RE/MAX Real Estate Insights

Tariffs, housing attainability and affordability, labor force, legislation and regulation all impact builders and the new construction segment of the real estate market.  This episode dives into all these factors and more along with a review of the popular annual Parade of Homes event.

From earthy paint tones to bold kitchen island colors to smart home features and outdoor living, we cover what is hot and trending in home décor and renovations in 2025.

We discuss the city of Detroit real estate market and why it continues to be among the top 5 cities in the country for price growth.  We also share the up-and-coming areas of opportunity and advice for buyers in this market.

Buying your first home is an exciting time but as with anything you do the first time, it can also be a bit overwhelming.  We share the importance working a lender and agent that you trust, identifying your needs versus your wants, why to look past the cosmetic features of a home to those that you can't change, the importance of an inspection and more.

The harsh winter winds and weather can be tough on our homes, making spring home maintenance important to keep your home in top shape.  From inspecting the roof to the foundation to caulking and changing batteries in smoke detectors, we provide a thorough checklist to help you effectively manage your spring cleaning and maintenance. 

Tariffs, stock market volatility, mortgage interest rates are just some of the stories grabbing headlines.  We take a look at what is driving these issues and how they may impact the housing market and what it means for buyers and sellers.

An increasing number of couples are buying a home together prior to getting married.  We explore some reasons behind this dynamic the importance of having financial discussions, planning for what-ifs and having a cohabitation agreement in place.

Saving money on a commission may sound like a great idea but many sellers who go For Sale By Owner end up getting less for than home.  We discuss this along with other concerns like safety and managing the real estate process that every potential home seller should consider before putting a sign in their yard.

Buying his first home at 23, then investing and flipping homes before getting his license, our guest and recent author shares the path he took to build a successful real estate career – not once but twice.  This candid conversation about some significant setbacks in life and coming back to build his career a second time offers tips to others on how simple things consistently will build your business as well as his vision to help others make commitments and build wealth.

The seller, the agent and the market are the three key parties of any home sale.  Each party has a unique role and within that role there are things they can – and can't  - control.  The seller can control things like condition and price of the home while the agent controls marketing and negotiations.  The wildcard is the market and things like interest rates and inventory.  We talk about the interplay between these parties and how by working together and understanding the dynamics you can have a smother sales process.

There is no place like home around the holidays and in this episode, we share important safety tips to keep you and your holiday guests safe. Home fires increase during the holiday season so we focus on tips for cooking, candles, fireplaces, Christmas trees and decorating to help you prevent a fire from happening in your home. We also discuss how to keep your home safe if you are traveling during the holidays, how to avoid food poisoning and things to do to help avoid a guest slip and fall in and around your home.

We share what typically happens during a presential election year as it relates to home sales, home prices and interest rates and how that matches with what we are seeing this year. 

If you've noticed a spike in your homeowners insurance premium rates, you're not alone. We dive into how factors like weather, fraud, and inflation are driving up costs, explore strategies to keep your insurance affordable and discuss upcoming changes to roof claim handling in Michigan – so you can better protect your most valuable asset.

The final step of the home buying and selling process is moving.  From decluttering to packing and transporting your belongings, moving can feel like a job in itself, but with planning moving doesn't have to be a chore.  We share tips on hiring movers, packing suggestions, change of address and more.  

When two families are becoming one, it is important to dive into what this means for where you will all call home.  Shannon from Mojo in the Morning joins us to talk first-hand about her recent experience of navigating that tricky scenario of joining two families living in different counties and going to different school systems.   From how early to start conversations about future housing needs to how to you help the family joining your existing home feel like it is there home as well, she is an advocate extending grace to all involved and leaning into the process.

It's normal for your new space to take a while to really become home. To assist in this transition, we are sharing the top recommendations on essential items for new homeowners. From practical things like tools and a first aid kit to more personal touches like comfy decor and houseplant we share must-haves buyers consider a priority when moving into a new home. 

Permits for single family homes are up through April nearly 35% in 2024 over  2023.  We discuss what this means for the supply of new homes, the latest trends - including what appears to be a trend for smaller homes -  and what are the factors homebuilders facing this year.  We also share information about the Parade of Home happening throughout the month of June.

We discuss what is happening in the local market as we approach the middle of the Spring season and what is really impacting the market.  We also share the many important ways you can and should get value from your agent when you are ready to buy or sell.  We also take a look at the anticipated changes coming to the industry in light of the recent lawsuit settlements,  how veterans may be impacted and what local Realtor officials shared with politicians while in DC.  

