Lee M Johnson, Realtor/Mortgage Broker

Lee M Johnson, Realtor/Mortgage Broker Income-2year work history.

First step to securing a generational home for you and your family is having Faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 1.)Pre-Approval from Mortgage Company starting with a Credit Score 620 2.) 3.5 % Down Payment 3.)

Why a mortgage rate lock makes sense this SeptemberWith 30-year mortgage rates now at 6.87%—that’s over a full percent h...
09/19/2026

Why a mortgage rate lock makes sense this September
With 30-year mortgage rates now at 6.87%—that’s over a full percent higher than just six months back—it’s a smart move to consider locking in your rate this September. The possibility of Federal Reserve hikes and lender adjustments could push rates even higher, so securing your rate now helps shield you from future increases. I always treat every transaction with the same care and urgency as if it were my own, so protecting against rising costs is the kind of practical step I’d take for myself—and for you.


https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/lee-m-johnson/1964395-Why-a-mortgage-rate-lock-makes-sense-this-September

A Complete Checklist of Documents Needed for a MortgageWhen it comes to applying for a mortgage, being prepared makes al...
09/18/2026

A Complete Checklist of Documents Needed for a Mortgage
When it comes to applying for a mortgage, being prepared makes all the difference. I always make sure my clients know exactly what to expect—starting with the basics: you’ll need to gather proof of identity, income, assets, debts, and credit history. That usually means things like your ID, recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. If you’re self-employed or your situation is unique, there might be a few extra forms to track down. My goal is to keep things straightforward and stress-free, just like I would for my own transaction—so you’re never left wondering what comes next.


https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/lee-m-johnson/1954425-A-Complete-Checklist-of-Documents-Needed-for-a-Mortgage

09/17/2026

FHA Loans: How They Work
I like to keep things straightforward—just like I do for every client I work with. Let’s talk FHA loans: these can be a real game changer for buyers who may not have a large down payment saved up or whose credit isn’t spotless. If your credit score is 580 or better, you might be able to put down as little as 3.5%. If your score falls between 500 and 579, a 10% down payment is usually needed. FHA loans are designed for primary homes (not vacation or investment properties), and the amount you can borrow depends on your county and the type of property. Keep in mind, the monthly payment covers more than just your principal and interest—it also includes mortgage insurance, taxes, homeowners insurance, and escrow. It’s important to weigh the lower upfront costs against the total monthly outlay. FHA loans often help those with lower credit or less cash get into a home, but if you’ve got stronger credit, a conventional loan or refinancing later could be a better fit. As always, I treat each transaction like it’s my own—making sure you have a clear picture every step of the way.

09/16/2026

United States: How USDA Loans Work
USDA loans can be a real game changer for those looking to buy a home in eligible rural or suburban areas. These government-backed mortgages are designed to make homeownership more accessible, often allowing qualified buyers to purchase with no down payment and more flexible requirements. When I help clients explore their options, we look at everything—your income, credit, debts—because private lenders do a thorough review before the government steps in to back about 90% of the loan. That extra security can help you finance the full price of a home if it qualifies.

You might consider a guaranteed loan through a lender, a direct loan from the government, or even specific repair assistance—eligibility is based on the home’s location, your household income, financial situation, residency, and whether you plan to live in the property. While skipping the down payment can reduce upfront costs, don't forget there are still closing costs, taxes, insurance, and guarantee fees to budget for. These loans aren’t for vacation or investment properties; they’re best suited for buyers with a steady income and limited savings, looking to settle in a smaller community or suburb.

As always, I approach every transaction as if it were my own. If you’re interested, we’ll confirm your location, check income rules, and compare lenders together so you know exactly what to expect.

09/15/2026

Tips To Get The Best Mortgage Rate On Your Home
When it comes to securing the best mortgage rate for your home, a straightforward approach really pays off. Compare multiple mortgage offers within a 45-day window—this can make a real difference in your savings. Staying on top of payments to keep your credit strong is key. If you can swing a 20% down payment, you'll skip mortgage insurance altogether. And don’t overlook options like government-backed loans or buying discount points; these can be especially smart moves if you plan to settle in for the long haul. I always treat your home financing just as I would my own, focusing on clarity and real results every step of the way.

