The Henry Ford Museum is opening "DaVinci The Exhibition," showcasing 65 full-scale reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci's inventions and designs alongside museum-quality reproductions of his famous paintings.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: THe Henry Ford brings Leonardo da Vinci to life

The exhibition, which opens to the public Sunday and runs through May 3, offers visitors an immersive look into the mind of the Renaissance polymath who created masterpieces like The Last Supper, the Mona Lisa, and the Vitruvian Man.

"Leonardo da Vinci, we all know him. But maybe we don't really know him, right?" said Cynthia Jones, Director of Museum Experiences, Exhibition, and Engagement at The Henry Ford.

While da Vinci is widely recognized for his paintings, Jones explains he contributed much more.

"He was someone who was interested in all sorts of things and then constantly learning across this lifetime," Jones said.

This curiosity led da Vinci to create numerous inventions throughout his lifetime. His process involved careful observation and experimentation.

"He would look at birds and study birds and then think about, could I fly? And what took him further is the next step of that. Actually designing an experiment to figure out could he fly?" Jones said.

The exhibition features reproductions of da Vinci's creations and designs from his notebooks, ranging from pulley systems to diving suits to self-propelling carts. Some exhibits offer hands-on experiences for visitors.

"This was someone who was designing ahead of his time, and all around you, inside The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, you can actually see 200, 300, 400 years later, you can see what those ideas became," Jones said.

The exhibition also includes museum-quality reproductions of da Vinci's paintings, offering visitors a unique viewing experience.

"At the Louvre, you're standing many, many feet back from the Mona Lisa. Here, you're able to get inches from the Mona Lisa and also understand his artwork in the sense of how did he make that? What did he do with that? How does that include the golden ratio?" Jones said.

Jones hopes the exhibition sparks the same curiosity that drove da Vinci.

"Am I an artist? Are you an artist? Maybe not, but can we try it? Can we learn from it?" Jones said.

Visitors who have experienced the exhibition say it was eye-opening.

"I was very surprised and informed about things I didn't realize he had done," said Micki Patterson, who visited The Henry Ford Museum.

"It was very cool, it highlights the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci," said Joshua Cummins, another visitor.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A 10-year-old from West Bloomfield is heading to the World Series not as a spectator, but as a competitor in one of baseball's most prestigious youth competitions.

Matthew Williams II, a shortstop with baseball in his blood, has earned a spot as a finalist in MLB's Pitch, Hit, and Run competition. He will compete at Toronto's Rogers Centre during the World Series, representing one of just 40 kids selected from thousands of participants nationwide.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: West Bloomfield 10-year-old to participate in youth competition during the World Series

"I'm very excited, I'm going to represent Detroit," Williams said.

The young athlete comes from a family steeped in baseball tradition. Both his father, Matthew Williams I, and grandfather, Michael Williams, played the sport. His grandfather says young Matthew has been passionate about baseball since he was a toddler.

"Doesn't give up. Constantly wants to play, I mean doesn't let grandpa rest," Michael Williams said.

Williams II began his journey to the World Series by competing at the local level before advancing to regionals at Comerica Park. After placing second nationally in his age group, he earned his invitation to the finals.

The news of making it to the World Series created quite a celebration at home.

"He got up and ran around the living room with excitement just because we've been watching it for so long, watching the World Series for so long and the fact we're actually going to be there in-person, feel the electricity, it's going to be really exciting," Matthew Williams I said.

Williams will get to experience Game 2 on Saturday before competing Sunday morning. As he prepares for his biggest stage yet, he has a simple strategy.

"Play how I play in the game and just have fun and stay locked in," Williams said.

His grandfather takes pride in watching the family's baseball legacy continue through his grandson.

"He's an excellent ball player. And we truly enjoy watching him and we try to make every game we can," Michael Williams said.

Matthew Williams I says he cannot put into words how proud he is of his son. When asked about the possibility of seeing his son play in a World Series as a professional one day, he offered a thoughtful response.

