Ann Arbor and nearby townships
If your move involves a new position or a different pay structure, review the income documents early. For a condo, include the association and project questions alongside the price of the individual unit.
Mike Alkema · Michigan mortgage broker · NMLS #642953
Washtenaw County mortgage help for your relocation or next purchase
Compare the payment, the upfront cost and what comes next.
A move to Ann Arbor, a home in Saline or a property outside Dexter may start with the same question: what fits both the move and the monthly budget? I help you compare the financing around your job timeline, the property and the cash you want to keep.
Your mortgage guide: Mike Alkema, NMLS #642953. Based in Grand Rapids and serving Washtenaw County and borrowers throughout Michigan.
Start with the community and the property
Saline and Pittsfield Township
When comparing homes, confirm the parcel’s jurisdiction and use address-specific tax and insurance estimates. A shared mailing address does not mean every ownership cost will be identical.
Dexter, Chelsea and surrounding communities
For a village or city home versus a property outside town, ask about utilities, access and planned repairs. Bring any acreage or outbuilding details into the property discussion before choosing a loan.
Relocating with an offer letter or changing income?
Tell me when the new job begins, whether pay includes a bonus or other variable income, and when you hope to close. An offer letter is a starting point for review; it does not establish approval by itself.
We can identify the documentation the lender needs and compare the purchase timeline with your move. If you are keeping a home elsewhere, include its payment and your plans for that property in the conversation.
Bring a mortgage quote for a second opinion or ask Mike where to start.
Check the address before relying on estimates
MapWashtenaw property maps. Use the county’s mapping resources to start identifying the parcel and local jurisdiction. Confirm details with the appropriate office; the viewer is a reference tool, not a survey or a title determination.
- Compare taxes, insurance and association dues for each address.
- For a condo, ask which project documents the lender needs.
- Review the timing and structure of new employment before setting the closing date.
Put the complete payment beside the cash to close
| Question | What to compare |
|---|---|
| What will I pay each month? | Principal and interest, estimated property taxes, homeowners insurance, any mortgage insurance and association charges. |
| How much do I need at closing? | Down payment, closing costs, prepaid expenses and escrow funding, less your deposit and permitted credits. |
| What cash will I keep? | Moving expenses, known repairs and the reserves you want after closing. |
| Are the quotes comparable? | Use the same address, price, down payment, term and rate-lock period. Compare points and lender credits, too. |
The seller’s tax bill may not represent your cost after purchase. Michigan explains that a qualifying transfer can uncap taxable value in the following calendar year, with exceptions. Read Michigan Treasury’s ownership-transfer guidance and ask the local assessor about the specific property.
How Michigan property taxes can change after you buy
Explore the home affordability calculator for a starting estimate, then review the actual numbers with Mike.
Mortgage options for Washtenaw County home buyers
Start with your goal and documentation, then compare the options that fit your situation.
Buying your first home
Understand the full payment, closing costs and your savings after the move.
First-time home buyer guideComparing loan choices
Review costs, property requirements and eligibility before choosing a direction.
Conventional loans · FHA loans · VA loansSelf-employed or planning repairs
Bring income-documentation and property-condition questions into the conversation early.
Self-employed guide · Renovation loan guideWashtenaw County mortgage questions
Can you review a mortgage before my new job starts?
We can start the conversation and identify what documentation needs review. Whether future employment income can be used depends on the loan and the lender’s requirements for your situation.
Does condo approval depend only on my finances?
No. The lender may also need information about the condominium project and association. Share the project name and address early so those questions can be identified.
Do you work with buyers outside Ann Arbor?
Yes. I serve Michigan borrowers, including Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Ypsilanti and surrounding townships, through Leeward Point Mortgage from Grand Rapids.
Tell me what you’re considering in Washtenaw County
Share the community and your general mortgage question. You do not need to finish an application to start a conversation. Please do not include Social Security numbers, account numbers or financial documents here.
Call Mike at 616-319-1640 or use the form below.
Keep exploring
Ann Arbor mortgage guide · Livingston County guide · Self-employed mortgage guide · All Michigan service areas · About Mike
Reviewed September 24, 2026. Information is educational; borrower, property and lender requirements apply. See the licensing and lending disclosures below.