Resources
Financing &
lender referrals.
The right lender can save you weeks and thousands of dollars. The wrong one can cost you both. Nathan connects buyers with West Michigan mortgage professionals who know the local market and close on time.
Why your lender matters
Not all lenders are equal.
Picking a lender isn't just about finding the lowest rate. A lender who doesn't handle your loan type regularly, who's slow to communicate, or who underestimates closing timelines can put the entire deal at risk. That's especially true for VA loans, where lenders who aren't familiar with the program routinely mishandle BAH as qualifying income, process disability compensation incorrectly, or stumble through the Certificate of Eligibility pull.
Even on conventional and FHA loans, lender quality varies. Some shops take 60 days to close what a good lender closes in 30. Some bury fees in the fine print. Some go quiet for days at a time and leave you wondering where your file stands. When a closing date slips, it's not just an inconvenience; it can cost you earnest money, your rate lock, or the house entirely.
Nathan works with lenders who specialize in West Michigan, who communicate clearly, and who have a track record of closing on schedule. He pays attention to which lenders perform consistently across different loan types and which ones cause problems, and he adjusts his referrals accordingly.
VA-specialized lenders
Lenders who know
the VA program.
VA loans have mechanics that most conventional lenders don't deal with often enough to get right the first time. BAH counted as qualifying income. Tax-free disability compensation grossed up by 1.25x. The COE pull and what to do when entitlement codes don't match expectations. The VA appraisal with Minimum Property Requirements. The funding fee waiver for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Each of these is a point where an inexperienced lender can create delays, miscalculate qualifying income, or leave money on the table.
Nathan has referrals to West Michigan lenders who close VA loans regularly and handle these details correctly on the first pass. They order the VA appraisal early, they know how to read a COE, and they don't need a tutorial on how residual income works.
Nathan's referrals are based on professional experience working alongside these lenders on real transactions, not paid arrangements. He recommends lenders he's seen perform consistently and adjusts when they don't.
Conventional & FHA
Every loan type,
the right fit.
Not every buyer is using a VA loan, and Nathan's lender network covers conventional and FHA financing as well. For first-time buyers especially, the lender relationship matters more than people expect. A good lender explains the process clearly, responds quickly when questions come up, and keeps the file moving so you're not scrambling the week before closing.
FHA loans have their own quirks: property condition requirements, mortgage insurance premiums that work differently from conventional PMI, and down payment assistance programs that vary by county and income level. Nathan connects buyers with lenders who know the West Michigan programs and can walk through the options without making it more complicated than it needs to be.
What to expect
How the referral works.
- 1
Tell Nathan about your situation
Loan type, timeline, budget range, anything relevant. A quick form or a phone call is all it takes.
- 2
Get matched with 1–2 lenders
Nathan connects you with lenders matched to your loan type and circumstances, not a random list.
- 3
Initial consultation within 48 hours
The lender will reach out directly to schedule an initial conversation and get the process started.
- 4
No obligation, no cost
The referral is free and carries no obligation. You're choosing a lender, not committing to one.
Get connected
Get a lender referral.
Tell Nathan what you're working with, loan type, timeline, budget, and any questions you have. He'll connect you with a lender who fits your situation.
Contact
Get in touch
Send a message and Nathan will get back to you within one business day.
Message received
Thank you. Nathan will be in touch soon.
Nathan typically responds within one business day.
— Nathan Strodtbeck, REALTOR®
Related resources
Keep exploring.
Tool
VA Affordability Calculator
See what you can afford with residual income and funding fee math built in.
Tool
Affordability Calculator
General affordability calculator for conventional and FHA buyers.
Guide
VA Loans 101
Residual income, funding fee waivers, BAH as income, and how to structure an offer.
Process
Buying a Home
Five-step walkthrough from pre-approval to closing day.
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