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Category: Latest Posts

  • Can You Sell a House in Michigan That’s Still Under a Land Contract?

    Can You Sell a House in Michigan That’s Still Under a Land Contract?

    I’m often asked about selling homes in Michigan that are still under a land contract—something I’ve guided many clients through over the years in the Oxford, Lapeer, and Lake Orion area. With a land contract, the seller keeps the title until the buyer pays in full. If you’re considering selling before the payoff, working with a cash buyer who can handle the payoff and arrange a swift title transfer is typically the most efficient route. With decades of experience navigating these transactions, I’ve seen firsthand how the right approach can make all the difference in helping sellers move forward smoothly and confidently.

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  • Vacation Homes Make Up 5.5% of Michigan Housing, 11th Most in the U.S.

    Vacation Homes Make Up 5.5% of Michigan Housing, 11th Most in the U.S.

    Did you know that vacation homes make up 5.5% of Michigan’s housing—ranking us 11th in the nation? As someone who’s helped hundreds of buyers and sellers across Oxford, Lapeer, and Lake Orion, I’ve seen firsthand how these properties add a unique flavor to our communities. Nationwide, the U.S. faces a housing shortage of 4.03 million units, and interestingly, vacation homeownership has dipped from 5.47 million in 2018 to 4.74 million in 2024. Yet, vacation homes remain a mainstay in Michigan’s resort areas, and timeshares now enjoy higher occupancy rates than hotels. Whether you’re curious about the market or considering your own place ‘up north,’ understanding these trends can help you make confident choices. After 35+ years in Michigan real estate, I know how these shifts can affect your plans—and I’m always here to keep you informed, every step of the way.

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  • States with the least—and most—housing market inventory heading into the fall

    States with the least—and most—housing market inventory heading into the fall

    As someone who’s guided buyers and sellers through the ups and downs of the Oxford, Lapeer, and Lake Orion markets for over 35 years, I keep a close eye on housing inventory trends—not just locally, but nationwide. Recent numbers show national housing inventory rose 2.1% year-over-year from July 2025 to July 2026, a slower pace compared to the 24.7% jump the prior year. We’re still 9.1% below 2019’s inventory levels, with the Midwest and Northeast continuing to see especially tight conditions. In total, active inventory increased by 23,465 homes. For those navigating their real estate journey in our Michigan communities, understanding where we stand with inventory can make a world of difference in planning your next move. I’m always here to help you stay informed every step of the way.

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  • US Buyers Navigate 14-Month Cost High

    Navigating today’s real estate market isn’t for the faint of heart, especially with monthly payments for the typical US homebuyer reaching $2,600 by late Q3—a 14-month high. Mortgage rates have climbed, and median sale prices remain firm, with the national median home-sale price up about 2% from last year to roughly $399,000. This combination is putting extra pressure on affordability and has helped keep pending sales flat compared to the previous month and lower than last year.

    As someone who’s guided buyers and sellers through many market ups and downs in Oxford, Lapeer, and the surrounding Michigan communities, I’ve seen firsthand how the right pricing strategy makes all the difference. In fact, around 21% of active listings nationwide recently cut prices, and sharper pricing has helped attract more attention from buyers—while overpricing tends to create hesitation. Even as new listings dipped a bit around the holidays, inventory has actually improved, with active supply up about 2% year-over-year to 1.5 million homes and nearly four months of supply available. While that’s still below what we’d call a balanced market, it’s a positive step for both buyers and sellers.

    Keeping clients informed and prepared is always my priority—especially in times like these where every detail counts.

  • Could U.S. Rates Stay Higher in 2027?

    Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about where U.S. interest rates are headed, especially with persistent inflation and those higher long-term Treasury yields. The Federal Reserve is walking a tightrope—trying to manage inflation while also keeping an eye on signs that the economy might be cooling off a bit. What does this mean for us here in Michigan? Higher long-term rates could mean higher borrowing costs for everyone, from homebuyers to business owners, and it has a ripple effect on both residential and commercial real estate. I’ve seen firsthand how interest rate shifts can impact everything from monthly payments to the pace of a transaction. As market uncertainty continues, many investors and clients are taking a more balanced approach, weighing their options carefully. Over my 35 years helping buyers and sellers in Oxford, Lapeer, and Lake Orion, I’ve learned that staying informed and flexible is key. I’ll continue to keep you updated on these trends so you can make the best decisions for your next move.

