During the home buying process, you will work with multiple service/settlement providers. I’ve curated a list of service/settlement providers you can choose from, or you can search for providers on your own.
The first step to buying a home, unless you’re paying cash, is to secure financing. I recommend starting with financial institutions where you already have a business relationship, like the bank where you have checking or savings accounts, or other companies where you’ve secured financing in the past.
The mortgage lenders listed below are all based in Greater Metro Detroit and offer mortgage products from multiple lenders. Start with them by calling the number listed or clicking the “Apply Online” button.
Arch Mortgage*
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo
John Adams Mortgage Co
Conv, FHA, VA, USDA, MSHDA, Doctor Loans, Renovation Loans
Horizon Financial Group
Conv, FHA, VA, USDA, Renovation Loans
You have the right to carefully examine your potential new home with a professional home inspector. Home inspections are not required by law, but as a buyer’s agent I strongly recommend them and will write all purchase offers giving you that option (and the option to get out of the deal if the inspection uncovers major defects in the property).
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recommends using American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) to find a qualified home inspector.
Once you’ve selected a home, you should start working on getting homeowner’s insurance right away. The cost of homeowners insurance, in most scenarios, will impact the amount of your monthly mortgage payment if you’ve elected to escrow property taxes and insurance.
I recommend starting with insurance companies you already do business with – like your car, renters, or life insurance. Because the cost of insurance can vary greatly between companies, I also recommend comparing quotes from a few carriers – the easiest way to do that is through an independent insurance agent. Independent insurance agents work for you and have access to multiple carriers to find you the best coverage and rate.
Title companies handle the closing process for real estate transactions, including a thorough public records search to make sure the title is free and clear, issuing title insurance, handling the transfer of funds between all parties, obtaining notarized signatures of all parties, and recording the transfer with the county registrar. You are free to choose your own title company, and once you do, please let me know so I can name them in the purchase agreement when you’re ready to make an offer on your next home.
Title One*
Michigan Title*
Interstate Title
*Settlement Services Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure Statement (ABA)
NOTICE: CENTURY 21 Curran & Oberski has a business relationship with the settlement service providers below. Because of this relationship, this referral may provide a financial or other benefit.
- Title One, Inc.
- Michigan Title
- Arch Mortgage
You are NOT required to use the listed provider(s) as a condition for purchase or sale of any property. THERE ARE FREQUENTLY OTHER SETTLEMENT SERVICE PROVIDERS AVAILABLE WITH SIMILAR SERVICES. YOU ARE FREE TO SHOP AROUND TO DETERMINE THAT YOU ARE RECEIVING THE BEST SERVICES AND THE BEST RATE FOR THESE SERVICES.
