Explore the Pros and Cons of Off-Market Listing Strategies—And Find Out Which Approach Maximizes Your Home's Value in Today’s MarketWhen it comes to selling your home in Oakland County, Michigan, your listing strategy can have just as much impact as your asking price. A growing number of sellers are exploring alternative listing options—like Delayed Marketing or Exclusive Listings—but are these right for you?As a long-time local RE/MAX Classic Realtor serving communities like Farmington Hills, Novi, Northville, Troy, and West Bloomfield, I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners craft customized marketing strategies to match their unique goals and timeline.Let’s take a closer look at these strategies, the benefits and drawbacks, and when they might make sense in our local Oakland County real e... 04/24/2025

Laugh, Learn, and Outsmart Lowball Offers with Proven Oakland County Seller StrategiesBy Tom Gilliam, RE/MAX ClassicSelling your Oakland County home is exciting—until a lowball offer throws you for a loop. As a local REALTOR with years of experience, I know how tough these offers can be. While I always keep it professional, I also know every seller sometimes dreams of replying with a little sarcasm.Let’s keep things light: Here are seven funny ways you secretly wish you could respond to a lowball offer—and what you should actually do to get top dollar.1. Send Them a “Go to Jail” Monopoly CardIf we’re using Monopoly money, we might as well stick to the rules! Sometimes a “Go to Jail” card says it all: offers that low should be a crime. 2. “Meet in the Middle”? Only If I Double My PriceSo... 04/21/2025

Bridging the Gap Between Seller Expectations and Buyer RealitiesWhen it comes to selling a home “as-is” in Oakland County, Michigan, most sellers assume the term is a shortcut to a hassle-free deal. But as any experienced Oakland County Realtor knows, “as-is” can raise red flags for buyers and slow down your sale if not handled strategically. In this post, I’ll share insights from years of local experience helping clients navigate as-is real estate transactions across cities like Novi, Farmington Hills, and West Bloomfield. We’ll unpack the expectations sellers often have — and how buyers really react.What Does “As-Is” Mean in Real Estate?In real estate, selling a property “as-is” means you're not making any repairs or offering credits for defects discovered before or after the inspecti... 04/10/2025

  Discover how tariffs influence Michigan's housing market and what buyers, sellers, and homeowners can do to navigate the top real estate trends for 2025. As tariffs raise the cost of construction materials, the ripple effect touches affordability, availability, and new development—especially across key Southeast Michigan areas like Farmington Hills, Novi, and Northville.How Tariffs Affect Michigan’s Housing MarketEconomic Policies and Construction CostsOne of the clearest impacts of tariffs in the Michigan real estate market is increased construction costs. When the U.S. imposed tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) noted that the average price of a new single-family home increased by as much as $25,000.Effects on Oakland County Construc... 04/07/2025

The Multifaceted Role of Oakland County Real Estate AgentsDid you know that a real estate agent can provide immense value—even if you’re not buying or selling a home right now? Whether it’s understanding your property’s value, maximizing renovation returns, or challenging property taxes, real estate agents in Oakland County, Michigan, are more than just facilitators of transactions. Their local expertise spans a wide range of services that benefit homeowners in Farmington Hills, Novi, West Bloomfield, and surrounding neighborhoods. In this article, we uncover seven meaningful ways that engaging with a local Oakland County real estate expert can help you make smarter property decisions—even if selling your home isn’t on your immediate horizon.1) Accurate Home Valuations: Why Reliable Dat... 04/02/2025

How to Prepare Your Farmington Hills Home for Sale Before April 13-19, 2025 – Expert Tips & GuidanceTable of Contents Introduction 1. Declutter and Depersonalize Your Farmington Hills Home 2. Make Necessary Repairs and Improvements Before Selling 3. Enhance Curb Appeal to Attract Buyers 4. Deep Clean Your Farmington Hills Home 5. Stage for Success to Sell Your Home Faster 6. Professional Photography and Marketing 7. Price It Right for the Farmington Hills Market Frequently Asked Questions Ready to List Your Farmington Hills Home? IntroductionThe prime real estate season is upon us, and if you’re looking to sell your Farmington Hills home, now is the time to start preparing. According to a rigorous analysis of past trends, the week of April 13–19, 2025, is expected to be the best time to... 03/26/2025

Buying Your First Home in Oakland County MI: Tips to Beat First-Time JittersFeeling nervous about buying your first home in Oakland County, MI? You’re not alone—and it’s completely normal. Taking that first big step into homeownership is a mix of excitement and uncertainty, especially when you're unsure of where to start. This guide is here to simplify the process and give you the confidence to move forward. From understanding finances to narrowing down neighborhoods, you’ll learn what to expect and how to approach each stage of this journey. Ready to get started? Contact Realtor Tom Gilliam today to begin your search with expert guidance.Why It's Natural to Feel Nervous When Buying Your First HomeBuying your first home in Oakland County, MI, is an enormous milestone, but it's also a jo... 03/12/2025

