That incredible job is waiting for you in Detroit or you’re finally moving back to the D after decades of lamenting for your old hometown—the only question that remains unanswered: how will you find the new home of your dreams?
Navigating the real estate market in the Detroit Metro area can be extremely daunting. While the entire country has endured many shifts in home buying in the last two decades, the Motor City was hit especially hard by the mortgage crisis of the late 2000’s. But the housing market here—like so many other facets of Detroit’s economy—is finally on the upswing. Yet while real estate sales might be up, with fierce competition for available homes, a trained professional is essential to steer you through the choppy waters of the buying process.
If you’re in the market for an amazing house, you’re probably in the market for an amazing realtor. Here are 10 that definitely fit the bill:
Kristy Horne, Clients First Realtors
Kristy Horne believes the relationship with her clients should always come first; as she notes on her website, your new home in Detroit, after all, is likely to be the “biggest purchase of your life.” She aims for customer service to be at the forefront of every one of her transactions. “I want all my clients as personal friends, your best interest is my number one priority, as a friend and as your Realtor. My mission is to negotiate the best possible deal for you!”
Horne’s clients chime in with their own perspective of the experiences on her Facebook page and website, with glowing reviews of her exemplary service.
“Kristy was very easy to work with. She worked around our schedule and got us in to see homes after hours. She left no stones unturned looking for a house that we wanted to our specifications. Fun, bright, and knew her areas well, that’s what you want in a realtor. I would recommend her to anyone.“
Alicia M. Williams, Real Estate One
If you are searching for someone well-versed in the nuances of the housing market, Detroit native Alicia M. Williams balances a decade of experience in real estate and mortgage lending, with a profound love of the city that she has adored her entire life. Her primary goal is to have every client that she meets for the first time to “instantly feel she has their best interests at heart.” The reviews from customers on her website certainly indicate she is meeting her objective.
When I explained what I was looking for in my new residence, she really paid attention to every detail. The locations she had for me to view were not only in the areas I requested but in the price range or even lower!!
Rex Berkeley, Keller Williams
Rex Berkeley grew up in Paris and New York City, but now the Keller Williams Realtor calls Royal Oak, Michigan home–and he couldn’t imagine a life better lived, anywhere else in the world. Berkeley is also a real estate investor, so he understands both aspects of the process. He aims to match buyers with their dream home and works with sellers interested in listing their dwelling, to demonstrate the “optimum conditions to showcase a property.”
Besides an active social media presence, Berkeley has created an awesome blog that is focused towards educating potential buyers on the local trends in the Detroit Metro housing market. His interesting posts will be equally compelling to those just beginning to dip their toe into the real estate pool; they cover everything from relocating from a small town to big city life, to the ins-and-outs of how to finance your big purchase.
Jerry Yatooma, Coldwell Banker Preferred, The Packer Group
Jerry Yatooma, appreciates the joy in collaborating with families: matching them to the house of their dreams, in a welcoming community that will eventually feel like home. An active member of The Packer Group, Yatooma’s reviews on Facebook often reference his friendliness and knowledgeability, particularly in the Wayne County home buying marketplace.
Boyd Rudy, Dwellings by Rudy and Hall
Boyd Rudy and his team handle everything from foreclosures to short sales, real estate investments and buying and selling. Rudy is one of the few brokers in the Metro area who has maintained increased sales numbers over his fourteen years in real estate, “despite the grueling economic meltdown of 2008.” He attributes this, in part, to his “never-say-die attitude, and always looking for creative or innovative ways to buck the market and to bring greater value and better results to his clients.”
Check out his very active Facebook community (with over 8,000 followers!), where Rudy and his staff frequently post stunning photos of Detroit area real estate, home decorating tips and the most recent listings in the Metro area.
Nancy Robinson, Century 21, Town and Country
Nancy Robinson is a self-proclaimed “real estate junkie;” it’s probably that red-hot passion that has elevated her to become the #1 Realtor of the entire Century 21 Great Lakes Region. Robinson says she takes time to get to know her clients on a personal level, to help find the house that best suits their individual needs. Her customers clearly agree with her tactics; out of nearly 100 ratings on Zillow, Robinson has scored a stellar 4.9 out of 5.
Jeff Glover, KW, Jeff Glover and Associates
Jeff Glover and his team sold 875 homes in 2015 to Metro Detroit residents and they hope to greatly surpass these numbers in 2016. With a long list of accolades, including a feature on CNBC’s Power Lunch, frequent radio interviews with local radio stations to share his expertise and a coveted spot in Hour Magazine’s 2013 & 2014 Real Estate Stars, Glover is a prominent figure in the local real estate community.
His active Facebook page is regularly updated with new listings and articles about the market, keeping clients—and potential clients—up to date about the best deals, steals and exciting trends in Detroit home-buying.
Anniece Warren, Ivey Realty
A winning track record, reflective of good customer service, matters to realtor Anniece Warren; she is gratified and proud of her 5 out of 5 rating on Zillow. It’s these measurables that keep Warren striving for excellence in serving her clients in Detroit and the surrounding communities. Buyers that work with Ivey Realty, Warren’s firm, are abundant in their praise for her work.
As a first time home buyer, I was nervous and apprehensive during the process. Anniece guided me through the process easily and efficiently. I found a home in the Bagley Community of Detroit that I absolutely adore thanks to her abundant listings of properties, both on and off the market. I’m in love with my home and I’m happy that I was able to have such a smooth and seamless closing. I would recommend Anniece to all those in search of their dream home. She’ll get you what you need!
Mike Blake, Century 21 AAA North, The Blake Team
If you find yourself searching for a home on the eastside, Mike Blake and his team at Century 21 AAA North are specialists in the intricacies of Macomb County real estate. According to the U.S. Census, Detroit is the 11th largest in geography of any metropolitan area—having an agent that is well versed in the micro-trends of the community where you are searching can make a massive difference. Blake’s clients continually cite his highly attentive customer service, in reviewing their transactions with his office.
“The entire Blake team did a terrific job on helping us to purchase and sell our home. They were very friendly and always available to answer any questions or concerns that we had. I would highly recommend using them as your real estate team!!” -S.K. 10/2015
Jamey Kramer, Re/Max Classic, Jamey Kramer Group
A veritable real estate powerhouse in the Detroit market, Jamey Kramer is not only the best in his office at Re/Max Classic, he is ranked in the top 1% of agents in the entire country. Located in Oakland County, look for Kramer’s expertise for homes in communities such as Novi, Northville, South Lyon and Wixom. And follow him on Twitter and Facebook for real time information on the latest listings and to scope out the best city for your family in the Metro area. With so much information at your fingertips, you’ll be well-prepared–long before you make your big move.
