Growth at Churchill Mortgage’s Grand Rapids Branch Signals Positive Outlook for Homebuyers in Western Michigan in 2016

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 15, 2016 – Following a year in which it doubled its loan production and added six mortgage experts to its team in Grand Rapids, Churchill Mortgage forges ahead in 2016 with a positive outlook for Western Michigan’s housing market.

According to Zillow, the median home value in the Grand Rapids metro area has increased six percent within the last year and is expected to increase an additional 2.4 percent by year-end. Forbes magazine also recently recognized Grand Rapids as the number one housing market to invest in this year, citing a 3.1 percent three-year population growth rate, a 3.9 percent employment growth rate in the past year, and a diverse and growing economy.

As the state’s economy strengthens, Churchill’s Grand Rapid’s branch has continued to grow to support demand. Last year, the lender added Seth Vanderwey, Nathan Wright and Timothy Wright as home loan specialists, Lindsay Sall as a home loan assistant, Jessica Nylen as a processor and Emily Heins as a disclosure specialist. In addition, Heidi Depault was promoted to operations manager in December. Since opening in April 2013, the branch’s staff has more than doubled.

The only lender endorsed by nationally syndicated personal finance radio host and author, Dave Ramsey, Churchill’s consultative approach to lending adds to its strong commitment to local communities across the nation, including Grand Rapids. The lender emphasizes the importance of not only the American Dream of Homeownership, but debt-free homeownership. Churchill Mortgage attributes its long-standing success to this approach and its commitment.

“We are optimistic about what this year has in store,” said Steve Vanderwey, manager of Churchill’s Grand Rapids branch. “The Michigan housing market is continuing to strengthen and we anticipate that it will continue to do so, prompting us to continue expanding. As we move further into a new year, our commitment to providing a path to homeownership is stronger than ever and we stand ready to support local communities with their home financing needs.”