Welcome to Goedert Real Estate
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WHO WE ARE
We are local experts with 55+ years of experience in Michigan real estate.
Our focus is on our client's goals and needs because they are what drive us.
We may sell homes, but this is a people business. It is always about the people we serve.
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FROM OUR BLOG
Your 2025 Home-Selling Roadmap
Your 2025 Home-Selling Roadmap
Selling a house is a big deal—whether it's your first time or you’re a seasoned homeowner looking to downsize or relocate. As a 40-something real estate agent with years of experience navigating the ups and downs of rural and suburban markets, I’m here to share some solid advice. If 2025 is your year to sell, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start planning now. A little prep work today can mean a big payoff tomorrow. Here’s my guide to making sure your home is ready to shine in the competitive 2025 housing market. Start Early: Procrastination Is Not Your Friend The earlier you start prepping your home, the smoother the selling process will be. Trust me on this—rushing to fix things at the last minute is stressful, and it often leads to cutting corners. Buyers can spot half-hearted fixes from a mile away. Start with these tasks: Minor Repairs: Fix that leaky faucet, squeaky door, or cracked tile. These may seem small, but buyers notice them. Declutter: Go through each room and clear out anything you don’t need. Donate, sell, or toss items that don’t spark joy (channel your inner Marie Kondo here). Landscaping Updates: First impressions count! Keep your lawn mowed, plant some flowers, and trim overgrown bushes. Fresh Paint: A fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Stick to neutral tones that appeal to a wide range of buyers. By starting now, you’ll avoid last-minute headaches and ensure your home is in top-notch shape when it’s time to hit the market. Know Your Local Market Every real estate market is unique, especially in rural areas like ours. Buyers in one area might prioritize updated kitchens, while another neighborhood might demand modern bathrooms or outdoor spaces. That’s where a local real estate agent (ahem, like me!) comes in handy. I can help you pinpoint what improvements will resonate most with buyers in our area. For example, I’ve noticed an uptick in demand for homes with energy-efficient features and functional outdoor living spaces around here. Knowing what buyers want allows you to focus your efforts—and dollars—on updates that count. Curb Appeal: Make That First Impression Count Imagine a buyer pulling up to your home for the first time. What do they see? A well-maintained lawn and a clean exterior will set a positive tone before they even walk through the door. Here are some affordable ways to boost curb appeal: Clean the Exterior: Power wash the siding, driveway, and walkways. Paint the Front Door: A fresh, inviting color can make your home stand out. Add Landscaping Touches: Potted plants, fresh mulch, and a tidy garden go a long way. Outdoor Lighting: Illuminate your home’s best features with well-placed lighting. Remember, a buyer’s first impression often determines whether they’ll even step inside. Make it a good one! Stage Your Home Like a Pro Staging isn’t just for million-dollar properties—it’s a game-changer for any home. A staged home helps buyers envision themselves living there, which is the ultimate goal. Some tips for effective staging: Keep It Neutral: Remove personal items like family photos or bold decor. Neutral decor appeals to the widest audience. Maximize Space: Rearrange furniture to create open, inviting spaces. Highlight Key Features: Got a cozy fireplace? Make it the focal point of the living room. Clean, Clean, Clean: Every surface should sparkle. A spotless home screams, “Well cared for!” If you’re unsure where to start, consult a professional stager or ask your agent for advice. Professional Photos and Virtual Tours It’s no secret that most buyers start their home search online. High-quality photos and virtual tours are essential to making your home stand out in a crowded marketplace. Snapshots from your smartphone won’t cut it. Professional photography ensures your home looks its best, capturing angles and lighting that highlight your home’s strengths. Adding a virtual tour allows buyers to explore your home from the comfort of their couch. In today’s digital world, these tools are non-negotiable. Embrace Smart Home Features Smart home technology is more than a passing trend—it’s something buyers are actively looking for. If your home already has features like a smart thermostat, security cameras, or voice-activated lighting, make sure to showcase them. If you don’t have any smart features, consider making a few upgrades. Devices like a smart doorbell or thermostat are affordable and can add significant appeal. Plus, they give your home a modern edge that sets it apart from the competition. Price It Right Pricing your home too high can scare off buyers, while pricing it too low could leave money on the table. Finding the sweet spot requires understanding the current market and comparable sales in your area. A local real estate agent will conduct a comprehensive market analysis to help you set a competitive asking price. Trust the data—it’s better to attract multiple offers at a fair price than to sit on the market for months with no bites. Leverage Digital Marketing Gone are the days of relying solely on "For Sale" signs and newspaper ads. In 2025, digital marketing is king. A well-executed online campaign can reach thousands of potential buyers. Your marketing plan should include: Social Media Advertising: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are powerful tools for showcasing your home. Online Listings: Ensure your home is listed on popular real estate websites with a detailed description and plenty of photos. Email Campaigns: Targeted emails to potential buyers can generate interest and drive traffic to your listing. A good agent will handle these strategies for you, ensuring your home gets maximum exposure. Areas Worth Updating If your budget allows, consider making updates to areas that buyers care about most. Based on current trends, here are some worthwhile investments: Kitchen: Update countertops, appliances, or cabinets for a fresh, modern look. Bathroom: Focus on modern fixtures, updated tile, and walk-in showers. Energy Efficiency: Add smart thermostats, LED lighting, or high-efficiency appliances to appeal to eco-conscious buyers. Outdoor Living Spaces: Create a welcoming patio or deck area. Fire pits and outdoor seating are particularly popular right now. These updates not only make your home more appealing but also increase its value. Final Thoughts: A Good Plan = A Great Sale Selling your home in 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With early preparation, smart updates, and a solid marketing strategy, you can attract the right buyers and get the best price for your home. Remember, a local real estate agent is your best resource. We know the market, the buyers, and the trends that matter. If you’re thinking about selling, let’s talk. Together, we can create a plan that works for you. Now, go grab a cup of coffee and start tackling that to-do list. The 2025 market is waiting, and your future buyers are out there! Happy selling!
