Harrison Michigan Mortgage Broker — 25+ Years of Trusted Lending
Edward Kalavitz | NMLS #138424 | Serving Harrison, Clare County & All 83 Michigan Counties
Edward Kalavitz · MLO NMLS #138424 · Private Mortgage Guarantee LLC · Serving Harrison, Clare County & all 83 Michigan counties
In This Guide
- Today’s Rates in Harrison
- Michigan Mortgage Advisor
- Meet Your Harrison Mortgage Broker
- About Harrison, Michigan
- Neighborhoods & Subdivisions
- Property Types
- Schools & Education
- Cost of Living & Taxes
- Market Trends
- Mortgage Options in Harrison
- Buying in Harrison
- Selling in Harrison
- Why Choose Edward
- Edward’s Local Take
- Watch: Meet Edward
- Nearby Cities
- Google Reviews
- Harrison FAQ
- Available Hours
Mortgage Rates in Harrison
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 Harrison 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 Harrison 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 Clare County buyers want expert lending guidance and a responsive professional who truly understands Michigan’s residential market, they turn to Edward Kalavitz with over 25 years of mortgage and real estate expertise. Harrison, Michigan is a Clare County community where average home prices of about $195,000 sit 45.0% below 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, your local loan expert 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 Harrison’s average of about $195,000 — down payments starting at 3-5% (about $5,850–$9,750) and the most flexible long-term structure for buyers with solid credit. FHA provides the credit-accessible alternative with just 3.5% down (about $6,825) for buyers earlier in their financial journey.
USDA rural development zero-down financing may also be available for some Harrison-area addresses verifies USDA eligibility for any address at no cost during the initial consultation.
With 25 homes sold in six months and a 40-day average market time, Harrison gives buyers meaningful time to evaluate properties carefully. Edward typically has pre-approval letters ready within 24 hours.
Your loan officer 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 Clare County market knowledge and 7-day availability including all holidays.
Harrison Michigan Mortgage Broker — First-Time Homebuyer Guide
With conventional financing starting at 3% down and FHA requiring about $6,825 at Harrison’s average of about $195,000 — 45.0% below the Michigan statewide average — Harrison offers strong value for first-time buyers. Edward Kalavitz has guided hundreds of first-time buyers over 25+ years.
Your broker 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 mortgage expert lends across every one of these neighbourhoods, and as your local mortgage expert, Edward can pre-approve you before you start touring.
About Harrison, Michigan
Harrison is the Clare County seat in central Michigan, a small city of roughly 2,150 residents (2020 census) anchored by Budd Lake and the surrounding inland-lake country. The community covers 4.03 square miles, of which 3.71 are land and 0.31 water, and sits along the US-127 corridor with M-61 running east-west. Local identity is shaped by the city motto, “20 Lakes in 20 Minutes,” which reflects the cluster of inland lakes within easy reach of the downtown core. As your local mortgage expert, Edward can coordinate this with the purchase side.
The community was designated the new centralized county seat of Clare County in 1877, replacing Farwell after the original courthouse there burned down. The Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad platted the village in 1879 and set aside property for a new county government, and the post office opened on January 27, 1880, taking its name from former president William Henry Harrison.
The settlement incorporated as a village in 1885 and as a city in 1891. That late-19th-century origin — railroad plat, replacement courthouse, lumber-era street grid — still shapes the layout of the downtown core today.
The local economy combines county-seat government, the Harrison Community Schools district, and tourism tied to Budd Lake, Wilson State Park, and the broader inland-lake corridor north of Clare. The US-127 freeway provides regional access to Mount Pleasant (about 29 minutes south) and Clare (about 16 minutes south), both of which draw workers from the area for retail, healthcare, and university employment. Seasonal recreation — fishing, boating, snowmobile and ORV trail access — supports a layer of small-business and rental activity that runs alongside the year-round civic-and-schools base. Your local loan expert can tell you where this sits relative to your goals.
Neighborhood Guide · Harrison, MI
Harrison Neighborhoods
The city covers 4.03 square miles total, with 3.71 square miles of land and 0.31 square miles of water — most of that water being Budd Lake, which sits mostly inside the city limits with its northern coastline extending into Hayes Township. Housing patterns reflect that geography: lake-adjacent blocks, a compact downtown grid platted in the railroad era, and surrounding residential streets feeding the school district.
