Lake Michigan Credit Union in Traverse City, MI

I completed my mortgage through Corbin Buttleman, he was great to work with. I am surprised at the reviews saying he was hard to get ahold of. His cell phone number is listed on the credit unions website... He always returned phone calls and explained the process well. The paperwork process seemed lengthy because I had changed banks, and made large withdrawals and deposits, but I would imagine most banks would need to verify those transactions as well. the Max checking is great, we have received WAY more interest on our account than we ever did with other banks or credit unions in the area

If it were possible to give less stars I would. The mortgage department at the Traverse City, MI branch is inept and rude - i.e. incorrect filling of reports, missing deadlines, terrible customer relations, etc...etc...After speaking with multiple levels of management within their Corporate Office it became evident the inadequacies are organizational. Choose another financial institution.

They had pretty much the best rate for this property I was buying and everyone seemed like nice people. (but who is not when they want your business) The only time I met a person was when they were 2 minutes late to my closing when they had the check, in my world I would always make a point to be extra early but there was probably a good reason for it I just don't remember one. I also don't think they liked my sense of humor either when I asked them if they needed a blood sample along with endless information. Even if you have great credit and a good money the process of getting a loan is overburdening but that is mainly due to Dodd/Frank and not LMCU. The main reason for 3 stars though and partially my fault is I thought the loan would stay in-house that I thought was more of the norm for a Credit Union. Well, I just got notice already they sold to Fannie and I don't even think I have made my first payment. So that bummed me out enough to stop what I was doing in my life and write this review. You think you are going local only to find out your not and the loan now out floating wherever and the people you are supposedly doing business with have no control either. I had mortgage broker in Chicago lined up I could of got 25 points cheaper in California with lower closing cost but passed mainly due to that fact of being/thinking local. Regardless I am not dissatisfied with my experience but thought that a well laid out review was in order for buying property is a big deal these days and you want to know the facts. I have also worked with Greenstone Farm Credit when I lived up in Harbor Springs, they are local in TC as well and I would for sure check them out if you are shopping around. They were more expensive, in this case for this type of property, but the process was more enjoyable and in certain cases on what you are buying will be the best option. They KEPT my loan in-house which if I would have known that I probably would of reconsidered going back to them and paid a little more because you are truly staying in-house and they own the note and keep it. Or I would of gone to Chicago and paid 25 bps less. Live and learn! I hope this helps someone out there looking for information.

I have worked with Corbin Buttleman since 2003 and he has never shied away from the tough clients, and has saved my clients when other loan officers have failed or couldn't be bothered. Any rookie loan officer can execute an 80% Conventional Mortgage, but it requires experience and expertise to jump through the hoops of government insured loans. Especially VA loans. Corbin knows how to think outside the box. I have worked with at least two other loan officers at LMCU and they were all very good. I highly recommend Corbin Buttleman and Lake Michigan Credit Union.

I switched over from another "local" bank, and the service has been incredible. Everything is easier, quicker, and cheaper. They consolidated my accounts and found a credit card with a great rate, and have processed loans quickly (with no fees). They have definitely earned my business!