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2024 Housing Trends in Michigan: A Look Ahead to 2025
2024 Housing Trends in Michigan: A Look Ahead to 2025
As 2024 comes to a close, Michigan’s housing market is at a crossroads, reflecting the larger economic and demographic shifts taking place nationwide. Rising home values, tight inventory, affordability challenges, regional variations, fluctuating mortgage rates, and evolving migration patterns have shaped the real estate landscape throughout the year. These trends offer a glimpse into what 2025 may bring for buyers, sellers, and investors across the state. Rising Home Values: A Double-Edged Sword Michigan’s real estate market has seen a steady increase in home values, with the average home price reaching $245,716—a 4.3% rise over the past year. This growth reflects a robust demand for housing in a state that offers a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural living options. Cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor have particularly benefited from this upward trend, as their economic opportunities and cultural amenities attract new residents. However, while rising home values signal a healthy market, they also present challenges. For homeowners, the increase in equity is a welcome development, providing opportunities to refinance, upgrade, or sell at a profit. On the flip side, higher prices are making it increasingly difficult for first-time buyers to enter the market. This dual impact sets the stage for ongoing debates about affordability and access to housing in Michigan. Inventory Constraints: A Market Under Pressure One of the defining characteristics of Michigan’s housing market in 2024 has been the shortage of available homes. Tight inventory has created a competitive environment, with many properties receiving multiple offers and selling quickly—often above the asking price. This phenomenon is not unique to Michigan but is part of a nationwide trend driven by a combination of factors, including low construction rates, high demand, and homeowners choosing to stay put. The inventory crunch has been most pronounced in desirable areas like suburban Detroit and the Grand Rapids metropolitan area. Here, buyers are vying for limited listings, resulting in bidding wars and driving prices even higher. The lack of inventory is particularly challenging for families and individuals seeking affordable housing options, a trend that could have long-term implications for Michigan’s housing market. Affordability Challenges: A Growing Concern The intersection of rising home values and limited inventory has led to affordability becoming a top concern for Michigan residents. While the state has traditionally been known for its relatively affordable housing compared to other regions, the dynamics of 2024 have shifted that narrative. Many first-time buyers and lower-income households find themselves priced out of the market, forced to explore rental options or move to less expensive areas. Affordability challenges are most acute in urban centers where job opportunities and amenities are concentrated. In Detroit, for example, the revitalization of certain neighborhoods has driven up prices, making it harder for long-time residents to afford housing. Similarly, in Grand Rapids, the booming economy and population growth have outpaced the supply of affordable homes. As policymakers and developers grapple with these issues, solutions such as increasing the supply of affordable housing, offering tax incentives for first-time buyers, and promoting mixed-income developments are gaining traction. Addressing affordability will be a key priority as Michigan enters 2025. Regional Variations: A Tale of Two Markets Michigan’s housing market is anything but monolithic. Regional variations play a significant role in shaping the experiences of buyers and sellers across the state. Urban areas like Detroit and Ann Arbor have seen rapid price appreciation due to high demand and limited inventory, while rural areas offer more stable prices and longer time-on-market periods. In suburban markets, proximity to major employment hubs and good schools drives demand. For example, communities in Oakland and Washtenaw counties have experienced significant growth as families seek the convenience of suburban living with access to urban amenities. Conversely, rural areas in northern Michigan provide opportunities for those looking for more affordable and spacious living options, albeit with fewer immediate conveniences. These regional differences underscore the importance of understanding local market dynamics when making real estate decisions. Buyers and investors need to consider factors such as job growth, infrastructure development, and community amenities to identify the best opportunities. Fluctuating Mortgage Rates: A Wild Card Mortgage rates have been a significant factor influencing Michigan’s housing market in 2024. After years of historically low rates, 2024 saw rates rise to levels that caused many buyers to reassess their purchasing power. This shift has introduced uncertainty into the market, with some buyers opting to delay their purchases in hopes of lower rates in the future. The impact of rising rates is particularly pronounced for first-time buyers, who often have tighter budgets and rely more heavily on financing. For existing homeowners, higher rates have made the prospect of selling less appealing, as many are reluctant to give up their low-rate mortgages. This “rate lock” effect has further contributed to the inventory shortage, creating a feedback loop that limits market