November 11, 2025 | Real Estate Market Update for Northville, Novi, South Lyon, Plymouth and Metro Detroit | Insights by Jeff Duneske, Northville Realtor®

November 11, 2025 | Real Estate Market Update for Northville, Novi, South Lyon, Plymouth and Metro Detroit | Insights by Jeff Duneske, Northville Realtor®

Today is Veterans Day, and we begin by honoring those who served. We will explore how one powerful home loan benefit enables veterans to buy sooner, why most sellers continue to rely on real estate professionals, and how downsizing homeowners are unlocking equity nationwide.

1. Veterans and VA Loans | Zero Percent Down and 4.4 Years Saved

A new report from Realtor com shows that a zero percent down VA loan can help the typical first time buyer purchase a home valued around four hundred thirty thousand dollars an average of four and a half years sooner than a conventional loan with a twelve percent down payment. That saves more than $50,000 that a VA buyer does not need to put down upfront.

Key takeaways

• About seventy-four percent of VA buyers used true zero percent down financing.

• A conventional buyer saving fifteen percent of income would need more than four years to save the same down payment.

• Closing costs are similar to conventional loans, but VA loans include a funding fee that can be rolled into the loan.

• Only about one-third of veterans realize they can use their VA benefit with no down payment at all.

What this means for Metro Detroit veterans

The biggest barrier to homeownership for many veterans is the down payment, not the monthly payment. VA loans are designed to remove that obstacle and make ownership possible sooner.

If you are eligible, you may not need any down payment at all. You still need to plan for closing costs, but you do not have to wait years to save a large lump sum. Partnering with a local lender experienced in VA loans can help you compare options and take advantage of the benefits you earned through service.

2. Ninety-One Percent of Sellers Still Choose an Agent

According to the latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, ninety-one percent of sellers worked with a real estate agent from mid-2024 through mid-2025, the highest share ever recorded. Only five percent sold their homes on their own.

Other key insights

• Among sellers who did not already know the buyer, ninety-six percent used an agent.

• Eighty-eight percent of buyers also used an agent or broker.

• Two-thirds of sellers worked with an agent referred by someone they trusted or one they had used before.

• Eighty-seven percent said they would recommend their agent.

Sellers valued professional marketing, accurate pricing, selling within their desired time frame, and guidance on preparing the home for the market.

What this means for Metro Detroit homeowners

If you are thinking about selling in the next year, start early. Most sellers select their agent based on trust, reputation, and past results. The best results come from preparation and strategy before listing day.

As a top Realtor in Northville, Novi, and South Lyon with over twenty-five years of experience and more than one thousand three hundred homes sold, I provide clear data, honest advice, and a step-by-step plan to make your move smooth and successful.

3. Downsizing and Rightsizing | Unlocking the Most Equity

A national report from StorageCafe found that homeowners who downsize from a four bedroom to a two bedroom home unlock an average of more than two hundred thousand dollars in equity, equal to more than half the value of a typical home.

Highlights include

• Thirteen of the top twenty cities for downsizing gains are in the South.

• High cost areas such as Irvine, San Jose, Honolulu, and San Diego see gains of three hundred thousand dollars or more.

• Self storage costs in many areas remain under one hundred fifty dollars per month, helping bridge the transition while sorting through belongings.

• Empty nesters and retirees now make up 18 percent of the U.S. population, up from 12 percent in 2004.

What this means for Metro Detroit homeowners

If you are living in a larger home in Northville, Novi, South Lyon or Plymouth and no longer need the space, a move to a smaller home, condo, or ranch can unlock significant equity, lower your monthly costs, and simplify your lifestyle.

Downsizing is not only about moving, it is about aligning your home with the life you live now. With careful planning, you can capture equity, reduce expenses, and find a home that fits your next chapter.

4. Cash Offers and Market Signals

Zoodealio’s latest list of top cash offer markets includes Las Vegas, Houston, Orlando, Naples, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Colorado Springs, and Charlotte.

High levels of cash activity often signal strong investor interest or relocation demand.

What this means for Metro Detroit buyers and sellers

While Metro Detroit is not on the list, cash offers are still common locally, especially in competitive neighborhoods.

For sellers, a strong listing strategy can attract both financed and cash buyers while ensuring you evaluate every offer beyond just price.
For buyers, a solid pre approval, flexible terms, and creative options such as bridge loans can keep you competitive even if you are not paying all cash.

Key Takeaways for Northville, Novi, South Lyon, Plymouth and Metro Detroit

Across today’s updates, a few themes stand out

• VA loans continue to provide a life changing path to homeownership for veterans.

• The overwhelming majority of sellers still rely on an agent for results.

• Downsizing continues to create financial freedom for those ready for a simpler lifestyle.

• Cash buyers remain an important part of today’s real estate landscape.

If you are considering buying, selling, or rightsizing in Northville, Novi, South Lyon, or Plymouth, let’s have a conversation about what these trends mean for you. My goal is to help you make confident and informed decisions through every stage of your real estate journey.

Explore Homes for Sale Across Metro Detroit

Looking for your next home in Southeast Michigan? Explore current listings and market insights in your favorite communities:

🏡 Northville Homes for Sale
🏡 Novi Homes for Sale
🏡 South Lyon Homes for Sale
🏡 Plymouth Homes for Sale

Each link connects directly to local market updates, active listings, and neighborhood insights curated by Jeff Duneske, Northville Realtor®, your trusted real estate resource across Metro Detroit.

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Jeff Duneske, Northville Realtor® - Keller Williams Advantage
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