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Howard Roberts, V.P. Mortgage Consultant, NMLS #619310

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United States
Monroe, MI
Howard Roberts, V.P. Mortgage Consultant, NMLS #619310

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Mortgage Banker at First Merchants Bank with over 25 years of experience helping families buy & build

11/02/2026

We love hearing from our customers. Thank you for trusting our team with your mortgage, and for taking the time to leave a review!

10/28/2026

Building a home can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time.

That's why we created our Construction Loan Handbook, a practical guide that explains the construction process, answers common questions, defines industry terminology, and explores the financing options available to help bring your vision to life.

➝ Click to download:https://www.firstmerchants.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/fmb-construction-loan-handbook-0723.pdf

10/26/2026

Like it or not, winter is coming. Tackle these annual maintenance tasks before cold weather sets in.

10/21/2026

Real estate and mortgage pros, have you heard about this?

Fannie Mae recently updated its guidelines for buyers who want to move and keep their current home as a rental.

The change gives lenders additional ways to document market rent, which may help streamline the qualification process for some move-up buyers.

Rather than waiting for a signed lease and tenant in place, lenders can now use market rent data to estimate potential rental income. That projected income can offset the existing mortgage payment, potentially making it easier to qualify for the next home.

Read more about it here: https://selling-guide.fanniemae.com/sel/b3-3.8-05/rental-income-non-subject-property-departing-residence

10/19/2026

The short answer: A mortgage pre-approval may cause a small, temporary impact to your credit score because the lender pulls your credit report.

Lenders need to review your credit as part of determining how much home you may qualify for. In most cases, the impact is minor, and many buyers find that the benefits of knowing their budget and strengthening their offer far outweigh any temporary dip in their score.

If you're nervous about the credit check, you may be able to start with a pre-qualification. A pre-qualification can give you a general idea of what you can afford and often doesn’t require a hard credit inquiry.

The most important thing: don't let fear stop you from exploring your options. Knowledge is power, and understanding your financing options can start with a simple conversation.

📩 Ready to begin the conversation? Send me a message any time.
https://myoc.io/efmFMOr2zYO

10/14/2026

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage doesn't mean you can stop being careful with your finances.

The time between pre-approval and loan closing is critical. Your lender is still relying on the financial information you provided when you applied.

That's why it's important to avoid major purchases, new credit accounts, or other significant financial changes until after loan closing. If you're unsure whether something could impact your loan, check with your lender first.
https://myoc.io/efmFMOr2zYO

10/12/2026

Most lenders offer low or no down payment loan options, but that's only part of the affordability conversation.

What many homebuyers don't realize is that there may also be grants and down payment assistance programs available to help reduce their upfront costs.

At First Merchants, we help eligible buyers explore our in-house grant programs and identify additional community-based assistance programs that may be available. In some cases, these programs can even be combined to provide greater support.

If you've been putting off homeownership because you think you need a large amount of money saved, it may be worth exploring what's available before ruling it out.

Contact me anytime for a free homebuyer consultation call.
https://myoc.io/efmFMOr2zYO

10/07/2026

When people think about homeownership costs, they think about the mortgage, property taxes, and insurance.

What catches homeowners off guard are the $500 here, $1,200 there, and $2,000 somewhere else:

↳ The water heater that suddenly quits.

↳ The tree limb that comes down during a storm.

↳ The sump pump that fails during the heaviest rain of the year.

↳ The refrigerator that dies two weeks before the holidays.

None of these are financial disasters on their own. But when they happen unexpectedly, they can be stressful if you aren't prepared.

One of the smartest things a homeowner can do is build a "house fund" alongside their emergency fund. 1-3% of your home’s value is a good rule of thumb for maintenance and repairs.

Homeownership isn't just about being able to afford the mortgage. It's about being able to afford the surprises.

10/05/2026

After weeks of house hunting, inspections, paperwork, and loan approvals, there's one final step: Closing.

Think of Closing as the day when the home officially becomes yours.

You'll sign documents, pay any remaining funds due, and finalize the transfer of ownership. Once everything is complete, you'll get the keys and can officially call yourself a homeowner.

If you have questions about Closing or the mortgage process in general, don’t be afraid to ask.

09/28/2026

Waiting for rates to come down before buying? This example gives some rough numbers to consider.

Of course, no one knows what rates or home prices will do in the future. This is simply an illustration of why it’s important to look at the entire picture.

Contact me any time to talk through the numbers and learn your options.
https://myoc.io/efmFMOr2zYO

Address

10 Washington Street
Monroe, MI
48161

Telephone

+17347700678

Website

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