"I would love for that to happen, but I just would love for him to want to continue to play the game for as long as he wants to," Matthew Williams I said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park along the riverfront in Detroit will officially open to the public this Saturday.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Take an inside look of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park as it nears completion

The 22-acre park has been seven years in the making and features four unique sections.

"It's something truly one of a kind, nothing like it in our entire region," said Ryan Sullivan, CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. "I think everyone's going to be blown away by what they see here."

Check out this drone video of the park courtesy Nadir Ali for Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Drone video over Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

The park opens Oct. 25 and includes the Delta Dental Play Garden with slides and a splash pad area, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden, the DTE Foundation Summit for events like movie nights or winter activities like sledding and the William Davidson Sport House.

The Sport House represents a partnership with the Pistons, bringing two full-sized basketball courts and a pavilion to the park.

"Some people want to be really active and basketball and others just want to relax and have a picnic or read a book. Everybody can do that in one trip here to the park," Sullivan said.

Beyond providing more outdoor recreation opportunities, Sullivan says the park will help bridge the city together.

"Residents of southwest Detroit, Corktown, Mexicantown will be able to get on the Southwest Greenway and go all the way over to the east side, get onto Belle Isle, go up the Dequindre Cut to Eastern Market," Sullivan said. "We have never had the kind of pedestrian connectivity that we're going to have once this park opens."

Detroiter Donna Lindsey-Law serves on the park's community advisory team and says extensive public input shaped the project.

"We go out here and we did surveys from this end of the town, to the north, to the west, to the east, and we asked people what do you want to see in this park," Lindsey-Law said.

She's proud of the result and its potential impact on future generations.

"Looking through the rear-view mirror at our generation of children that will grow up being proud of their city and what it has in it for them," Lindsey-Law said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The Detroit Lions return to Ford Field for a Monday Night Football matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and downtown Detroit is preparing to welcome thousands of fans. Some supporters are going the extra mile to show their team spirit.

Watch Demetrios' report in the video player below From custom cars to costumes, Detroit Lions supporters going all out ahead of Monday Night match-up

Growing up in Metro Detroit, Kurtis LaMotte has fond memories of visiting the Silverdome with his grandfather.

"Obviously watching Barry and Scott Mitchell, and the older players, Lomas Brown, just always wanted to be like one of those players," LaMotte said.

Ever since then, through the ups and downs and from Pontiac to Detroit, his support has never wavered.

"Sunday mornings, you wake up and do your same routine, get your Lions gear on and just kind of get ready for the game. It's about family time," LaMotte said.

If you see LaMotte on the streets, you'd have no doubt about where his sports loyalty lies. This is his Dodge Challenger, which was imprinted with all things Lions back in 2021.

"It just shows what Detroit's about. We're about muscle cars, we're about togetherness, we're about true grit football, and getting out there and just pounding it," LaMotte said.

The car named Detroit Pride is complete with the city's skyline, blue interior lighting, and even signatures from former players. LaMotte takes it to car shows throughout the year and says reactions are priceless.

"Whether you're a Lions fan or not, they see the car, and it brings light to them," LaMotte said.

Mike Zanin from Grand Blanc is also a lifelong Lions fan and current season ticket holder.

"I've always loved football, I've always followed football," Zanin said.

During a trip to Kansas City to watch the Lions play the Chiefs in 2023, he decided to take things up a notch.

"I wanted to go big. So I said let me put together a costume or something to represent Detroit and that's where 'Captain Kneecap' was born and it went over really well and I started going to games and I've been to every game since like this," Zanin said.

In addition to the costume, Zanin's basement is decked out with Lions memorabilia, from trading cards to Legos to signed jerseys and helmets.

"It's just fun to go out and find things that not a lot of people have. And just have a nice fun place to relax and watch some away games," Zanin said.

Zanin says over the years he's made many memories through his fandom, including with players.

"Got to see Isaac Tesla recently and came as Captain Kneecap and actually gave him an autographed picture of me, which he kind of enjoyed. So it's good fun, they tend to remember you," Zanin said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A Michigan-based nonprofit is marking a major milestone while continuing to transform the lives of children experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Helping children with hair loss

Children with Hair Loss, founded in South Rockwood, is celebrating 25 years of providing free hair replacements and care kits to young people who have lost their hair for medical reasons. The organization has helped more than 10,000 families since its inception.

