Blog

Buying a home in today’s market can feel like an uphill battle—especially if you don’t have access to generational wealth or large savings for a down payment. But here’s some incredible news for first-time homebuyers in Michigan: The Michigan State Housing Development...

Nobody needs a reminder that the world has changed over the past couple of years. While there are plenty of witty quotes on change versus staying the same, one market full of tremendous change is the real estate market. The recent pandemic sent mortgage rates to the...

Auburn Hills, Michigan is one of the fastest growing cities in the state. It presents as a truly modern suburb with a dynamic future. The city blends the convenience of living near a major urban center with the feel of a more intimate suburban oasis. It’s no wonder...

Oak Park is the city that the most REALTEAM real estate agents call home. The city stands on the northern border of the city of Detroit and offers a close connection to the fabled Motor City. As its website makes clear, it is also a destination for families, with...

Many people don’t know that Warren, Michigan is the third largest city in the state. Centrally located as a suburb of the Motor City, Warren is home to major United States Army research initiatives and a bevy of other major, international industries. An easy commute...

St Clair Shores can be characterized as the jewel in the crown that is the greater Detroit, Michigan area. The area is unofficially dubbed “The Gateway to the Great Lakes” precisely because it is the conduit that connects a revitalizing industrial city with the beauty...

When some hear the term HOA, or homeowners association, they instinctively recoil in fear. Still others find some comfort in the term. Homeowners associations are not a tool created to perpetuate misery upon unsuspecting residential populations. Rather, HOAs exist to...

Home inspections have always been an integral part of buying a home. However, a new and notable trend is changing up the process for sellers. Many sellers are electing to have what is called a pre-listing home inspection. Historically, the home inspection has...

Many home buyers who are purchasing a new construction home don’t know if they should use a real estate agent or not. There is a lot to the process of purchasing a home, as each transaction presents a different set of circumstances. New construction homes present...

The joy of finding just the right home can sometimes come with the creeping feeling of apprehension when it comes to obtaining a mortgage. It seems everyone knows someone that experienced a rough road when they purchased a home. More often than not, the experience...

Curb appeal is real estate slang for the outward appearance of a piece of real estate. The termappeals to the aesthetic, or visual, attractiveness of a property as viewed by a prospectivebuyer. Improving curb appeal can positively influence your home’s value and...

Upsizing your house is a little more involved than opting for the large drink and fry. The appeal of and upsize can be quite alluring, especially when you are crammed into a tiny space that just no longer does the job. If you are thinking about upsizing your home,...

Finding it impossible to locate a rental in Detroit or other areas of Michigan? Many people arehaving the same problem. With the median price of homes in July 2021 in Southeast Michigan being at around $260,000, it’s a good time to shift focus and turn to purchasing...

If you have paid any attention to the real estate world lately, then you have probably heard the term “seller’s market” tossed around. 2020 became the year the housing market significantly changed. And, if the first half of 2021 is any guide, it looks like 2021 will...

For a conventional mortgage, paying any less than 20% down will very likely result in private mortgage insurance (PMI) becoming a requirement for your loan to close. PMI ultimately exists to protect the lender from a borrower defaulting on a mortgage in a particularly...

Many people are confused about the difference between their interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR). While both rates do relate to the total cost of your mortgage, each calculation comes from a distinct set of inputs. It is important to comprehend the...

While some lenders provide for other creative charges at times, this is a list of the most commonclosing costs. The list is by no means exhaustive, but it will provide you with an idea of thetraditional costs associated with a mortgage. As you can see, these charges...

Think about your ideal real estate agent for a moment. While many people may conjure up images that look a lot like Glenngarry Glen Ross with his “ABC” monologue, the only person on your real estate team that should really live the “Always Be Closing” mantra is the...

It almost goes without saying that the events of 2020 were not on anyone’s radar at the beginning of the year. This is just a reminder that life will always have its curveballs and no one can predict the future. As we enter into 2021, many are hopeful that a flip of...

“What should we do for dinner?” Don’t feel like cooking, and looking to try something new? Whether you are new to the Shelby Township area or you’re just looking for a new place to dine at for dinner, this list should help you find what you’re looking for. Shelby...