Metro Detroit

NEWSLETTER: FEBRUARY 2024

February 18, 2024

STERLING HEIGHTS

SOME MIGHT SAY THE STERLINGEST.

As east siders have continued to migrate north into Macomb Township and Shelby Township (and Washington Township and Romeo and so on…), one of the OG east side suburbs has hung around, maintaining value and desirability despite the changing trends and the search for more space; Sterling Heights.

As we continue our series of blog posts on the cities our readers inquire about the most (Novi, Troy, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, etc), our February 2024 Newsletter features Sterling Heights and serves as a reminder that the grass isn’t always greener in those other distant suburbs, there’s just more of it.

With a population explosion in the 1970s, the city quickly became a coveted location for people searching for suburban life; excellent schools, proximity to Detroit, and new homes popping up all over the landscape.

The schools have remained strong in the decades since, and over the past several years, so have property values. In regards to the schools, it’s worth noting that much of Macomb and Shelby Townships feature Utica Schools; the primary district within Sterling Heights. So whereas migration often pushes toward more desirable school districts (perceived or otherwise), that isn’t the case here.

However, around 2018/19, prices started to really take off and we had to begin easing people into the idea of new homes in Sterling Heights reaching into the $500K range. Now, in early 2024, with prices sneaking over the $700K mark, it’s probably time for another mental adjustment.

While eyes may pop at those prices, they are in line with some of the other cities and regions within striking distance of Downtown Detroit; as businesses move away from distant suburban office parks and back into the city, the workforce is following along.

The problem with inner and inner-ish ring suburbs is the lack of land. As we’ve noted here many times before, options are often limited to abandoned school properties, old golf courses, or former commercial/industrial sites.

Limited to, but possible.

There is also the individual lot route, which can include vacant lots or teardowns, in existing neighborhoods.

We can help you with all of the above.

In our recent post, we review the recently completed developments by Lombardo and Pulte, discuss the neighborhoods that are currently active in Sterling Heights, sneak a peek at what’s on the horizon (including the Lakeside Mall redevelopment, pictured above), and offer suggestions for those looking to pursue an individual lot build.

Read the full blog post on Sterling Heights here, then connect with us to make your new home a reality.

Pictured above: Hidden Estates by Lombardo Homes; now built-out and unhidden…

CURRENT LISTINGS

OUR NEW CONSTRUCTION COLLECTION

LOT #15 | WHISPERING RIDGE ESTATES

Progress continues on this BRAND NEW/NEVER-BEEN-BUILT ranch floor plan by Strathdale Development. Featuring 3 bed/2.5 bath/2,450 sqft, a 3-car garage, and a ton of high-end finishes, we anticipate completion within the next 60-90 days.

Some updated pics from 2/5/24:

Located near Benstein & Glengary in Commerce, Whispering Ridge Estates is in one of the few sections of the township that doesn’t require navigating 2-lane roads while winding around every lake in Oakland County, resulting in commute times that range from 30 min to the Donner Party. Yay! Connect with us for the details!

24191 TRAFALGAR COURT | NOVI

Located near 10 Mile & Beck in the heart of Novi, and featuring award-winning/awe-inspiring/otherworldy/all-the-things Novi Schools, you can’t Novi any harder than this.

Built by Kensington Family Homes, this colonial features 5 bed/4 bath, over 3,400 sqft, and a 3-car side entry garage, along with all the luxury finishes you’ve come to expect from Kensington.

This home is nearing completion!

Connect with us (if you’re already working with us), or reach out to Julie directly for the details.

UPTOWN VILLAGE | MILFORD

Sure, there’s another notable development getting a lot of attention in the Milford area at the moment, but this quaint new development by Kensington Family Homes puts you a little closer to the heart of Milford.

Located on the north side of Downtown Milford in Uptown Village, these well-appointed 2-3 bed/2.5-3.5 bath townhomes are a short walk to one of Metro Detroit’s most coveted historical downtowns, with rows of shops and restaurants that are steeped in the authenticity that comes with nearly two centuries of cultivation.

