Farmington Hills Michigan Mortgage Broker — 25+ Years of Trusted Lending
Edward Kalavitz | NMLS #138424 | Serving Farmington Hills, Oakland County & All 83 Michigan Counties
Edward Kalavitz · MLO NMLS #138424 · Private Mortgage Guarantee LLC · Serving Farmington Hills, Oakland County & all 83 Michigan counties
In This Guide
- Today’s Rates in Farmington Hills
- Michigan Mortgage Advisor
- Meet Your Farmington Hills Mortgage Broker
- About Farmington Hills, Michigan
- Neighborhoods & Subdivisions
- Property Types
- Schools & Education
- Cost of Living & Taxes
- Market Trends
- Mortgage Options in Farmington Hills
- Buying in Farmington Hills
- Selling in Farmington Hills
- Why Choose Edward
- Edward’s Local Take
- Watch: Meet Edward
- Nearby Cities
- Google Reviews
- Farmington Hills FAQ
- Available Hours
Mortgage Rates in Farmington Hills
Competitive pricing personalized to your scenario. Rates shown reflect 740+ credit, 30-year fixed terms unless noted.
Purchase Loans
Conventional Purchase
15-Year Conventional
FHA 30-Year Purchase
VA 30-Year Purchase
USDA Purchase & Refinance
USDA 30-Year Purchase
FHA Streamline Refi
Conventional Refinance
Jumbo & High-Balance
Jumbo / High-Balance
Get Your Farmington Hills Rate in Writing
The rates above are today’s pricing at a 740 score. Your broker will quote your actual scenario — your credit, your down payment, your address — usually the same business day.
Not Sure Which Loan You Qualify For?
See the rates. Not sure which loan fits your situation? The Michigan Mortgage Advisor answers that in 60 seconds — analyzing your credit, down payment, and goals to recommend the best loan program and show you your real monthly payment on Farmington Hills Michigan real estate.
- Instant loan-type recommendation — FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional
- Live rate and APR for your exact scenario
- Michigan-specific closing cost estimate
- No credit check required to start
Best loan for you: FHA
3.5% down
~$1,830/mo principal + interest
Your actual recommendation is calculated live based on your inputs.
Meet Your mortgage expert
When Oakland County buyers want expert lending guidance and a responsive professional who truly understands Michigan’s residential market, they turn to Edward Kalavitz — your local loan expert with over 25 years of mortgage and real estate expertise. Farmington Hills, Michigan is a Oakland County community where average home prices of about $408,324 sit 15.2% above the Michigan statewide average — creating a compelling opportunity for buyers across a wide range of financial profiles.
As both a licensed mortgage broker and Michigan realtor, Edward delivers a seamless dual-service advantage — one professional handles both your financing strategy and your real estate guidance from pre-approval through closing day.
Conventional financing is the featured primary program at Farmington Hills’s average of about $408,324 — down payments starting at 3-5% (about $12,250–$20,416) and the most flexible long-term structure for buyers with solid credit. FHA provides the credit-accessible alternative with just 3.5% down (about $14,291) for buyers earlier in their financial journey.
USDA rural development zero-down financing may also be available for some Farmington Hills-area addresses verifies USDA eligibility for any address at no cost during the initial consultation.
With 200 homes sold in six months and a 20-day average market time, Farmington Hills gives buyers meaningful time to evaluate properties carefully. Your loan officer typically has pre-approval letters ready within 24 hours.
Edward Kalavitz is available seven days a week including every holiday — weekdays 8 AM–8 PM and weekends 9 AM–8 PM. Call (616) 633-3692 anytime.
Edward Kalavitz holds both a mortgage broker license (NMLS #138424) and Michigan realtor license (#6501386956). As your local mortgage expert, Edward delivers Conventional + FHA lending expertise alongside dual financing and real estate guidance. 25+ years of Oakland County market knowledge and 7-day availability including all holidays.
Farmington Hills Michigan Mortgage Broker — First-Time Homebuyer Guide
With conventional financing starting at 3% down and FHA requiring about $14,291 at Farmington Hills’s average of about $408,324 — 15.2% above the Michigan statewide average — Farmington Hills offers strong value for first-time buyers. Your broker has guided hundreds of first-time buyers over 25+ years.
Your mortgage expert evaluates conventional and FHA side by side to identify the program delivering the best combination of upfront cost, monthly payment, and long-term structure. Michigan down payment assistance programs may further reduce upfront costs. Call Edward at (616) 633-3692 — pre-approval letters are typically ready within 24 hours.
Financing note: Your local loan expert lends across every one of these neighbourhoods, and as your local mortgage expert, Edward can pre-approve you before you start touring.
