RE/MAX Real Estate Insights

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 t...

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 up...

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...

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...

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 deduct...

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 existi...

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 su...

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 ha...

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...

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 an...

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.