What No One Tells You About Buying a Home in Metro Detroit

Owning a home in Metro Detroit is an exciting milestone – but it comes with a few surprises that even lifelong renters might not see coming. As Metro Detroit homeowners, we quickly learn there’s more to that charming brick ranch or classic Royal Oak bungalow than the listing let on. From hidden costs to unexpected joys, homeownership here is an adventure. In true neighborly fashion, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to own a home in the Motor City suburbs and beyond. Here are 13 surprising truths (drawn from local experience) about owning a home in Metro Detroit – consider this your friendly heads-up from one neighbor to another.

Quote of the Week

"Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things."

- Peter Drucker

Metro Detroit Weekend Events

Barley, BBQ, & Beats 2025 is set to take place on April 25 at Saint Andrew’s Hall, featuring live music performances by acclaimed artists Thornetta Davis and Al Bettis, with meteorologist Ahmad Bajjey of CBS Detroit hosting the event. Attendees can enjoy premium drinks provided by local favorites such as Ann Arbor Distillery, Detroit City Distillery, and Resist Spirits, alongside delicious offerings from Detroit BBQ, Vegan Baddies, The Vintage House, and more. The event is exclusively for guests aged 21 and up, with tickets priced between $65 and $75.

The Rat Pack Lounge, a lively stage production by James Hindman and Ray Roderick, brings Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. back to life as they return from heaven to complete some unfinished business on Earth. The show runs from April 23 through May 18 at Meadow Brook Theatre, with tickets starting at $39.

Jurassic Park: The Musical is a humorous stage parody of the iconic 1993 film, depicting a billionaire's ill-fated dinosaur theme park adventure that quickly turns into a survival nightmare when the dinosaurs break free. Audiences can catch this entertaining show from April 25 through May 10 at Planet Ant, with tickets ranging from $30 to $40.

The Addams Family, a Tony Award-nominated musical comedy, brings America's beloved spooky family to life at the Fox Theatre from April 22 to 27. When Wednesday Addams introduces her new boyfriend and his seemingly normal parents to Morticia and Gomez during an unforgettable dinner, a hilarious and revealing game of truth or dare unfolds, forever altering both families. Tickets start at $30.

Touch-A-Truck invites families to explore an exciting lineup of city vehicles and work trucks, including fire engines and construction equipment, at the Southfield Municipal Campus on April 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission to this hands-on, kid-friendly event is free to the public.

The Macomb Ballet Company invites audiences to journey down the Yellow Brick Road with their performance of The Wizard of Oz at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, April 25-27. Follow Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they embark on an adventure to find the great and powerful Oz. Tickets are available for $25.

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