The nonprofit was born from founder Regina Villemure's personal experience when her young niece underwent cancer treatment. As a salon owner and hairdresser from Downriver, Villemure noticed a critical gap in available resources.

"When they were wearing something (a wig), it was something that would be fit for their grandmother, their great-grandmother, it definitely wasn't child-appropriate at all," Villemure said.

The organization serves children with various conditions, including cancer.

"There's so many alopecia children, there's burn children, there's children with a disorder called trichotillomania where they pull their hair out, and they all need us," Villemure said.

Aleena Smith from Dundee experienced this need firsthand when she was diagnosed with alopecia areata at age 5 after a family spring break vacation.

"My mom and my grandma were brushing my hair, and then it started kinda falling out in chunks," Smith said.

The autoimmune disease that causes hair loss was particularly difficult for Smith.

"My hair was a big part of me because my mom's a hairdresser," Smith said.

WEB EXTRA: Aleena Smith talks about Children With Hair Loss WEB EXTRA: Aleena Smith talks about Children With Hair Loss

In 2024 alone, Children with Hair Loss sent care kits to 645 children across every state in the country. The wigs arrive ready to wear, providing immediate confidence to recipients.

"Their hair comes perfectly styled. Ready to just take off the styrofoam and put on their head, and look in the mirror and get that big smile, and the confidence it gives them is amazing," Villemure said.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the organization's success. Carol Orkisz, a former school teacher who volunteers with the nonprofit, understands the impact of their work.

"To come in and have hair on their head and they feel so much better," Orkisz said.

The organization is preparing for its annual charity ball on November 8, which serves as both a fundraiser and celebration for the children they serve.

"That's a whole weekend for and about the kids. Building their confidence, teaching them how to do their hair or their makeup, eyebrows, their eyelashes. It's not always about the hair, it's about the whole package of what we do for them," Villemure said.

For recipients like Smith, the organization's impact extends far beyond providing wigs.

"I'm just grateful they can help other children like me," Smith said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Plans to potentially create a central gathering place on Belle Isle are starting to take shape.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Concept plan and community survey released for 'Belle Isle Commons'

Whether it's exercising or just getting outdoors, there's a lot that attracts millions of visitors to Belle Isle each year.

"Words can't describe it. It's just a peace that I get when I come out here and I look at the water," said Randall Johnson, a Belle Isle visitor.

Soon there may be one more reason to visit. A proposed public square that would be known as "Belle Isle Commons" in the heart of the island.

"I think it's a great idea," said Frederick Hootman, a Belle Isle visitor.

Meagan Elliott, president of the Belle Isle Conservancy, said the concept emerged from a 2.5-year multimodal mobility study. During the research, visitors expressed interest in accessing more park destinations without relying on cars.

"So, how do we change that? Well, we can start by creating this public square in the center that gives you a landing place where you have reliable restrooms, reliable food and beverage, and then you can drift between all those assets," Elliott said.

The recently revealed concept plan centers the main plaza in the current parking lot of the Conservatory and Aquarium. Additional features would include a canal boardwalk, a nearby promenade for small-business pop-ups, an outdoor classroom, and converting the park's oldest building, "The White House," into a cafe.

"Everyone loves Belle Isle. It's Detroit's backyard, and we just want to highlight that and lift it up and give it all those world-class amenities that everyone has been telling us it needs," Elliott said.

The Belle Isle Conservancy and Michigan Department of Natural Resources have launched an online community survey to gather public input through December. Based on the feedback, organizers will assess necessary design changes before beginning fundraising efforts.

Johnson said he supports the effort.

"I think anything to get people out of the cars and get active, it's awesome," Johnson said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The Detroit Transportation Corporation has launched an $800,000 study to examine potential upgrades to the Detroit People Mover, focusing on how the elevated rail system can better serve riders as downtown continues to evolve.