Buying a home is a milestone achievement, but let's be real, it comes with its fair share of unexpected discoveries.  From quirky maintenance issues to navigating the wild world of HOA regulations to taxes and neighbors, we share some insights on all the things you never knew you needed to know.

The recent National Association of Realtors proposed lawsuit settlement has put a focus on various aspects of a real estate transaction including the representation of buyers and dialog about commissions.   We have an open and candid conversation explaining what has been occurring and what the future may look like and how it impacts sellers and buyers. 

If you have had a conversation with anyone about real estate lately the word crazy likely came up..as in this market is crazy!  We share why the market is t crazy or out of control but that is complex and competitive but manageable when working with a professional.

This conversation spans topics that include the recent National Association of Realtors settlement and the impact it will really have on the real estate industry, what buyers and sellers can expect from the market this spring, interest rates now and later this year, and more.

You can't start the process too early if you are getting ready to sell and keep looking if you are buying are some of the take-aways from show host Jeanette's recent purchase and sale of a home.  She shares how talking to an agent early in the process can help you be better prepared and save you time and money by using contractors and service professionals they can recommend – and who are likely to move you to the front of the line for scheduling.  She also offers a couple of questions to ask movers and repair folks as well the need to factor time to schedule pick-up of items you are donating, selling or trashing.

We take a look at what has led to Detroit has the fastest rising home values in the county and discuss where there remain opportunities to buy in Detroit. We also highlight tips for buyers and what can happen to help the city continue this positive trend.

From paint color to bathrooms to smart tech and AI, we take a look at the décor, design and color trends that are anticipated to be popular in 2024 and what trends are on their way out.

Historic homes have a unique charm that can be leveraged when it comes time to sell. We explore how to find your home's history so that you can turn that into a compelling story along with exploring and sharing the architectural treasures older homes offer along with tips for both buyers and sellers.

2023 was an interesting year for the real estate market that saw increasing interest rates and persistently low inventory. In this episode we review some of the top tips and information shared on a wide range of topics such as lending tips, how to buy a home with a friend, helping your elderly parent sell their home, how to be sure you have proper homeowners insurance coverage, new construction update, how to donate unneeded furniture and more.

There is no place like home around the holidays and in this episode, we share important safety tips to keep you and your holiday guests safe. Home fires increase during the holiday season so we focus on tips for cooking, candles, fireplaces, Christmas trees and decorating to help you prevent a fire from happening in your home. We also discuss how to keep your home safe if you are traveling during the holidays, how to avoid food poisoning and things to do to help avoid a guest slip and fall in and around your home.

Short-term rentals have become controversial to the point that several communities are actively looking to pass regulations or ordinances to prevent the ability of homeowners to engage in short term rentals. Brad Ward, Vice President of Public Policy and Legal Affairs for Michigan Realtors joins us for discussion of the pros and cons of short term rentals on homeonwers, potential renters - even on those who sell their home and plan to stay in it for 30 to 60 days as a renting occupant post sale.

Wind and hail damage are the top reasons for homeowners insurance claims in Michigan. Winter weather increases the chances for these claims along with claims for home fires, fallen trees, burst pipes and slip and fall accidents. When you need to file a claim is not the time to realize you aren't property covered. We discuss what you need to know about homeowners insurance in general such as deductibles and replacement costs with a focus on the specific seasonal issues to be prepared for and how to be sure you have the coverage you need.

Fall can be a great time of the year to sell your home as buyers are serious, there can be tax advantages and fall colors and lightening can be a great setting to highlight your home. We share how to incorporate some light fall décor such as pillow and throws in seasonal colors to make your home cozy and inviting to potential buyers.

Taking care of your home helps to protect your investment and we share the top fall home maintenance tips to keep your home in top shape. From the roof and gutters to furnace filters and fireplace inspections, we share tips on what to inspect on the interior and exterior of your home including places you may not think of like the attic.

We talk to a commercial specialist about challenges the commercial real estate market is facing like higher capital and borrowing costs and higher vacancy rates as well as what sector of the commercial market there are opportunities right now. We also discuss the impacts the lack of foot-traffic in the city means for other local businesses and how some commercial properties are being repurposed.

Just when we thought interest rates had stabilized, they shot up quickly the beginning of August 2023. It has some buyers wondering if now is still the right time to buy or should they wait. We discuss how interest rates and low inventory is impacting the market and why waiting doesn't guarantee a lower mortgage payment. We also discuss next year's election, inflation and how over 1 million existing home owners have re-financed as part of a plan to blended mortgage plan.

