Mike Alkema · Michigan Mortgage Broker
Luxury home financing in Birmingham, MI
Buying in Birmingham? Compare the financing for the home you want, the improvements you have in mind and the cash you want available after closing.
A Birmingham purchase with a renovation in mind
A finished home and a home you plan to change are different financial decisions. Before offering on a property that needs an addition or a major interior reconfiguration, separate the purchase budget from design, construction and temporary living costs. Ask which work must happen before occupancy and which work can wait.
The Birmingham Building Department provides plan-review, permit and inspection guidance. Check the proposed scope with the city and your contractor before relying on a completion date. A contractor budget and a lender appraisal answer different questions.
Compare loan size with the cash you want to keep
An expensive home does not automatically require a jumbo loan. The amount borrowed, after the down payment, determines which loan categories may fit. Ask Mike to compare available jumbo mortgage options with other applicable financing using consistent terms.
A larger down payment can reduce borrowing but may leave less flexibility for the work and moving costs. Request a comparison that shows closing costs, payment and remaining reserves. Include your financial or tax adviser when selling investments is part of the plan.
If your current home has not sold
Bring the expected sale timeline, existing mortgage payment and the source of the purchase funds. Mike can explain what the lender needs to document and whether the proposed sequence is workable. Do not assume future sale proceeds will be available for an earlier closing.
For a Birmingham condo, also provide the association contact, dues and available project documents early. The lender reviews the property and project as well as the borrower.
Questions about your Birmingham purchase
Can I compare my private-bank offer?
Yes. Bring the Loan Estimate or written terms, including points, fees, lock period and any relationship requirements. A comparison should use the same assumptions, not just the advertised rate.
Can renovation costs always be included?
No. Eligibility depends on the loan program, property, project and contractor requirements. Review the scope before choosing the financing.
Compare another community
Bloomfield Hills financing guide · Rochester financing guide
Work directly with Mike
Mike Alkema serves Michigan borrowers through Leeward Point Mortgage LLC from his Grand Rapids base. Learn about Mike and discuss the property, your timeline and available lending options. These communities are service areas; no separate local branch is represented.
Start with your property and one question
Tell Mike what you are considering and what you want the financing to accomplish. He can explain the next step and how to share financial documents securely.
Discuss My Luxury Home Purchase
Call or text 616-319-1640.
Leeward Point Mortgage LLC · Company NMLS #1823590 · Mike Alkema NMLS #642953 · Serving Michigan · Equal Housing Opportunity. Programs and terms are subject to availability and borrower, property and underwriting approval.
Connect the property to a financing path
Use regional mortgage planning, conventional financing, VA benefits, renovation financing to compare the questions relevant to the home you are considering. A city name does not determine program eligibility; the borrower and actual property need review.
Text Mike at 616-319-1640 or call Mike with a general mortgage question. Use an approved secure channel for financial documents.
Keep the renovation timeline beside your cash plan
I would compare three numbers for the actual home before choosing a down payment or financing plan.
- Monthly housing cost: principal and interest, forward-looking property taxes, insurance, applicable mortgage insurance and association dues.
- Cash to close: down payment and settlement costs, adjusted for deposits and eligible credits.
- Cash remaining: moving, repairs, any overlapping housing costs and the emergency savings you want to retain.
Bring the listing and your timeline. I can help compare these assumptions; the final loan still requires borrower, property and underwriting review.
More questions about buying in Birmingham
Where can I check permit and inspection steps for the planned work?
The Birmingham Building Department provides plan-review, permit and inspection resources. Confirm the exact scope before depending on a completion date.
What if I must carry my current home while work is underway?
Bring both housing payments, expected sale proceeds and the contractor’s timeline. I would compare temporary living costs and contingency savings alongside the new mortgage.
Does a larger down payment always produce the best purchase plan?
Compare payment and financing costs with the liquidity needed for construction, moving and unexpected work. The right comparison includes cash left after closing.
Reviewed and updated October 8, 2026.
Have a Birmingham listing in mind? Send me the address, your timeline and the payment you want to stay near. We can talk through financing and the money you want left after closing.
Ask Mike about your Birmingham purchase
I serve Michigan from my Grand Rapids base. My minimum mortgage credit score is 580; individual lenders and programs may require a higher score, and a score alone does not guarantee approval. Use an approved secure channel for financial documents.