About Farmington Hills, Michigan
Farmington Hills is a city of 83,986 in Oakland County — the second-largest community in the county and a northwestern suburb located roughly 22 miles from downtown Detroit. The community covers 33.31 square miles, of which 33.28 square miles is land. The city is bordered by West Bloomfield to the north, Franklin and Southfield to the east, Livonia to the south, and Novi to the west. A corporate-headquarters concentration, the Farmington Public Schools district, and a Quaker-settler heritage shape the community character. Edward can tell you if this affects your timeline at all.
The earliest white settler was Arthur Power, a Quaker from Farmington, New York, who purchased land in 1823 and returned in 1824 with families and associates to clear it. The settlement became known as Quakertown, with a post office named Farmington opened in February 1826. Farmington Township was organized in 1827. Two later subdivisions — Quaker Valley Farms, incorporated as the village of Quakertown in 1959, and Wood Creek Farms, developed in 1937 by George Wellington and incorporated as a village in 1957 — joined the remainder of the township to form the City of Farmington Hills in 1973. As your local mortgage expert, Edward keeps the lending and the buying on one schedule.
The city hosts headquarters for several national and regional companies, including Gale, Mango Languages, 5-Hour Energy, and The Sharper Image. It is also the United States headquarters location for Robert Bosch, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, and TD Auto Finance. The Corewell Health Botsford hospital campus inside the city is a major employer alongside the corporate offices. This combination of a hospital anchor and a multi-company corporate base produces a year-round employment profile that is unusual depth for a metro Detroit suburb of this size. Your loan officer can confirm the current figure rather than an estimate.
Neighborhood Guide · Farmington Hills, MI
Farmington Hills Neighborhoods
The community brings together six distinct areas — two are former villages that were folded into the 1973 city formation, one is the historic Quaker-founding core, one is a southeastern district tied to the Clarenceville School District, and two trace the major freeway and arterial corridors that cross the 33-square-mile footprint. Each anchors a different buyer profile.
Quaker Valley Farms
Quaker Valley Farms began as a subdivision and was incorporated as the village of Quakertown in 1959 — a separate village until the 1973 consolidation. Inventory is established mid-century and traditional single-family housing on mature lots, with the area carrying part of the Quaker-settler heritage traced back to the 1820s Arthur Power founding. Bring your questions on this to Edward Kalavitz early in the process.
Walkability: Sidewalks throughout most streets; drive-oriented overall, with walkable access to neighborhood parks and elementary schools. Your broker can show you the difference in real dollars.
Buyer fit: Common among families prioritizing the established Quaker Valley Farms character within the Farmington Public Schools district — buyers committed to a long-term primary residence with mature streetscape and the historic village identity. Ask your mortgage expert which loan programs treat this most favourably.
Wood Creek Farms
Wood Creek Farms was developed in 1937 by George Wellington of Franklin, who named it after a New England estate. It was incorporated as its own village in 1957 and joined the modern city in the 1973 consolidation. The area carries a longer subdivision history than most surrounding communities — established lots, mature landscaping, and a residential character tracing to the late 1930s. Your local loan expert can tell you what a seller is likely to accept here.
Walkability: Sidewalks in many sections; drive-oriented for daily errands, with walkable access to neighborhood amenities and parks. As your local mortgage expert, Edward can answer this without a referral.
Buyer fit: Common among buyers prioritizing the Wood Creek Farms estate character and the Farmington Public Schools district — large lots, established trees, and an enclave feel inside the larger city. Edward can check this against today’s guidelines.
Clarenceville
Clarenceville is the area in the southeastern part of the city, on the historic boundary with Livonia in Wayne County. The original settlement dates to when Stephen Jennings built a tavern and general store — the building still operates as the Botsford Inn — to serve plank-road travelers between Detroit and Howell. The Clarenceville School District, whose buildings sit in Livonia, serves this portion of the city. This is a question for your loan officer before you start looking.
Walkability: Sidewalks throughout most blocks; walkable to neighborhood schools and parks, drive-oriented for larger destinations. Edward Kalavitz can tell you how much room this leaves you.
Buyer fit: Common among buyers prioritizing accessible price points within the city while accepting the Clarenceville School District. The area is a meaningful first-home and move-up entry point for the broader market. Ask your broker to sanity-check the numbers you have been quoted.
North Farmington & the Quakertown Heritage
The historic North Farmington area was once anchored by the Wolcott’s Corners post office, established in 1847 and renamed North Farmington under postmaster Chauncey D. Walcott; it operated until September 1902. The Quakertown North community was recognized in the 1970 census — 7,101 residents across 1.6 square miles with 1,803 housing units, served by ZIP 48331 — and was folded into the modern city in 1973. Your mortgage expert can confirm what a lender will need to see.