  • U.S. Home Prices Ease Across Major Metros

    We’re seeing a noticeable cooling in the housing market across many major metro areas this Mid-Q3—price per square foot has dropped year-over-year in 36 out of the 50 largest U.S. cities. Nationally, that’s about a 2% dip in price per square foot compared to last year, and it’s now the tenth month in a row we’ve seen this kind of yearly softening. The shift is encouraging some sellers to make more substantial price adjustments to meet buyers where they are—especially with higher mortgage rates affecting affordability, particularly in markets that saw big jumps during the pandemic. Inventory levels are sitting above pre-pandemic norms, which is helping bring prices back toward balance, with some of those rapid-growth areas giving back a portion of their recent gains. Whether you’re buying or selling, staying updated and having clear guidance makes all the difference in navigating these changes—something I strive to provide every step of the way for my clients in Oxford, Lapeer, Lake Orion, and beyond.

  • Single-Family Home Size Drops Slightly in Q2 2026

    Single-Family Home Size Drops Slightly in Q2 2026

    I've been keeping an eye on new single-family home trends and wanted to share an update that might interest those looking around Oxford, Lapeer, Lake Orion and nearby communities. After several years of decreasing new home sizes since 2015, the past couple of years have brought a shift. Since 2024, we've seen a gradual increase again, mainly due to demand in the higher-end segment. The median size for new single-family homes is now around 2,185 square feet, with the average at about 2,426 square feet—even as affordability continues to be a challenge for many buyers. With over 35 years of experience helping buyers and sellers navigate these changing trends, I know how important it is to stay informed so you can make the best decision for your next move. As always, I'm here to keep you updated and help make your real estate journey as smooth as possible.

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  • Fannie Mae predicts where home prices are headed next

    Fannie Mae predicts where home prices are headed next

    Fannie Mae's latest forecast offers some important insights for those planning their next move in real estate. They anticipate mortgage rates will remain elevated through 2027, and by 2030, home prices are expected to rise approximately 14.7%, reaching around $576,000. While there’s always chatter about potential downturns, a major housing crash isn’t on the horizon. For buyers in our Oxford, Lapeer, and Lake Orion markets—and beyond—this means focusing on affordability and being prepared to negotiate, especially when the market shifts in your favor. With over 35 years guiding clients through changing markets, I know that keeping up-to-date and staying flexible can make all the difference in finding the right home or securing the best sale.

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  • US Housing Market in September: Key Trends to Watch

    US Housing Market in September: Key Trends to Watch

    September brought some notable shifts in the US housing market, with 12.6% fewer homes being delisted and a significant 20.4% of price cuts—numbers now matching what’s projected for 2025. Inventory rose in the Midwest and Northeast by 10.5% and 9.1% respectively. With mortgage rates sitting at 6.67%, it’s understandable that buyer demand may cool even further. As someone who’s helped hundreds of buyers and sellers navigate changing markets throughout Oxford, Lapeer, and Lake Orion, I know how important it is to stay informed and prepared. These trends are especially relevant for anyone considering a move or a sale—timing and strategy matter more than ever. My clients know I’m always focused on keeping their experience smooth and positive, even as the market evolves.

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  • Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck

    In today’s market, we’re seeing a real standstill between buyers and sellers. With higher mortgage rates, many buyers are finding it difficult to justify monthly payments, so they’re hitting pause on their home search. At the same time, pending sales are slowing down—meaning fewer folks are moving from browsing to actually signing contracts. On the flip side, many homeowners who locked in lower mortgage rates in years past aren’t eager to part with those favorable terms, which is keeping new listings scarce. The end result? A rare housing stalemate: buyers are hoping for more manageable payments, while sellers are reluctant to give up their great rates. After more than 35 years helping people navigate buying and selling throughout Oxford, Lapeer, Lake Orion, and neighboring communities, I know how challenging this kind of market can feel. My goal remains the same—making your real estate experience as smooth and informed as possible, no matter the climate.