First-time buyers · Metro Detroit
Your First Home, Without the Guesswork
You get a budget based on your actual numbers, a pre-approval letter that holds up against other offers, and a plain-English answer every time you ask a question. That is the whole job.
I’m Ryan Stanek, a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator with Edge Home Finance, LLC. I work with buyers across Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties.
Start here
What First-Time Buyers Ask Me First
How Much Do I Need Saved?
Less than most people assume. The amount depends on the program, the price, and whether you qualify for down payment assistance. There is no single number, and anyone who gives you one without seeing your file is guessing.
Is My Credit Good Enough?
Requirements vary by program, and some are built for buyers still rebuilding credit. If yours needs work, I’ll tell you exactly what to fix and roughly how long it takes. Starting six months early gives you room.
What Will My Payment Actually Be?
Principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, sometimes mortgage insurance, sometimes HOA dues. Michigan property taxes vary a lot between townships, so the same price can mean different payments. Run your own numbers on the payment calculator.
Should I Rent for Another Year?
Sometimes yes. It depends on how long you’d stay and what you’d pay. The rent vs. buy calculator compares them honestly, and I’ll tell you when waiting is the better call.
The process
What Happens, in Order
Talk Before You Look
15 minutes tells you your price range and which programs you qualify for. Most people do this backwards and start with listings.
Get Pre-Approved
I review your pay stubs, bank statements, tax documents, and credit. You get a letter stating what a lender will lend you.
Set a Budget You Can Live With
What you’re approved for and what you should spend are different numbers. Build around the monthly payment, not the price.
Shop and Make an Offer
Your agent moves fast when the right house appears. I structure the loan behind it.
Underwriting
Respond quickly to document requests, and keep your finances still. No new credit cards, no financed car, no job change.
Close
Review the final numbers a few days ahead, sign, and get your keys.
Where I work
Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties
I’m based in Rochester, Michigan. These are the 3 counties I work in most, and each one behaves differently.
Oakland County
Royal Oak, Ferndale, Troy, Rochester Hills, Novi, Farmington Hills. The widest spread of price points in Metro Detroit, and where most of my first-time buyers end up. Competition is real here, so a solid pre-approval matters more than it does elsewhere.
Macomb County
Sterling Heights, Warren, Clinton Township, St. Clair Shores. Usually the best match if you want more square footage for the same budget. Property tax rates vary meaningfully between townships, which changes the payment.
Wayne County
Detroit, Livonia, Dearborn, Grosse Pointe. Several neighborhoods qualify for down payment assistance that buyers never hear about. Worth checking before you rule the county out.
Programs
What First-Time Buyers Usually Use
FHA
More flexibility on credit history than conventional guidelines, and built to make a first purchase reachable.
Down Payment Assistance
Michigan programs that help with the down payment and closing costs. Eligibility depends on location and household income.
Conventional
Low down payment options for buyers with solid credit, and mortgage insurance you can remove once you build equity.
From a First-Time Buyer in Metro Detroit
“As a first-time homebuyer in Metro Detroit, I wasn’t sure if I would qualify — but Ryan helped me use a down payment assistance program and secure an FHA home loan with low money out of pocket. He explained my credit, debt-to-income ratio, and the pre-approval process in a way that was easy to understand. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable mortgage lender who truly understands first-time buyers, I highly recommend Ryan.”
Nate C. · Google review
“Ryan helped me buy my first home. We closed in only 4 days and he beat 3 other large banks and gave me the absolute lowest rate. He was very nice and ontop of his game! He answered every question I had honestly and with my best intentions in mind. I refer Ryan to everyone I know looking to buy or refinance! He truly works for you.”
Dominick M. · Google review
Ask Me Anything About Your First Purchase
Tell me where you are and I’ll tell you what to do next. Same business day, no cost, and this doesn’t pull your credit.
Or call and text me at (248) 719-2818, or email ryan.stanek@edgehomefinance.com.