Walkability: Sidewalks throughout; walkable to neighborhood schools, parks, and the local high school campus. As your local mortgage expert, Edward reviews this with every buyer.
Buyer fit: Common among families prioritizing North Farmington High School proximity and the historic Quakertown-heritage core. The mix of long-established homes and newer infill produces a wide range of price points within a coherent area. Your local loan expert can tell you whether waiting changes anything.
The I-696 / M-5 Corridor
Established and newer subdivisions sit along the southern and western edges where I-696, I-275, and M-5 form the freeway envelope. I-696 runs along the southern frontage, I-275 forms the western edge connecting south toward Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and M-5 — the Haggerty Connector — adds freeway-grade access into Oakland County. Worth asking Edward how this fits your down payment plan.
Walkability: Drive-oriented corridor; subdivisions have internal sidewalks and the fastest freeway access in the city. Your loan officer can put a real figure to this rather than a range.
Buyer fit: Common among commuters prioritizing the quickest access toward Detroit, the airport, or the western Oakland and Wayne County employment corridors — buyers who value daily time savings while keeping local school and amenity access. Ask Edward Kalavitz what this looks like on a monthly basis.
The Orchard Lake Road Corridor
Orchard Lake Road is the main north-south arterial spine, paired with the 12 Mile, 13 Mile, and Grand River cross-streets threading east-west across the 33-square-mile footprint. The neighborhoods near the corridor combine established and newer single-family housing with the deepest concentration of retail, dining, and services in the city — close to the commercial axis without losing the residential character. Your broker can tell you if this is worth structuring differently.
Walkability: Drive-oriented arterial; subdivision sidewalks plus the deepest retail-and-services walkshed in the city. As your local mortgage expert, Edward will tell you plainly if it does not work.
Buyer fit: Common among buyers prioritizing the Orchard Lake Road retail and dining concentration alongside quick north-south travel — professionals and families who want everyday services without driving across the metro for routine errands. Your mortgage expert can identify this before it becomes a condition.
Financing note: Value varies block by block here, and your local loan expert prices the specific address rather than the postcode. Ask Edward which pockets appraise most consistently.
Property Types in Farmington Hills
Single-Family Homes
Single-family detached housing is the core of the local market — established mid-century homes through more recent infill and traditional builds. Pricing runs roughly $320K to $550K in the Clarenceville and corridor areas and roughly $380K to $780K in the Quaker Valley Farms, Wood Creek Farms, and North Farmington areas. Lots are typically a quarter-acre or larger, especially in the older subdivisions where the original platting allowed for mature landscaping. Ask your loan officer to review this alongside your credit profile.
Condos & Townhouses
The local condo and townhouse inventory is one of the deeper offerings in western Oakland County, threaded along the Orchard Lake Road and 12 Mile corridors. Buildings range from established 1970s-1980s complexes to newer infill product on the corridor edges. The format is popular with corporate professionals working at the local headquarters concentration, with empty-nest downsizers, and with first-time buyers entering the area at a more accessible price point than detached housing. Edward Kalavitz can tell you how sellers here typically handle it.
New Construction
New construction is moderate in this largely built-out community — most ground-up activity is infill, scrape-and-rebuild on existing lots, or larger-lot redevelopment near the corridor edges. The community’s prosperous profile supports premium pricing on new builds where they exist, and inventory is consistently tight relative to demand. Buyers should expect a custom or semi-custom process rather than a large-tract option. This is where having a Farmington Hills Michigan mortgage broker who knows the area helps.
Investment Properties
The market is primarily owner-occupied, which keeps rental inventory limited and priced above the metro average. The corporate-headquarters concentration and the major hospital anchor produce a steady professional rental demand — including corporate transferees on short-term assignments — but the listing supply rarely catches up. Investors focused on long-term appreciation rather than monthly yield typically find the area more attractive than pure cash-flow buyers. Your broker can confirm eligibility before you get attached to a house.
Waterfront Homes
The community itself includes the Rouge River corridor but is not a primarily waterfront community — only 0.03 of the 33.31 square miles is water. Buyers prioritizing dedicated lake frontage typically look to the neighboring West Bloomfield lake country to the north or the broader Oakland County lakes. The riverfront properties that do exist trade on the quiet natural setting rather than on traditional lake-frontage amenities. Ask your mortgage expert whether a different programme suits you better.
Luxury Homes
Higher-end inventory concentrates in the Wood Creek Farms area — platted in 1937 with the New England estate concept — alongside North Farmington and the larger newer-construction parcels along the corridor edges. The community’s profile as one of the more prosperous metro Detroit suburbs supports a deep upper tier of pricing. Most buyers in this tier prioritize lot size, established landscaping, and the schools rather than tract-style amenities. Your local loan expert can talk this through in plain language.
