Mike Alkema NMLS 642953

08/15/2026

🚨 REALTORS: Conventional appraisals are changing — and this is one of those changes you want to get ahead of BEFORE it costs you a deal.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are moving to the new UAD 3.6 appraisal format, and appraisers are going to be collecting more detailed, structured information about the property.

Here’s why you should care:

A missing permit.

An undocumented addition.

Incorrect square footage.

A finished basement that isn’t clearly explained.

Upgrades nobody told the appraiser about.

Seller concessions that aren’t properly communicated.

Any of those can create questions, revisions, delays… or an appraisal that doesn’t tell the full story of the home.

The agents who prepare for this now are going to have an advantage.

Before the appraiser shows up, you should be ready with:

✅ Major improvements and approximate dates
✅ Renovation costs when available
✅ Permit information
✅ Accurate above-grade and below-grade square footage
✅ Bedroom and bathroom details
✅ Finished basement information
✅ ADUs or additional living spaces
✅ Unique property features
✅ Seller concessions and buydowns
✅ Recent comparable sales and WHY they’re relevant
✅ Multiple parcel information
✅ HOA or condo details when applicable

Think of it this way…

The appraisal shouldn’t be the first time someone starts digging into the details of the property.

The better the information going in, the fewer surprises coming out.

And surprises are what kill closings.

My job isn’t just getting your buyer a mortgage.

It’s helping you anticipate the problems that can derail your transaction before they become problems.

That means:

More Loan Options.
Lower Rates.
Faster Closings.

If you’re a Realtor and want my UAD 3.6 Listing/Appraisal Checklist to use on your upcoming listings, comment CHECKLIST or message me and I’ll get it to you.

Mike Alkema
Leeward Point Mortgage
📞 616-319-1640
NMLS #642953

With our on-line my1003 app, you can quickly and securely complete your loan application, check status of your loan and complete your tasks

07/22/2026

That fixer-upper everyone else is scrolling past… might be your best opportunity to become a homeowner.

With an FHA 203(k) renovation loan, you may be able to buy the home and finance the repairs with one mortgage.

The Limited 203(k) program now allows up to $75,000 for qualifying nonstructural renovations—up from the previous $35,000 limit.

Need more extensive work? A Standard 203(k) may allow larger renovations. When the home cannot be occupied during construction, the loan may also include a financed reserve covering up to 12 months of mortgage payments. It is not “free housing”—those payments are financed into the loan and eligibility depends on the renovation plan.

That outdated kitchen, worn flooring or ugly bathroom may be the reason other buyers walk away—and the reason you might get the opportunity.

Before you rule out a fixer-upper, let’s run the numbers and see what may be possible.

Message me “FIXER” and I’ll help you explore your options.

Mike Alkema
Leeward Point Mortgage
NMLS #642953
Subject to credit approval, property eligibility and FHA/lender guidelines.

07/20/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate is that the appraiser is also inspecting the home.

They’re not.

An appraiser’s job is to estimate the property’s market value for the lender. They take note of obvious health, safety, and property condition issues that could affect the loan, but they are not performing a comprehensive home inspection.

A licensed home inspector spends hours evaluating the home’s structure, roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and much more—looking for issues that could cost you thousands after closing.

Don’t skip the inspection because “the appraisal looked good.” They serve two completely different purposes, and both are important.

Have questions about the home buying process? I’m always happy to help.

Mike Alkema
NMLS #642953

07/17/2026

Most people don’t wake up in the morning thinking…

“I need a mortgage.”

They wake up thinking…

“We need more space.”
“I’m tired of paying rent.”
“I wonder if we could actually afford that house.”
“I hope this deal doesn’t fall apart.”

That’s where we come in.

We don’t just arrange mortgages—we help people move from where they are today to where they want to be next.

And Realtors…

Imagine having a lending partner who helps your clients feel confident before they ever write an offer. Someone who answers the phone, solves problems, communicates proactively, and makes you look good throughout the entire transaction.

That’s the business we’re building.

So whether you’re thinking about buying in the next month or the next year, or you’re a Realtor looking for a mortgage partner who treats your clients like they’re our own…

Let’s have a conversation before you need one.

The best transactions start long before the first showing.

Send me a message. Even if you’re “just thinking about it.”

NMLS 642953

07/15/2026

A Little Secret That’s Helping Homes Sell Without Cutting the Price… (Ends in August)

Here’s something every Realtor should know.

For a limited time through the end of August, we’re offering a 1-0 Buydown for a seller concession of just 0.25 points.

That’s it.

Instead of asking your seller to reduce the price by thousands, they may be able to invest just 0.25 points to give the buyer a 1% lower interest rate for the first year.

The result?

A lower monthly payment during the buyer’s first year of homeownership—the time when every dollar matters most.

This limited-time special can help:

* Turn hesitant buyers into confident buyers.
* Make monthly payments easier to manage.
* Keep more money in your seller’s pocket than a traditional price reduction.

The promotion is only available through August, so if you have listings that could benefit from a payment solution instead of a price cut, now is the time to use it.

Send me the MLS number, and I’ll put together a customized payment comparison you can share with your seller and buyers.

