042726 ~ Getting Ready for the Spring Real Estate Market - Elizabeth Duperon

The spring real estate market in Ann Arbor is experiencing a surge in activity despite low inventory, driven by cash buyers leveraging pre-COVID equity and shifting investment strategies. Elizabeth Duperon, managing broker at Coldwell Banker Ann Arbor, explains that homes are selling within weeks—sometimes days—especially when priced correctly and professionally staged. She reveals that many buyers are now offering sellers extended occupancy (up to six weeks) to ease transitions, and that pre-inspections and appraisals are becoming essential tools for sellers to avoid surprises and strengthen their position. With only 84 homes listed in the city of Ann Arbor (excluding condos), competition is fierce, and Duperon emphasizes that sellers must prepare their homes with professional photography, cleaning, power washing, and even staging to attract top offers. Her unique background—from leasing apartments to selling luxury homes and cars—gives her a rare perspective on buyer psychology and transaction efficiency. Duperon also highlights a growing trend: parents buying homes near the University of Michigan to house their students, often as long-term investments that grow equity and can be sold after graduation. She warns that high interest rates are deterring long-term homeowners from selling, keeping inventory low, while boomers are delaying moves to senior living. The key takeaway?