Financing note: Programme fit depends on build type and condition. Edward matches the loan to the property, and as your local mortgage expert, Edward flags repair-escrow risk before the appraisal, not after.
Farmington Hills Schools & Education
Two public school districts share the city, with the line falling at the southeastern Clarenceville-area boundary. A community college campus and a small graduate institution add a higher-education layer rare for a suburb of this size, and the broader metro Detroit and Ann Arbor university systems are within commuting reach.
Farmington Public Schools
Farmington Public Schools serves the majority of the city and the adjacent City of Farmington, which Wikipedia notes are often thought of as the same community despite separate services and addresses. The district operates North Farmington High School as the primary high-school anchor for the northern section of the city, alongside its elementary and middle schools. The district shares the broader community footprint with the Farmington Community Library, which serves residents across both municipalities. For families considering a long-term primary residence, the district is the year-round educational anchor for the city. As your local mortgage expert, Edward would want to see your figures first.
Clarenceville School District
The Clarenceville School District serves the southeastern portion of the city near the historic township boundary with Livonia in Wayne County. As Wikipedia notes, the district’s name comes from the original Clarenceville settlement; the school buildings themselves sit in Livonia, yet the district serves a portion of the city. District assignment within the city is property-specific, with the line falling at the southeastern corner. For buyers focused on the more accessible price points in the area, the district is the relevant assignment to confirm before writing an offer on any home near the southeastern edge. Your loan officer can tell you what changes and what does not.
Higher Education — OCC & Michigan School of Psychology
Higher education within the city limits includes the Oakland Community College Orchard Ridge Campus and the Michigan School of Psychology, a small graduate institution focused on clinical psychology. The presence of these two campuses inside a single suburb is unusual and adds to the corporate-and-residential community profile. Beyond the city itself, the broader region includes Oakland University, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Wayne State University in Detroit, and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor — all within a manageable commute from the city for working adults or commuter students. Worth raising with Edward Kalavitz while you are still comparing homes.
School district boundaries cross municipal lines and assignments shift periodically. Two districts serve Farmington Hills. Confirm exact district assignment for any specific property with Edward — he verifies district and enrollment options as part of the buyer consultation.
Financing note: District lines move value street by street, and your broker prices from the appraised address rather than the mailing town. Ask your mortgage expert to confirm the district before you write the offer.
Cost of Living & Property Taxes in Farmington Hills
One of the biggest advantages of Farmington Hills Michigan real estate is affordability relative to comparable metro areas. Here’s what it costs to live in Farmington Hills.
18 mills
Removed by PRE
$93,000
Median Household Income
~50%
Taxable Value of Market
Property Taxes
Farmington Hills property taxes are calculated on a home’s taxable value — roughly 50% of market value in Michigan — multiplied by the local total millage rate (city or township + county + school + intermediate school district). Your exact tax depends on the specific property and jurisdiction within the Farmington Hills area; Edward provides a precise estimate for any home you’re considering.
If the home is your primary residence, file the Michigan Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) — it removes 18 mills (the local school operating millage) from your tax bill. On an average-priced Farmington Hills home, the PRE saves roughly $1,800 per year, typically 30–40% of total property taxes. The PRE is filed once at closing and stays in effect as long as you live in the home.
Cost Comparison
Michigan offers among the lowest costs of living in the Great Lakes region. Housing, property taxes, and — since the 2020 no-fault auto insurance reform — vehicle insurance all run below national averages, and Michigan has no local income tax in most jurisdictions. For buyers relocating from higher-cost metros, that combination means a given budget reaches noticeably further in Farmington Hills than in comparable out-of-state markets. Your local loan expert can map this against what you want your payment to be.
Within Farmington Hills, the real cost variable is neighborhood and property type rather than the city overall. Edward walks buyers through total monthly cost — mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities — for any specific Farmington Hills home so the comparison is grounded in real numbers, not averages.
Financing note: Taxes and insurance are escrowed into the monthly payment and counted in your ratios, so Edward builds them in from the start rather than surprising you at closing.
Farmington Hills Market Trends
Understanding market trends helps buyers and sellers make better decisions in the Farmington Hills Michigan real estate market. Here’s what the data shows.
Key Trends for 2026
Prices rising steadily
Farmington Hills home values continue to appreciate, outpacing the national average.
Low inventory
Current supply is well below a balanced market (typically 4–6 months), meaning demand significantly exceeds available homes.
Fast-moving market
Well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods sell in under 2 weeks. Buyers need pre-approval ready.
Spring/summer peak
Historically, Farmington Hills sees the strongest buyer activity from April through August.