09/14/2026

US Investment Property Rate Basics
When considering investment property mortgages, it’s important to know these loans come with higher interest rates than those for primary residences. Lenders take a close look at your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment, property cost, and the type of lender you work with. Things like central bank decisions and tax policies also have an impact. There are a few common routes for financing—conventional loans, hard money, private money, and tapping home equity—each with its own pros and cons, from approval speed to collateral risk. While investment property loans can help you build income through rentals or long-term appreciation, they do require stricter qualifications, higher rates, and a larger down payment. To secure the best rate, you’ll want strong credit, manageable debt, and a healthy down payment. Comparing lenders and seeking out expert guidance always helps. I treat every transaction as if it were my own, so you can expect honest, straightforward guidance every step of the way.

09/13/2026

US FHA or Conventional Loan Guide
When it comes to choosing between an FHA and a conventional loan, I always try to keep it straightforward—just like I would if this were my own purchase. FHA loans can be a great fit for buyers who have a lower credit score or a smaller down payment, though it’s important to remember every FHA loan comes with mortgage insurance, and putting down less than 10% could mean you’re paying those premiums for the life of the loan. Conventional loans, on the other hand, usually require stronger credit, but they offer more flexibility: you can use them for a primary home, a second home, or even an investment property. Down payments can go as low as about 3%, and private mortgage insurance can eventually be removed. In early Q3 2026, average 30-year rates hovered in the high-6% range for conventional and the low-6% range for FHA, but those insurance costs on FHA loans can really add up over time. Loan limits matter, too—conforming conventional loans now reach up to $832,800 in most areas, while FHA’s cap is typically $541,300, with stricter standards and primary residence requirements. If you’re weighing your options, it’s always a good idea to sit down with a lender and look at the full picture: interest rate, cash to close, monthly payment, mortgage insurance, taxes, and insurance, plus how each loan might impact you over the next 5–7 years. My promise is to help you navigate these choices with the same care and attention I’d expect if it were my own deal.

Current 20-Year Mortgage RatesI like to keep things straightforward, so here’s what’s happening with 20-year fixed mortg...
09/12/2026

Current 20-Year Mortgage Rates
I like to keep things straightforward, so here’s what’s happening with 20-year fixed mortgage rates: they’ve edged up a bit to 6.55% from 6.52%. A 20-year loan can be a smart way to build equity faster and cut back on interest compared to a 30-year option—just keep in mind those monthly payments will be steeper. If you’re considering this route, some practical steps go a long way: upping your credit score, lowering your debts, saving at least 20% for a down payment, comparing different lenders, locking in a good rate, exploring buying points, or even including a co-borrower. My philosophy is to treat every deal like it’s my own, so these are the tips I’d follow myself.
https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/lee-m-johnson/1941443-Current-20-Year-Mortgage-Rates

09/11/2026

US Jumbo Mortgage Options Explained
Let’s break down jumbo mortgages—a solution I treat with the same care as if I were arranging my own home purchase. When a property’s price is above the conforming loan limits, a jumbo mortgage can be the right fit. These flexible loans aren’t just for primary residences—they work for investment properties and offer both fixed and adjustable rates, depending on what aligns with your goals. Because lenders keep jumbo loans on their own books, the requirements are a bit tougher: you’ll need strong credit, a larger down payment, lower debt-to-income ratio, and healthy cash reserves. The upside? With the right financial profile, you can still land competitive rates—sometimes even better than conventional loans. I always recommend comparing options among banks, credit unions, and brokers to make sure you get the best terms possible, since factors like property type and market conditions can really make a difference. I believe in making the process straightforward and treating your decisions as carefully as I would my own.

Address

15173 North Road , Ste 110
Fenton, MI
48430

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