The system plan and downtown mobility study will explore both short-term and long-term improvements to the rail service that was originally designed in the 1970s for a very different downtown Detroit.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Detroit People Mover study aims to improve downtown transit system

"An office district, not a lot of residents. Not as many sports teams and events. And really, I think the biggest impetus is the continued growth of downtown as a residential neighborhood," said Robert Cramer, CEO of Detroit Transportation Corporation.

The study will examine immediate improvements that could be implemented relatively quickly.

"Could be as small as renaming stations, doing wayfinding, maybe adding or subtracting a station, maybe even improvements to allow two-way travel because right now, it's a one-way loop," Cramer said.

It will also take a dive into longer-term possibilities including expanding the People Mover's reach.

"Maybe expanding the entire footprint of the loop or even adding some spurs out to some major development areas. So, everything's on the table," Cramer said.

The Detroit Transportation Corporation, which owns and operates the rail service, has launched an online survey asking community members about their experiences traveling around downtown Detroit and locations they wish the People Mover better connected to.

"What are the things the People Mover is doing for you? And what sort of things would you want to get out of some future improvement? And that's really why we're here, to move people," Cramer said.

Current riders appreciate the convenience the system provides for downtown travel, though some have suggestions for improvements.

Joe Gehringer, a People Mover rider, uses the system to travel from his work building to events downtown.

"When I do ride it, it gets me to where I need to go. We're right downtown, so most of the time, we walk but for this one, it's a convenience going from our work building to a concert down here," Gehringer said.

However, riders like Gehringer would welcome smoother operations.

"Get rid of the jerking around a little bit," Gehringer said.

The study is expected to be completed next year.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The community will soon have their first chance to visit Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, a massive new public space west of downtown Detroit along the riverfront that opens to the public later this month.

On Wednesday, we took a tour of the space as it nears completion.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Take an inside look of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park as it nears completion

The 22-acre park has been seven years in the making and features four unique sections.

"It's something truly one of a kind, nothing like it in our entire region," said Ryan Sullivan, CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. "I think everyone's going to be blown away by what they see here."

The park opens Oct. 25 and includes the Delta Dental Play Garden with slides and a splash pad area, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden, the DTE Foundation Summit for events like movie nights or winter activities like sledding and the William Davidson Sport House.

The Sport House represents a partnership with the Pistons, bringing two full-sized basketball courts and a pavilion to the park.

"Some people want to be really active and basketball and others just want to relax and have a picnic or read a book. Everybody can do that in one trip here to the park," Sullivan said.

Beyond providing more outdoor recreation opportunities, Sullivan says the park will help bridge the city together.

"Residents of southwest Detroit, Corktown, Mexicantown will be able to get on the Southwest Greenway and go all the way over to the east side, get onto Belle Isle, go up the Dequindre Cut to Eastern Market," Sullivan said. "We have never had the kind of pedestrian connectivity that we're going to have once this park opens."

Detroiter Donna Lindsey-Law serves on the park's community advisory team and says extensive public input shaped the project.

"We go out here and we did surveys from this end of the town, to the north, to the west, to the east, and we asked people what do you want to see in this park," Lindsey-Law said.

She's proud of the result and its potential impact on future generations.

"Looking through the rear-view mirror at our generation of children that will grow up being proud of their city and what it has in it for them," Lindsey-Law said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The community is coming together through vigils and acts of kindness as residents continue to mourn Sunday's deadly shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Community rallies together after deadly Grand Blanc Township church shooting Watch Ryan Marshall's video report Community rallies together after deadly Grand Blanc Township church shooting

With heavy hearts, those in Grand Blanc and Grand Blanc Township are still processing the violence that occurred at the local church. The tragedy has left many residents searching for answers.

RELATED STORY: Investigators search for motive in Grand Blanc church attack Investigators search for motive in Grand Blanc church attack

"Very saddened. A lot of mixed emotions running through my head. Why?" said Robert Hempel, who lives in the Grand Blanc area.

As the community manages their grief, many are finding solace in coming together. On Tuesday, dozens gathered at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital for a candlelight vigil to honor the victims and start their own healing.