New construction increasing
Developers are adding inventory in suburban areas, but supply still lags demand.
Financing note: Trends move faster than published averages, which is why your loan officer reprices weekly. Edward Kalavitz can tell you what is actually closing in Farmington Hills right now.
Farmington Hills Michigan Mortgage Broker Loan Programs
Your broker offers the full range of Michigan mortgage programs for Oakland County buyers. Edward compares all programs across multiple wholesale lenders to find your best fit.
🏠 Conventional Loans Featured
№ 01- As low as 3-5% down — about $12,250–$20,416 at Farmington Hills’s average
- PMI drops automatically at 20% equity
- Best long-term structure for buyers with 620+ credit
- Wholesale rates from dozens of lenders compared simultaneously
🏡 FHA Loans Featured
№ 02- 3.5% down — approximately $14,291 at Farmington Hills’s average of about $408,324
- Credit scores as low as 580 accepted
- Seller can contribute up to 6% toward closing costs
- Flexible income and debt-to-income guidelines
🌾 USDA Loans Option
№ 03- Zero down payment for qualifying Farmington Hills-area rural addresses
- Below-market interest rates for income-eligible buyers
- Your mortgage expert verifies eligibility at no cost
- Income limits apply — Edward reviews Oakland County limits at consultation
💎 Jumbo Loans Option
№ 04- Available for Farmington Hills properties exceeding the conforming loan limit
- Competitive wholesale jumbo rates from multiple lenders
- Typically requires 700+ credit and 10-20% down
- Ideal for premium Oakland County properties
🎖️ VA Loans — Zero Down for Farmington Hills Veterans
№ 05- 0% down payment — no PMI ever required
- Available to veterans, active duty, and eligible surviving spouses
- Competitive rates that routinely outperform conventional options
- Edward is experienced with VA loan processing statewide
🔄 Refinance Options
№ 06- Rate-and-term refinance to reduce your monthly payment
- Cash-out refinance to access accumulated home equity
- Conventional, FHA Streamline, and VA IRRRL options available
- Edward calculates your break-even before recommending any refinance
📄 Bank Statement Loans
№ 07- 12-24 months of bank statements in place of tax returns
- Ideal for self-employed Farmington Hills residents and business owners
- Available for purchase and refinance transactions
📊 DSCR Loans
№ 08- Qualify based on rental income — not personal income
- Ideal for Oakland County investment property purchases
- No employment verification or tax returns required
🔧 Renovation Loans
№ 09- Finance purchase plus renovation costs in one loan
- FHA 203(k) and conventional renovation options available
- Ideal for older Farmington Hills-area residential properties
🏦 MSHDA Down Payment Assistance
№ 10- Up to $10,000 in down payment help from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority
- Income limits apply and vary by household size and county
- Can be combined with FHA or Conventional financing on an eligible purchase
- Edward checks your eligibility at the consultation — before you shop, not after
🔄 FHA Streamline Refinance
№ 11- For homeowners who already hold an FHA loan — refinance without a new appraisal in most cases
- No income documentation and no new credit underwriting on the standard non-credit-qualifying path
- Requires a net tangible benefit — the refinance has to measurably improve your position
- Edward reviews whether your current FHA loan qualifies at no cost
Farmington Hills Michigan Mortgage Broker — Your 5-Step Process
Your local loan expert has refined a clear, efficient process over 25+ years of Michigan lending.
Step 1: Free Consultation & Pre-Approval
Call Edward at (616) 633-3692 or apply online. Edward compares all programs simultaneously and identifies the best fit. Pre-approval letters are typically ready within 24 hours.
Step 2: House Hunting in Farmington Hills
Pre-approval in hand, you evaluate Farmington Hills properties with confidence. Your loan officer can also serve as your licensed realtor — running live payment scenarios as you compare properties across Oakland County.
Step 3: Loan Application & Rate Lock
Once your offer is accepted, Edward Kalavitz completes the formal loan application and locks your rate — comparing pricing across all wholesale lenders for your best available terms.
Step 4: Processing & Underwriting
Edward manages the complete pipeline — appraisal, title, underwriting submission, and clearance — keeping your Farmington Hills transaction on track through every approval step.
Step 5: Closing Day — Welcome Home to Farmington Hills
On closing day, your broker ensures every document is accurate and all fees are verified. You sign final documents and officially become a Farmington Hills homeowner.
Edward’s Selling Advantage
Selling Your Home in Farmington Hills
Selling a home in Farmington Hills in 2026 rewards preparation. Accurate pricing from day one, professional presentation, and strategic timing are what separate listings that attract strong offers from those that linger on the market. Edward’s dual-license perspective — licensed Realtor and Mortgage Loan Originator — means he prices with both sides of the transaction in view, and can pre-qualify incoming buyers to keep your closing on track. As your local mortgage expert, Edward reviews this line by line with you.
