Affordable Inventory Is Shrinking Nationally. Here's What That Means for SE Michigan Right Now.

May's new construction numbers weren't pretty. New single-family home sales fell 7.3 percent nationally, but the headline number isn't even the real story. The bigger problem is that builders are pulling back on affordable price points. The entry-level new construction market is quietly disappearing, and that has direct consequences for buyers in Southeast Michigan who are already dealing with tight resale inventory.

What the County Numbers Tell You

If you're shopping in SE Michigan right now, the spread between counties is significant. Wayne County's median sits at $171,455, which is the most attainable price point in the region. Cross into Oakland County and you're looking at $389,141. Washtenaw County comes in at $439,896, and Livingston County is at $411,337. The point isn't that one county is better than another. The point is that your budget determines where realistic options actually exist, and in most of these markets you are not finding new construction at those medians. You're competing for resale homes.

Demand Isn't Dead, Inventory Is Still the Problem

HousingWire reported this week that buyer demand is holding steady across every major U.S. region even as inventory trends shift market by market. That tracks with what's happening locally. Buyers are still out there. The issue is that the homes they can afford are not hitting the market fast enough to meet that demand. When new construction at accessible price points disappears nationally, it puts more pressure on resale stock. Sellers in the right price range, particularly in Wayne County and the lower end of Oakland and Livingston counties, are still in a strong position.

The Bigger Industry Picture

There's a lot happening at the national brokerage level right now. Real Brokerage just surpassed 35,000 agents. Rocket closed its Redfin deal. Big companies are moving aggressively to own more pieces of the homeownership process. What that means for you as a buyer or seller in Ann Arbor or anywhere else in SE Michigan is that the agent you work with matters more than the brand on the sign. Local knowledge and straight answers are what actually move deals in this market.

If you're buying right now, get pre-approved and be honest with yourself about which counties fit your budget. Waiting for more affordable new construction to appear is not a strategy. If you're selling in the sub-$300K range anywhere in the region, the window to get strong offers is still open. Call or text me and let's talk through what the numbers mean for your specific situation.