"We're repairers of the breach, and we're more than honored to create this space and the facilitation for people to have a container to pause together, come together, lament, and begin the healing process," said Amity Lovette, regional manager of spiritual care for Henry Ford Health.

The community support is far-reaching. In Grand Blanc, 10-year-old Evelyn Baugh and a group of her friends are spreading hope by giving out flowers, collecting donations for the victims, and passing along notes of positivity throughout their neighborhood.

"The big accident happened, and we thought that maybe selling flowers for free would make people happy," Evelyn said.

Evelyn's handwritten notes carry messages of encouragement during this difficult time.

"Things are tough, but you are tougher. And we like to put the pictures in there and stuff like that. I put a 10-pound weight, and I put a person holding 100 pounds," she said.

On her first day of giving out flowers, Evelyn sold out completely. For those who stopped by her flower stand, the gesture provided much-needed hope.

"Seeing things like this where kids are just trying to make a good impact and trying to turn things around just makes me really happy and optimistic for the future," said Kaitlyn Robinson, from Grand Blanc.

Evelyn's mother, Kristie Baugh, said the shooting's impact on children weighed heavily on her mind, especially after schools were canceled Monday.

"We're like, my goodness, what do we even tell them?" Kristie Baugh said.

Ask Dr. Nandi: The psychological toll of shootings and how to talk to your kids Ask Dr. Nandi: The psychological toll of shootings and how to talk to your kids

While she says no child should have to experience such a tragedy, she's proud of the positive impact her daughter's flower stand is making in the community.

"I can't believe how much I blew up and the support that we got and such positive reaction from something she didn't think twice about," Kristie Baugh said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The Grand Blanc Township community came together for prayer services after a mass shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints left four people dead and others injured.

Faith Lutheran Church opened its doors to dozens of community members for a prayer service, providing a space for healing and support in the wake of the tragedy. The shooting sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, with several congregations organizing prayer services in response.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Grand Blanc Township community gathers for prayer services after church shooting

"My first instinct was why is this happening in our world," said Marcia Thomas, a member of Faith Lutheran Church.

Faith Lutheran Church was less than a mile away from the shooting and was about to begin their own service when they learned what was happening. The tragedy hit particularly close to home when they discovered personal connections to the victims.

"Several of the victims had been a part of our preschool family. So there was a close connection there that we were made aware of that really intensified the emotions of many of the people here," said Jeffrey Heimsoth, senior pastor at Faith Lutheran Church.

The church welcomed dozens of people for their prayer service, creating an open environment for anyone seeking comfort and community support.

Related video: Police say all accounted for after deadly church attack 'This was an evil act.' Police say all accounted for after deadly church attack

"We have no idea of the range of emotions that people are going through, and how do they combat this? And so we felt it was important for us to simply open our doors for anybody that wanted to come," Heimsoth said.

During the service, community members shared their emotions with one another and had the opportunity to meet with comfort dogs. Heimsoth emphasized the importance of maintaining hope during difficult times.

"It's a tragic event, but we pray that somehow God will use that for good, but that requires us to act in a compassionate manner, it requires us to reach out to our neighbors, it requires us to conquer our own fears," Heimsoth said.

For many church members, processing what occurred has been challenging.

"Just the horrifying thought that people were put in danger and traumatized, children traumatized," said Sue Hooper, a member of Faith Lutheran Church.

Related video: 'They are our neighbors': Grand Blanc churches open doors after deadly church shooting, fire Finding faith in the face of tragedy

Despite the tragedy, community members are finding strength through their faith and support for one another.

"In my mind, our hope is in the Lord and he can create peace out of horrendous situations, and I pray that people will find some comfort and hope and peace in this," Hooper said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Detroit's iconic 313 area code will soon share the spotlight with a new three-digit identifier as available phone numbers dwindle after nearly eight decades of use.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: 10-digit dialing to be required as Detroit's 313 area code gets company from 679

Starting October 7, customers within the 313 area code will be required to dial 10 digits for all local calls. The change comes as preparation for the introduction of a new 679 area code.

The 313 area code has become deeply embedded in Detroit's identity.

