Owning a home in Metro Detroit is an exciting milestone – but it comes with a few surprises that even lifelong renters might not see coming. As Metro Detroit homeowners, we quickly learn there’s more to that charming brick ranch or classic Royal Oak bungalow than the listing let on. From hidden costs to unexpected joys, homeownership here is an adventure. In true neighborly fashion, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to own a home in the Motor City suburbs and beyond. Here are 13 surprising truths (drawn from local experience) about owning a home in Metro Detroit – consider this your friendly heads-up from one neighbor to another.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, some of these will make you nod in…

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Selling your home FSBO (For Sale By Owner) in Downtown Plymouth can be enticing – after all, Plymouth’s housing market has been strong lately, and skipping agent commissions sounds like big savings. But before you stick a “For Sale” sign in the yard, it’s important to understand the local market trends, the FSBO process, and the challenges that come with going it alone. In this guide, we’ll dive into 2024–2025 Downtown Plymouth home values (median prices, days on market, FSBO success rates), walk through the FSBO sale step-by-step, compare doing it yourself vs. hiring an agent (with insight into The Perna Team’s advantages), and even look at who’s buying in Downtown Plymouth these days. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what to expect and how to…

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Introduction: If you’ve been following the Metro Detroit real estate market, you might be scratching your head at the latest news. In March, home sales across Metro Detroit fell by about 14% compared to a year ago. Fewer people are buying homes right now – yet paradoxically, home prices are still rising. The median sale price in the region jumped roughly 6% year-over-year in March (to about $323,950)​. What’s going on here? In this article, we’ll break down the trends behind the numbers, from Detroit housing trends in each county to the factors driving prices up. We’ll also share some neighborly advice for homebuyers and sellers navigating these economic shifts (like rising interest rates and inflation). By the end, you’ll understand why prices keep…

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Whether you’ve been living in Metro Detroit for years or are just now moving to Metro Detroit, one thing is certain—this city knows how to raise a glass. From expertly crafted cocktails served in hidden speakeasies to lively rooftop lounges, European-style wine bars, and neighborhood hangouts steeped in history, Detroit offers a dynamic bar scene as diverse as the people who call it home. Whether you're in search of seasonal craft cocktails, rare global wines, or a perfectly poured pint while catching the game, the Motor City delivers memorable drinking experiences on every corner. This guide to Detroit’s best bars will help you uncover the city’s most celebrated—and surprising—spots to sip, socialize, and savor the moment.

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If you’re a homeowner in Farmington Hills, Michigan, you’ve probably wondered, “What’s my home worth in today’s market?” With the real estate landscape shifting through 2024 into 2025, it’s a smart question to ask. Farmington Hills has seen notable trends in home values, and understanding these trends can give you confidence whether you’re planning to sell or just curious about your equity. In this article, we’ll analyze the latest home value trends for 2024–2025 in Farmington Hills – including average and median sale prices, price per square foot, and days on market. We’ll also look at example home valuations by style (ranch, colonial, condo) and neighborhood (Rolling Oaks, Woodcreek, Ramblewood), and discuss what affects home values in the area.…

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April 2025 has been a whirlwind for Metro Detroit food lovers – a month of exciting new openings, big comebacks, and a few heartfelt farewells. In true Detroit fashion, the dining scene is buzzing from Ferndale to Corktown to Core City with fresh flavors and familiar faces. As a local real estate professional (and lifelong foodie), I know how much restaurants shape our neighborhoods and bring together families and savvy locals alike. So grab a seat and let’s dig into this month’s Metro Detroit dining news, served with a warm, conversational twist and plenty of hometown heart.

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Fresh Bites: New Restaurants and Eateries on the Rise

Metro Detroit’s culinary landscape is blossoming this spring with new spots that blend…

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Metro Detroit’s real estate scene is witnessing a generational plot twist. Baby boomers – armed with decades of equity and a taste for the good life – are swooping into cities like Royal Oak, Troy, Grosse Pointe, and Bloomfield Hills and snapping up homes at a remarkable rate. Even more striking? Many are buying entirely in cash, outmatching the competition with offers that sellers can’t refuse. Local families and savvy homebuyers are feeling the effects of this trend across the region.

The New Kings of Metro Detroit Real Estate

Walk into an open house in Royal Oak or Troy these days and you might see it firsthand: an eager millennial couple touring the kitchen, only to be outbid by a pair of retirees who flash a cash offer before the day is…

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“Mos Eisley spaceport. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.” Those famous words of Obi-Wan Kenobi might echo in your head as you step through the doors of Detroit’s Space Dive – and that’s exactly the point. Imagine walking into a dimly lit cantina filled with alien creatures, the upbeat jizz-wail of a cantina band playing, and a bartender sliding you a frothy blue cocktail. This isn’t a scene from Star Wars; it’s a Detroit Star Wars pop-up experience that’s very real, very immersive, and coming soon to a galaxy near you (specifically, 715 East Milwaukee Ave, Detroit, MI). In May 2025, Detroit’s own Mos Eisley Cantina will spring to life at the Tangent Gallery, inviting fans and curious locals alike to drink, dance, and mingle in…

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Detroit’s skyline just gained a new storyline. In a move blending civic pride with real estate savvy, a Metro Detroit doctor’s investment group has purchased Tower 600 of the Detroit Renaissance Center for $9.2 million​. This 21-story high-rise – one of the RenCen’s two smaller towers – now transitions from distant corporate ownership to local hands. The sale, finalized this month, has Detroiters buzzing: not only was it won in a competitive auction with about a dozen bidders​, but the new owner has big plans to inject fresh life into the tower.

The buyer is Dr. Mahmoud Al-Hadidi, a retired pulmonologist who leads Stockbridge Enterprises, the local investment group behind the winning bid​. Al-Hadidi’s vision goes far beyond a simple ownership change.…

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Selling your home is a big decision, and in Michigan it involves more than just finding a buyer and signing papers. Michigan has specific legal steps every seller must follow – from the moment you list your home to the day you close the deal. Missing a step or skipping a required disclosure could delay your sale or even land you in legal trouble. But don’t worry! In this friendly guide, we’ll walk you through each step in plain English, with pro tips and examples (from right here in Metro Detroit) to make the process easier.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect: the forms you need to fill out, the laws you need to follow, and how to tackle everything from listing to closing with confidence. We’ll also highlight how The Perna Team – one of…

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