Budd Lake Shoreline
Budd Lake is mostly located within the city limits, making the shoreline one of the few in-town lake-frontage submarkets in this part of Clare County. Inventory mixes year-round single-family homes, seasonal cottages converted to full-time use, and newer builds on deeper lots. The lake’s northern coastline extends into Hayes Township, so addresses immediately north of the city line share the same waterbody but sit under township rather than city jurisdiction. Edward can walk you through how this lands on your file.
Walkability: Drive-oriented lakeside lanes; private docks and shared shoreline access points define how residents reach the water. As your local mortgage expert, Edward reviews this line by line with you.
Buyer fit: Common among buyers prioritizing in-city lake frontage, weekend boating and fishing access, and short-drive proximity to the downtown core. Also attracts second-home owners converting seasonal cottages to year-round residences. Ask your loan officer what this changes about your qualifying number.
Harrison Downtown / First Street
The historic county-seat core, platted by the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad in 1879 around the new county government site. Inventory is dominated by older single-family homes on compact lots, with the courthouse, civic buildings, and downtown commercial spine within walking distance. The housing stock reflects late-19th and early-20th-century construction layered with mid-century infill. A Harrison Michigan mortgage broker who also holds a real estate licence sees the whole transaction.
Walkability: Walkable grid in the historic core — county offices, the downtown strip, and First Street are reachable on foot from most addresses in the original plat. Edward Kalavitz can show you where this sits in your budget.
Buyer fit: Common among buyers prioritizing walkability to county offices and downtown, character housing stock, and lower-maintenance lot sizes. Particularly attractive to retirees, single-person households (40.1% of local households are individuals), and remote-work professionals. Bring this up with your broker before you write an offer.
Harrison Community Schools Area
Residential blocks closest to the Harrison Community Schools campus and feeder facilities, the public district that operates Harrison High School. Housing is predominantly single-family on standard suburban-style lots, with sidewalk coverage on most streets feeding the schools and a mix of mid-20th-century and newer construction. Your mortgage expert works from current figures, not last quarter’s.
Walkability: Sidewalks throughout most of the school-adjacent subdivisions; many households can reach the school campus on foot or by short bike ride. As your local mortgage expert, Edward can put this in writing for a seller.
Buyer fit: Common among families with school-age children — the 25.4% of city households with children under 18 are heavily concentrated in this area. Also attracts buyers planning ahead for family formation who want school-district stability built into the address from day one. Your local loan expert can tell you quickly whether this is a factor for you.
US-127 Corridor
Residential parcels along and just off the US-127 freeway corridor as it runs north-south. US-127 is the primary regional artery, linking the area south to Clare and Mount Pleasant and north toward Houghton Lake. Lots tend to be larger than in the downtown core, with a mix of older farmsteads, ranch homes, and newer single-family builds. This is the kind of detail Edward should raise before you commit.
Walkability: Drive-oriented; the corridor is built around vehicle access with no continuous sidewalk network outside the city center. Your loan officer can run this against your actual income and debts.
Buyer fit: Common among commuters who drive to Clare (16 minutes), Mount Pleasant (29 minutes), or Lansing (about 87 minutes), and among buyers who want freeway access without paying a downtown or lake-frontage premium. Ask Edward Kalavitz to compare a couple of structures side by side.
Wilson State Park Area
Residential parcels closest to Wilson State Park, the Michigan state park sited on Budd Lake. Housing is a mix of year-round homes, converted seasonal properties, and newer infill just outside the park boundary. Because Budd Lake sits mostly inside the city limits, addresses here share both park-adjacent and lake-adjacent character on the same street. Your broker can flag this early rather than at underwriting.
Walkability: Walkable to the state park entrance and Budd Lake beach access from many addresses; quiet residential streets connect to the park. As your local mortgage expert, Edward handles this in the pre-approval, not after.
Buyer fit: Common among buyers prioritizing daily outdoor access — beach, boat launch, trails, campground proximity — without owning lake frontage outright. Particularly attractive to retirees and active outdoor households. Your mortgage expert can confirm whether your file clears this comfortably.
Greater Harrison Residential
The broader stock of single-family residential blocks outside the downtown core and lake-adjacent areas. Lots are generally larger than downtown parcels, the housing mix runs from postwar ranch homes to newer builds, and streets connect into both the school-district network and the US-127 corridor. Worth a conversation with your local loan expert before you tour homes.
Walkability: Variable — some blocks have continuous sidewalks tying back to schools and downtown, others are more rural with drive-oriented access. Edward can tell you what a lender will actually count here.
