A Home-Based Business Owner Stuck in a Financial Bind
Dan reached out to Great Lakes House Buyer after searching Google for local home buyers and investment companies who could actually help him. He had tried other companies before — with no success. One of them had even placed a lien on his property after failing to complete the transaction, leaving Dan in a worse position than when he started.
Dan runs his own business out of his home in Monroe, Michigan. He was looking to downsize — find a smaller, more affordable place to live and work, and separate his home life from his business operations. The problem was the numbers. Dan still had a significant mortgage balance on the property that was close to the home’s market value. That gap made a traditional cash sale nearly impossible: the price a cash buyer could offer was lower than what Dan needed to pay off the mortgage.
Most buyers would have walked away. Alex got creative.
When a Standard Cash Offer Is Not Enough
Alex’s first move was to reach out to his strongest buyer connections on the east side of Michigan to get cash offers as high as possible. A couple of offers came in close — but none high enough for Dan to cover his mortgage payoff and still walk away with anything meaningful.
That is when Alex shifted his approach entirely. Rather than chase a number that was not there, he called a different set of connections — investors who specialize in creative financing structures that go beyond a standard cash close.
The Creative Solution That Made It Work
The two options on the table were straightforward. Option one: find a retail buyer willing to pay full market value. That would have covered the mortgage — but Dan did not want to do a string of showings or get the house into retail-ready condition. Option two: get creative.
They chose option two. Alex connected Dan with an investor who was able to cleanly assume Dan’s existing mortgage — stepping into the loan and taking over the monthly payments so Dan no longer had to. At closing, the investor also paid Dan cash on top of the assumption, covered all closing costs, and agreed to give Dan extra time in the house after the transaction closed so he could move his belongings out on his own schedule.
“He was able to make much more than he would have with a traditional cash offer — and walk away from the mortgage entirely.”
— Alex Jenkins, Founder, Great Lakes House BuyerDan got out of an expensive mortgage that was no longer serving him, walked away with cash in hand, and did it all without a single showing, repair, or cleaning session. Another Michigan seller helped out of a tough situation.
Why Michigan Homeowners in Tough Financial Situations Choose Great Lakes House Buyer
Not every home sale fits neatly into a cash offer. When the mortgage balance is high, when the property needs work, or when other investors have already failed — that is exactly where Great Lakes House Buyer does its best work. Here is what made Dan’s transaction possible.
Creative Financing Solutions
When a standard cash offer falls short, we explore subject-to, mortgage assumption, and other creative structures to get the deal done.
Sold 100% As Is
No repairs, no cleaning, no staging. The investor took the property exactly as it was — Dan did not lift a finger.
Zero Closing Costs to the Seller
The investor paid all closing costs. The money Dan received at closing was his to keep — no deductions.
No Showings Required
Dan did not want to do a traditional listing with repeated showings. We handled the buyer side — he never had to prep the house for strangers.
Move Out on Your Timeline
After closing, Dan was given additional time in the home to move his business and belongings at his own pace — no rush, no pressure.
A Second Opinion Worth Taking
Dan had been burned by other investors before. Great Lakes House Buyer explored every available option and found a path that actually worked for his situation.
How the Process Works: From First Call to Closing
Tell Us About Your Situation
Call (616) 208-2888 or fill out the form at greatlakeshousebuyer.com. Share the address, your mortgage situation, and your goals. No obligation, no pressure — and no judgment if other buyers have already let you down.
We Explore Every Option
If a standard cash offer works, great. If it does not, we tap our network of creative investors to find a structure that fits your numbers — whether that is a mortgage assumption, subject-to, or another approach entirely.
Close on Your Terms
We handle all paperwork, the investor covers closing costs, and you walk away with cash and the freedom to move on — on a timeline that works for you.
Watch Dan’s Testimonial
After the closing, Dan shared his thoughts about Alex, the Great Lakes House Buyer process, and what it meant to finally find a solution that worked after others had failed him.
Frequently Asked Questions: Creative Home Sales in Michigan
Yes. If a traditional cash offer cannot cover your mortgage payoff, Great Lakes House Buyer can explore creative solutions such as a subject-to or mortgage assumption transaction. These approaches can get you out of your mortgage obligation and put cash in your pocket — even when the numbers are tight. Call (616) 208-2888 to discuss your situation.
A subject-to or mortgage assumption sale means an investor takes over your existing mortgage payments without you having to pay off the loan at closing. You are released from the obligation, the investor takes ownership, and you can walk away with cash — often more than a traditional cash offer would produce.
Yes. Great Lakes House Buyer purchases Michigan homes in any condition — no repairs, no cleaning, no staging required. The investor who worked with Dan bought the property completely as is and handled everything after closing.
Yes. In Dan’s case, the investor gave him additional time in the home after the closing to move out on his own timeline. Post-closing occupancy arrangements can often be included as part of a creative transaction.
Yes. Dan had worked with other companies before — including one that placed a lien on his property — with no success. Great Lakes House Buyer took a different approach, exploring every creative option to find a solution that actually worked for Dan’s specific situation.
Stuck in a Tough Financial Situation? Let’s Talk.
Whether a cash offer works or we need to get creative — Great Lakes House Buyer will find a path forward for you. No judgment, no pressure, no obligation.
Get My Cash Offer Today Or call us directly: (616) 208-2888