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.