Sometimes the fastest way to sell a house isn’t lowering the price…

It’s lowering the payment.

Mike Alkema
Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS #642953

07/06/2026

Speed matters. Communication matters. Options matter.

Buying a home is stressful enough. Your mortgage process shouldn’t add to it.

As an independent mortgage broker, my job isn’t to push one bank’s products—it’s to find the financing that best fits each client’s goals. That means access to multiple lenders, competitive rates, and loan programs designed for a wide range of buyers.

What my clients and referral partners appreciate most:

✅ Fast pre-approvals
✅ Average time to Clear to Close: 8 days
✅ Consistent communication from application to closing
✅ Solutions for first-time buyers, veterans, self-employed borrowers, and clients with unique financial situations

Whether you’re a homebuyer looking for guidance or a real estate professional who wants a lender that keeps transactions moving, I’d be happy to connect.

The right mortgage isn’t just about getting approved—it’s about getting to the closing table with confidence.

📩 If you’re planning to buy, refinance, or simply want a second opinion, let’s talk.

Mike Alkema
Mortgage Broker | Leeward Point Mortgage
Lower Rates. Faster Closings. More Loan Options.

07/02/2026

🇺🇸 Don’t let the holiday weekend cost you your dream home. 🇺🇸

While many lenders are closed for the Fourth of July, I’m still available because homes don’t stop hitting the market just because it’s a holiday.

If you find the perfect house this weekend, I’ll be here to provide pre-approvals, run payment scenarios, answer your mortgage questions, and help you put together the strongest offer possible—without waiting until Monday.

As we celebrate Independence Day, let’s also celebrate the freedom to pursue the American Dream of homeownership. I’m incredibly grateful to the men and women who have served and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day.

At Leeward Point Mortgage, you get access to multiple lenders, competitive rates, and loan options designed to fit your unique situation—not a one-size-fits-all approach. Plus, my clients average just 8 days from application to Clear to Close, helping buyers move quickly and confidently in today’s competitive market.

If buying a home is on your radar, don’t lose valuable time this holiday weekend. Reach out anytime—I’m here to help.

Have a safe, happy, and memorable Fourth of July! 🇺🇸🎆

📞 Mike Alkema
☎️ 616-319-1640
📧 [email protected]

Lower Rates. Faster Closings. More Loan Options.

06/27/2026

🏡 Why Work With a Mortgage Broker Instead of Going Directly to a Bank?

When you’re buying a home, you deserve options—not just whatever one bank happens to offer.

As a mortgage broker, I shop multiple lenders to help you find the loan that best fits your goals. That means you may have access to:

✅ More loan programs for first-time buyers, veterans, self-employed borrowers, and more.
✅ Competitive rates and pricing from multiple lenders—not just one.
✅ Faster closings, with many loans clearing to close in as little as 8 days.
✅ Flexible underwriting solutions for borrowers with unique financial situations.
✅ Personalized guidance from application through closing.

Your mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It makes sense to have someone working for you—not just for one lender.

Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, refinancing, or simply wondering what you qualify for, I’d be happy to help you explore your options.

📞 Call or text: 616-319-1640
📧 [email protected]

Let’s compare your options and find the mortgage that’s right for you—not just the one a single bank has to offer.

Mike Alkema
Leeward Point Mortgage
NMLS #642953

06/26/2026

🏡 Think you can’t afford to buy a home? You might be trusting the wrong numbers.

Online mortgage calculators are designed to give a rough estimate—but they often leave out the details that can make a home much more affordable.

A personalized mortgage analysis takes into account:
✅ Your credit profile
✅ The loan program that fits your goals
✅ Down payment assistance options
✅ PMI
✅ Property taxes and insurance
✅ Seller concessions, rate buydowns, and more

I’ve helped many buyers discover they could qualify for more than they thought—or find a payment that comfortably fit their budget.

Don’t let a generic online calculator stop you from becoming a homeowner.

📞 Call or text me today for a personalized payment analysis or a free pre-approval. You might be closer to buying a home than you think.

Mike Alkema
Leeward Point Mortgage
📱 616-319-1640
NMLS #642953

06/24/2026

🏡 REALTORS: This Could Help More Buyers Get Approved.

One of the biggest obstacles to getting a buyer under contract has always been credit score requirements. The good news? Many loan programs now allow lenders to use either a FICO® Score or a VantageScore®.

What does that mean for your clients?

✅ Some buyers may qualify who previously didn’t.
✅ A higher score can mean better pricing and lower payments.
✅ Buyers may be able to enter the market sooner instead of spending months trying to improve a specific credit score.
✅ More financing options = more closed transactions.

The credit score a consumer sees online isn’t always the score used for mortgage financing. Now, with access to multiple scoring models, we’re able to look at more opportunities to get buyers approved and into a home.

Before writing off a buyer because of credit concerns, let’s have a conversation. You might be surprised by what’s possible.

📞 Have a buyer who thinks their credit score is too low? Call me before they give up on homeownership.

📱 Send me a message, text, or referral today. I’ll review their options and help determine the best path forward—at no cost and with no obligation.

Let’s turn more “not yet” buyers into homeowners and get more transactions to the closing table.

Mike Alkema
Leeward Point Mortgage
NMLS #642953