Buying
Build a plan for financing, touring, offers, inspections, and closing—without losing sight of what you actually need from a home.
See the buying process
Ann Arbor · Ypsilanti · Michigan
A confident move starts with clear guidance.
Thoughtful buyer and seller representation for the homes, neighborhoods, and next chapters that matter most.
Local focusAnn Arbor & Ypsilanti
Buyer guidanceFrom preparation through closing
Seller strategyPositioning, presentation, negotiation
Rooted in Washtenaw County
Two cities. Many ways to feel at home.
From established Ann Arbor streets to Ypsilanti’s distinctive historic homes, every move deserves a strategy shaped around the person making it.
Expect direct communication, careful preparation, and a process that keeps the next decision understandable.
Learn about the approachChoose your path
Where are you headed?
Selling
Prepare your property, understand the market, review offers with context, and move toward closing with a clear strategy.
See the selling processRenting
Organize your search, compare total move-in costs, prepare for applications, and get help asking the right questions.
See the rental processResources
Find official Michigan and nationwide guidance on down payment help, mortgages, housing assistance, refinancing, and more.
Explore the resource centerLocal representation
Strategy that still feels personal.
Real estate can move quickly. The guidance around it should stay calm, candid, and centered on your goals.
The approach
Prepared, responsive, and in your corner.
I help buyers and sellers make sense of the moving pieces, ask stronger questions, and choose the next step with confidence.
That means listening before recommending, explaining the tradeoffs behind each decision, and keeping communication clear from the first conversation through closing.
Sherman & Associates Realty PC
Melanie JoSarah Goff · Licensed Michigan Real Estate Salesperson
Serving residential buyers and sellers in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Michigan.
For renters
A rental search with someone in your corner.
Share what you need, receive rental options that fit, and get help asking the questions that matter before you apply.
Your rental plan
Search with clarity.
Melanie helps renters in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and surrounding Washtenaw County organize their search, compare options, and communicate with property representatives.
Start by sharing your preferred areas, move date, budget, household needs, and must-haves. Melanie can then follow up with next steps and help you prepare for showings and applications.
Rental listings, pricing, availability, fees, and application requirements can change. Confirm details with the property representative before applying.
How it works
From search to showing.
Tell me what fits
Share your areas, move date, monthly budget, bedroom count, pets, occupants, and priorities through the conversational intake.
Review your options
Compare available rentals with attention to total move-in costs, included utilities, lease terms, and application requirements.
Choose your favorites
Narrow the search to the strongest matches so questions and showing requests stay focused.
Prepare to apply
Gather requested income, employment, credit, identification, and pet information before submitting an application.
Rental intake form
Send your rental needs in one go.
Prefer typing it all out instead of chatting? Fill in the form below — it comes straight to Melanie so she can match you with rental options that fit.
For buyers
Buy with a plan, not pressure.
Strong decisions begin before the first showing—with clear priorities, realistic numbers, and a process built around you.
A steady process
Know what comes next.
The right home is only part of the goal. The path to it should be informed, organized, and responsive to the market.
Talk about buyingDefine
Clarify priorities, preferred areas, timing, and the monthly budget that feels sustainable.
Prepare
Coordinate financing readiness and the documents needed to write a strong offer.
Tour
Compare homes with attention to condition, fit, location, and long-term value to you.
Offer
Review terms, contingencies, and strategy before making a decision.
Close
Navigate inspection, appraisal, lender milestones, final walk-through, and closing.
Buyer guide
Practical notes before you tour.
A little preparation makes it easier to compare homes, financing, and tradeoffs without letting urgency make the decision for you.
Start with the monthly picture.
Look beyond the purchase price. Estimate principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, association dues, utilities, and a realistic repair reserve. Keep enough cash available for closing costs and the first surprises of ownership.
Compare the whole loan offer.
Interest rate matters, but so do APR, points, lender fees, mortgage insurance, cash to close, and whether the rate is locked. Review Loan Estimates side by side and ask what can still change before closing.
Use the inspection window well.
An independent inspection can help you understand condition, likely maintenance, and questions for specialists. Read the report closely and make repair or concession decisions in the context of your contract and priorities.
Buyer resources
Browse Ann Arbor homes for sale on Realtor.com
CFPB Home Loan Toolkit
Explore Michigan buyer resources
Programs and eligibility can change. Confirm current terms with the program administrator and your lender.
Start well
Your first conversation can save time later.
Bring your questions—even if you are months away or still deciding whether buying is the right next move.
Email about buyingAvailable now
Current listings.
A curated look at active homes on the market in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Tap any home to browse its photos, then reach out for a private showing.
For sale
Homes on the market.
Tap a home to see all of its photos. Availability changes quickly — call or text for the latest.