"It's like our culture, almost. It's like it's symbolic to Detroit, you think about Detroit, you think about the area code 313," Eric Wright said.

Ambre Burnett, from Detroit, echoed that sentiment, describing the area code as central to the city's character.

"It's who we are. It's our pride, it's our heritage, it's Detroit. It's authentic," Burnett said.

Now that 313 numbers are running low, there's a need for an additional area code.

"Essentially, with all the technology that's in place now, there's a much greater demand on telephone numbers, and there's just only so many numbers that are available," said Ryan McAnany, Director of the Telecommunications Division, Michigan Public Service Commission.

As a result, new phone customers in Detroit and some surrounding areas may be given a new 679 area code beginning November 7, but according to current projections, the impact isn't expected to be felt for a few years.

"There's still enough 313 numbers until about the first quarter of 2028," McAnany said.

The transition to 10-digit dialing begins in two weeks, and officials encourage residents to start practicing now to avoid disruption.

PREVIOUS REPORT: New 679 area code begins in November for Detroit & other areas; 10-digit dialing to be required Detroit adding 679 to new phone numbers as 313 area code runs out

"If they wait until October 7 and they forget and they try to make a local call, it won't go through. They'll receive a recorded message saying the call can't be completed," McAnany said.

McAnany also emphasized the importance of updating any technology or devices connected to phone systems to include all 10 digits, particularly for emergency situations.

"So that in the case of one of those situations, a call needs to be made, it can go through, especially when you're talking about medical devices, fire alarms, security systems, and those things," McAnany said.

For longtime Detroit residents, accepting a new area code alongside the beloved 313 will require adjustment.

"I can't even associate it right now because it's been 313, it's always going to be 313. So 679, I have no thoughts for it right now," Burnett said.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Commission likely to approve new 679 area code as iconic 313 phone number combinations begin to run out Commission likely to approve new 679 area code as 313 numbers begin to run out

Current 313 phone number holders will keep their existing area codes unchanged.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Existing home sales in the U.S. are trending towards their worst year since 1995, according to research from the real estate brokerage company Redfin. But as we head into the fall, there are some signs that the housing market may improve.

Watch Demetrios' story in the video player below What to know about buying or selling your home in the metro Detroit housing market this fall

After welcoming their third son, Brian Eisbrenner and his family began looking for a new home in the Grosse Pointe Woods area.

"We were busting at the seams at the house with stuff, and they're getting bigger, so that was a big motivating factor," Eisbrenner said.

But closing the deal proved to be pretty difficult.

"We had been looking for a year, year and a half, stuff would come on in our price point, but it went very quickly.

Eisbrenner finally found his home through an off-market deal, ending a difficult buying process. On the other hand, he said selling his previous home this August was much easier, despite some concerns.

"When we put our house on the market, like six others came on the market, but we had priced it competitively so that we got multiple offers, so by that first weekend, we already had an accepted offer.

As fall begins, Christina Gennari, a realtor with Keller Williams Reality, said the housing market is looking more balanced than it did last year.

"Our numbers are actually up 3.5 percent from 2024," Christina said. "So we've seen more homes selling this year than they did last year in Michigan.

So, what's driving that year-to-year increase? Gennari said people are seeing interest rates they're more accustomed to, and the most recent rate cut by the Fed will only help.

"Lower interest rates are always going to inspire people to buy homes, but also to sell a house that they might already have a low interest rate on," Gennari said.

If you're planning to buy a new home this fall, winter, or even during the spring market, you're encouraged to begin thinking now about what's most important to you.

" So that would be the location, the size of the house, and also the price point," Gennari said. "That way, once your dream home becomes available, you'll be really comfortable making an offer in case it's a competitive situation. Some homes still have multiple offers, and if that's the house you're in love with, you need to know you're paying the right price for it.

And as for sellers, pricing your home at the right amount is key.

"Sometimes that means going just a little bit lower than what you might've seen your neighbor list or sell their house for homes that are not priced right, (and) are sitting on the market much longer than they were last year.

I also asked Eisenbrenner for his advice to other home buyers and sellers; he said patience will be critical.

Where Your Voice Matters