Brad Schalk - Total Home Lending

Brad Schalk - Total Home Lending Brad Schalk, NMLS #1678725
I am dedicated to helping my clients achieve their homeownership dreams.

Hard work deserves to be celebrated, and to push you towards the dream of homeownership. Wishing everyone a well-earned ...
09/07/2026

Hard work deserves to be celebrated, and to push you towards the dream of homeownership. Wishing everyone a well-earned long weekend β€” enjoy every minute of it. πŸ™Œ

There's no shortage of mortgage options out there, so why work with us? Here's what our clients actually experience: πŸ β€’ ...
09/02/2026

There's no shortage of mortgage options out there, so why work with us? Here's what our clients actually experience: 🏠

β€’ We're local β€” we know Michigan's market, programs, and communities inside and out 🌲
β€’ We're in your corner β€” from first inquiry to closing day, you'll have a real person guiding you every step of the way 🀝
β€’ We offer more options β€” Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, MSHDA, Jumbo and more. We find the right fit for you, not a one-size-fits-all solution πŸ’‘
β€’ We speak plainly β€” no confusing jargon, no runaround. Just honest, straightforward guidance πŸ’¬
β€’ We close loans β€” our experience and process means fewer surprises and smoother closings βœ…

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. You deserve a team that takes that seriously. πŸ‘ Ready to get started? Contact us today β€” we'd love to earn your trust.

Not all mortgages have fixed rates. An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, operates differently β€” and it's worth understan...
08/26/2026

Not all mortgages have fixed rates. An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, operates differently β€” and it's worth understanding. πŸ“Š With an ARM, your interest rate is fixed for an initial period (commonly 5, 7, or 10 years), then adjusts periodically based on market conditions.

Pros: πŸ‘
βœ… Lower initial rate than a 30-year fixed.
βœ… Can be an excellent fit if you plan to move or refinance before the adjustment period.

Cons: ⚠️
πŸ“‰ Rate may rise after the fixed period.
πŸ“‹ Less predictability over the long term.

ARMs aren't suitable for everyone β€” but for the right buyer, they can offer genuine savings. πŸ’‘ Let's discuss whether it makes sense for your situation. Contact us to explore all your mortgage options! 🏠

If you've ever spent a summer weekend in the U.P. and thought "I could live here" β€” you're not alone. 🌲 But before you b...
08/19/2026

If you've ever spent a summer weekend in the U.P. and thought "I could live here" β€” you're not alone. 🌲 But before you buy that cabin or waterfront property, here's what to keep in mind:

β€’ Larger down payment required β€” vacation and investment properties typically need more down πŸ’°
β€’ Rental income is handled differently β€” if you plan to rent seasonally, lenders account for that income in a specific way 🏑
β€’ Seasonal costs add up β€” insurance, utilities, and maintenance look different on a property you're not living in year-round ❄️
β€’ Rural financing has unique nuances β€” not every lender is experienced with cabins and UP properties. We are. 🏠

We love helping Michiganders make their up north dream a reality. Contact us to explore your options today! πŸ”‘

Thanks for nominating me in your Favorite Loan Officer category, Midland! Throw a vote my way while you’re voting for al...
08/16/2026

Thanks for nominating me in your Favorite Loan Officer category, Midland! Throw a vote my way while you’re voting for all your favorite local peeps & businesses! πŸ™πŸ»

https://www.ourmidland.com/readerschoice/

Back-to-school season is an excellent reminder that planning ahead pays off β€” whether it's for school supplies or your f...
08/12/2026

Back-to-school season is an excellent reminder that planning ahead pays off β€” whether it's for school supplies or your financial future. πŸŽ’ If homeownership is one of your goals, here are a few straightforward ways to start building toward it:

πŸ’° Set a monthly savings target specifically for your down payment.
πŸ“‰ Pay down high-interest debt to improve your DTI ratio.
πŸ“Š Check your credit report for errors (available for free at annualcreditreport.com).
🏠 Investigate down payment assistance programs in your area.
πŸ“ž Schedule a free consultation with a mortgage professional β€” yes, us!

You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. That's what we're here for β€” to help you understand your current situation and where you need to go. 🏠 Contact us today, and let's create a plan!

If you already own a home, refinancing could be worth a closer look. πŸ” Here's a quick breakdown of when it makes sense:βœ…...
08/05/2026

If you already own a home, refinancing could be worth a closer look. πŸ” Here's a quick breakdown of when it makes sense:

βœ… Lower your monthly payment πŸ’Έ
βœ… Secure a lower interest rate πŸ“‰
βœ… Shorten your loan term ⏳
βœ… Switch from an ARM to a fixed-rate loan πŸ”’
βœ… Tap into your home's equity (cash-out refinance) πŸ’°

A good rule of thumb: if you can lower your rate meaningfully, it's worth the conversation. But the right timing also depends on how long you plan to stay and what fees are involved. πŸ’‘ We'll help you run the numbers. Contact us to explore your refinance options! πŸ’¬

Whether it's painting a wall a new color, enjoying a backyard with a pet, or adding flowers to the garden β€” owning a hom...
07/29/2026

Whether it's painting a wall a new color, enjoying a backyard with a pet, or adding flowers to the garden β€” owning a home is one of the most meaningful expressions of personal freedom. πŸŽ†

Homeownership signifies:
🏠 Stability for your family.
πŸ”‘ The freedom to make your space truly yours.
πŸ’° Building wealth over time.
🌳 Roots in your community.

If homeownership is one of your goals, now is the perfect time to start the conversation. Whether you're months away or just beginning to explore, we're here to help you understand your options and chart a path forward. Wishing you and your family a safe and joyous Fourth of July! πŸŽ‡πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

If you've been researching mortgages, you've likely come across PMI β€” private mortgage insurance. Here's what you need t...
07/22/2026

If you've been researching mortgages, you've likely come across PMI β€” private mortgage insurance. Here's what you need to know: πŸ’‘ PMI is typically required when your down payment is less than 20% of the home's purchase price. It protects the lender (not you) in case you default on the loan.

The good news? πŸ™Œ
β€’ PMI is temporary β€” once you reach 20% equity in your home, you can request to have it removed. πŸ“‰
β€’ It's often a minor monthly cost and doesn't have to be a dealbreaker.
β€’ Some loan programs (like VA loans) don't require PMI at all. πŸŽ–οΈ

For many buyers, paying PMI makes sense β€” it allows you to buy sooner instead of waiting years to save a larger down payment. 🏠 We can help you weigh the pros and cons for your specific situation. Contact us today! πŸ’¬

Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage β€” but what distinguishes them from FHA or VA loans? Here's a qui...
07/15/2026

Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage β€” but what distinguishes them from FHA or VA loans? Here's a quick breakdown: πŸ“‹

βœ… Not backed by the government (unlike FHA or VA).
βœ… Typically require a minimum 3–5% down payment. πŸ’°
βœ… Best rates go to borrowers with stronger credit scores.
βœ… No mandatory mortgage insurance with 20%+ down. πŸ›‘οΈ
βœ… Available in standard and jumbo amounts.

Unsure if a conventional loan is the right choice for you? That's what we help clarify. Every buyer's situation is unique. 🏠 Contact us to discuss which loan program aligns with your goals!

Address

801 Joe Mann Boulevard, Suite P
Midland, MI
48642

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