As your listing agent, Edward Kalavitz handles every step of the local selling process — comparative market analysis using current Farmington Hills comps in your specific neighborhood, professional pricing strategy informed by 25+ years of Michigan real estate experience, MLS listing on the Edward’s statewide MLS network (Water Wonderland Association, Realcomp II Limited, Northern Great Lakes MLS, MiRealSource, MichRIC, and Greater Regional Alliance of REALTORS (GRAR)), professional photography and digital marketing, open house scheduling, offer negotiation, and full coordination through inspection, appraisal, and closing. Ask Edward Kalavitz what this changes about your qualifying number.
Most Farmington Hills sellers find that listing in April through August captures the strongest buyer activity — but well-priced homes sell year-round in this market.
Edward’s dual license as both a Michigan Realtor (#6501386956) and Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS #138424) gives sellers a meaningful advantage that single-licensed agents simply can’t match.
When offers come in, Edward immediately vets each buyer’s financing strength with a lender’s eye — flagging weak pre-approvals before you accept an offer that might fall through, identifying buyers whose lock periods are about to expire, and reducing the risk of a deal collapsing in underwriting two weeks before close. In a fast market like Farmington Hills, fewer fall-throughs means faster, more certain closings.
Before you list, run the numbers. Edward’s Seller Net Sheet Calculator shows your estimated proceeds after agent commissions, title fees, transfer taxes, and remaining mortgage payoff — so you know exactly what you’ll walk away with before you sign a listing agreement. For a free home valuation and listing strategy consultation, call Edward at (616) 633-3692.
Financing note: Most Farmington Hills sellers are buying again, and your broker can time the sale against the purchase. As your local mortgage expert, Edward runs both sides together so you see one number. You are never required to use your mortgage expert for the sale as well.
Why Choose This Farmington Hills Michigan Mortgage Broker
Your local loan expert brings over a quarter century of lending and real estate expertise to every Oakland County transaction.
Edward compares Conventional + FHA across dozens of wholesale lenders simultaneously — ensuring every Farmington Hills buyer gets the best available rate and program structure.
Edward Kalavitz
Edward’s Local Take on Farmington Hills
Twenty-five years working across this market, here’s how I help buyers think about Farmington Hills. The community blends a 1824 Quaker-settler heritage, a corporate-headquarters concentration (Bosch, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, TD Auto Finance, Gale, Mango Languages, 5-Hour Energy, The Sharper Image), and the Farmington Public Schools district — anchored by a major hospital campus inside the city. With 33.31 square miles and roughly 84,000 residents, it is one of the larger and more layered Oakland County suburbs. I match buyers to the area that fits their priorities — schools, commute, services, or character. A Farmington Hills Michigan mortgage broker who also holds a real estate licence sees the whole transaction.
Edward Kalavitz
Watch: Meet Edward
Get to know Edward Kalavitz — learn how he helps Farmington Hills Michigan families buy, sell, and finance homes with dual-licensed real estate and mortgage expertise.
Nearby Cities
Exploring the Farmington Hills Michigan real estate market but open to nearby communities? These cities are all within a short drive and offer different price points and neighborhood character — explore each one’s listings below.
What Clients Say About Working with Edward
These are verified Google reviews from Edward’s Google Business Profile. Edward is dual-licensed — Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS #138424) and Michigan Realtor — so reviewers include both financing and real estate clients.
“Very Professional and Thorough”
“Edward’s is very professional and thorough. Had a great experience working with him. Everything went very smooth.”
“Great to Have 2 in 1”
“Ed was very responsive, knowledgeable, and made our first home buying experience great! He’s a relator and lender, which was great to have “2 in1”. We were able to look at houses and run number the same day. He was very flexible with times we needed to set up showings, as well as very informative and organized with paperwork! I appreciate his expertise greatly!” This is the kind of detail Edward should raise before you commit.
“Works Hard 24/7”
“Ed is wonderful to work with! He is very thorough, experienced, and friendly. Ed works hard 24/7 to give you the best mortgage experience and is always able to help with whatever you need!”
“Above and Beyond”
“Edward is a great relator and loan officer. He helped my fiance and I buy our first home. We called him back when we were ready to sell and buy our forever home. He again went above and beyond to make the process swift and easy. I recommend him to my friends and family who are looking into buying, selling or refinacing their home!”
“Closing Came Sooner Than Anticipated”
“Edward was up front, professional and most helpful in first determining if I was a good candidate for a mortgage re-Fi. My case was Probably not the easiest, however, he made my “homework” manageable. The closing came sooner than anticipated, thanks to his perseverance, knowledge and professionalism.”
