Fannie Mae recently removed its old 620 minimum credit score requirement from Desktop Underwriter, the software most lenders use to approve conventional mortgages. That change, along with big shifts in how medical debt shows up on credit reports, means many Metro Detroit buyers who were told “no” in the past may now qualify. At the same time, builders across Southeast Michigan are offering strong incentives and some local markets are softening, giving buyers more leverage than they have had in years. This guide explains what changed, how it affects real people in Metro Detroit, and the exact steps to take if you want to buy a home in the next 6 to 18 months.

Fannie Mae Credit Score Changes: The Short Version

For years, buyers across Metro…

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**Updated Dec 11, 2025

For those living in Michigan or even considering moving to Michigan, the state offers a truly magical holiday experience through its enchanting reindeer farms. These family-friendly destinations provide unforgettable opportunities to meet Santa’s favorite helpers up close while enjoying festive activities in picturesque settings. From the charming Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm in Clare to the nostalgic sleigh rides at Antler Ridge Farms near Traverse City, each location offers its unique blend of seasonal cheer. Whether you're exploring Grandpa Tiny's Reindeer Farm in Frankenmuth or visiting Anderson & Girls Orchards in Stanton, Michigan's reindeer farms are perfect for creating cherished holiday memories with loved ones.

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Michigan’s best burgers are served at an eclectic mix of beloved local restaurants spanning from Metro Detroit to the Upper Peninsula. From iconic drive-in diners and small-town taverns to trendy gastropubs, each spot has earned a loyal following by crafting juicy, flavorful burgers often unique to Michigan’s food culture (yes, including our famous Olive Burger). Whether you’re craving a half-pound gourmet creation or an old-fashioned griddled slider, these 15 must-try burger joints across the Great Lakes State offer something special for every burger lover. (And if you’re looking to move closer to your favorite burger place, just ask, we know the neighborhoods.)

Bergstrom's Burgers, Facebook

Bergstrom’s Burgers

Open: Mon-Sat (11am-7pm)
905 US-31,…

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**Updated December 9, 2025

Holiday gifting looks a little different for anyone living in Metro Detroit. Here, the season is defined by independent boutiques, design-forward studios, neighborhood toy shops, bustling winter markets and creative makers who turn everyday objects into something special. From cozy home décor and wellness treats to fine art, fashion, gadgets and kid-approved surprises, the region offers a full spectrum of ways to shop small while showing big personality. Whether someone has spent a lifetime here or is moving to Metro Detroit for the first time, this holiday gift guide pulls together the most inspired local finds so every present feels thoughtful, rooted in place and just a little bit unexpected.

FOR THE COZY HOMEBODY
FOR…

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**Updated Dec 8, 2025

Michigan's winter landscape offers a unique blend of enchantment and serenity, best experienced through its variety of sleigh rides. For those living in Metro Detroit, this winter activity presents an opportunity to immerse in the magical tranquility of the season. Picture the scene: a crisp, sunny afternoon or an early evening, the air tinged with the chill of winter, as a traditional sleigh glides effortlessly through snowy trails. The experience is heightened by the peaceful stillness, punctuated only by the gentle sound of hooves trotting along wooded paths and through quiet forests. This serene journey encapsulates the essence of winter's charm, making it an ideal adventure to share with family and friends

The appeal of…

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Joe Louis Southern Kitchen is opening a new location at 1528 Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit on April 3, 2026, coinciding with the Detroit Tigers’ Opening Day. This will be the third Joe Louis Southern Kitchen restaurant in Metro Detroit since 2021, joining locations in Midtown Detroit and Southfield. Named after Detroit boxing legend Joe Louis, the eatery is known for its Southern-style all-day breakfast and brunch menu, including signature dishes like “The Weigh In” skillet and “The Champ” chicken sandwich. The downtown location will seat over 80 guests in a 4,000-square-foot space, with decor honoring Joe Louis’s legacy and extended hours during sports and entertainment events.

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen, Facebook

Opening Day Brings a…

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**Updated, Dec 3, 2025

December in Metro Detroit is brimming with family-friendly events that bring the magic of the season to life. Whether you're a longtime resident living in Metro Detroit or considering moving to Metro Detroit, there’s no shortage of festive activities to enjoy with your little ones. From dazzling light displays like Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo and Wayne County Lightfest to heartwarming holiday performances such as The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Fox Theatre, the region offers countless opportunities to create cherished memories. Families can also explore local traditions, including Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village, interactive markets like Kerrytown District KindleFest, and hands-on experiences such as Santa’s…

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Detroit’s most iconic foods showcase the city’s melting-pot heritage. From chili-smothered Coney Island hot dogs and square, deep-dish Detroit-style pizzas with crackling edges to spicy Middle Eastern shawarma wraps and sweet Polish pączki doughnuts, each dish tells a story. These 23 must-try eats, spanning old-school diners, family-run bakeries, and historic eateries, capture Metro Detroit’s diverse flavors and the neighborhood pride behind them.

For an even deeper look at the city’s dining scene beyond this bucket list, check out our Top 50 Restaurants in Metro Detroit: Where to Eat Now

Al Ameer Restaurant, Facebook

Al-Ameer Restaurant

Open: Mon-Sun (10am-10pm)
12710 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
Phone: (313) 582-8185
Website: Al-Ameer…

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Wayne County’s most family-friendly suburbs combine excellent schools, low crime, and plenty of local amenities. According to recent rankings, the ten best places to live in Wayne County include Northville, Northville Township, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Woods, Plymouth, the City of Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Shores, Plymouth Charter Township, and Canton Charter Township. These communities consistently earn high marks for safety, school quality, and family-oriented activities, making them ideal places for Metro Detroit families and homebuyers to settle down.

Wayne County, Michigan, is home to a vibrant mix of suburban communities, each with its own character and appeal. For families and savvy homebuyers looking in Metro…

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Michigan is home to numerous towns that bring Hallmark movie charm to life during the holidays. From tree-lined village streets aglow with lights to big-city ice rinks under skyscrapers, the state’s best Christmas towns offer nostalgic festivities for all ages. Whether it’s a quaint village like Holly with its Victorian festival or a destination like Frankenmuth known as “Michigan’s Christmas Town,” each community delivers its own brand of holiday magic with twinkling lights, parades, markets, and plenty of small-town cheer.

For a complete breakdown of this year’s celebration, check out our Detroit Tree Lighting Guide: Date, Time, Road Closures & How to Watch.

Village of Ashley Country Christmas, Facebook

Ashley - A Country Christmas Straight…

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