Buyer fit: Common among year-round residents, working households, and first-time buyers looking for entry-level pricing inside the city limits. Also serves move-up buyers stepping out of the downtown core into more lot space. Ask your loan officer how this reads on a real loan estimate.
Financing note: Value varies block by block here, and Edward Kalavitz prices the specific address rather than the postcode. Ask your broker which pockets appraise most consistently.
Property Types in Harrison
Single-Family Homes
The core of local inventory. Stock runs from late-19th and early-20th-century homes in the original 1879 railroad-era plat, through mid-century ranch construction across the broader residential blocks, to newer builds on larger parcels in the surrounding area. Most buyers in the area transact in this category — generally $140K-$300K across the standard residential blocks, with Budd Lake shoreline and select larger-parcel properties reaching the $380K range. A Harrison Michigan mortgage broker who is also a Realtor can line this up with your offer.
Condos & Townhouses
A modest attached-housing layer. Inventory is limited compared to larger Michigan markets, which means listings move quickly when they appear and waiting for the perfect unit can take patience. Attractive to retirees downsizing out of single-family maintenance, seasonal residents wanting a low-overhead base, and individual-household buyers (40.1% of city households are individuals, per the 2020 census) who prefer attached living. Your mortgage expert can price two or three options so you can compare.
New Construction
A modest new-build pipeline rather than a high-volume development market. Activity is typically scattered infill on individual parcels and small subdivision phases rather than large-tract developments. Pricing reflects current Michigan construction costs and includes the standard considerations: builder reputation, lot premium, finish-level upgrades, and the lead time between contract and occupancy. I help buyers structure new-construction offers so the financing locks line up with the realistic completion timeline. As your local mortgage expert, Edward would rather find this now than at closing.
Investment Properties
The local rental market combines a year-round residential layer with a seasonal vacation-rental layer tied to the inland-lake corridor. Year-round rentals serve the working population and school-district households; seasonal rentals serve the summer fishing-and-boating traffic and the snow-season snowmobile and ORV trail users. Returns depend heavily on positioning — lake-adjacent seasonal rentals operate on a different math than school-district year-round rentals, and underwriting needs to match the actual use case. Your local loan expert can tell you whether this moves your number much.
Waterfront Homes
Budd Lake sits mostly inside the city limits and is the headline waterfront submarket; Little Long Lake also extends into the city. Beyond those, the surrounding Clare County 20-lakes area expands the waterfront inventory significantly within a short drive. Pricing varies by frontage length, lake size, water quality, and whether the property is set up for year-round occupancy or seasonal-only use — distinctions worth confirming before offer. This is worth checking with Edward before you commit to a payment.
Luxury Homes
Higher-end inventory in the area concentrates on Budd Lake-adjacent shoreline properties and larger-parcel rural-lake estates outside the city core. “Luxury” here is defined more by lot size, water frontage, and build quality than by metro-style finish levels — the buyer pool is typically Michigan move-up buyers, second-home owners, or out-of-state retirees relocating for the lake-country lifestyle. Pricing is sensitive to specific frontage and acreage details rather than to neighborhood comparables alone. Your loan officer can explain how underwriting treats this.
Financing note: Programme fit depends on build type and condition. Edward Kalavitz matches the loan to the property, and as your local mortgage expert, Edward flags repair-escrow risk before the appraisal, not after.
Harrison Schools & Education
Public education in the city is anchored by Harrison Community Schools, which operates Harrison High School and the feeder elementary and middle-school facilities serving the city and surrounding townships. Higher education and private alternatives extend the local options beyond the K-12 public system.
Harrison Community Schools
The public district serving the city and surrounding portions of Clare County, operating Harrison High School along with elementary and middle-school feeder facilities. Because the district draws from city blocks plus surrounding townships, attendance boundaries can run along township and section lines rather than strictly along city limits — meaning two addresses on the same road may sit in different feeder zones. The 25.4% of city households with children under 18 (2020 census) concentrate enrollment demand in the school-adjacent blocks, but the catchment is much wider than the city footprint. Feeder verification is part of the standard pre-offer due diligence. Ask your broker what documentation this will require.
Private & Parochial Options
The broader Clare County area and adjacent counties contain a layer of private and parochial school options. These are typically smaller in enrollment than the public district, may require longer drive times depending on the family’s address, and operate on their own tuition and enrollment schedules. Some families combine public-district residency with private-school enrollment — a pattern compatible with most addresses as long as the family is prepared to commute the student rather than rely on district busing. Current enrollment availability should be verified directly with each school before making a housing decision. Your mortgage expert can tell you if this affects your timeline at all.
