Buy a Home
Start with a clear picture of what you can actually do
We help you compare the loan options that genuinely fit your situation.
- No application required
- No credit pull to talk
Not sure where to start?
Buying My First Home
You have never done this before and want somebody to tell you what actually happens next.
Get a First-Time Homebuyer PlanSetting a Budget
Start from the payment you can live with each month and work back to a price.
Review My BudgetSelling and Buying at Once
The house you own and the one you want both have deadlines. Work out which goes first.
Plan the Order of the Two MovesSomewhere in Between
Past browsing, not ready to tour. Put the steps in order for your own timeline.
See the Homebuyer Game PlanThe House Needs Work
You found something with potential and want to know what turning it into the house you are picturing actually takes.
Review Renovation FinancingI Am Buying an Investment
You want a rental to work as an investment, not just to be a house you happen to like.
Review an Investment PropertyLoan options
Compare your loan options
Conventional Loans
The default for most buyers with steady income and credit. Borrower-paid mortgage insurance can come off as you build equity.
About conventional loansFHA Loans
Room for a thinner credit history or a recent setback, in exchange for mortgage insurance that lasts longer.
About FHA loansVA Loans
For eligible veterans, service members and some surviving spouses, with no monthly mortgage insurance.
About VA loansUSDA Loans
Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for eligible households buying in rural and suburban areas.
About USDA loansJumbo Loans
For loan amounts above $832,750, the 2026 conforming limit in every Michigan county.
About jumbo loansHomeReady and Home Possible
Conventional programs for households at or under 80% of the area median income, with reduced mortgage insurance.
About these programsBuying in Michigan: what is different
The year after a Michigan home sells, its taxable value resets to half of the assessor's market value, so the seller's tax bill is not your tax bill, and we estimate yours as the new owner. Run the number for an address, or read how Michigan taxable value works.
By long custom the seller pays Michigan’s state and county transfer tax. And the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) offers the MI Home Loan and a down payment assistance loan of up to $10,000 for buyers who meet its income, price and credit limits.
What our clients say
As a first-time homebuyer in Ferndale, I was unsure of some things. Samantha was awesome. She was extremely helpful and made sure I understood every part of the process.
Want to shout out Samantha for the expert guidance, made my first-time homebuyer experience seamless! It exceeded expectations and was a stress free process throughout. Grateful for all your help and loving my new home in Bloomfield Hills!
Individual experiences. Results vary.
Talk to somebody first
A first call is a conversation, not an application. Tell Samantha where you are in the search, and she will tell you what to settle before you make an offer.
- 1
Tell us what you are trying to do
Not what product you want. What you are actually trying to accomplish.
- 2
We look at your situation
Samantha works out what matters most for you specifically.
- 3
You leave with a plan
Your options, the tradeoffs, and your next step. No obligation to go further.
Free guides
No form to fill in. Open or download.
Align Lending LLC, NMLS #2041154, is a mortgage broker. Samantha Shelton, NMLS 1647301. Equal Housing Opportunity. Licensed in Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana and Texas. This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a credit decision, a preapproval, a commitment to lend, or an offer of credit, and it does not evaluate your eligibility for any loan program.
