Detroit Motors to the Top of New Luxury Housing Market Ranking—Here’s How Its Fortune Has Changed

In a surprising turn of events, Detroit has emerged as the top luxury market according to the Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com® Emerging Housing Market Index report. Despite its history of financial challenges, Detroit now boasts a thriving luxury real estate market, offering accessible luxury to buyers looking for high-end properties at relatively affordable prices. The city's appeal lies in a combination of strong buyer demand, reasonable pricing, and balanced market fundamentals, making it a standout destination in the luxury housing landscape. Neighboring suburbs, such as Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham, also contribute to Detroit's luxury market success, with median prices below the national average.

The Motor City is getting a new reputation and it's an expensive one. Detroit tops the list of luxury markets, according to a new Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com® Emerging Housing Market Index report.

Yes, that's right—Detroit, a city that once filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy, now can claim bragging rights as the No. 1 luxury metro.

"Detroit rose to the top because it combines strong buyer demand, attainable pricing, and balanced market fundamentals, traits that have become increasingly valuable in today’s high-end housing landscape," explains Anthony Smith, senior economist at Realtor .com. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE FROM REALTOR.COM OCTOBER 23, 2025

#DETROIT #LUXURY #MICHIGANHOMES #HOUSINGMARKET #REALTYEXECUTIVESHOMETOWNE #EXEC-ELITE

September 2025 - Important month for the Stock Market & Interest rates

Several catalysts will test investor sentiment in the weeks ahead. The September 6 jobs report kicks things off, followed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ establishment survey on September 9 and the Consumer Price Index on September 11. The Federal Reserve will announce its latest policy decision on September 17, with Chair Jerome Powell holding a press conference shortly after. Rounding out the month, September 19 brings “triple witching,” when a wide range of equity-linked options expire, often sparking volatility.

How markets absorb these data points and policy decisions will determine whether August’s strength carries into the fall—or if September once again lives up to its reputation as a challenging month for equities.

September 2025 Luxury Home Marketing Statistical Report just out: “This is not a market in decline, nor is it one experiencing runaway growth. Instead, it is operating in a space of stability, where affluent buyers remain active, but are deliberate in their choices, and sellers must align their offerings closely with current lifestyle and quality demands.”  For full report go to (link to digital).  Have a GREAT month, and call me if I can be of assistance.

Denise van den Bossche 602-980-0737

LUXURY AMENITIES DEMANDED IN TODAY'S HOMES

The Paradise Valley Luxury Tour on Friday featured a panel of Designers to discuss Luxury Home Amenities and the Best Place to put your money for a higher return (Kitchen, Master Bathroom, Front Door and the use of timeless organic colors and materials). It prompted me to post this new Forbes article from August 6, THE ULTRA-WEALTHY EXPECT HOTEL-LEVEL AMENITIES FOR THEIR HOMES - AND DEVELOPERS ARE RACING TO KEEP UP, on my blog. (Link to Article pdf). It discusses luxury rentals, however also applying them to homes, “The amenities are a statement. They’re an extension of the resident’s home, so they have to match the same look and quality.” Wellness centers, Cold Plunge, and all those features the new homes are focusing on.

Inman Highlights Strong International Buyer Confidence in U.S. Real Estate

Inman, a leading independent news outlet covering the residential real estate industry, recently published an insightful article titled “International Buyers Aren’t Pulling Back Amid Global Uncertainty.” The piece emphasizes that despite global economic and political fluctuations, international interest in U.S. real estate remains strong.

According to Inman, the U.S. continues to be viewed as one of the most reliable and resilient real estate markets in the world. “Political cycles come and go,” the article states, “but demand for quality U.S. real estate—especially in cities with strong rental markets and sound growth fundamentals—endures.”

The article, dated July 29, outlines two primary types of international buyers:

Families relocating to the U.S.

Investors seeking strong long-term performance

Investor-buyers are particularly active, drawn by asset performance, dollar stability, and long-term upside. These buyers are showing no signs of slowing down.

Meanwhile, families considering relocation are taking a more thorough and thoughtful approach. Pre-construction and new-build homes are especially appealing to both groups. These buyers often have flexibility in timing and are comfortable moving forward now, anticipating that interest rates may shift before closing.

For developers and agents, the article underscores the importance of clearly communicating timelines, appreciation potential, and exit strategies. As interest from international buyers remains strong, the opportunity to serve this segment with clarity and confidence has never been greater.

For an in-depth look at your real estate needs, contact Denise van den Bossche, Associate Broker at Realty Executives Arizona Territory, celebrating 40 years, www.Exec-Elite.com

‘I Live in a 1900s Sears Catalog Home—Here’s What It’s Like To Own a House That Arrived in a Box’

Realtor.com August 2, 2025

Once upon a time—way before online shopping—you could order just about everything you needed from the Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog—including a house.

In the early 20th century, the massive Sears catalog (often 500 to 1,000-plus pages, a hard-copy equivalent of what Amazon.com is today) made it possible for people to get just about everything they needed within its pages. From 1908 to 1942, Sears sold approximately 75,000 mail-order home kits.

Full article pdf