Higher Education — Mid Michigan College
Mid Michigan College, with a campus in the area, anchors local higher-education access for residents who want associate-degree, certificate, or transfer-track coursework without relocating. The college serves traditional-age students, returning adults, and dual-enrollment high schoolers. For four-year degree completion, residents typically transfer to Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant (29 minutes south) or Michigan State University in East Lansing (about 87 minutes south) — both reachable as commute or partial-residence arrangements rather than requiring a permanent move. As your local mortgage expert, Edward keeps the lending and the buying on one schedule.
School district boundaries cross municipal lines and assignments shift periodically. 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 local loan expert prices from the appraised address rather than the mailing town. Ask Edward to confirm the district before you write the offer.
Cost of Living & Property Taxes in Harrison
One of the biggest advantages of Harrison Michigan real estate is affordability relative to comparable metro areas. Here’s what it costs to live in Harrison.
18 mills
Removed by PRE
$40,000
Median Household Income
~50%
Taxable Value of Market
Property Taxes
Harrison 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 Harrison 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 Harrison home, the PRE saves roughly $700 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 Harrison than in comparable out-of-state markets.
Within Harrison, 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 Harrison 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 your loan officer builds them in from the start rather than surprising you at closing.
Harrison Market Trends
Understanding market trends helps buyers and sellers make better decisions in the Harrison Michigan real estate market. Here’s what the data shows.
Key Trends for 2026
Prices rising steadily
Harrison 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, Harrison 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 Edward Kalavitz reprices weekly. Your broker can tell you what is actually closing in Harrison right now.
Harrison Michigan Mortgage Broker Loan Programs
Your mortgage expert offers the full range of Michigan mortgage programs for Clare 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 $5,850–$9,750 at Harrison’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 $6,825 at Harrison’s average of about $195,000
- 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 Harrison-area rural addresses
- Below-market interest rates for income-eligible buyers
- Your local loan expert verifies eligibility at no cost
- Income limits apply — Edward reviews Clare County limits at consultation
💎 Jumbo Loans Option
№ 04- Available for Harrison properties exceeding the conforming loan limit
- Competitive wholesale jumbo rates from multiple lenders
- Typically requires 700+ credit and 10-20% down
- Ideal for premium Clare County properties
🎖️ VA Loans — Zero Down for Harrison 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 Harrison residents and business owners
- Available for purchase and refinance transactions
📊 DSCR Loans
№ 08- Qualify based on rental income — not personal income
- Ideal for Clare 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 Harrison-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
Harrison Michigan Mortgage Broker — Your 5-Step Process
Edward has refined a clear, efficient process over 25+ years of Michigan lending.
Step 1: Free Consultation & Pre-Approval
Call your loan officer 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 Harrison
Pre-approval in hand, you evaluate Harrison properties with confidence. Edward Kalavitz can also serve as your licensed realtor — running live payment scenarios as you compare properties across Clare County.
Step 3: Loan Application & Rate Lock
Once your offer is accepted, your broker 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 Harrison transaction on track through every approval step.
Step 5: Closing Day — Welcome Home to Harrison
On closing day, your mortgage expert ensures every document is accurate and all fees are verified. You sign final documents and officially become a Harrison homeowner.
Edward’s Selling Advantage
Selling Your Home in Harrison
Selling a home in Harrison 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 can answer this without a referral.
As your listing agent, Edward Kalavitz handles every step of the local selling process — comparative market analysis using current Harrison 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. Your mortgage expert can check this against today’s guidelines.
Most Harrison 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 Harrison, 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 Harrison sellers are buying again, and your local loan expert 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 Edward for the sale as well.
Why Choose This Harrison Michigan Mortgage Broker
Your loan officer brings over a quarter century of lending and real estate expertise to every Clare County transaction.
Edward compares Conventional + FHA across dozens of wholesale lenders simultaneously — ensuring every Harrison buyer gets the best available rate and program structure.
Edward Kalavitz
Edward’s Local Take on Harrison
Twenty-five years working Michigan markets, here is how I help buyers think about this address. The city is small (about 2,150 residents), it is the Clare County seat, and the lake country is the genuine draw — Budd Lake sits inside the city limits and the “20 Lakes in 20 Minutes” motto is not a marketing line, it is the actual geography. My job is matching your priority list to the specific block that delivers it. This is a question for your mortgage expert before you start looking.
