How to Choose a Seasoned Agent for Your Condo Sale

Key Takeaways:

Selling your condo is a chance to maximize your equity, so you owe it to yourself to find the perfect listing agent.
Searching for a listing agent is just as important as your home search, so make sure to meet with at least three candidates before making a decision.
We’re telling you the must-ask questions to track down a listing agent—and now, you can put our team to the test when you list your home with us!

Condo Sellers, Don’t Settle For Second Best

Many sellers are under the impression that any listing agent can sell their condo instantly for the best possible price, but that’s simply not the case. Did you know that 77% of home sellers only contact one agent before listing their home or condo? When it comes to trusting someone with your biggest investment, it’s crucial to do plenty of research to find the right fit. And you should never settle for second, which is why we recommend meeting with at least three agents before making your decision. We’ve outlined some must-ask questions to help you track down the perfect listing agent!

What’s your marketing plan?

The best way to sell your condo is to expose it to as many prospective buyers as possible, which requires a strategic marketing plan. Ask potential agents about their specific marketing tactics, and you can even have them provide examples from past clients. Just listing it online and scheduling an open house shouldn’t be the extent of an agent’s marketing plan. As agents who have crafted masterful marketing plans ourselves, we have the data to target your home’s most likely buyers—and even more importantly, we know exactly how to reach them.

How long have you been working in real estate in my area?

Almost every agent can boast “decades of combined experience” when it comes to their team’s time working in the real estate industry, but what about selling properties in your specific area? Real estate isn’t the same everywhere, which is why you should choose an agent who is local to your area. This way, you can be confident knowing that your condo will be competitively listed in comparison to other properties in the area. And if your agent happens to also work with buyers in the area, then they may be able to direct them to your listing!

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How many active clients do you work with at one time?

One of the most important things to analyze about your potential agent is their availability. When asking about an agent’s active clients, you want their answer to fall within a sweet spot range. Not having many clients can be a red flag, while trying to sell too many properties at once may mean they can’t provide the personalized experience that you deserve. Working with around 10 to 15 clients at once is pretty standard and should still allow for plenty of one-on-one time between you and your potential agent.

Tell me more about your pricing strategies

As a seller, you want to choose an agent who can deliver a top-dollar home sale. A seasoned agent can determine the value of your condo in a snap. During your first meeting, go ahead and give them details about your property and ask them for a competitive list price. By doing this, you’ll be able to gauge the agent’s pricing expertise on the spot and ensure they give you a realistic amount. A qualified agent will take into consideration other recently sold condos in the area and ask about any renovations you’ve completed.

View Ann Arbor’s 2025 Condo Report

And finally…what’s your specialty?

While many listing agents have ample experience across the board, many also specialize in certain types of real estate. Whether it be new construction or luxury properties, it’s crucial to see whether an agent’s specific skill set aligns with the features of your condo. And don’t be shy about requesting a sold portfolio, this way, you can see if any of the agent’s sold listings are similar to your property.

Use Our Local Expertise: List Your Condo With Us

When it comes to selling your condo, choosing the right agent matters more than you think. We have a wealth of cutting-edge seller resources, in addition to our unparalleled passion for earning our clients top dollar on their home sales. We’ve clued you in on all the tough questions to ask, and we’re more than ready to share our expertise with you! Work with one of our professionals at The Bouma Group, Realtors, contact us today at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com.

A First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Affordable Condos in Ann Arbor, MI

For many, navigating the real estate market in Ann Arbor, Michigan is like stepping into an arena packed with excitement and trepidation. It’s a city renowned for its prestigious university, charming downtown area, and vibrant arts and culture scene. However, amidst this urban tapestry, lies the tricky challenge of finding a place to call your own, especially for first-time homebuyers. Fear not, as the Ann Arbor condo specialists we know the most affordable condos that marry comfort with cost-effectiveness. Ann Arbor is ready to welcome you if you’re ready to take the first crucial step into homeownership. Here’s your definitive guide to the most budget-savvy condominiums in the city.

Affordability Meets Quality in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor might be known for its prestige as the home of the University of Michigan, but it’s also a beacon for those seeking affordability without sacrificing amenities. You don’t have to compromise on quality to find a place that feels like home. The secret is in knowing where to look and what to look for.

When it comes to value, many affordable condos in Ann Arbor offer conveniences such as proximity to the city center, public transit, and communal services that make your everyday lifestyle not just comfortable, but also financially sensible. The key is to understand the non-negotiables versus the “nice-to-haves” and align them with your budget. Check out these complexes with an average sale price of under $250,000.

