The Condo Market - Buying and Selling

The Pros and Cons of Condo ownership.

Buyer's Agent Choosing the Right Probate Agent Probate isn’t a job for a generalist. A probate‑experienced agent understands court timelines, PR responsibilities, clean‑out logistics, and the emotional weight families carry. They also know how to coordinate with attorneys, heirs, and vendors. When interviewing agents, ask: • Do you specialize in probate? • Can you coordinate clean‑out and repairs? • Do you work […]
Buyer's Agent Common Mistakes When Selling Probate Property A few avoidable mistakes can cost the estate thousands. Here are the most common ones I see: Waiting too long to start clean‑out • Over‑improving the home • Under‑pricing or over‑pricing • Not securing the property • Choosing an agent without probate experience • Poor communication among heirs The good news? Every one of these […]
Buyer's Agent First 10 Tasks Every Michigan PR Should Complete Most PRs don’t know where to start — so here’s a simple list to help you get organized: Secure the property Locate the will Gather financial documents Notify heirs Contact a probate attorney Inventory assets Maintain utilities and insurance Begin clean‑out Determine the home’s condition Meet with a probate‑experienced real estate agent These steps create […]
Buyer's Agent Handling a House Full of Belongings The belongings are often harder than the house itself. Many probate homes in Oakland and Macomb Counties have decades of memories — furniture, clothing, photos, tools, paperwork, and sentimental items. Sorting through everything can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple approach: Start with the essentials Gather important documents, valuables, and sentimental items. Create three categories Keep, […]
Buyer's Agent Step by Step Guide to Selling a Probate Home Selling a home is one thing. Selling a probate home is another. Here’s a simple roadmap for PRs in Oakland and Macomb Counties: Step 1: Secure the property Change locks, check utilities, and ensure insurance is active. Step 2: Begin clean‑out Remove personal items, sort belongings, and prepare the home for market. Step 3: Determine […]
Buyer's Agent Selling a Probate Home As Is vs. Renovated One of the most common questions I hear from Personal Representatives is: “Should we fix the home or sell it as‑is?” The truth is, both options can work — but the right choice depends on the property’s condition, the estate’s finances, and the heirs’ goals. Selling As‑Is works best when: • The home needs significant […]
Buyer's Agent Why Older Homes Often End Up in Probate There’s a reason probate homes in Oakland and Macomb Counties tend to be 40–60 years old — and understanding why can help Personal Representatives make better decisions. Many long‑term homeowners purchased their homes in the 1960s–1980s and lived there for decades. These homes often have original features, older mechanicals, and years of accumulated belongings. When […]
Buyer's Agent How Probate Properties Perform in Oakland & Macomb County Markets Probate properties behave differently in the market than traditional listings — and understanding those differences can help Personal Representatives and heirs make better decisions. In Oakland and Macomb Counties, probate homes tend to fall into one of three categories: (1) Well‑maintained homes owned by long‑term residents (2) Dated homes needing cosmetic updates (3) Properties with […]
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Buyer's Agent Probate vs. Trust Administration in Michigan Not all estates go through probate — and understanding the difference can help families make better decisions. Probate is required when someone passes away with assets in their name alone. Trust administration, on the other hand, happens when assets are held in a living trust. In Michigan, trust administration is usually faster, more private, and […]
Buyer's Agent The Role of the Personal Representative in Michigan Being named Personal Representative is an honor — and a heavy responsibility. Many PRs in Oakland and Macomb Counties tell me they had no idea what the role involved until they were already in it. Your core responsibilities include: • Securing and managing the estate’s assets • Notifying creditors • Paying debts and taxes • […]
Buyer's Agent What Happens to Real Estate During Probate in Michigan The home is usually the biggest asset — and the biggest stress point — in a Michigan probate case. Whether the property is in Troy, Warren, Sterling Heights, or Royal Oak, the process is similar across Oakland and Macomb Counties. Once probate begins, the Personal Representative becomes responsible for the property. That includes securing it, […]
Buyer's Agent How Long Probate Really Takes in Michigan Probate isn’t quick — but it also doesn’t have to drag on for years. In Michigan, most estates in Oakland and Macomb Counties fall into a predictable timeline, and understanding that timeline can reduce a lot of stress. The average probate case here takes 6–12 months. Smaller, simpler estates may wrap up in as little […]
Buyer's Agent Understanding the Michigan Probate Process Most families don’t expect to deal with probate — until they suddenly have to. And when it happens, the process can feel confusing, slow, and full of unfamiliar terminology. If you’re serving as a Personal Representative (PR) in Oakland or Macomb County, here’s a simple breakdown of what probate actually looks like in Michigan. Probate […]
Buyer's Agent A Century 21 Professionals Guide for Oakland & Macomb County Sellers A Century 21 Professionals Guide for Oakland & Macomb County Sellers In today’s Oakland and Macomb County real estate market, buyers make decisions fast. Most have already formed an opinion about a home before they ever schedule a showing. That’s why presentation matters—and why home staging has become a key part of the marketing strategy […]
Buyer's Agent What Happens to a Home When the Owner Passes Away?  A Guide for Families in Oakland & Macomb Counties  By Joseph White of Century 21 Professionals  When a homeowner passes away, families often find themselves facing tough decisions at an already emotional time. In Oakland and Macomb counties, the process can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with Michigan’s rules on probate, deeds, and inheritance.  This guide […]
Buyer's Agent Pro’s and Con’s of Condo Ownership in Oakland & Macomb Counties Lower Maintenance Burden One of the biggest perks: much of the exterior maintenance (roof, landscaping, snow removal) is handled by the condo association. Homes2MoveYou.com+1 That’s especially attractive in Michigan, where winter maintenance (like snow shoveling) can be a major chore. susallahomes.com Amenities Many condo communities offer shared amenities — gyms, clubhouses, maybe even pools. susallahomes.com […]
Buyer's Agent November 2025 Newsletter
Buyer's Agent 🏡 Top 10 Key Steps When Moving After Selling Your Home Confirm Your Closing Date Double-check the final closing timeline with your agent and title company so you can plan your move-out date accurately. Hire Movers or Reserve a Truck Compare quotes from movers early or reserve a rental truck if you’re doing it yourself. Moving companies book up fast near month-end. Declutter and Donate Go […]
Buyer's Agent Seller’s Offer & Negotiation Checklist 🏡 Century 21 Professionals Seller’s Offer & Negotiation Checklist(What We Review Together Before Accepting Any Offer) 🔑 1. Purchase Price & Financing ☐ Offer price compared to list price☐ Buyer’s loan type (Conventional / FHA / VA / Cash)☐ Strength of loan approval (pre-approval vs. pre-qualification)☐ Down payment amount 💰 2. Earnest Money Deposit ☐ […]
Selling House 🏡 2025 Ultimate Home Seller’s Guide: Tips for Success 1. Understand Your Local Market Research Oakland & Macomb County trends — are you in a seller’s or buyer’s market? Work with a local Realtor who knows neighborhood demand and pricing strategies. 2. Price It Right the First Time Overpricing can cause your home to sit. Use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for an accurate, […]