Selling Your Home in Oakland County? Keep the Deal on Track with These TipsThinking about selling your home in Oakland County, Michigan? Whether you’re in Farmington Hills, Royal Oak, Novi, or Troy, selling your home requires a smart and proven strategy to avoid common pitfalls in today’s market. Learn how Realtor Tom Gilliam of RE/MAX Classic can guide you to success, even in challenging conditions.Why Are Oakland County Home Sales Falling Through?1. More Choices Increase Buyer HesitationIn recent years, home inventory in cities like Novi, Farmington Hills, and Birmingham was so tight that buyers had no time to hesitate when making an offer. However, more housing options in today’s market mean buyers have the ability to slow down, compare homes, and even change their minds during conti... 03/05/2025

 Is a Newly Built Home Right for You in Oakland County, Michigan?When it comes to buying a home, prospective buyers in Oakland County, Michigan, have a range of options. Among them, newly built homes stand out for their flexibility, energy efficiency, and modern amenities. However, before making such a significant investment, it’s critical to weigh both the advantages and the potential challenges of buying a new construction property. This comprehensive guide explores these aspects to help you make the best decision for your lifestyle and budget.Top Benefits of Buying a Newly Built HomeNew construction homes offer numerous advantages, especially for buyers in Oakland County's thriving real estate market. From the latest in energy efficiency to customizable layouts, here’s why you should... 03/03/2025

10 Signs It’s Time to Downsize Your Home in Farmington HillsHave you noticed that your home no longer feels like the perfect fit? As life evolves, so do your housing needs. For many homeowners in Farmington Hills, downsizing isn’t just a move to a smaller space—it’s an opportunity to simplify, save money, and regain control over your lifestyle. Whether it’s reducing costs, improving accessibility, or simply feeling overwhelmed by unused rooms, downsizing offers the freedom to focus on what matters most. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to make the shift, here are 10 key signs to help you decide—and actionable tips to guide you every step of the way.Why Downsizing in Farmington Hills Makes SenseFarmington Hills homeowners are increasingly seeing the benefits of transitioning to more... 02/22/2025

  Seller Concessions: Boost Your Oakland County, MI Home Sale in 2025Looking for ways to sell your home faster? Strategic seller concessions, like covering closing costs or offering repair credits, can make your listing stand out and secure attractive offers. Learn how these strategies work in Oakland County, MI’s competitive real estate market!Download Our Free Oakland County Home Selling GuideTable of Contents Sell Your Home Faster with Seller Concessions Why Are Seller Concessions Popular in Oakland County? How Seller Concessions Make a Difference Tailoring Seller Concessions to Fit Your Home Maximize Your Home Sale Potential in 2025 Free Oakland County Home Selling Guide What Our Clients Say FAQs About Seller Concessions Get Started Today Sell Your Home Faster with Strategic Seller ... 02/21/2025

What Is Your Home Worth? Insights for Oakland County HomeownersAccurately pricing your home is the first step to achieving a successful sale, refinancing goals, or proper financial planning. Let’s explore what impacts your home’s value and how you can determine it accurately.Watch: What Impacts Your Home ValueBefore diving into the details, watch this brief video to learn how various factors affect home valuation, from market trends to upgrades unique to your property: Table of Contents The Role of Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) Why Averages Don’t Define Your Home Conflicting AVM Numbers: Who Can You Trust? Taking Control: Smart Valuation Tips Contact Tom Gilliam The Role of Automated Valuation Models (AVMs)AVMs are online tools that provide instant estimates of what your home is wor... 02/20/2025

Should You Renovate or List? Tips for Oakland County Sellers in 2025Deciding whether to renovate or list your Oakland County home as-is can feel overwhelming, especially with the 2025 housing market shifting rapidly. The right choice often hinges on key factors—like your home's condition, market trends, and financial goals. Sellers who focus on the right priorities can maximize their returns and save time. Whether you're aiming to attract multiple offers or minimize upfront costs, choosing the best strategy starts with knowing what buyers are looking for. To understand the bigger picture, check out insights like the 2025 Housing Market in Oakland County, which breaks down the trends driving buyer behavior this year.Evaluating Your Home's Current StateBefore deciding whether to renovate ... 02/19/2025