Only a small offering of these townhomes will be built, so act soon; connect with us (if you’re already working with us), or reach out to Julie directly for the details.

OUR NOT NEW (BUT NEW TO YOU) COLLECTION

1260 DIAMOND COURT | ROYAL OAK

A coveted “Garden” floorplan in the 33 on Harrison development, 1260 Diamond Court offers the rare opportunity for new-ish construction in Royal Oak for under $340K.

Located just a couple of blocks east of Main Street, and featuring 2 bed/2 bath and 1,435 sqft, the proximity to entertainment + dining is incredible, while still offering a neighborhood setting.

Built less than 5 years ago and barely lived-in, this home features a number of upgrades and high-end finishes.

Click here for the MLS details and Connect with us for answers to your questions or to schedule a showing.

IN OTHER RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION NEWS…

NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATES

Deerbrook by Pulte Homes in Macomb Township, featured in our 2024 New Home Preview, will officially open next month; prices will start at $464,990.

Madison of Westland (pictured above) by Lombardo Homes in, you guessed it, Westland, officially opened last month – shocking the world with prices starting in the $290s! This neighborhood was also featured in our 2024 New Home Preview and we were thinking mid-$300s so nice work “experts” lol.

AP Builders is now taking reservations at Waldon Reserve; single-family homes in Lake Orion from the $600s. Well situated about a half mile west of Lapeer Road, just north of Silverbell, this location gives you excellent access to I-75, and is within the acclaimed Lake Orion School district.

HARVEST ARBOR | CANTON

51 single family homes are being proposed for a vacant 25-acre parcel at the southeast corner of Ford and Napier Roads, on the west side of Canton Township. Prices are currently projected from the upper $400s to north of $600K, with builder M/I Homes expected to offer 4 floorplans. The Canton Township Planning Commission voted to approve a preliminary planned development district (PDD) application last month… [read more]

BUILDERS: DON’T JUST LIST YOUR HOMES…

GET THEM IN FRONT OF THE RIGHT BUYERS!

Our website caters exclusively to new-home-specific buyers, so in addition to the usual audiences found on the MLS, Zillow, etc., we also bring you local buyers searching specifically for new homes, by creating original, organic content, and pairing it with a social media strategy that guides prospects directly to your listing; and we do it for less than what resale agents charge.

If you’re already working with a client and they have a house to sell, we can help with that as well – using our knowledge of the construction process, to help prevent any issues with timing, etc., when we list their home.

Get in touch to find out how we can sell your homes (and your client’s home), and save everyone money in the process.

Also… if you like what you’ve seen in our February 2024 newsletter, connect with us to find out how your homes can be featured in future newsletters!

AGENTS: BECOME AN EXPERT…

WE ARE THE HOME FOR NEW HOME SPECIALISTS!

Join us. We are growing our national network of New Home Experts® agents across the United States and beyond.

If you are a builders sales rep looking for something different, or an agent/broker with a masterful level of experience selling or building new construction homes in your local market, we want to talk.

Set your business apart from competitors by focusing on this lucrative real estate sector; one that most other agents are either afraid of, intimidated by, or both.

Interested? Let’s chat about the life of an “expert” and if it’s the right path for your career.

CLIENTS: WE LOVED WORKING WITH YOU!

…AND WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS WELL.

(at least, the ones who are like you)

Our clients mean the world to us, and watching their dreams turn into reality is what keeps us going. We appreciate all of you, and would love the opportunity to help your friends, family, and co-workers as well.

If anyone you refer to us builds, buys, or lists a home with a New Home Experts agent from now until the end of 2024, we will send you a $100 Amazon gift card to show our appreciation.

Call, email, or just send them our way – we’ll take it from there.

And of course, if YOU decide to build, buy, or list with us again, the same offer applies to you.

CONTACT US

Questions about your new home search? Call or email us today – we look forward to hearing from you! Not ready for that kind of commitment? Check out our new-home-specific-search and email us incognito. Use a name like Boyd Schidt. We’ll never know it’s you…