Ann Arbor Condo Seller Strategies to Use Now

The Ann Arbor condo market, once a hotbed of activity, has entered a phase of transformation. Sellers are navigating a more nuanced landscape shaped by changing buyer behavior, economic pressures, and evolving priorities. If you’re looking to sell your condo in 2025, understanding these challenges—and knowing how to tackle them—can make all the difference. Here, we’ll break down the key hurdles sellers are facing and share actionable seller strategies to help you succeed in today’s shifting market.

Challenge #1: Cooling Market & Price Reductions

The Ann Arbor condo market has slowed after years of rapid growth. Elevated interest rates, currently between 6–7%, have increased borrowing costs, limiting buyer budgets and dampening demand. At the same time, new developments, particularly around campus, have driven a rise in inventory—June 2025 listings are up about 14.5% compared to the same time last year. The rise of student apartments, combined with the above factors, have slowed the purchasing of condos by parents for their college students.

This combination of factors is leading many sellers to reduce prices to attract buyers in a competitive market.

How to Tackle This

• Price Strategically: Start with a realistic comparison of recent sales in your neighborhood to set a competitive price. Buyers are hyper-aware of value in the current climate, so pricing right from the beginning can reduce the need for reductions later on.
• Leverage Expertise: Work with a reliable real estate agent who understands Ann Arbor’s micro-markets. They can guide you on pricing trends and help maximize your condo’s appeal.

Challenge #2: Longer Time on Market

Gone are the days when condos would sell within hours of listing. Today, properties are sitting longer as buyers take their time exploring their options. With more inventory available, buyers feel less urgency to make impulsive offers. Active listings in Ann Arbor are averaging 76 days on market, compared with 22 days this spring.

How to Tackle This

• Stand Out With Staging: A well-staged condo can leave a lasting impression. Modern, inviting spaces that appeal to buyer preferences—such as neutral tones, tidy layouts, and up-to-date fixtures—can make your property shine.
• Invest in Marketing: Professional photography and a strong online presence are crucial for grabbing attention. Aggressive, tailored marketing campaigns can also help set your listing apart from the competition.

Challenge #3: Affordability and Economic Pressure

High interest rates aren’t the only financial hurdle in Ann Arbor. The city’s property taxes remain a significant factor for buyers. Combined with economic uncertainty, these costs are pushing many buyers to prioritize affordability, even at the expense of luxury features.

How to Tackle This

• Highlight Cost-Saving Features: Showcase aspects of your condo that reduce long-term expenses, such as energy-efficient appliances or updated insulation. Small upgrades like thesecan appeal to budget-conscious buyers.
• Stay Flexible: Be prepared for negotiations, whether it’s adjusting your price or offering concessions like covering part of the buyer’s closing costs. Flexibility communicates a willingness to work with potential buyers, which can help move a sale forward.

Challenge #4: Michigan-Specific Disincentives

Michigan sellers face unique financial hurdles, including the state’s “pop-up” tax policy. This rule reassesses property taxes at the time of sale, often resulting in a steep increase for new buyers. This may influence a buyer’s offer and negotiations, possibly affecting the seller’s final sale price. Additionally, Realtor commissions in Ann Arbor can eat into sellers’ profits.

How to Tackle This

• Plan for Tax Impacts: Consult with a local real estate expert to fully understand how taxes might affect your sale. Timing can be crucial—it might make sense to sell during periods of peak buyer interest when competition intensifies.
• Maximize Your Proceeds: Every dollar counts when dealing with costs like commissions. Skilled agents can help position your home to sell faster and at a better price, mitigating these concerns.

Challenge #5: Shifting Buyer Priorities

Today’s buyers are putting an emphasis on turnkey properties. Features like flexible layouts, modern finishes, and energy efficiency are top of mind. Condos that require updates or renovations are often overlooked in favor of move-in-ready homes.

How to Tackle This

• Upgrade Strategically: Focus on affordable yet impactful updates, such as modern lighting, fresh paint, or stainless-steel appliances. Even small changes can enhance buyer interest.
• Highlight Walkability: Proximity to walkable amenities, such as restaurants, retail spaces, and parks, remains a key driver in Ann Arbor. Play up these features in your listing and marketing efforts.

Final Thoughts

The Ann Arbor condo market in 2025 is complex, but it’s not without opportunity. Sellers willing to approach this evolving landscape with strategy, flexibility, and the guidance of local experts can still achieve success. Understanding the factors shaping the market—rising inventory, shifting buyer preferences, and financial hurdles—will help you prepare and adapt.

Whether it’s pricing competitively, staging effectively, or upgrading intelligently, taking deliberate action using these seller strategies is key to standing out in this highly selective market. Partnering with professionals who understand Ann Arbor’s real estate dynamics can also make the process less daunting and more rewarding. Remember, with the right focus and adaptability, the right buyer is out there for your condo.

Looking to list your Ann Arbor condo? The Bouma Group is here to help you succeed every step of the way. Reach out today for advice tailored to your specific goals at 734-761-3060 or info@condohotline.com.