Top 10 Most Affordable Condos in Ann Arbor

Arbor Heights. Located off Packard Rd., just east of Carpenter Rd., Arbor Heights offers ranch-style studio, 1, and 2-bedroom options. Average sale price $107,500.
Walden Hills. A larger community on Ann Arbor’s west side featuring ranch-style units with 1 and 2 bedrooms. Carport parking and excellent on-site fitness amenities are included at Walden Hills. Average sale price $182,793.
Pattengill. Convenient central Ann Arbor location for these ranch-style condos. Carport parking and an outdoor pool are highlights of this cozy community. Average sale price $190,000.
Independence. Situated next to Pattengill Condos, the focal point of Independence is the sparkling pool surrounded by lush landscaping. Units come with 1-3 bedrooms and 1-2 baths. Average sale price $191,437.
Pittsfield Village. A beloved community on Ann Arbor’s southeast side with easy access to US-23. Community amenities include an inground pool, tennis and volleyball courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Average sale price $200,520.
Tower Plaza. With a prime downtown Ann Arbor location, Tower Plaza is a favorite among young professionals and graduate students. Condos come in studio and 1-bedroom units with a handful of 2 bedrooms. Average sale price $220,472.
Briarcrest. Located in central Ann Arbor close to Briarwood Mall, Briarcrest is a mix of ranch and townhouse-style condos with carport parking. Residents enjoy the fitness center, pool, and clubhouse. Average sale price $223,912.
Arlington Place. Walk to Starbucks and Whole Foods from Arlington Place conveniently located on Huron Parkway just south of Washtenaw Ave. Units offer 2-3 bedrooms with garage parking and separate storage space. Average sale price $231,300.
Woodland Mews. With a luxury clubhouse, outdoor pool, and fitness center, Woodland Mews is a desirable complex located near the University of Michigan’s sports complexes, grocery stores, and shopping. The 11 different floor plans offer 1-3 bedrooms in mainly ranch-style units with a few townhomes. Average sale price $235,300.
Crossings of Ann Arbor. This moderately sized community is situated on the north side of town close to the University of Michigan Medical campus and downtown. These townhomes feature 1 and 2-bedroom units, plus carport parking and storage space. Average sale price $244,823.

Final Thoughts Before You Buy

Remember, while price is a major factor, it’s not the only thing that should determine your decision. Consider the long-term investment value, the condo community’s atmosphere, and any association fees that come with condo ownership to enhance the quality of your decision-making process.

First-time homebuying should be an adventure, not a chore. Ann Arbor’s condos offer not just a place to live, but a lifestyle that’s within your means. Embrace the search, and you’ll soon find a space to call your own in this dynamic city. Choosing to invest in an affordable condo in Ann Arbor is an exciting step towards financial independence and creating a home base in a vibrant community. As with any significant life decision, take your time, do your research, and consult with professionals who can guide you. To learn more about condo buying options or to be set up on an alert for when your favorite community has a new listing, contact us today at 734-761-3060 or info@condohotline.com.

Is Homeownership Still Considered Part of the American Dream?

Since the birth of our nation, homeownership has always been considered a major piece of the American Dream. As Frederick Peters reports in Forbes:

“The idea of a place of one’s own drives the American story. We became a nation out of a desire to slip the bonds of Europe, which was still in many respects a collection of feudal societies. Old rich families, or the church, owned all the land and, with few exceptions, everyone else was a tenant. The magic of America lay not only in its sense of opportunity, but also in the belief that life could in every way be shaped by the individual. People traveled here not just for religious freedom, but because in America anything seemed possible.”

Additionally, a research paper released just prior to the shelter-in-place orders issued last year concludes:

“Homeownership is undeniably the cornerstone of the American Dream, and is inseparable from our national ethos that, through hard work, every American should have opportunities for prosperity and success. It is the stability and wealth creation that homeownership provides that represents the primary mechanism through which many American families are able to achieve upward socioeconomic mobility and greater opportunities for their children.”

Has the past year changed the American view on homeownership?

Definitely not. A survey of prospective buyers released by realtor.com last week reveals that becoming a homeowner is still the main reason this year’s first-time buyers want to purchase a condo or home. When asked why they want to buy, three of the top four responses center on the financial benefits of owning a condo or home. The top four reasons for buying are:

59% – “I want to be a homeowner”
33% – “I want to live in a space that I can invest in improving”
31% – “I need more space”
22% – “I want to build equity”

Millennials believe most strongly in homeownership.

The survey also reports that 62% of millennials say a desire to be a homeowner is the main reason they’re buying. This contradicts the thinking of some experts who had believed millennials were going to be the first “renter generation” in our nation’s history.

While reporting on the survey, George Ratiu, Senior Economist at realtor.com, said:

“Americans, even millennials who many thought would never buy, have a strong preference for homeownership for the same reasons many generations before them have — to invest in a place of their own and in their communities, and to build a solid financial foundation for themselves and their families.”

Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist for First American, also addresses millennial homeownership:

“Millennials have delayed marriage and having children in favor of investing in education, pushing marriage and family formation to their early-to-mid thirties, compared with previous generations, who primarily made these lifestyle choices in their twenties…Delayed lifestyle choices delay the desire for homeownership.”

Kushi goes on to explain:

“As more millennials get married and form families, millennials remain poised to transform the housing market. In fact, the housing market is already experiencing the earliest gusts of the tailwind.”

Bottom Line

As it always has been and very likely always will be, homeownership continues to be a major component in every generation’s pursuit of the American Dream. Contact us today at 734-761-3060 or info@condohotline.com and we can help you find your dream condo and guide you through this market. Start your new condo search here!