Dawn M. Elliott, Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS # 1098510

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United States
Brighton, MI
Dawn M. Elliott, Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS # 1098510

Direct Number 810-577-0727
NMLS # 1098510
(1)

09/08/2026

A good credit score isn't the only number that matters when buying a home.

Lenders also look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which compares your monthly debt payments to your monthly income.

Your DTI includes things like:

✅ Rent or future mortgage payment
✅ Car, student, and personal loans
✅ Credit card minimum payments
✅ Child support / alimony
✅ Buy Now, Pay Later accounts (Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, etc.)

A lower DTI can give you more flexibility when qualifying for a mortgage.

Aim for a ratio of 36% or lower for the best rates and terms.

And remember: just because an expense doesn't count toward DTI doesn't mean it won't affect your budget.

Thinking about buying a home? Let's talk through your numbers and explore your options. 🏡
https://myoc.io/dvjNB7bQM5X

09/03/2026

I’m here to support your homebuying, building, and refinancing needs. Let me know how I can help!

✅Purchase Your Dream Home

Our mortgage options include low down payment programs, down payment assistance and grants, and solutions to fit a variety of needs and budgets.

✅Build Your Private Retreat

Our single-close construction and renovation loan programs help simplify building or improving your forever home.

✅Refinance Your Mortgage

A refinance can help you lower your monthly payment, access your home's equity, or better align your mortgage with your financial goals.
https://myoc.io/dvjNB7bQM5X

09/01/2026

When you finance your new construction home through First Merchants, you'll have access to Built, our online construction lending platform. Built gives you, your builder, and your lender a shared view of the project from groundbreaking to closing.

What you get as a homebuyer:

• Real-time visibility: Log in anytime to view construction progress, draw requests, funding activity, and project updates.

• A smoother building process: Because your builder and lender work within the same platform, draw requests and approvals can be processed more efficiently.

• Everything in one place: Access inspections, approvals, project documents, and funding history through a single portal.

• Greater confidence throughout the build: Track project milestones and stay informed about when funds are disbursed and work is progressing.

If you know someone planning to build a new home, I’m always here to help answer financing questions.
https://myoc.io/dvjNB7bQM5X

08/27/2026

As a mortgage lender, I've worked with many families trying to balance homeownership goals with the realities of the school year.

There's rarely a "perfect" time to move. Between school schedules, activities, and family routines, the decision can feel overwhelming.

Whether you're considering a move now or simply planning ahead for next year, I'm here to help you understand your options and create a timeline that makes sense for your family.
https://myoc.io/dvjNB7bQM5X

08/25/2026

In the first half of 2026, First Merchants helped 310 households access $2.95 million in down payment assistance.

Our team is experienced in matching homebuyers with available grant programs to make homeownership more affordable.

If you know someone planning to purchase their first home, have them reach out. I'll help them explore what's available and see if they might qualify for assistance.
https://myoc.io/dvjNB7bQM5X

08/20/2026

Many homeowners assume refinancing is only worth considering when interest rates fall.

In reality, there are a variety of reasons people choose to refinance based on their financial goals and needs.

Some homeowners use refinancing to access home equity for renovations, consolidate higher-interest debt, pay off credit cards or personal loans, or help cover major expenses like college tuition, medical bills, or weddings.

If you’re ever curious about refinancing, I offer a free refinance analysis to help you evaluate the costs and benefits.
https://myoc.io/dvjNB7bQM5X

08/18/2026

Outgrowing your home, your mortgage, or both?

Your first mortgage may have fit your life perfectly when you bought your home. But life changes. Growing family, changes in income, needed repairs, higher-interest debt, or plans to renovate can all be reasons to take a fresh look at your options.

Maybe you’re considering a refinance to access home equity or consolidate debt. Maybe you want to improve or expand your current home with construction or renovation financing. Or maybe you’re thinking about upsizing, downsizing, or buying something that better fits this season of life.

If your home goals have changed, reach out for a free consultation. I can help you take a fresh look and talk through your options.
https://myoc.io/dvjNB7bQM5X

08/13/2026

When the right opportunity comes along, will you be ready?

Many are waiting for rates to change, but they aren’t doing the prep work.

As a mortgage professional, I help clients think through the bigger picture long before they start making offers, including:

✅ What monthly payment feels comfortable for their budget

✅ Based on that payment, what price range makes sense to shop in

✅ How much they'll need for a down payment and closing costs

✅ How much cash they'd like to keep in savings after closing

✅ The ongoing costs of homeownership, such as taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs

✅ How a home purchase fits into their broader financial goals and lifestyle

Whether you're planning to buy in a few months or a few years, now is a great time to start building a plan.

Message me to schedule a free planning call.
https://myoc.io/dvjNB7bQM5X

08/11/2026

Start with the monthly payment. Not the listing price.

Your monthly payment is what becomes part of your everyday life. It should fit comfortably within your budget and still leave room for the things that matter to you.

Want to get clear on your numbers before you start touring homes? Send me a message to schedule a free budget planning call.
https://myoc.io/dvjNB7bQM5X

08/06/2026

Is homeownership still worth it?

For many families, the answer is still yes, especially when you look at the long-term picture.

The Federal Reserve’s most recent Survey of Consumer Finances shows homeowners had a median net worth of nearly $396,000 in 2022, compared to about $10,000 for renters.

Homeownership can help build wealth through equity, potential appreciation, and the stability of owning something that is yours.

Thinking about homeownership? Message me for help understanding what’s possible.

Address

Brighton, MI
48116

Telephone

+18105770727

Website

http://firstmerchants.com/DawnElliott

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