Mary Tabanguil - Mortgage Lender at Sturgis Bank - NMLS 1406726

12/01/2025

If I were buying my very first home in Southwest Michigan today, here’s exactly how I’d approach it ⬇️

I’d start local—because a lender who actually knows this market can make the difference between getting a deal or missing out.

I’d look into every program out there. First-time buyer incentives aren’t just buzzwords—they can cover part of your down payment or shave off big costs you didn’t plan for.

And I’d be honest with myself about the budget. Not “what’s the max the bank will give me,” but “what payment lets me live my life and still sleep at night?”

Financing your first home doesn’t have to be stressful—not when you have the right strategy, and the right lender by your side.

Give me a call today, I’m here to help.

11/29/2025

Most people don’t realize how many hidden opportunities exist when it comes to buying a home.

We hear the same myths over and over:
❌ You need 20% down.
❌ Student loans will stop you.
❌ You can’t lock a rate until you’ve found a house.

But the truth? 👇

There are programs, strategies, and small tweaks that can completely change the game for buyers—often saving thousands and making homeownership possible sooner than you think.

Because once you understand how the system really works, you realize doors are open that you didn’t think existed.

11/26/2025

🚨 Most buyers lose buying power without even realizing it.

Here’s why: too many lenders only look at your base salary and ignore the rest. That means overtime, bonuses, commissions, or side hustle income you’ve been earning for years might be completely left out of your qualifying numbers.

And that mistake? It can shrink the home you qualify for.

But here’s the truth → if you’ve been consistently earning it for 2+ years, lenders can average it in.
More income = more buying power

Don’t let someone underestimate your income.

11/22/2025

Everyone’s got that one friend with mortgage “advice” 🙄

“Wait until rates are 3.5% again…” blah blah blah

“You need $100K saved first…” blah blah blah

“Self-employed people can’t qualify…” blah blah blah

“Grants don’t actually exist…” blah blah blah

Spoiler: if you believed all of this, you’d never buy a home.

Here’s the truth 👉 every buyer’s story is different. There are programs, strategies, and solutions most people don’t even know exist—and that’s where the right mortgage expert makes all the difference.

Give me a call today and we’ll come up with a game plan that works for you.

11/16/2025

Renting feels like pumpkin spice… temporary, seasonal, here today and gone tomorrow.
Owning a home? That’s cozy sweaters, falling leaves, and forever memories. 🍁
Every tradition feels different when it’s happening in a place that’s truly yours.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to trade rent checks for house keys… this is it. 🗝️

11/14/2025

“I’ll refinance when rates drop 1%—otherwise it’s not worth it.”

Truth is, that’s a common myth. The idea that you need a full percent drop for it to make sense isn’t always true. Here’s the math 👇

A 1% drop in rate equals about:
💵 $67 less per month per $100k borrowed.
So a $300k loan saves about $201/mo.
A $600k loan saves about $402/mo.

Even “small” drops add up fast—especially over years.

The real decision isn’t just the rate—it’s your loan balance, term, and how long you plan to stay in the home.

Give me a call. I’ll run a free savings analysis for you. All I need is your most recent mortgage statement—it’s that simple.

11/09/2025

If your daily routine looks like:

☕️ Refreshing rate updates before your morning coffee
📱 Running “what-if” calculators at midnight
💭 Wishing for a loan program that makes it all easier
🤞 Hoping your debt doesn’t crush your approval chances…

You’re not alone. 🫠

This is what getting ready to buy often feels like: rates that move fast, rules that seem confusing, and approval hurdles that feel bigger than they really are.

But here’s the truth → the solution isn’t another late-night calculator session.

It’s having someone on your side (hello 👋) who knows how to navigate loan programs, structure approvals, and uncover strategies you didn’t even know existed.

11/05/2025

Whether you’re updating the kitchen before the holidays, covering tuition in the new year, or just planning ahead, a Home Equity Line of Credit from Sturgis Bank helps you do more—with a special low intro rate and local support you can count on.

Get started: sturgis.bank/heloc-special

11/05/2025

I see it all the time—buyers second-guessing themselves, running endless “what-ifs,” or stressing about whether they’ll regret their decision.

Here’s the framework I share with my clients to cut through the noise: the 5-5-5 rule.
✔️ Will you want to stay in the house for at least 5 years?
✔️ Can you comfortably make the payment and still save at least 5% of your income?
✔️ Will this neighborhood still be desirable in 5 years?

If you can say “yes” to all three, you’re not overpaying—you’re building stability and a smart investment for your future.

10/17/2025

Congrats to these first time home buyers ❤️

JUST SOLD📣

Congratulations to Nick Lucchetti and his buyers!

Listed By : Jennifer Fernandez - Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

10/16/2025

10/07/2025

Women who care of Kalamazoo County is at it again this quarter, we raised $17,200 for kzoo valley ambucs!

🎉 Congratulations to our Q3 Winner , Kazoo Valley Ambucs ! 🎉

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our members and the Schulze Family Foundation’s matching contribution, Women Who Care of Kalamazoo County proudly donated $17,200 toward their mission!

This donation will fund the purchase of four Amtrykes for the YMCA’s growing Adaptive Programming, giving individuals of all abilities the chance to experience the freedom, joy, and independence that comes with riding a bike. 🚲💙

Amtrykes are adaptive tricycles custom-fitted to support those with physical, developmental, or cognitive challenges, ensuring everyone can share in the thrill of movement.

These bikes will make their official debut during the YMCA Adaptive Field Day this Saturday, October 11, where the Adaptive community is invited to enjoy an afternoon of fun, inclusive sports, and celebration!

👏 We’re so proud to see the ripple effect of kindness and collaboration in action. This is what Women Who Care is all about, making meaningful change together! 💪💛