Love It or List It - The Southeast Michigan Edition(4 min read)

Should you renovate…or relocate? Let's settle the debate once and for all. 

Hey friends,

At some point, every homeowner in Michigan stares at their dated kitchen, slanted floors, or that awkward half-wall and wonders:
Do I want to fix this… or am I just one open house away from listing it all and walking away with my emotional support Yeti cup?

 We recently decided to answer that question ourselves. In our case? Renovation won the coin toss (and by coin toss, I mean 3 rounds of pros and cons, 2 budget spreadsheets, and one "should we just burn it down?" joke).

 Our house was built in 1940, a typical lake house that’s been added onto over the years like a patchwork quilt of questionable contractor decisions. We thought we’d just freshen up the entryway and laundry room tile. You know, quick update, in and out, done in two weeks.

Well… we’re four weeks in, and we're definitely not out of the woods yet.

What started as “let’s change the floor” turned into demoing 3.5 inches of old materials (yes, really), navigating around in-floor radiant heat, and questioning every life choice that brought us here.

Thankfully, we partnered with some amazing vendors who’ve helped us stay (somewhat) sane. If you need a referral for anything home-related; tile, plumbing, HVAC, emotional support…we’ve got a guy (or a woman!) who can get the job done. 

Love It: When Renovating Makes Sense

You might want to stay and give your home a glow-up if:

-You love your lot, lake, or neighborhood.
-Proximity to water, trails, top-rated schools, or your favorite coffee spot is hard to replace.

-You’ve got equity to work with.
Livingston and Washtenaw County homeowners have built up impressive equity, enough to fund those big updates without going full HGTV meltdown.

-The bones are good.
-If your structure is sound and you’re tweaking layout or finishes, you can boost both value and quality of life.

-You’re up for the temporary chaos.
It’s not glamorous, but if you can live through dust, decision fatigue, and a contractor who swears it’ll “only take one more day,” the results can be worth it.

List It: When It’s Time to Move On

Sometimes, your house is just not “the one” anymore.

-You need space that just doesn’t exist.
-Want to ditch the stairs, add a third garage, or finally get a real mudroom? Some floorplans simply won’t cooperate.

-Your renovation budget has turned into a second mortgage.
If the cost of fixing it rivals the cost of buying new—well, why not start fresh?

-You’ve already mentally moved.
If Zillow browsing is your nightly scroll and you can name the models in every new construction neighborhood... your heart may have left the building.

-The house is fighting you.
Bad bones, outdated systems, or a layout that makes no sense? Don’t force it. The right house is out there.

Real Talk From the Field

Last spring, I worked with a couple in Howell who loved their home almost as much as they hated their soggy backyard. Turns out, the water table in their area was unusually high, making landscaping nearly impossible and turning their spring lawn into a seasonal swamp.

Instead of investing in landscaping solutions, they decided it was time to make a move. We explored neighborhoods with larger lots, better elevation, and room for a real garden, not a wading pool.

Now? They're hosting bonfires on dry ground and their dogs aren't tracking in mud 24/7. No regrets.

Meanwhile, a client in South Lyon was debating whether to live with their postage-stamp kitchen or take the leap and move. We ran the numbers, got renovation quotes from one of our trusted contractors, and it turned out their equity could cover a gorgeous kitchen expansion and a dreamy walk-in pantry. They stayed and now their Friday pizza nights feel more like a chef’s tasting menu than a countertop struggle.

Still Torn Between Demo and Departure?

Here’s how I can help:

Free home valuation — no pressure, just facts.

Contractor referrals — only the reliable ones. You know, the unicorns.

Project vs Purchase breakdowns — let’s compare your options.

Strategy session — let’s talk through your goals, timeline, and budget.

This Week’s Thought Starter:
When thinking about your own home- do you love it or are you thinking you should list it?
If you’re unsure, you’re not alone. Sometimes the house just needs a little love and sometimes it’s time to swipe right on something new. We are here either way, to help you sort through the dust, data, and decision fatigue with no pressure (and maybe a little sarcasm).