How the Fed’s Recent Moves Could Impact Your Mortgage Rate
If you’ve been paying attention lately, you may have seen that the Fed made a move at its October 28–29 meeting, and if you were thinking, “Great, mortgage rates must drop now!” well… it’s a bit more complicated. 💡 What the Fed Actually Did and Why Mortgage Rates Didn’t Plunge At the meeting, the Fed…
Read MoreHow to Prepare Your Home (and Finances) for Winter – Without Breaking the Bank
As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop, most homeowners focus on cozying up indoors and decorating for the holidays. But fall isn’t just a time for pumpkin spice and football — it’s also one of the most important windows of the year to prepare both your home and your finances for…
Read MoreHow First-Time Homebuyers Can Compete Without Overpaying
The Challenge for First-Time Buyers If you’re buying your first home, you’ve probably noticed how competitive the market still is. Even as mortgage rates start to ease, the number of homes for sale remains low — which means buyers are often rushing to make offers fast.But that doesn’t mean you need to overpay or settle…
Read MoreWhy Fall 2025 Could Be a Smart Time to Buy or Refinance
Fall often feels like a season of change. Kids are back in school, routines settle in, and for many people, thoughts turn toward making big life moves before the year ends. If you’ve been considering buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage, this fall could be an especially good window of opportunity. Rates and…
Read MoreClient Success Story: Marcus’ Journey from Renter to Homeowner
(Name changed for privacy) Two years ago, “Marcus” sent me a message that started like this: “I’m not sure if I’m ready yet… my credit isn’t great, and I don’t have much saved. But I really want to buy a home someday.” That “someday” became this summer of 2025, when Marcus finally held the keys…
Read MoreBuying with Higher Rates vs. Renting: What People Are Missing
Let’s be real-interest rates are higher than they were a couple of years ago, and for many people that creates hesitation. “Maybe I’ll just keep renting until rates drop,” is a phrase we hear all the time. But here’s the problem: that logic can end up costing you far more in the long run. Let’s…
Read MoreWhat You Can Learn From People Who Regret Their Mortgage Decisions
Avoid the headaches, the second-guessing, and the “what ifs.” Here’s what real people wish they knew before signing the dotted line-and how you can learn from their experiences. 1. “I Wish I Shopped Around for My Loan”Too many buyers stick with the first lender their agent recommends or the bank they’ve used since college. What…
Read MoreHow to Read a Loan Estimate Like a Pro (and Spot the Hidden Fees)
By BrightSide Lending – Your Trusted Michigan Mortgage Experts Buying a home is exciting—but it can also feel like learning a whole new language. One of the most important documents you’ll receive when applying for a mortgage is the Loan Estimate (often called the “LE”). It’s your crystal ball into the real cost of your…
Read More🛠️ Summer Home Projects That Add Real Value—And What You Can Borrow to Do Them
Summer is the season of sunshine, barbecues… and finally tackling those home improvement projects you’ve been thinking about all winter. But which upgrades actually boost your home’s value—and how can you pay for them without draining your savings? At BrightSide Lending, we’re more than just mortgages. We help Michigan homeowners unlock smart ways to finance…
Read More🎓 Graduating College in Michigan?
Here’s How You Can Buy a Home With Zero Job History Congrats, graduate! 🎉 You’ve swapped late-night study sessions for early-morning adulting—and somewhere between moving your tassel and moving out of your parents’ place, you might be wondering: “Can I actually buy a home with no job history?”Short answer? Yes—especially in Michigan.Let BrightSide Lending show…
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