SE Michigan Home Prices Hold Steady While the National Brokerage World Gets a Shake-Up

A lot is moving in the real estate industry right now, and most of it won't change your daily experience buying or selling a home in Ann Arbor or the surrounding counties. But some of it will. Here's what actually matters this week.

The REMAX-Real Merger Is Closer Than You Think

REMAX and Real (the tech-forward brokerage behind The Real Brokerage) are heading to final shareholder votes in August after REMAX reviewed nine potential deal partners and narrowed it down to two. This is a significant structural shift in how one of the country's largest brokerage brands operates. For consumers, the short-term impact is minimal. But if you're working with a REMAX agent locally, it's worth knowing their parent company is in the middle of a major transition. Stability at the agent level is what matters, and that's a conversation worth having with whoever represents you.

New Rules Around Off-Market Listings You Should Know

NAR just published formal guidance clarifying what agents and brokers must disclose when a seller chooses to keep their home off the public market before listing it. These are called office exclusives or pre-marketing agreements, and they're more common than most buyers realize. The new guidance puts the responsibility on the agent to clearly explain what the seller gives up by not hitting the MLS right away, mainly exposure and competitive offers. If you're a seller thinking about a quiet, off-market sale, this is exactly the kind of conversation you need to have with your agent before signing anything.

Where Southeast Michigan Prices Actually Stand

Based on current Zillow data, here's the single-family median by county:

• Wayne County: $171,455
• Oakland County: $389,141
• Livingston County: $411,337
• Washtenaw County: $439,896

Washtenaw County, which includes Ann Arbor, sits at the top of the region. The gap between Wayne and Washtenaw is over $268,000, which tells you how differently these markets function even though they share borders. Buyers working with a fixed budget have real options across this region depending on their priorities.

What This Means for You Right Now

If you're selling, the new NAR disclosure rules around off-market listings are not optional guidance. They reflect a real shift in how the industry is being held accountable for giving sellers complete information. Ask your agent directly how they plan to handle pre-marketing if that conversation comes up. If you're buying, the county-level price data above is a useful starting point, but the real picture is neighborhood by neighborhood. Don't let a county median make the decision for you.