THE $28,000 ZIP CODE TRAP: Is Your Kalamazoo Neighborhood Killing Your Wealth?
Buying a home isn't just about the sticker price. You have to look at the "hidden" costs that show up every year on your tax bill. In Kalamazoo County, two houses with the same price tag can cost you thousands of dollars differently depending on which side of a township line they sit on. When... Read More
What is an escrow account? How do they work?
If you are looking at obtaining a mortgage or already have one, more than likely you will need to deal with an escrow account. It can be difficult to understand the timing and moving piece within the escrow account. Inevitably, if you have an escrow account your mortgage payment will change each year. Understanding how... Read More
Understanding Property Tax Increases
Many home buyers have been facing a very challenging market over the past few years. The current supply of homes on the market just can’t keep up with the huge demand out there. It’s not uncommon for a home to come on the market and be sold in a matter of days after receiving multiple... Read More
2018 Real Life Property Tax Appeal – Michigan
Its that time of year! Property tax assessment notices are arriving in homeowners mailboxes all over Michigan. This is your once a year opportunity to appeal your property taxes and potentially save a lot of money. The appeal process can be overwhelming for homeowners so I wanted to break it down and give a real... Read More
Tax Deductions for Home Owners
Jeremy Drobeck of Amerifirst Home Mortgage meets with tax expert Dennis Greenfield to help people learn about some of the benefit's to home ownership. Having the ability to take the mortgage interest deduction can in turn open up a whole bunch of other write-offs. Things such as state & local taxes that were paid, property taxes, charitable... Read More
How To Dispute Property Taxes in Michigan part 2 – The Board of review
Last time we talked about why you might dispute your property taxes. Now learn HOW! Step 1 - File with the board of review Form L-4035 Step 2 - Appeal in person if at all possible (you only get a small window each year and will need to set that up in February. Don't miss it)... Read More
Property Taxes: Tax Tribunal part 3
What Do You Do When The Board Of Review Says "NO!"? Here are a couple Pointers: In my experience the Board of Review almost shoots you down, but the appeal process at the State Tax Tribunal has a reasonable non-bias person there to look at your appeal - GO TO the Tax Tribunal! Don't be... Read More
Fighting your property taxes and assessed values
Thinking your paying too much in property taxes? You might be! I look up a lot of property taxes and find that most homes are selling for less than what the local assessors are saying they are worth. Perfect example would be a home I bought for $25,000, the home was NOT a forclosure and... Read More
Latest Blog Post
Refinance to a 15-Year Mortgage in Michigan: Your 2026 Flight Plan to Debt-Free Homeownership
Would you intentionally hand over an extra six figures in interest just to keep your monthly budget slightly more comfortable? Many homeowners in West Michigan are realizing that the traditional 30-year path feels more like a treadmill than a climb toward true ownership. If you feel like your monthly payments aren’t making a dent in your principal, it’s time to explore how to refinance to 15-year mortgage Michigan options. With 15-year fixed rates in Michigan averaging 6.13% as of late June 2026, the opportunity to stabilize your financial future is here, even with recent market volatility.
It’s natural to feel anxious when your hard-earned money is swallowed by interest turbulence while your retirement date looms closer. We believe your mortgage should be a tool for wealth, not a permanent weight on your shoulders. This guide will show you how a 15-year refinance maneuver can shave a decade off your debt and secure your home equity much faster. We’ll preview current rates in cities like Kalamazoo and Portage, explain the equity requirements for a successful transition, and provide a clear flight plan to reach your destination of debt-free homeownership.
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