Straight answers to the questions I hear most from Metro Detroit buyers and sellers.
Ali Al-Khafaji is a licensed REALTOR® with Keller Williams Domain serving Oakland County, Macomb County, and Wayne County throughout Southeast Michigan and Metro Detroit — including Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy, West Bloomfield, and surrounding communities.
Yes. Ali works with first-time homebuyers (including down payment assistance program guidance), move-up and luxury buyers and sellers, relocation buyers moving to or within Southeast Michigan, and professionals — including physicians, healthcare workers, teachers, and first responders — who may qualify for specialized home loan programs.
Conditions vary meaningfully by city and neighborhood within Metro Detroit, and shift throughout the year — a general regional summary is less useful than asking about a specific area you're interested in.
Down payment requirements vary by loan type and lender — some programs allow significantly less than the traditional 20%. Worth a conversation with a lender early, before you start touring homes, to know your real range.
Closing costs typically include lender fees, title insurance, taxes, and prepaid items, and vary by transaction — your lender will provide an itemized Loan Estimate early in the process so there are no surprises.
This depends on your timeline, local rent-vs-buy costs in the specific area you're considering, and your financial situation — it's a personal-finance question as much as a market one, worth a real conversation rather than a generic answer.
Earnest money is a deposit showing you're serious about a purchase offer, held in escrow and applied toward your closing costs or down payment at closing. Amounts vary by price point and local market practice.
REALTOR® is a trademarked title for licensed agents who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and agree to its Code of Ethics — not every licensed agent uses the title.