Welcome to an unparalleled blend of luxury and comfort at 21353 Stone Meadow Drive, a magnificent new construction home located in the sought-after Windridge Estates by Lombardo Homes. This Craftsman-style property, completed in 2024, is a testament to fine craftsmanship and sophisticated design. Nestled on an east-facing premium lot in Lyon Township, the home offers an enviable address within the prestigious Northville School District and the advantage of lower township taxes. With 3,979 square feet of living space above grade, every detail of this home is tailored to exceed expectations, making it an exceptional Lyon Township luxury home for sale.Take a Look at the Features of 21353 Stone Meadow Drive in Windridge Estates 4 Bedrooms 3 Full Bathrooms | 2 Half Baths Lyon Township Windri... 02/19/2025

  Understanding Home Valuation in Oakland County   What is Home Valuation and Why Does It Matter? Home valuation is the process of determining the monetary worth of a property based on various factors, including its location, condition, and market trends. It plays a critical role in real estate transactions, serving as the foundation for pricing homes for sale, securing mortgages, and calculating property taxes. For buyers, an accurate home valuation ensures they’re paying a fair price. For sellers, it helps set a competitive asking price that attracts buyers while maximizing profit. Additionally, local governments rely on home valuations to assess property taxes, which fund essential services like schools, infrastructure, and public safety. In Oakland County, home valuation takes on un... 02/17/2025

First Home Best InvestmentBuying your first home in Oakland County, Michigan is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. It’s natural to wonder if putting money into real estate is smarter than stocks or savings. But here’s the thing—homeownership builds long-term wealth, often more reliably than other investments. As a local real estate expert serving Farmington Hills, Novi, Northville, West Bloomfield, Wixom, Commerce, and Royal Oak, I’ve guided many first-time buyers through the process. The rewards? Equity growth, financial stability, and a place to truly call home.How Real Estate Builds WealthUnlike other investments, real estate offers leverage, meaning: A 10% down payment on a $300,000 home ($30,000) lets you control an asset worth much more. Over time, home value... 02/14/2025

 🏡 Finding Your Dream Home This Valentine’s Day in Oakland County, MichiganLove is in the air… and so is the perfect home for you!❤️ Fall in Love with a Home in Oakland County – Here’s Why!Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, and what better way to embrace that spirit than by falling in love with a new home in Farmington Hills? Whether you're searching for a charming first home, upgrading to a larger space, or looking to sell your current property, Oakland County, Michigan offers plenty of opportunities to make this season extra special.According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), February is one of the best months to buy a home because of **less market competition** and **motivated sellers**. Additionally, **low mortgage rates** mean that home buyers can secure **bette... 02/13/2025

 🌸 Spring 2025 Housing Market in Oakland County: How to Sell Your Home & Attract BuyersBy Realtor Tom Gilliam | RE/MAX Classic📍 Serving Oakland County, MI: Farmington Hills, Novi, Northville, West Bloomfield, and surrounding areas.📞 Contact: 248-790-5594 | 🌎 Visit My Website📊 Oakland County Spring Housing Market Trends for 2025The Oakland County real estate market is heating up! Here’s what home sellers and buyers should know: Home Prices Remain Strong: High demand keeps home values competitive. Low Inventory: Fewer homes for sale mean more bidding wars. Quick Sales: Well-priced homes are selling faster than ever. Rising Interest from Out-of-State Buyers: Michigan’s affordability is attracting more buyers. 🏡 Seller Success Story: From Listing to Closing in 7 DaysLast spring, the Johnson... 02/11/2025

 Analyzing the 2025 Housing Market Trends in MichiganUnderstanding the 2025 Housing Market in Oakland CountyThe real estate market in Oakland County, Michigan, which includes cities like Farmington Hills, Novi, Northville, West Bloomfield, Wixom, Commerce, and Royal Oak, is experiencing some unexpected trends in 2025.Recent market data suggests that price reductions are occurring earlier than usual, and sellers are becoming hesitant to list their properties. These shifts could impact home prices, buyer activity, and inventory levels across the county.Why Are Oakland County Home Prices Being Reduced So Early?Historically, price reductions in the housing market happen later in the year when seller competition increases. However, in early 2025, we are already seeing an unusual rise in pric... 02/10/2025

  Is Living in an HOA Right for You? Take This Quiz to Find Out!If you're contemplating a move within Oakland County, Michigan, it's essential to consider whether residing in a Homeowners Association (HOA) community aligns with your lifestyle. HOAs are prevalent in areas like Farmington Hills, Novi, and West Bloomfield, offering structured environments with specific rules and amenities. While some residents appreciate the uniformity and shared services, others may find the regulations restrictive.To help you determine if HOA living suits you, take the following quiz. For each question, select the answer that best describes your preferences and note the corresponding point value. At the end, tally your score to see where you stand.The Quiz How do you feel about uniformity in a neighborho... 02/05/2025