Tim Bender, TLB Realty LLC

06/24/2026

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06/18/2026

"REAL ESTATE AGENT" is a comprehensive guide that offers invaluable...

06/13/2026

The real estate market has been appreciating strongly. Redfin reports Lenawee County's median sale price was up 18.6% year-over-year.

As of spring 2026, the average home value and median sale price in Lenawee County are both running in the $239,000–$240,000 range. Specifically:

Median home sale price: approximately $239,000 (March 2026)

Average home value (Zillow Home Value Index): approximately $239,492 (April 2026)

Median sold price (Realtor.com): approximately $240,000 (April 2026).
Tim Bender, TLB Realty LLC

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06/04/2026

Lenawee County Properties for sale or rent.

Search all available properties including Single Family, Condos, Multi-Family, Land, Manufactured, Commercial, Rentals via the MLS in Lenawee, MI - brought to you by TLB Realty LLC

06/04/2026

05/31/2026

Your First 365 Days in Real Estate – Full Audiobook Summary & Key TakeawaysStart your real estate career the right way! 📈In this full audiobook summary of “...

05/30/2026

Andrew, Welcome home.

05/28/2026

Are you looking to make a change?

Real Estate School in Michigan - The leaders in Real Estate, Mortgage, Builder, Appraisal, Broker and Home Inspection Training Education Since 1985.

05/12/2026

🏡 MICHIGAN DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR HOMEBUYERS 🏡

Most homebuyers think they need 20% down to buy a home.
That is NOT true.

Michigan offers several programs that can help with:
✅ Down payment
✅ Closing costs
✅ Lower upfront cash needed

Here are some of the most common programs available in Michigan:

🔹 MSHDA MI 10K Down Payment Assistance

💰 Up to $10,000 assistance statewide

✔ Can be used for:

Down payment
Closing costs
Prepaid taxes & insurance

✔ 0% interest deferred loan
✔ No monthly payment
✔ Must use a MSHDA-approved lender

📌 Minimum Credit Score:

640 for most homes
660 for manufactured homes

📌 Works with:

FHA
Conventional
VA
USDA Rural Development loans

🔹 MSHDA First-Generation Homebuyer Program

💰 Up to $25,000 assistance

Designed for first-generation homebuyers.

📌 Minimum Credit Score:

640

📌 Requirements may include:

First-time buyer
Income limits
Homebuyer education course

⚠ Funding availability may change as programs reopen or refill.

🔹 FHA Loans

Popular for first-time buyers with lower credit scores.

📌 Minimum Credit Score:

580 = 3.5% down
500–579 = usually 10% down

📌 Can often be combined with MSHDA assistance.

🔹 USDA Rural Development Loans

Great option for rural Michigan areas.

✅ ZERO down payment possible

Many rural areas in Michigan qualify.

📌 Typical Credit Score:

Usually 580–640 depending on lender

📌 Works well with:

Rural homes
Small towns
Lower down payment buyers

🔹 VA Loans (Veterans & Active Military)

✅ ZERO down payment possible

📌 Typical Credit Score:

Usually around 580–620 depending on lender

📌 Available to eligible:

Veterans
Active military
Some surviving spouses

🔹 Local City & County Programs

Some Michigan cities and counties also offer:
🏡 Forgivable loans
🏡 Grants
🏡 Closing cost assistance

Examples include:

Detroit
Wayne County
Grand Rapids
Kalamazoo

Programs change often based on funding.

📌 Important Things Buyers Should Know

✔ Most programs require:

Income limits
Primary residence occupancy
Homebuyer education class
Approved lender participation

✔ Many buyers can combine:

FHA + MSHDA
USDA + MSHDA
Conventional + DPA

✔ The RIGHT lender matters.
Not every lender understands down payment assistance programs.

Tim Bender, TLB Realty LLC

05/12/2026

🏡 Thinking About Buying?

You may qualify for:
✅ Low down payment
✅ Zero down payment
✅ Closing cost help
✅ First-time buyer assistance

Many buyers qualify and never realize it.

If you would like help connecting with lenders and programs available in Michigan, reach out to a local real estate professional familiar with MSHDA and down payment assistance options.
Tim Bender, TLB Realty LLC