Dani Hallsell | Real Estate Blog

  Selling a parent’s home can quickly become an emotional and logistical challenge. What starts as a practical real estate transaction often stirs up deep family dynamics, leading to disagreements over pricing, renovations, and profit-sharing. Balancing financial decisions with sentimental attachments requires patience, clear communication, and a structured approach to keep relationships intact. Tips to Help Reduce Conflict 🏠✨ ✅ Define Decision-Making Family members may have different financial interests, timelines, and opinions on how the sale should be handled. Establishing a clear decision-making process ensures that everyone feels heard and included. 🗣️ Communicate Clearly and Civilly Respectful, transparent communication is key. Encourage active listening and use clarifying questions like, “Does that make sense to everyone?” to prevent misunderstandings. 📝 Get Everything in Writing Document all agreements—listing details, sale price, marketing strategies, timing, and h...

  If you took your home off the market in late 2024, you weren’t alone. According to Newsweek, data from CoreLogic and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) shows that nearly 73,000 homes were withdrawn from the market in December—the highest number for that month since 2017. 📉 Many homeowners pressed pause for various reasons: slow offers, holiday stress, or waiting to see if the market improved in the new year. But with spring just around the corner, now is the time to reassess. The market is already gaining momentum, and delaying your relisting could mean facing increased competition later. ⏳ Why Now Could Be the Right Time  🌷🏠 Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, notes that many sellers may have withdrawn their listings last year with the intention of trying again in spring: "Another reason for a step back could be the sellers wanted to wait and see how spring home buying season goes, and if mortgage rates fall, which would bring more home buyers and competition back in th...

  In November 2024, Washtenaw County voters approved the Older Persons Services Millage , a dedicated property tax aimed at enhancing services and support for residents aged 60 and older. The 0.5-mill levy, set to run for eight years (2024-2031), is projected to generate approximately $11.6 million in its first year. 💡 What Is It and How Does It Work? The Older Adult Millage was created to address the growing senior population in Washtenaw County. With over 72,000 residents aged 60+, this initiative ensures that older adults have access to vital services that enhance their safety, well-being, and independence. Funds collected from the millage are allocated to organizations that provide essential services, such as home assistance, transportation, and caregiver support. 👵 Who Benefits? The millage supports older adults (60+) living in Washtenaw County by funding programs that promote independence, safety, and overall well-being. ✅ Key Services Provided: 🏠 Safe & Supported Ho...

  Aging is a journey filled with opportunities, choices, and challenges. For seniors and their families in Southeastern Michigan, navigating the complexities of housing, healthcare, and lifestyle changes can feel overwhelming. That’s where the University of Michigan Senior Living Week comes in—a premier event designed to educate, connect, and empower older adults with the tools and resources needed to make informed decisions about their future. Save the Date! 📅 Mark your calendars for October 4, 2025! What is Senior Living Week? Senior Living Week is an annual event hosted by the University of Michigan Housing Bureau for Seniors. This well-regarded program brings together experts, service providers, and community members to discuss various aspects of aging in place, downsizing, and transitioning to senior living communities. The event features educational seminars, an exhibitor expo, and networking opportunities aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults and their fa...

  As the senior population continues to grow, a new trend is emerging in retirement living: university-based senior living communities. These communities, often located near or affiliated with universities, provide older adults with an intellectually stimulating and socially engaging environment that blends lifelong learning with an active lifestyle. 🌟 What Are University Senior Living Communities? 🏘️ University senior living communities are residential complexes designed for older adults who want to remain active and engaged in their later years. These communities are either directly associated with universities or situated close to a college campus, offering residents access to academic courses, cultural events, and intergenerational interactions with students and faculty. 🎭📚 Benefits of University-Based Senior Living ✅ 1. Lifelong Learning Opportunities 📖🎓 Many seniors value intellectual stimulation and continued education. University senior living communities offer acce...