Whether it's your first home or your fifth, we shop 30+ wholesale lenders to find the rate and program that fits your situation perfectly. Fast pre-approvals. On-time closings. Expert guidance every step of the way.
A home purchase loan is a mortgage used to buy a primary residence, second home, or investment property. Express Home Loans offers conventional loans starting at 3% down, FHA loans at 3.5% down, VA and USDA loans at $0 down, and jumbo loans for high-value properties. Most clients close in under 21 days from application.
Conventional loans start at just 3% down for qualified buyers. FHA goes as low as 3.5%. We'll find the program that minimizes your out-of-pocket costs.
Get a fully underwritten pre-approval letter that makes sellers take your offer seriously. We move fast so you don't miss out.
We're not limited to one bank's rates. We shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find you the best combination of rate, fees, and terms.
Our average close time is under 21 days — nearly half the industry average. When your offer gets accepted, we get to work immediately.
Four major loan types cover almost every Michigan purchase scenario. Each has different requirements, costs, and trade-offs. Here's how to think about which one is right for you.
Conventional loans aren't backed by the government and follow Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac guidelines. With 20% down you avoid private mortgage insurance entirely. With less than 20%, PMI is required but drops off automatically once you reach 78% loan-to-value. Most flexible loan type — works for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties.
FHA loans accept lower credit scores and just 3.5% down. Trade-off: mortgage insurance lasts the life of the loan unless you refinance to conventional later, plus a 1.75% upfront mortgage insurance premium. Excellent first-step loan for first-time buyers who plan to refinance after building equity and improving credit.
$0 down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, lower rates than conventional, and flexible credit requirements. The one-time VA funding fee can be financed into the loan or waived if you have a service-connected disability rating. We help you obtain your Certificate of Eligibility at no charge.
USDA loans offer $0 down in eligible rural areas (much of outer Michigan qualifies — many buyers don't realize this). Jumbo loans cover homes priced above the conforming limit ($832,750 in most Michigan counties for 2026), with stricter credit and reserve requirements but competitive rates from non-bank wholesale lenders.
Most lenders take 45+ days to close. We do it in 21. Here's exactly how — and what we need from you at each step.
30-minute call, basic financial info. We pull credit, run automated underwriting, and issue a fully underwritten pre-approval letter. Strong offers require this — not a "pre-qual" PDF.
You shop with confidence using your pre-approval. When your offer is accepted, we lock your rate and order appraisal and title work the same day.
We collect remaining documents, work through any conditions, and clear the file. You'll hear from us proactively — no wondering where your loan stands.
Final approval. Closing disclosures sent (3-day federal waiting period). Closing scheduled at title company, you sign, you get keys.
If this is your first home, you have more options than most lenders will mention. Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) offers down payment assistance grants up to $10,000 for qualifying buyers, with income limits that vary by county. Stack MSHDA assistance with an FHA loan and many first-time buyers close on a home with under $1,500 out of pocket.
Beyond programs, the biggest difference for first-time buyers is having someone walk through the steps with you — what a "good faith estimate" actually means, why an inspection contingency matters, how to read a closing disclosure. We don't skip the education because we're moving fast. We do both.
It depends on the loan type. Conventional loans require as little as 3%, FHA loans 3.5%, VA and USDA loans offer 0% down. We'll help you determine the best option for your situation.
Our average close time is under 21 days from application to closing. The industry average is 45+ days. We move fast because our process is streamlined and our lender relationships are strong.
Requirements vary by loan type. FHA loans go as low as 580, conventional typically needs 620+. Even if your score isn't perfect, we have options. Let's talk about your specific situation.
Closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the loan amount and include lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, and prepaid items. We provide a detailed estimate upfront so there are no surprises.
The information on this page reflects current program guidance from the agencies below. For the most authoritative and up-to-date details, refer directly to these primary sources or speak with our team.
Express Home Loans, LLC (NMLS #2485075) is an independent mortgage broker and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of HUD, the VA, the FHA, the CFPB, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, MSHDA, or any government agency. Links are provided for reference only. Program terms and availability are subject to change and to lender and agency approval.