Edward Kalavitz
Watch: Meet Edward
Get to know Edward Kalavitz — learn how he helps Harrison Michigan families buy, sell, and finance homes with dual-licensed real estate and mortgage expertise.
Nearby Cities
Exploring the Harrison 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!”
“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!”
Harrison Commute & Transportation
The city sits at the intersection of US-127 (north-south freeway) and M-61 (east-west state highway), giving it predictable regional access. Daily commuting from the area is dominated by drive trips to Clare, Mount Pleasant, or Midland; longer one-day round trips reach Lansing and the state capital region.
US-127
US-127 is the primary north-south freeway through the area, running south toward Clare, Mount Pleasant, and Lansing and continuing north toward Houghton Lake and Grayling. The route is divided freeway for most of its length in this corridor, which makes travel times predictable in normal conditions. For residents who commute or travel south for work, shopping, or specialty appointments, US-127 is the default route and a major reason the area functions as a workable address for non-local employment. Worth asking your broker how this fits your down payment plan.
M-61
M-61 is the east-west state highway crossing the area. It links the area east toward Gladwin and ultimately toward I-75 and the Bay City / Midland corridor, and west toward Evart and the broader US-131 system. M-61 is two-lane state highway rather than freeway, so travel times scale with traffic and weather, but it is the practical route for east-west errands and for reaching destinations that US-127 does not directly serve.
Mount Pleasant / Clare Access
Clare sits about 16 minutes south and Mount Pleasant about 29 minutes south. Both are major regional employment, retail, and healthcare destinations: Clare for the hospital and downtown commerce, Mount Pleasant for Central Michigan University, retail concentrations, and the broader Isabella County job base. The combination of those two anchors within a short drive is one of the main reasons the area supports a year-round working population rather than functioning purely as a seasonal community.
Regional Air Access
MBS International Airport in the Saginaw / Freeland / Midland area provides the closest commercial airline service, reachable in about 75-90 minutes by drive. Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City is the alternate regional option to the north, similar in drive time and useful depending on flight schedules. For international or major-hub connections, Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) is about 146 minutes southeast and Grand Rapids (GRR) is about 113 minutes southwest — both reachable as same-day drives for early-morning departures. Your mortgage expert can put a real figure to this rather than a range.
Financing note: Freeway access is a recognised location factor in the appraisal, and your local loan expert sees it in the comparables. Edward will also fold the true cost of a longer commute into what you can carry.
Where Harrison Sits on the Map
Approximate drive times to other markets buyers commonly compare to Harrison. Times reflect typical non-rush conditions; commute hours add 15–30%.
Harrison Lifestyle, Entertainment & Recreation
Day-to-day life in the area centers on the inland-lake country captured by the city motto, “20 Lakes in 20 Minutes,” along with the year-round community rhythm tied to the schools, the county-seat civic calendar, and the seasonal tourism layer that runs through summer and snow seasons.
Wilson State Park & Budd Lake
Wilson State Park sits on Budd Lake, which is mostly located within the city limits with its northern coastline extending into Hayes Township. The park anchors warm-season recreation — beach access, boating, fishing, campground use — and gives residents a state-managed outdoor amenity inside the city footprint rather than a long drive away. For households moving from larger metro areas, having a Michigan state park as effectively the local park is one of the distinctive features of the address. Ask your loan officer what this looks like on a monthly basis.
20 Lakes in 20 Minutes
The official city motto, “20 Lakes in 20 Minutes,” reflects the cluster of inland lakes within a short drive of downtown. Budd Lake and Little Long Lake sit inside the city limits themselves; the rest are spread across the surrounding Clare County townships and feed a culture of seasonal cottages, fishing access, snowmobile trails in winter, and ORV use on linking corridors. Lifestyle here is structured around having water within reach as a default, not a planned trip. Edward Kalavitz can tell you if this is worth structuring differently.
Harrison Community Schools Identity
The schools function as a year-round community anchor — Friday-night events, school sports, district activities — that gives the area a non-seasonal rhythm distinct from the tourist calendar. With 25.4% of city households (2020 census) raising children under 18 and a median age of 41.7, the school-driven layer of community life is one of the practical reasons the area sustains a year-round resident base rather than emptying out between tourist seasons.
