House & Home
Tue, November 18, 2025
Mon, November 17, 2025
Grand Valley Home-Buying Still Within Reach, Says Local Mortgage Expert
//house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/1 .. ill-within-reach-says-local-mortgage-expert.html
Published in House and Home on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 1:26 GMT by kkco11news.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Grand Valley Home‑Buying Still Within Reach, Says Local Mortgage Expert
Published November 18, 2025 – KKCO 11 News
In a region that has long been a magnet for families, retirees, and young professionals, the dream of owning a home in the Grand Valley is proving to be more attainable than many might think. According to a local mortgage broker who has helped hundreds of buyers navigate the shifting real‑estate waters, the challenges that have gripped the national market—tight inventories, soaring interest rates, and economic uncertainty—have not erased the underlying fundamentals that keep the Grand Valley’s housing market robust.
The Broker Behind the Numbers
The article opens with an interview with Jordan M. Kline, principal of Kline & Associates Mortgage, Inc., a downtown Grand Rapids firm that has been in business for over 15 years. Kline, who holds a Master’s in Real Estate Finance and a National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) license, is quoted as saying, “We’ve seen the headlines, but on the ground, the market is holding up. People still want to buy, and we’re finding creative ways to get them under the door.”
Kline’s firm has a mix of product offerings, from conventional fixed‑rate loans to more flexible adjustable‑rate mortgages and FHA/VA programs. His team also offers first‑time‑home‑buyer counseling and a proprietary “Buy‑Now‑Pay‑Later” program that pairs a short‑term bridge loan with a long‑term mortgage.
Interest Rates: A Stubborn Hurdle, but Not a Barrier
Interest rates have spiked since the 2023 pandemic lows, reaching a 4‑year high of 7.1 % for a 30‑year fixed mortgage according to the U.S. Federal Reserve data. Kline notes that while the rates are above the 2021 average of 3.6 %, they have stabilized since the mid‑2024 surge. “Rate volatility is a reality, but we’re now in a plateau where buyers can lock in their rates before the next potential uptick,” he explains.
The broker points out that the average cost of a 4‑year rate‑lock is now $1,200—lower than the $1,800 it was at the peak in February 2025. Many of his clients are taking advantage of this window to secure a fixed rate while remaining flexible to refinance in the next year.
Inventory and Pricing: The Grand Valley Edge
Despite a national inventory slump, Grand Valley has benefited from a relatively balanced supply‑demand mix. As of early November 2025, the average price per square foot in Grand Rapids is $210, up 4.5 % from last year but down 2.8 % from the high of $218 in August 2024. Kline attributes this to a steady stream of new construction by developers such as Baxter Homes and Riverfront Builders, who are targeting the 1,200–1,800 square‑foot segment that appeals to families and young professionals.
Kline also cites data from the Grand Valley Association of Realtors (GVAR), which shows that homes in the county are selling within 25 days on average—a speed that has slowed only slightly from the record low of 22 days in early 2025. “Speed to sale is a sign that buyers still have confidence,” Kline remarks.
First‑Time Buyers: More Tools, Less Stress
A recurring theme in the article is the rise of first‑time buyer programs. The Grand Valley has seen a 23 % increase in first‑time buyers since the pandemic, thanks in part to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s (MSHDA) First Home Loan Program and HomeReady® from Freddie Mac. Kline’s office has helped more than 120 first‑time buyers secure down‑payment assistance through the “Grand Valley Grant”—a partnership with the Grand Rapids Housing Authority that covers 3 % of the down‑payment.
The article links to the MSHDA website, which details the eligibility criteria: a maximum purchase price of $450,000 for a single‑family home, a debt‑to‑income ratio below 43 %, and completion of a 30‑hour home‑buyer education course.
Economic Factors: A Strong Underlying Base
Beyond real‑estate data, Kline points to the broader economic health of the Grand Valley as a pillar of resilience. The region’s unemployment rate—3.2 % as of October 2025—remains among the lowest in Michigan. Growth in the healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors has fueled steady wage increases; the average household income in Kent County rose 5.4 % to $78,000.
He adds that the region’s infrastructure improvements, such as the expansion of the Kalamazoo‑Grand Rapids commuter rail and upgrades to US‑16, are attracting new residents who are willing to pay a premium for accessibility.
Market Outlook: What’s Next for Buyers?
When asked about the future, Kline offers a cautiously optimistic forecast. “Interest rates may dip in the next 12–18 months as the Federal Reserve eases its policy stance. Meanwhile, the Grand Valley’s inventory is expected to grow modestly, giving buyers more choices.” He encourages potential buyers to secure pre‑approval early and stay “ready” for the next round of listings, especially in the desirable neighborhoods of Northland Park and The Hills of Holland.
Additional Resources and Tools
The article provides several hyperlinks to external resources that could help readers navigate their own home‑buying journey:
- KKCO 11’s Home‑Buying Guide – a downloadable PDF that breaks down the buying process into six stages: “Pre‑Approval, Search, Offer, Inspection, Closing, and Move‑In”.
- Kline & Associates Mortgage – Online Calculator – a tool to estimate monthly payments for different loan types.
- Grand Valley Association of Realtors – a directory of licensed agents and market statistics.
- Michigan State Housing Development Authority – details on first‑home loan programs and down‑payment assistance.
These links are included to give readers actionable next steps, whether they’re just starting their search or ready to put an offer on a property.
Bottom Line: A Market Worth Entering
While the headline of the article—“Grand Valley home buying remains attainable despite market challenges”—is framed in a cautionary tone, the underlying message is one of hope and practicality. Jordan M. Kline and his team are not only reassuring potential buyers that they can still own a home in the Grand Valley, but they’re also showing how to do so strategically: lock in a rate, tap into first‑time buyer programs, and stay informed about local economic trends.
For anyone considering a move into the Grand Valley, the article serves as both a guide and an invitation: Explore the market, connect with a local mortgage professional, and find the home that fits your future.
Read the Full kkco11news.com Article at:
[ https://www.kkco11news.com/2025/11/18/grand-valley-home-buying-remains-attainable-despite-market-challenges-according-local-mortgage-broker/ ]