With current interest rates and inflation pressures, some first-time buyers are pooling resources with a friend to buy a home. We discuss the financial benefits of splitting the costs of the home purchase as well as subsequent upkeep and repair of the home as well as the need to determine up front what happens when one party is ready to move out and the tough questions you need to address to be sure you and your friend are a good fit for co-home ownership.

Home inspections are a common part of the home buying process, but is there value to doing an inspection pre-sale as a seller? We look at the pros and cons of having an inspection done prior to putting your home on the market, tips to prepare for a home inspection and provide a checklist of things you can look for and address before a home inspection is done.

Supply chain, labor force, zoning, and interest rates are all items that home builders are navigating today. We discuss all these with Forrest Wall, CEO of the Homebuilders Association of SE Michigan and what this means for those looking to purchase a new construction home. We also talk about what features buyers are looking for in a new home today and news about the 34th annual Parade of Homes happening in June.

A 1031 exchange is a “swap” of one real estate investment property for another that provides a tax break. We discuss properties that do and don't qualify for a 1031 exchange and two important timelines you need to be aware to designate and close on the property to keep within established guidelines.

Maintaining your home is an important part of home ownership and key to the value of your home. Winter winds, snow and ice can take a toll on the exterior of your home so spring is the time to review your roof, gutters, downspouts, foundation, windows, doors and more for any damage and needed repairs. We share things to do on both the exterior and interior of your home so your home can transition for the warmer weather to come.

A thorough spring cleaning of your home is important to keep your home fresh and in good condition, and if you are planning to sell your home soon this is a great first step to prepare your home for showings. We share tips for things to do in each major room in your home as well as list of items to have handy for this process.

A local non-profit wants your no longer needed and gently used mattress, box springs, sofa, dining room table and other essential items. We talk to Robert Boyle, Executive Director of the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, about the high demand for furniture donations to help local families in need. He shares how your tax-deductible donation helps others have a stable and comfortable home and how your furniture can be picked up for free or for a small fee professional movers can remove donated items for you.

Spring marks the unofficial start of the busy real estate season and we take a look at what to expect in 2023. We discuss if the market favors buyer or sellers and what inventory looks like now and how that is impacting open house attendance and offers being received. We also share advice for buyer and sellers in the spring market and the importance of working with the right agent.

Whether moving a parent into an assisted living facility or handling their estate, handling the sale of your parents home can be a time-consuming and emotional process. We discuss tips to help make the move easier for all involved as well as how remove furniture, stage the home, what medical support devices are best to be removed prior to selling the home and more.

From interest rates to what people look for in homes, the market is constantly changing. We discuss economic factors that will impact the market and the rise of single females as homeowners, what buyers are looking for in a home and why diverse schools are a positive impact in the community.

If you are looking to find a place where your money gets you more home, Almont could be for you. A local agent shares why Almont has become a popular choice for first-time and move-up buyers alike offering a more favorable tax rate, good schools, communities events, parks and recreation and lots of great local restaurants.

The real estate market has changed and we talk about what that means for 2023. We share what we have learned from the market the past couple of years and what the current interest rates, inflation and inventory mean for buyers and sellers in the coming year.

There is no place like home for the holidays, but the holiday season triggers a rise in home fires and other accidents around your home that you want to avoid. We share tips to help you prevent a fire in your kitchen and throughout the rest of your home due to candles or the fireplace. We discuss how to keep elderly guests safe in your home, how to avoid your Christmas tree catching fire and ways to make your home look occupied if you are traveling over the holidays.

: From gathering needed documents to how much to budget for closing costs, knowing what to expect when buying a home can make the process much smoother. We share what documents lenders commonly request so you gather those in advance and be ready to upload to your lender's loan application portal. We also discuss expenses you need budget for beyond the down payment as well as tips for working with your agent.

We take a quick look at how the three I's of Interest Rates, Inflation and Inventory are impacting the real estate market.

The Fall season is a timely reminder to take care of important home repairs and maintenance to protect the investment you have made in your home and avoid future repairs. We discuss what to look for from the roof to your foundation and share how to test your deck to see if it needs to be resealed. On the inside we discuss furnace, fire safety and how proper humidity levels can help your home feel warmer.

Your home is more than just a valuable asset – it is the roof over your head – so you want to be sure it is properly protected. We discuss the importance to have rebuild and replacement coverage, why endorsements may be needed to adequately cover additional belongings like jewelry and the two types of water/flooding issues that can occur and how what's different about protecting items in your basement. We also share how teenagers and pets can increase your liability and how many claims can be filed before it impacts your ability to get coverage or your premiums.