“Not Only My Realtor — My Friend”
“Edward was an excellent help in the most stressful time of my life. My son passed away in 2018 and I had to sell his home. Edward alleviated some stress by being patient, organized and communicated thoroughly the entire process. He not only was my realtor/loan officer but he was my friend! Highly recommend him for any home needs!”
Farmington Hills Commute & Transportation
Three freeways form an envelope around the 33-square-mile footprint — I-696 along the south, I-275 along the west, and M-5 cutting through the eastern side. The major arterial grid threads between them, and Detroit Metropolitan Airport is a clean 40-minute drive via the western freeway.
I-696 (Walter P. Reuther Freeway)
Interstate 696, the Walter P. Reuther Freeway, runs along the southern part of the city — the primary cross-metro freeway connecting east toward Royal Oak (about 25 minutes), the broader Macomb County and downtown Detroit area (about 30 minutes), and west toward I-275 and the wider network. For commuters working anywhere along the I-696 axis, the southern edge of the city offers some of the fastest access in metro Detroit. Your loan officer can run this against your actual income and debts.
I-275 & M-5
Interstate 275 forms the western edge of the area, providing a southbound run toward Detroit Metropolitan Airport (about 40 minutes) and northbound access back into I-696. M-5, the Haggerty Connector, provides freeway-grade connectivity into the deeper Oakland County network and Walled Lake / Commerce Township directions. Between the two roadways, commutes to the airport, to Novi, and to the broader employment ring are typically efficient outside peak hours. Ask Edward Kalavitz to compare a couple of structures side by side.
Orchard Lake Road & 12 Mile
The major arterial network — Orchard Lake Road running north-south, with 12 Mile, 13 Mile, and Grand River crossing east-west — provides a dense local connectivity layer that ties into the surrounding freeway envelope. The grid pattern means most neighborhoods are within a few minutes of an arterial that leads either to a freeway entrance or to the local retail-and-services concentration.
Regional Transit & Airport
SMART regional bus service operates routes that connect the area across western Oakland County and into the broader metro. Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus is roughly 32 miles south via I-275, a 40-minute drive in typical traffic — a convenient profile for frequent business travelers tied to a national or international flight schedule. The combination of freeway access and the airport corridor is a key draw for the corporate-headquarters tenants based in the area. Your broker can flag this early rather than at underwriting.
Financing note: Freeway access is a recognised location factor in the appraisal, and your mortgage expert sees it in the comparables. Your local loan expert will also fold the true cost of a longer commute into what you can carry.
Where Farmington Hills Sits on the Map
Approximate drive times to other markets buyers commonly compare to Farmington Hills. Times reflect typical non-rush conditions; commute hours add 15–30%.
Farmington Hills Lifestyle, Entertainment & Recreation
The local lifestyle blends a Quaker-settler historical identity, a deep parks and library system shared with the adjacent City of Farmington, and a cultural footprint anchored by the only Holocaust memorial in the state. The corporate-and-residential profile shapes the year-round community rhythm.
Quaker Heritage & Civic Identity
The Quaker founding in 1824 by Arthur Power and the 1973 incorporation that merged Quaker Valley Farms, Wood Creek Farms, and the remainder of Farmington Township give the modern city a coherent civic identity. The Governor Warner Mansion, a designated historical site, anchors the local heritage programming. The community’s historical depth — settler post office (1826), township organization (1827), village incorporations (1959, 1957) — produces a sense of place uncommon in a metro Detroit suburb. As your local mortgage expert, Edward handles this in the pre-approval, not after.
Cultural Institutions
The Zekelman Holocaust Center, the only Holocaust memorial in the State of Michigan, is located in the city. The facility relocated from neighboring West Bloomfield Township as it expanded. The Governor Warner Mansion provides a historical complement on the local heritage side. The Farmington Community Library system, shared with the adjacent City of Farmington, rounds out the cultural-and-civic infrastructure for residents across both municipalities.
Parks & Recreation
The local parks system covers the residential and corridor zones across the 33 square miles, with the Rouge River corridor threading through the community. A recognized regional skate park draws skaters and BMX riders from across southeast Michigan. The mix of neighborhood parks, natural areas along the river, and the larger destination recreational facilities supports both daily family use and weekend-destination activities for residents and visitors.
Among the Most Prosperous Suburbs
The combination of the corporate-headquarters concentration, the hospital anchor, and the established residential character has earned the community a place on national lists of prosperous US suburbs. The deep year-round employment base produces a community with stable property values, a strong school district profile, and a residential rhythm less seasonal than many other metro Detroit communities.