activity. Looking ahead, the trajectory of mortgage rates will be a key determinant of Michigan’s housing market in 2025. If rates stabilize or decline, it could unlock pent-up demand and encourage more homeowners to list their properties. Conversely, continued rate hikes could further cool the market and exacerbate affordability challenges. Migration Patterns: Shifting Demographics Migration trends have also played a pivotal role in shaping Michigan’s real estate market in 2024. Cities like Detroit and Lansing have emerged as attractive destinations for buyers seeking more affordable housing compared to coastal markets. These cities offer a relatively high proportion of homes priced below $200,000, making them appealing to young professionals and families. At the same time, Michigan’s climate resilience has become a selling point. Unlike coastal states prone to hurricanes or drought-stricken areas in the West, Michigan offers a more stable climate, which is increasingly important to buyers concerned about long-term risks. This factor has bolstered interest in Michigan as a place to live and invest, particularly among those relocating from higher-risk regions. However, the influx of new residents has also driven up demand in certain areas, leading to rapid price increases and reducing the affordability that initially attracted many buyers. Balancing growth with affordability will be a critical challenge for Michigan’s housing market in the years to come. Looking Ahead to 2025 As Michigan prepares to enter 2025, its housing market reflects both the opportunities and challenges of a dynamic real estate landscape. Rising home values, tight inventory, and affordability concerns highlight the need for innovative solutions to ensure access to housing for all. Meanwhile, regional variations, mortgage rate fluctuations, and migration patterns underscore the importance of adaptability in a changing market. For buyers, 2025 may bring opportunities to find value in less competitive markets or explore creative financing options. Sellers, particularly those in high-demand areas, stand to benefit from favorable conditions but should be mindful of broader economic uncertainties. Investors, too, will need to navigate the complexities of a market shaped by shifting demographics and evolving buyer preferences. Ultimately, Michigan’s housing market remains a microcosm of larger trends shaping the nation. By addressing its unique challenges and leveraging its strengths, the state can chart a course toward a more equitable and resilient housing future.
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Planning Next Year's Sale
Planning Next Year's Sale
As the year winds down, many homeowners start contemplating their next big move: selling their property. Whether you’re looking to upgrade, downsize, or relocate, preparing your home for sale is a crucial step that can significantly impact your success in the real estate market. By taking the time to enhance your home’s appeal and value, you can attract more buyers and potentially secure a higher sale price. Here are some essential tips to help you plan for next year’s sale. ### Make Needed Repairs Before you even think about listing your home, it’s vital to address any repairs that may deter potential buyers. A leaky faucet, squeaky door, or cracked tile may seem minor, but they can create a negative impression. Take a walk through your home with a critical eye and make a list of repairs needed. Consider hiring a professional inspector to identify any underlying issues that you might overlook. It may cost hundreds to get an inspector, but having everything ready to move-in ahead of time can add thousands of dollars in value. Focus on both small fixes and larger projects that could pose significant problems during a buyer's inspection. Repairing broken windows, fixing electrical issues, and ensuring your plumbing is in good shape can save you from future headaches and negotiations. Buyers appreciate homes that are move-in ready, so investing time in repairs can pay off significantly when it comes time to sell. Additionally, some repairs are REQUIRED for FHA financing, so having these repairs done ahead of time opens your home to more buyers. ### Freshen Up with Paint One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to boost your home’s appeal is through fresh paint. A new coat of paint can breathe life into tired spaces and create an inviting atmosphere. Opt for neutral colors that appeal to a broad range of buyers—think soft grays, beiges, or whites. Don’t just stop at the interior; consider sprucing up the exterior as well. A well-painted front door can make a great first impression and set the tone for what lies inside. If you're unsure about color choices or techniques, consulting with a professional painter or interior designer can provide valuable insights. ### Upgrade Value-Boosting Items Investing in value-boosting upgrades can significantly increase your home's marketability. Focus on high-impact areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms—these are often deal-breakers for buyers. Consider updating appliances to energy-efficient models or replacing outdated fixtures with modern ones. Additionally, think about enhancing curb appeal by upgrading landscaping features or adding outdoor lighting. Simple touches like new cabinet hardware or updated countertops can also make a big difference without breaking the bank. Remember that these upgrades should align with current market trends while still reflecting your personal style.
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