Hi Melissa, Buying a home is the most wonderfull event. If you are a first time home buyer there are many programs that are available for you, for example, down payment assistance throught MSHDA "Michigan State Housing Development administration, which not only can assist you with a down payment, but also with low interest below 6%. I have work with two very good loan officers and they are: Aida Caballero West from 5/3 Bank her number is 517-930-0631 and Eloy Martinez from Bank of America and his number is 517-2029904. I hope they can help you MSHDA programs also works for non first time home buyers as long as there are 3 years from last time you sell your house. Now my name is Natan Espinosa and I am REALTOR(R) and I have been serving the real estate needs for first time home buyers in the Greater Lansing Area my email is Natan@NatanEspinosa.com and my direct number if you need and have any additional questions is 517-202-3541, Thank you Melissa for your question.

Thu Jun 12 2008, 11:39

Melissa I am a Real Estate Broker in the Lansing area. I have been selling homes here since 1986. I personaaly use and refer Aron Clark at Providence Mortgage Company. He has done a wonderful job of taking care of my clients needs as well as helping me personally. He is very honest and does a great job of staying in touch. His email address is aclark@providencelending.com and his direct number is 517-853-5101

Thu Jun 5 2008, 09:19

Hi, Melissa! I am a loan officer with Flagstar Bank and have been here for over 19years. Flagstar Bank is a very reputable bank and there are several in your area. You may want to look into the FHA/AmeriDream program for down payment assistance. It is a great program that I use quite a bit in today's market. Good luck and have fun house-hunting. Kathy Borucki

Mon May 19 2008, 08:06

Melissa, email me at mike@mikebowler.com and I will provide you with 3 names of very reputiable mortgage brokers who have been around for as long as I have and know what they are doing.

Mon May 19 2008, 06:27

Hi Melissa,
Don't ever view it as "weighing your buyer agent down" with anything. Talk to her about your research ... anything. This is what will allow her to best help you. It's more than just a transaction, and to be fair to your agent, you need to keep her in the loop. You don't want to get into that situation down the line where you feel that your agent doesn't understand your needs.......... talk to her. :^)

Sat Apr 19 2008, 08:36

Thank you both for taking time to answer my question and added advice I find to be very valuable. I have indeed been doing some homework on the subject. That is how I came across Trulia. I will check out the information you both provided. It is good to know this website exist and has helpful people such as you two. Thanks again.

I do have a buyers agent that I have been in contact with. She has also been very helpful and has given me some leads as lenders as well. I don't want to weigh her down too much with all my research. : ) Have a great weekend.

Fri Apr 18 2008, 23:32

Melissa, There are many reputable lenders in Michigan. I suggest contacting at least three and if you are approved, compare their Good Faith Estimates. You will see that some have different costs associated with their product and some will charge a higher interest rate.

Because most people switch homes every 7-10 years, you may not want to base your decision on the 30 year number.

This website contains a list of lenders approved by HUD http://www.hud.gov/ll/code/llslcrit.cfm Search for Lansing area.

Please make sure you take time to learn about the buying process before looking at homes. I suggest getting a Buyers Agent. In Michigan, only a Buyers Agent can reprisent the buyer. There is a sample buyers contract available on the website below. I do not service your area.

Fri Apr 18 2008, 10:30

My best recommendation is Metro Mortgage. I refer almost 100% of my clients to John Emerson and have used him for my own personal mortgages as well. He has offices in Perry and in Owosso, but works with many buyers in the Lansing area. You can reach him at 989-413-2419 or by email at johne@metroowosso.com They are honest and straight forward! Good luck!

Fri Apr 18 2008, 08:07