View photos
$229,900
2152 Pauline Blvd #207, Ann Arbor
2 bed2 bath1,173 sq ftCondo
Low-maintenance living in Walden Hills with a transferable home warranty good through 2027 — peace of mind included.
Ask about this home
View photos
$270,000
718 Watersedge Dr, Ann Arbor
2 bed1.5 bath1,208 sq ftCondo
End-unit condo at Geddes Lakes with extra windows and privacy — great value in a sought-after community.
Ask about this home
View photos
$385,000
767 Center Dr, Ann Arbor
3 bed2.5 bath1,074 sq ftRanch
Ranch with a finished basement and 1.5-car garage in Hollywood Park.
Ask about this home
View photos
$650,000
1044 Sunset Rd, Ann Arbor
4 bed3 bath1,832 sq ftBuilt 1988
Contemporary in Newport Woods — clean lines, generous space, and a quiet established setting.
Ask about this home
View photos
$1,959,000
1158 Baldwin Ave, Ann Arbor
4 bed2.5 bath4,084 sq ftBuilt 1912
Grand 1912 Craftsman with finished basement — timeless architecture meets modern living.
Ask about this homeThese featured homes are active listings sourced from the local MLS and listed by various brokerages. Melanie can schedule your private showing and represent you as your buyer’s agent. Listing information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed — availability, pricing, and details may change. Call or text (269) 357-9844 for the latest.
For sellers
Present the value. Protect the outcome.
A strong sale starts with preparation, positioning, and a plan for the decisions that arrive after the listing goes live.
Understand
Discuss your timing, property, priorities, and what a successful move looks like.
Position
Review relevant market context and decide on pricing and launch strategy.
Prepare
Prioritize presentation details that help buyers understand the home’s strengths.
Evaluate
Compare offer price, financing, contingencies, timing, and overall risk.
Move
Coordinate contract milestones and closing while keeping your next step in view.
Seller representation
Every decision in context.
A price is one part of an offer. Good representation helps you weigh the whole picture and move forward with fewer surprises.
Talk about sellingSeller guide
Prepare for the decisions after “list.”
The cleanest transaction usually starts with early preparation: understanding the property, the likely buyer questions, and the terms that matter to your next move.
Fix distractions before photos.
Address visible maintenance items, simplify rooms, improve lighting, and gather records for important systems and past work. The goal is not to erase the home’s character—it is to help buyers see the property clearly.
Read every offer as a package.
Compare financing, earnest money, inspection and appraisal terms, requested concessions, possession, and closing timing—not only price. The strongest offer is the one whose value and risk fit your priorities.
Plan the handoff early.
Keep contract dates visible, respond quickly to document requests, and plan utilities, keys, final cleaning, and your move. If your purchase and sale overlap, discuss timing and backup options before accepting terms.
Seller resources
Michigan principal residence exemption forms
Michigan fair housing reference
See the seller resource guide
These resources are educational and do not replace tax or legal advice for your specific transaction.
Thinking about a move?
A conversation about your timing and goals is the best place to begin. No generic valuation replaces seeing the property and understanding your plan.
Email about sellingMichigan housing guidance
Clear resources for your next move.
Start with official program details, practical preparation steps, and direct links to the organizations responsible for the information.
For buyers
Michigan assistance and mortgage readiness.
Michigan buyers may have several paths to explore. Eligibility is determined by the program and lender, so use these summaries to prepare questions—not to self-approve.
MI 10K DPA
MSHDA’s MI 10K Down Payment Assistance program provides up to $10,000 toward down payment, closing costs, and prepaid expenses.
- 0% interest, no monthly payments.
- Deferred until the first mortgage is paid off, the home is sold or refinanced, or it is no longer owner-occupied.
- Must be paired with a MSHDA MI Home Loan.
- Homebuyer education is required.
- Apply through a MSHDA-approved lender; there is no direct online application.
Source: Michigan State Housing Development Authority, reviewed September 18, 2026.
MI Home Loan
The MI Home Loan is the MSHDA mortgage used with MI 10K DPA. MSHDA lists these current statewide baselines:
- Sales-price limit: $566,355 after June 1, 2026.
- Minimum credit score: 640.
- Housing education is required when using the MI 10K DPA.
Source: Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Confirm income, household, property, and lender requirements before applying.
MSHDA Rate Relief Mortgage
This 30-year MSHDA mortgage reduces the borrower’s mortgage rate by one percentage point for qualifying first-time buyers.
- Household income must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income.
- Minimum credit score: 640.
- Sales price cannot exceed $224,500.
- Use a Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis member that also participates with MSHDA.
Source: Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Availability and lender participation should be confirmed directly.