Financing note: Walkable amenities read as a resale strength, and Edward counts that in the comparables.
Farmington Hills Healthcare & Medical Facilities
A major hospital campus inside the city anchors local healthcare, supported by a network of outpatient and specialty clinics along the arterials. Neighboring Livonia and the broader Oakland County hospital systems extend the options, with tertiary academic care reachable in Detroit and Ann Arbor.
Corewell Health — Botsford / Farmington Hills
The Corewell Health (formerly Beaumont) Botsford hospital campus inside the city is one of the largest local employers and the primary full-service hospital. Services span emergency care, surgical specialties, cardiovascular and orthopedic programs, and a broad range of inpatient and outpatient lines. The campus is the everyday medical anchor for residents and serves the surrounding western Oakland County area.
Local Outpatient & Specialty Network
Beyond the main hospital, the area is served by a dense network of outpatient clinics, urgent care locations, imaging centers, and specialty practices that line the Orchard Lake Road, 12 Mile, and Grand River corridors. Behavioral health, senior care, and rehabilitation providers add depth — and the dense commercial-corridor footprint means most everyday medical needs are within a short drive of any neighborhood in the city.
Western & Oakland County Hospital Systems
In neighboring Livonia, the Trinity Health St. Mary Mercy Hospital extends the full-service options to the south. Across Oakland County, additional Corewell Health hospitals and Henry Ford system facilities provide more choice for inpatient and specialty care. The dense regional hospital footprint means residents typically have multiple major hospital options within a 15-to-25-minute drive — a strong profile for families with elderly relatives or chronic-care needs.
Tertiary Referral — Metro Detroit & Ann Arbor
For the most complex tertiary and quaternary care, residents have access to the major Detroit-area academic and specialty systems, as well as the University of Michigan Health system in Ann Arbor, about 35 minutes west via I-275 and I-94. The combined Detroit-Ann Arbor referral corridor is one of the deepest in the Midwest, giving residents a strong tier of options for specialty diagnoses and complex surgical care. Your loan officer can confirm whether your file clears this comfortably.
Financing note: Premiums and out-of-pocket costs never appear in your debt-to-income ratio, so Edward Kalavitz will show the payment your file qualifies for and the payment your household actually feels.
Farmington Hills Michigan Mortgage Broker — Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat is the average home price in Farmington Hills, Michigan?
The average home price in Farmington Hills is about $408,324 — 15.2% above the Michigan statewide average. Your broker compares all programs to maximize your Oakland County purchasing power.
QHow fast are homes selling in Farmington Hills, Michigan?
Farmington Hills averages 20 days on market — a balanced pace giving buyers meaningful evaluation time. Edward issues pre-approval letters within 24 hours. Your mortgage expert can confirm the current figure for your situation.
QHow much down payment do I need in Farmington Hills?
FHA requires about $14,291 (3.5%) at Farmington Hills’s average of about $408,324. Conventional starts at 3-5% down (about $12,250–$20,416). VA offers 0% down for qualifying veterans. Your local loan expert reviews every option before finalizing your strategy.
QWhat are closing costs in Farmington Hills?
Closing costs typically run 2-5% — approximately $5,200–$20,416 on a $408,324 Farmington Hills home. See the closing costs guide. Edward provides a detailed Loan Estimate upfront. As your local mortgage expert, Edward answers this the day you ask.
QWhat credit score do I need to buy in Farmington Hills?
FHA accepts scores as low as 580. Conventional requires 620+. USDA requires 640 minimum. Edward reviews your full credit profile and recommends the best-fit program.
QHow long does it take to close in Farmington Hills?
Conventional and FHA purchases typically close in 30-45 days from accepted offer. Edward manages the pipeline proactively to keep your Farmington Hills transaction on schedule. Ask your loan officer to price your exact scenario rather than an average.
QDoes Edward Kalavitz serve Farmington Hills, Michigan?
Yes. Edward Kalavitz is a licensed Michigan mortgage broker (NMLS #138424) serving Farmington Hills and all 83 Michigan counties through Private Mortgage Guarantee LLC (NMLS #2033317). Available Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM and Saturday-Sunday 9AM-8PM including every holiday. Edward Kalavitz will put this in writing on your Loan Estimate.
QIs Farmington Hills, Michigan a good place to buy?
Farmington Hills offers Oakland County community character and a $408,324 average that is 15.2% above the Michigan statewide average — with Conventional + FHA financing accessible for a wide range of buyers. Your broker evaluates specific properties and programs for every buyer profile.
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Michigan Loan Programs for Farmington Hills Buyers & Homeowners
As your Farmington Hills mortgage lender and broker, Edward Kalavitz offers the full range of loan programs — shopped across 12+ wholesale lenders. Explore your options: