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Trump's 5 Housing Plans vs 2 That Would Actually Work + Homes Coming to Market & More

Trump's 5 Housing Plans vs 2 That Would Actually Work + Homes Coming to Market & More

Michael Perna
January 22, 2026

Trump Housing Plans: What Metro Detroit Buyers Should Know

President Trump announced five initiatives to improve housing affordability: 50-year mortgages, restricting institutional investors, Treasury mortgage purchases, 10 percent credit card caps, and 401(k) down payment access. Metro Detroit real estate experts warn each could backfire, hurting buyers through higher long-term costs, reduced rental inventory, and limited credit access. The proven solution remains building more homes to address the 8 million unit shortage driving prices up across Southeast Michigan and nationwide.

The housing affordability crisis hits close to home in Metro Detroit. Birmingham ranch homes on Lakeside Drive that sold for $350,000 in 2019 now list at $550,000. Royal Oak bungalows near the downtown district on Washington Avenue command $450,000 instead of $280,000. First-time buyers in Ferndale's historic neighborhoods, Hazel Park's revitalized streets near Mack Avenue, and Madison Heights near John R Road face bidding wars and monthly payments double what their parents paid.

Belle Isle Conservancy Rebrands as "Detroit's Backyard"

Belle Isle Conservancy launched a new brand identity in January 2026 positioning the 982-acre island park as "Detroit's Backyard" rather than just a park. The rebrand includes a redesigned website with visitor planning tools, new visual identity centered on people rather than buildings, curated Spotify playlists featuring Detroit artists, and a "Detroit Joy" theme celebrating the emotional connection Detroiters have with the island.

Detroit Restaurant Openings 2026: 8 New Spots to Know

Metro Detroit is buzzing with new restaurant openings slated for 2026. This year will see beloved local favorites expanding to new locations and innovative eateries debuting across Detroit neighborhoods and suburbs. From a thin-crust pizzeria in Oakland County to a modern Asian fusion concept downtown, these highly anticipated spots promise to bring diverse flavors and fresh energy to the region’s dining scene.

Quote of the Week

"Productivity is not about getting everything done, rather it is about getting things done effectively."

- Brianna Gray

Metro Detroit Weekend Events

It’s the final weekend of the 2026 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit, giving Metro Detroiters one last chance to see the newest vehicles from the Big Three and other major brands, plus ride-along experiences and a lineup of luxury and rare autos. The Hour Detroit team attended the Jan. 14 media preview and highlighted the biggest takeaways and standout displays, making it easier for first-timers to plan what to see. The show runs through Sunday, Jan. 25, with tickets at $25 for adults, $15 for seniors 65+, $10 for children ages 3–12, and free admission for kids 2 and under.

Winter weekends at Robert C. Valade Park on the Detroit Riverfront bring a full lineup of seasonal fun, from sledding and curling to bonfires with s’mores stations and rotating themed activities. This weekend, January 24–25, the park hosts the Fire and Ice Festival featuring ice carving, live performances, games, and more. The “Polar Power Walk” also takes place every Sunday at 2 p.m. along the Riverfront and is free with required registration. Admission to Winter at Valade is free and runs Saturdays and Sundays throughout the winter season.

Bowers School Farm’s Winter Park is running now through March 1, offering a family-friendly winter outing with farm animal visits, comfort food from the Farm Kitchen, and shopping at the farm store. The main draw is the 200-foot tubing hill, which lights up with colorful nighttime illumination for an extra dose of winter fun after dark. General admission is free, while tubing requires a timed ticket priced at $17 per person (plus processing fee) for a 50-minute session.

The Detroit Historical Museum is marking the Detroit Red Wings’ 100th anniversary with “Detroit Red Wings at 100: Becoming Hockeytown,” a new exhibit showcasing rare artifacts and standout pieces from across the team’s history. The exhibit is open now through November 3, 2026, making it an easy weekend stop for hockey fans and Detroit history lovers alike. General admission is $15, with discounts available for seniors, students, children, and additional groups.

The Art of Zingerman’s: A Feast for Your Eyes – Second Course is on display now through February 27 at the Ann Arbor District Library’s Downtown location, giving visitors a close-up look at the original hand-drawn artwork behind Zingerman’s iconic packaging and catalogs. The exhibit features thousands of pieces, including fan-favorite characters like Grandpa Pickle and Bacon Detective, making it a fun, uniquely local stop for anyone who loves Michigan creativity and quirky design.

If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Metro Detroit, The Perna Team can help you. We're fast, friendly, and have served thousands of families in the Metro Detroit area with their real estate needs. Click below to start viewing what's available in Metro Detroit today, or reach out and find out what your home is worth on today's market!