Clare County Seat Civic Calendar
The county-seat status concentrates civic activity locally — courthouse functions, county government meetings, the seasonal events and fairs that small county seats traditionally host. Combined with the small-city scale (population 2,150), this produces a community texture where civic life is visible and accessible: county business happens at the local courthouse, not a distant urban county building, and elected officials and county staff are visible neighbors in the same downtown grid.
Financing note: Walkable amenities read as a resale strength, and your broker counts that in the comparables.
Harrison Healthcare & Medical Facilities
Healthcare access combines an in-region community hospital, a larger regional medical center to the southeast, local outpatient and primary care inside the city, and tertiary academic medicine reachable by drive for complex cases.
MyMichigan Medical Center Clare
MyMichigan Medical Center Clare, located about 25 minutes south in Clare, is the closest hospital and serves as the everyday acute-care destination for emergency room visits, inpatient admissions, and most routine hospital-based services. The drive is straight down US-127, which makes the trip predictable in most weather conditions. For households without a strong preference for a specific health system, this is the default first stop for a hospital-level need.
MyMichigan Medical Center Midland
MyMichigan Medical Center Midland, about 55 minutes southeast, provides the larger regional medical center role within the MyMichigan network. The Midland campus typically handles a broader range of specialty care, advanced imaging, and inpatient services than the Clare community hospital can support locally. Buyers with known specialty-care needs — cardiology, oncology, complex surgery — often prefer addresses where the Midland drive is workable as a routine appointment, not just an emergency referral.
Local Outpatient & Primary Care
Day-to-day primary care, urgent care, dental, and outpatient services are available within the city and immediately surrounding area through independent and health-system-affiliated practices. For most households, primary care is the routine point of contact and hospital-level facilities are reserved for acute or specialty needs. Verifying that a current primary-care relationship can be maintained — or that a new one can be established with reasonable wait times — is a practical part of any relocation decision. As your local mortgage expert, Edward will tell you plainly if it does not work.
Tertiary Referral — Major Academic Systems
For tertiary and quaternary care — transplant medicine, advanced oncology, complex pediatric care — the academic systems are reachable by drive: the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor (about 135 minutes southeast) and Michigan State University’s healthcare network in the Lansing area (about 87 minutes south). Both function as referral destinations rather than routine care providers, but their reachability matters for households managing serious or rare conditions and is worth weighing alongside everyday hospital access. Your mortgage expert can identify this before it becomes a condition.
Financing note: Premiums and out-of-pocket costs never appear in your debt-to-income ratio, so your local loan expert will show the payment your file qualifies for and the payment your household actually feels.
Harrison Michigan Mortgage Broker — Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat is the average home price in Harrison, Michigan?
The average home price in Harrison is about $195,000 — 45.0% below the Michigan statewide average. Edward compares all programs to maximize your Clare County purchasing power.
QHow fast are homes selling in Harrison, Michigan?
Harrison averages 40 days on market — a balanced pace giving buyers meaningful evaluation time. Edward issues pre-approval letters within 24 hours. Your loan officer can confirm the current figure for your situation.
QHow much down payment do I need in Harrison?
FHA requires about $6,825 (3.5%) at Harrison’s average of about $195,000. Conventional starts at 3-5% down (about $5,850–$9,750). VA offers 0% down for qualifying veterans. Edward Kalavitz reviews every option before finalizing your strategy.
QWhat are closing costs in Harrison?
Closing costs typically run 2-5% — approximately $5,200–$9,750 on a $195,000 Harrison 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 Harrison?
FHA accepts scores as low as 580. Conventional requires 620+. USDA requires 640 minimum. Your broker reviews your full credit profile and recommends the best-fit program.
QHow long does it take to close in Harrison?
Conventional and FHA purchases typically close in 30-45 days from accepted offer. Edward manages the pipeline proactively to keep your Harrison transaction on schedule. Ask your mortgage expert to price your exact scenario rather than an average.
QDoes Edward Kalavitz serve Harrison, Michigan?
Yes. Edward Kalavitz is a licensed Michigan mortgage broker (NMLS #138424) serving Harrison 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. Your local loan expert will put this in writing on your Loan Estimate.
QIs Harrison, Michigan a good place to buy?
Harrison offers Clare County community character and a $195,000 average that is 45.0% below the Michigan statewide average — with Conventional + FHA financing accessible for a wide range of buyers. Edward evaluates specific properties and programs for every buyer profile.
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Michigan Loan Programs for Harrison Buyers & Homeowners
As your Harrison mortgage lender and broker, Edward Kalavitz offers the full range of loan programs — shopped across 12+ wholesale lenders. Explore your options: