1. Get pre-approved. Know your real budget before you fall in love with a house. A local lender can usually pre-approve you in a day or two, and a strong letter makes your offers more credible.
  2. Define your search. Price range, cities, school districts, home style, and true must-haves. Metro Detroit values change block by block, so location strategy matters more than square footage.
  3. Tour and compare. Well-priced homes move fast. We compare every home against recent nearby sales — not the asking price — so you know what it's actually worth.
  4. Make a smart offer. Strategy depends on days on market, condition, and competition. Price is one lever; terms, deposit, and timelines are the others.
  5. Inspect and negotiate. A good inspection tells you what you're really buying. Where warranted, we negotiate repairs or credits before you're locked in.
  6. Close with confidence. Final walkthrough, wire-fraud safety, and exactly what to bring to the table.