Your Mortgage Coach for Life
Most lenders focus on getting you to the closing table. Ramzi focuses on helping you make smarter mortgage decisions for years to come through education, planning, and ongoing guidance.
Ramzi Faraj
NMLS #162269
VP, Consumer Lending Manager
More Than a Loan Officer — Your Long-Term Mortgage Partner
Most mortgage processes focus on a single transaction. Ramzi Faraj takes a fundamentally different approach — one designed to earn your trust for life. He takes time to understand your broader financial picture, family goals, tax strategies, and long-term property plans before recommending a loan structure. The goal is simple: do such a great job on this loan that you'll want him as your Mortgage Coach for Life.
Personalized Strategy, Not Cookie-Cutter Templates
Every buyer’s situation is unique—from self-employed business owners needing bank statement analysis to investors optimizing DSCR cash flow.
Education-First Mortgage Guidance
You deserve complete clarity on rates, closing costs, monthly obligations, tax incentives like the Michigan MCC, and long-term equity growth.
Ongoing Relationship & Annual Reviews
Our partnership doesn't end at closing. Ramzi continuously monitors interest rates and market shifts to inform you when refinancing or leveraging equity makes sense.
Relationship Banking
Direct access to Ramzi and his personal cell phone. No endless call centers or impersonal emails.
Citizens State Bank
Backing from a 112+ year community bank recognized by Forbes as one of the Best in Banking in Michigan.
Investor Expertise
Deep experience structuring second homes, vacation rentals, DSCR loans, and multi-property real estate portfolios.
Down Payment Grants
Expert guidance on state-level down payment assistance programs and the Michigan Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC).
Tap Your Home Equity in Minutes with an Automated HELOC
Need to pay off high-interest credit cards, fund home renovations, or access cash without refinancing your low first mortgage? Aven offers lines up to $1,000,000 with 100% digital approval, no annual fee, and 2% unlimited cash back.
Transfer card balances in a few taps and lower your monthly cost.
Lines from $5,000 to $1M. Only pay interest on what you use.
Card spending earns 2% unlimited rewards with $0 annual fee.
No impact to your credit score to check pre-qualified rates.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval, underwriting, and program eligibility. Rates, terms, and program availability subject to change without notice. Variable rate based on the WSJ Prime Rate plus a margin, with a maximum APR of 18%; a fixed-rate payback. Not all borrowers will qualify. Product availability varies by state.
Primary Mortgage Programs
Ramzi specializes in these high-demand loan categories, offering customized solutions for investors, business owners, luxury buyers, and first-time homeowners across Michigan.
Second Home Loans
Financing tailored for vacation properties, lakefront retreats, and secondary residences across Michigan.
Investment Property Loans
Custom financing strategies for real estate investors building wealth through rental portfolios and DSCR loans.
Bank Statement Loans
Specialized qualification for self-employed professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners without W-2 income.
Jumbo Loans
High-balance mortgage solutions exceeding Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac conforming limits for luxury luxury properties.
Down Payment Assistance (DPA)
State and local grant & second-mortgage programs to significantly lower upfront costs for eligible Michigan buyers.
Michigan MCC Program
The Michigan Mortgage Credit Certificate program offering a direct dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit every year.
112+ Years of Banking HeritageThe Strength & Credibility of Citizens State Bank
When you partner with Ramzi Faraj, you gain the backing of Citizens State Bank—a premier Michigan financial institution chartered over 112 years ago. Honored as the Best Bank in the Detroit Free Press Community Choice Awards and featured in Forbes & Fortune's Best in Banking in Michigan.
"If you don't have your banker's cell number, you should switch banks. Let us be that bank."— Citizens State Bank Philosophy
Best in Banking Award
Featured in Forbes & Fortune's Best in Banking in Michigan.
Local Decision Making
Mortgage decisions are made right here in Michigan, allowing for common-sense portfolio underwriting and streamlined closing timelines.
FDIC Insured & Established
chartered over a century ago with unwavering financial strength and full FDIC protection for depositors and borrowers.
Full-Service Capabilities
From personal checking and Money Market solutions to commercial lending and treasury management, all under one roof.
Interactive Mortgage Calculators
Run accurate monthly payment estimates, compare loan terms, or calculate how much home you can afford before you start shopping.
Mortgage Payment
Calculate principal, interest, property tax, and insurance estimates.
Home Affordability
Estimate maximum purchase price based on income and debt obligations.
Refinance Savings
See potential monthly and lifetime savings by lowering your interest rate.
Amortization Schedule
Map out principal reduction and equity accumulation over 15 or 30 years.
What Our Clients Say About Ramzi Faraj & Citizens State Bank
Real feedback from homeowners, investors, and clients across Michigan who trusted Ramzi with their mortgage journey.
Keys to Your Mortgage
A Simple Guide to Buying a Home with Confidence
Empower yourself with actionable mortgage strategies before making your next property decision. Written by Ramzi Faraj of Citizens State Bank, this free book shares practical tips to avoid common buyer traps, optimize interest rates, leverage bank statement programs, and take advantage of down payment programs.
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Your Mortgage Goal?
Whether buying a second home, securing an investment property, or refinancing your current loan, Ramzi is here as your Mortgage Coach for Life.
Call Ramzi Directly
Get immediate answers to your mortgage questions. Speak directly with Ramzi Faraj today.
Schedule a Conversation
Pick a date and time that fits your calendar for a detailed mortgage strategy session.
Apply Online Now
Start your secure online application with Citizens State Bank in just a few minutes.
Have Questions? Request a Quick Call Back
Send Ramzi a direct message and he will respond promptly.
Ramzi Faraj — Citizens State Bank
Mortgage Coach for Life