Loan Officer can find the program that best fits your situation.
Interest rates fluctuate all day, every day. If an interest rate is good, it may be in your best interest to lock now. If you wait, you run the risk of an increase in rates later. If you are concerned that rates may go down after you lock, contact your Loan Officer to discuss your options. Some programs allow you to lock for an extended period and choose to lower your rate should a better one become available.

Mortgage Rate Volatility Is Creating Opportunity for Prepared Buyers in Clarkston and the Tri-County Area
Buyers Are Frustrated by Mortgage Rates — And Understandably So
If you have been watching mortgage rates over the past several months, you already know how unpredictable the market has been.
Rates have been moving up and down frequently based on inflation reports, economic news, bond market activity, and global events. One week rates improve, and the next week they move back higher again.
That uncertainty has created frustration for many buyers throughout Clarkston and the greater Tri-County area.
But it has also created opportunity for buyers who are fully prepared and ready to act when favorable rate windows appear.
Why Mortgage Rates Continue to Move Around
Mortgage rates are heavily influenced by the bond market, inflation expectations, and overall economic conditions.
When inflation concerns increase, mortgage rates often move higher. When inflation data improves or the market anticipates future Federal Reserve rate cuts, rates can improve quickly.
The challenge is that these changes can happen fast.
A buyer who looks at rates on Monday may see a noticeably different market by Friday.
That is why trying to perfectly “time the market” has become extremely difficult.
The Clarkston and Tri-County Market Is Still Competitive
Even with higher interest rates, demand throughout much of Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties remains strong.
In Clarkston specifically, homes priced roughly between $200,000 and $700,000 are still seeing significant buyer activity and multiple offers in many situations.
Well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods continue to move quickly.
That means buyers who are fully prepared still have an advantage.
The buyers succeeding in today’s market are typically the ones who:
Have a full pre-approval completed
Already have income and asset documents reviewed
Understand their payment options
Can move quickly when the right home becomes available
Have a lender monitoring rates and communicating consistently
Prepared Buyers Are in the Best Position
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make right now is waiting until they find the perfect home before starting the financing process.
In a fast-moving market, that delay can cost buyers opportunities.
When rates improve — even temporarily — prepared buyers are able to lock quickly and move forward confidently. Buyers who are not yet pre-approved often miss those windows entirely.
Preparation matters more than ever in today’s market.
A Smart Approach in Today’s Rate Environment
One practical strategy many buyers are using right now is building flexibility into their monthly payment expectations.
Rather than budgeting based on the absolute lowest possible rate, buyers are planning with a small cushion built into their payment comfort level. That creates less stress if rates move slightly higher during the home search process.
At the same time, buyers should also remember that today’s rate does not necessarily have to be permanent.
Many homeowners refinance over time when market conditions improve. Waiting indefinitely for the “perfect rate” can sometimes result in paying more for the home itself later if prices continue rising.
For example, a $300,000 home today could realistically be worth $315,000 or more a year from now if appreciation continues throughout the area.
Final Thoughts
The current mortgage market requires preparation, strategy, and realistic expectations.
While rates remain higher than many buyers would prefer, the Clarkston and greater Tri-County housing market continues to see strong demand and competitive activity in many price ranges.
The buyers having the most success right now are the ones who are financially prepared, understand their options, and are ready to act when the right opportunity appears.
If you are considering buying in Clarkston or anywhere throughout the Tri-County area, Dan Rogers with Advantage Home Loans can help you explore financing options, payment scenarios, and pre-approval strategies so you can move forward with confidence.
Sources
Federal Reserve
Mortgage News Daily
Michigan Realtors
TreasuryDirect.gov
Bankrate
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