First-Generation DPA pilot
The $25,000 First-Generation Down Payment Assistance pilot is not accepting applications. MSHDA states that all funds were exhausted and no waitlist is available.
This closed pilot is shown only to prevent confusion with older articles or advertisements.
FHA loan basics
What qualification usually starts with.
FHA insures loans made by approved lenders; it does not lend money directly. A lender may set requirements above FHA’s policy minimums.
Credit score and down payment
- A credit score of 580 or higher may qualify for 3.5% down.
- A score of 500–579 generally requires 10% down.
- Below 500 is not FHA-eligible under the cited FHA policy.
- The home must be a primary residence of one to four units and pass an FHA appraisal.
2026 limits and ongoing costs
For one-unit properties with FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026, the national floor is $541,287 and the high-cost ceiling is $1,249,125. Your county’s limit may differ.
FHA loans include upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums. Debt-to-income, income documentation, property condition, and lender overlays also affect approval.
Credit building
Build stronger habits before you apply.
Credit improvement takes time. These steps come from CFPB and major-credit-bureau guidance for future homebuyers.
Pay on time
Payment history matters most. Use reminders or automatic payments so every bill is paid by its due date.
Lower card balances
Reduce credit utilization and avoid getting close to the limit on revolving accounts.
Pause new credit
Apply slowly, avoid taking on debt you do not need, and do not close older no-fee cards solely because they are unused.
Check for errors
Review all three credit reports and dispute inaccurate information early, because corrections can take time.
Free, trustworthy help
Free credit reports are available through AnnualCreditReport.com. For a personalized plan, find a HUD-approved housing counselor or call 1-800-569-4287. Be cautious of companies promising to “fix” credit, especially when they charge upfront fees.
A recommended first conversation
Loren Yates, MortgageRight
Melanie recommends Loren Yates as one lender to speak with about prequalification and affordability. This is a recommendation, not a requirement—you may choose any lender, and comparing offers is encouraged.
Verified FHA options
Lenders to research and compare.
These lenders were verified as offering FHA loans. Inclusion is informational, not an endorsement, and products may vary by location and borrower.
Nationwide
- Rocket MortgageFHA loan overview and requirements
- ChaseFHA home-loan program
- U.S. BankFHA mortgage options
- Bank of AmericaFHA program information
- Wells FargoFHA mortgage information
Michigan-focused
- Flagstar BankMichigan-based lender with FHA products
- Lake Michigan Credit UnionFHA mortgage program
- Michigan First Credit UnionFHA and MSHDA loan information
- Huntington BankMichigan mortgage officer listing FHA products
Ask each lender for a Loan Estimate and compare APR, points, lender fees, mortgage insurance, cash to close, and rate-lock terms. Rates were intentionally not listed because they change.
Official video guides
Learn directly from MSHDA, HUD, and CFPB.
MI 10K DPA: Amanda’s story
From the official MSHDA YouTube channel.
Watch on YouTubeIs an FHA loan right for you?
From HUD’s official YouTube channel.
Watch on YouTubeHow can I improve my credit scores?
From the official CFPB YouTube channel.
Watch on YouTubeFor renters
Get ready before you apply.
A focused rental search starts with a realistic monthly budget, a move date, preferred areas, bedroom needs, pet details, and the application documents a property representative may request.
- Compare the full move-in cost, not only monthly rent.
- Ask what utilities, fees, deposits, and lease terms apply.
- Gather identification, income, employment, credit, and pet information before applying.
- Confirm availability and application requirements directly with the property representative.
For sellers
Start with the property and your timeline.
A useful seller conversation begins with your goals, timing, property condition, and what the next move needs to accomplish. Melanie can help you understand the preparation and market context before deciding how to proceed.
The seller intake experience is still being decided, so there is no long form to complete. Start with a direct call, text, email, or chat.
Important note
Educational information, not financial advice.
This page is for general education. Program rules, limits, lender standards, and availability can change. Confirm current details and your eligibility with a licensed lender or MSHDA before acting.
You may choose any lender. A recommendation or link on this page does not require you to use that provider and does not guarantee approval, terms, or an outcome.
Let’s connect
Tell me what you’re planning.
Buying, selling, or still sorting out the possibilities? Start with a direct conversation.
Chat with my assistant
Share your home-search plans one question at a time, by typing or using your microphone.
Call or text
269-357-9844Have a quick question? Call or text Melanie directly.
Share your timeline, preferred area, and how you would like to be contacted.
Chat with Melanie’s assistant
How can we help?
Choose buying, selling, renting, or resources. The assistant will guide you to the right questions or information.
Sherman & Associates Realty PC
Melanie JoSarah Goff · Licensed Michigan Real Estate Salesperson
Broker phone: +1 734-353-0206
Serving Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Michigan.