This week’s presentation from Jeremy Shaffer of Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) centered on exactly that moment: when some who desire home ownership feel stuck, overwhelmed, or convinced they don’t qualify.
There are obviously hard rules and realities that can dictate one’s eligibility to buy, but Jeremy shared how deeply fulfilling it is for him to guide buyers through these difficult situations, as a steady partner in the process, helping them to execute on their dreams. To frame that work, he walked us through the classic “4 Cs” of credit, plus a fifth factor that can sometimes be the difference-maker, for a deal.
Character
This is classically about trust, responsibility, and how someone has handled credit over time. Due to objective lending standards, here in 2026 this is mostly boiled down to numeric credit scores from the major bureaus.
Capacity
Capacity looks at income and existing debt obligations. It answers the question: Can this payment realistically fit into someone’s life over a sustainable period? This is often where clarity—and reassurance—begins.
Capital
Many buyers still believe they need 20% down. In reality, Jeremy explained that some programs require as little as 3%, and there are grants available as well. He recently helped a household in Ann Arbor pair a modest income with a $10,000 non-repayable grant, making homeownership in the high-demand area a reasonable possibility.
Collateral
Collateral is largely outside a buyer’s control—it’s the value of the home itself. While it matters, it’s rarely where Jeremy focuses very much client time.
Conditions (The 5th C)
Conditions are the unique circumstances surrounding a purchase—timing, goals, and choices that are often within a buyer’s control. This is where thoughtful planning can change outcomes.
Jeremy closed by sharing how much meaning he finds in this work—because helping someone buy a home isn’t just a transaction. It’s a turning point. Having the expertise to walk people through that moment is much of what drives him forward, every single day.
If you’re navigating a challenging home-buying situation—or want to connect with professionals who genuinely care about outcomes—Border to Border Business Connections is a great place to start.
