Deciding to build a dream home, whether it's in an expensive neighborhood or an affordable neighborhood, is a big step, and it can be challenging for people to decide on a construction company. The following list includes some top custom home builders in the Detroit, Michigan, area to help people find a contractor who fits their unique needs and home design visions.

Arteva Homes

The Arteva story began in 1946 at H.J. Oldenkamp, one of the largest national distributors of luxury home building products. The late Arthur Szliter joined H.J. Oldenkamp in 1962 and became the owner and president for nearly 30 years. In 1991, he left the company to form Arteva Homes with his son Brian Szliter and colleague Vito Terracciano. With a combined 50 years of

For years, Detroit's two main claims to fame were for being the birthplace of the automotive industry and the classic Motown sound. But today, this city is going through a major transformation. It's burnishing its image and striving to become known as a city where families want to live and play. And all of Detroit's hard work is really starting to pay off. New restaurants and businesses are popping up in Detroit, and Travel & Leisure recently recognized it as being one of America's most underrated cities. Families who are thinking about moving to Detroit can rest assured they'll always have family-friendly activities to do, and these six things are just the tip of the iceberg.

Detroit Zoo

Detroit Zoo Exhibits

• Outback
• Asian Forest

Known by the nickname "Motor City," Detroit and its many suburbs combine for a sprawling metro area of about 4.3 million residents. Detroit itself has a population of 3,548,000, making it Michigan's largest city. In addition to being the hub of the automotive industry, the city is known as the birthplace of the Motown record label.

The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, typically referred to as the Detroit Metro Airport, covers about 4,850 acres and is considered a major international airport for the U.S. The airport serves over 140 destinations, and has been recognized as the best large U.S. airport for customer satisfaction. Finding a home near the airport is essential for those who travel often, either for pleasure or business reasons.

Nicknamed "Motor City," Detroit and its suburbs are part of an expansive metro area that is home to a population of 4.3 million people. Detroit is Michigan's largest city, with a population of 3,548,000. Recognized as the birthplace of the Motown label, the city also serves as the region's cultural and music center.

Over the past few decades, the city's oldest neighborhoods have gone through major revitalization, while at the same time, new developments are cropping up throughout the city. Other areas that have undergone renovation in recent years include neighborhood community centers, historic entertainment venues and the city's riverfront district. Now, many Detroit neighborhoods have become walkable, with central locations and architecture to

How can home prices be rising so rapidly when we have such a high unemployment rate?

The Case-Schiller Index, which tracks home values, recently reported that home values went up by a record amount in September 2020—the highest rate of appreciation for any month in the last 20 years! Much of that has to do with low interest rates, which caused buyers to flock to the market and eat up the already limited inventory. If you’re thinking about selling a property anytime within the next six months, now is a good time to meet with us to make sure that you’re maximizing your home’s value and marketing it to the right buyers.

At 1:44 in the video above, you’ll see a chart that compares unemployment levels to the weekly earnings by industry. The

Will interest rates stay low, or should you act now before they rise again?

In 2020, buyers got a big boost in the housing market as mortgage rates dropped throughout the year. According to Freddie Mac, rates hit all-time lows 12 times this year, dipping below 3% for the first time ever while making buying a home more and more attractive as the year progressed (See graph below):

 When you continually hear how rates are hitting record lows, you may be wondering: Are they going to keep falling? Should I wait until they get even lower? The challenge with waiting is that you can easily miss this optimal window of time and then end up paying more in the long run. Last week, mortgage rates ticked up slightly.

While rates are still lower

Michigan is known for its Great Lakes, but it's actually home to more than 11,000 different inland lakes spread across its two peninsulas. In fact, while in Michigan, it's impossible to be more than six miles from a body of water. Michigan, and specifically Detroit, has some amazing lakes around it to visit and explore. If you live in the area or are thinking of visiting or moving to Detroit anytime soon, remember to set aside time to see some of the best lakes near Detroit—whether it's for fishing, boating, or just relaxing on the shores and taking in the beautiful views.

The following are five of the best lakes near Detroit that are worth visiting when in the area.

Lake Huron

Lake Huron Parks

• Lake Huron Roadside Park
• Lighthouse

The state of Michigan is home to over 650 public golf courses designed by some of the world's best golf architects. Fortunately for Detroit residents, some of Michigan's best golf courses are less than an hour away in Detroit's surrounding suburbs. With long summer days, it is easy to get out and enjoy a couple extra rounds. Some golf courses even stay open year-round due to Michigan's habit of warming up enough for the snow to melt, so passionate golfers can sometimes even play in January. Let's tee up and learn more about the best golf courses near Detroit.

Northville Hills Golf Club

Arnold Palmer is one of the most famous golfers in the sport's history. He designed many Arnold Palmer Signature Design golf courses in his lifetime, and this

For residents of Detroit or for those visiting the Motor City who are interested in experiencing an outdoor adventure on the water, there are more than a few recreational water activities available in and around the city. Whether there's a preference for a quiet day kayaking or canoeing while taking in the scenery, enjoying a relaxing river tour to see the city sights, fishing, or experiencing the fun and excitement at a waterpark, there are plenty of water-related activities to choose from for all ages. Pick pleasurable activities from among the many outdoor recreational activities that provide cool entertainment in Detroit and its suburbs throughout the year.

Detroit River Tours

Detroit River Tours Amenities

• Knowledgeable tour guides

If you live in, are thinking of moving to, or want to visit Detroit, Michigan, you probably want to know the different ways you can spend your free time. While most people think of Detroit as purely an urban environment, there are also plenty of things to do, both in the hot summers and cold winters.

Detroit is the largest city in Michigan, and it borders some beautiful bodies of water such as the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair. Plus, Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes, is just a short drive away. Discover some of the best outdoor activities to try out next time you find yourself in the Motor City.

Belle Isle

Belle Isle Amenities

• Belle Isle Aquarium
• Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
• Belle Isle Nature Center
• Dossin Great