Wyandotte Warrior March 2026

State of the City

Wyandotte sees strong investment, infrastructure progress heading into 2026

Wyandotte Mayor Rob DeSana delivered the annual State of the City address, highlighting the progress made across the community in the past year and the momentum carrying the city forward into 2026.

The address focused on improvements in infrastructure, economic development, public safety, parks, neighborhood quality, and city services. DeSana noted that the progress seen throughout 2025 was made possible through the work of city staff, community partners, and residents.

Downtown Wyandotte continued to see significant investment and activity.

More than $ l 4M was invested in downtown improvements, including infrastructure upgrades, walkability enhancements, and projects aimed at strengthening the downtown core. The mayor reported that downtown

occupancy reached more than 90 percent in 2025.

Several long-awaited development projects also moved forward. The former City Hall building began redevelopment into 12 apartments along with 9,000 square feet of retail space. The former McKinley

School site was being converted into 15 owner-occupied condominiums, and plans were underway for a new public park. Construction of the new City Hall project is expected to be completed in 2027.

Infrastructure and neighborhood improvements remained a priority.

The city completed or neared completion on 14 road projects during 2025. Officials also updated the city's grass ordinance, lowering the maximum allowed height from 12 inches to 8 inches, and strengthened property maintenance enforcement as part of ongoing efforts to maintain neighborhood quality.

Wyandotte also invested in parks and recreation spaces. New and improved play areas were installed at Pulaski Park, Bishop Park, Rotary Park, PRCU Park, and the Knights of Columbus Tot

Bridal dreams come true at Biddle Hall

By SYDNEY HAMILTON

The Bridal Showcase at Biddle Hall was held on February 28 at 3239 Biddle Avenue, offering soon-to-be brides a free opportunity to connect with several local vendors and plan their dream weddings.

Local vendors showcased a wide range of wedding must-haves, including jewelry, florals, baked goods, photography, beauty and glam teams, med spa treatments, and alterations. In addition, the showcase featured music from DJ Wagon and highlighted Biddle Hall's new custom monogram lighting.

Eileen Murray, owner of Aster Daisy's Charm Bar, shared how her business caters to not only brides but also bridesmaids. "Brides can book us for bachelorette parties or personalized gifts for their bridesmaids. With everyone getting very creative with their bachelorette parties, they can purchase purse charms for their destination. If they're planning a trip to Nashville, we can do more western-themed charms," Murray said. "We're all about fun, custom jewelry pieces, such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, to make it a really special experience for the bride and bridesmaids."

Amanda Berrocal, owner of 23rd Street Media Creative, has been in the photography business for over 10 years with her husband, Omar. Berrocal goes above and beyond clients' needs when

documenting their love stories. "Ifwe notice they're getting ready to do toasts and they don't have their drinks, we will get them, or if they're getting ready to cut the cake and don't have proper utensils, we will grab those too," Berrocal said. "We've been to so many weddings and are familiar with the special moments, so we want to give that service, along with, of course, photography."

Cheryl Zemke, owner of Cheryl Zemke Boutique, has been in the fashion business for over 24 years, specializing in custom alterations and designing one-of-a-kind wedding dresses. Krissy Wegienka, a bridal client of Zemke, reflected on her positive experience with custom alterations. On social media, she wrote, "Cheryl altered my dress. It was several sizes too big, and she added straps to my gown. It was perfect."

Biddle Hall has assisted with hosting wedding receptions, engagement celebrations, anniversaries, baby showers, and birthday parties since 1970, accommodating special events for 50 to 150 guests with in-house catering, bar service, and photo booth services.

Those interested in hosting a special event with Biddle Hall can contact Jeremy and Leah Stefanski at (734) 767-9449.

RHS announces the Class of 2026 academic top ten

Theodore Roosevelt High School has officially announced the Top Ten students for the Class of 2026, recognizing a group of seniors whose academic dedication and consistency set them apart.

Leading the class as Valedictorian is Eleanor Grant, followed by Salutatorian Ashley Flores. Both students distinguished themselves through years of hard work, strong academic performance, and commitment to excellence in the classroom.

Rounding out the Top Ten are Ainslea Harper, Evan Kortas, Damian Byrne, Lydia Blonski, Alessio Vitale, Elijah Shimko, Emma Jordan, and Joanna Miciura. Each of these students maintained outstanding grade point averages while balancing coursework, extracurricular involvement, athletics, and other commitments throughout their high school careers.

The recognition highlights not only individual achievement but also the strength and determination of the Class of 2026 as a whole. As graduation approaches, these students leave behind a legacy of academic success and set a strong example for the classes that follow.

UNDER 65

Happy Pi Day

March is always special for us here at _ereferred Insured Agency. Our Partners got married on March 14 or Pi Day and we created our agency to celebrate that.

You may have noticed the Pi symbol in our logo. The initials of our company name are Pl. Our company colors are

Elizabeth and Shaun Abshire Purple and Indigo. Even Licensed Insurance Agents our puppy is named Pi!

"Preferred Insured" emphasizes the people we serve rather than the products we offer. We are grateful to our many Michigan clients who trust our agency to put their needs above our bottom line. If you are not yet one of them, why not give us a try?

Capitol Hill Visit

We proudly joined hundreds of agents in Washington, DC last month to raise awareness for bipartisan bills that boost affordability and choice for our Downriver clients. We thank Elissa Slotkin, Shri Thanedar, Rashida Tlaib and their office staff who met with us. We will do our part to make health care work better for you!

The event is scheduled to take place on April 18 and will focus on helping prepare, clean, and freshen up the Downtown area following the long winter season. Volunteers will assist with a variety of tasks aimed at tidying public spaces and improving the overall appearance of the district, helping ensure that the City's Downtown is looking its best and ready to welcome residents and visitors alike for the busy season ahead.

Organizers say the annual clean-up day provides a meaningful opportunity for residents to become actively involved in their community while also contributing to the continued care and maintenance ofWyandotte's Downtown district. By working together, volunteers help preserve the welcoming and attractive atmosphere that makes the area a popular destination for shopping, dining, and community events.

Students and community groups are especially encouraged to participate in the effort, as the event also offers opportunities for individuals to earn volunteer service hours or fulfill community service requirements. The cleanup day has traditionally drawn a wide range of participants, from local families and students to civic organizations and neighborhood groups.

Both longtime volunteers who return each year and first-time participants looking to get involved are warmly welcomed to take part in the community effort. Organizers hope the event will once again bring residents together for a productive and rewarding day dedicated to helping keep Wyandotte looking its very best as the city moves into the spring season.

PlanAhead for Peaceof Mind

Yard waste collection returns

The City of Wyandotte announced that subscription curbside yard waste collection for the 2026 season will run from the week of April 13 through the week of October 12.

The seasonal program costs $90.50 for the season, which averages about $3.35 per week.

Applications have been mailed to residents who participated in the program last season. New or returning participants can also find the Curbside Yard Waste Application on the City

of Wyandotte website under the Department of Public Services tab.

Residents who subscribe to the program must provide their own 32-gallon containers for yard waste collection. Brown paper bags and yard waste bags will not be accepted. Completed applications should be submitted to the Wyandotte DPS. For additional information, residents can contact the department at 734-3244580.

PROGRESS

Continued from FRONT PAGE

Lot. The city also hosted pickleball events and implemented parking improvements to help ease congestion in park areas.

Public safety initiatives expanded throughout the year. The city launched an emergency lock box program designed to help seniors and residents with disabilities receive faster emergency access from first responders. Through the Save Heart AED program, public automated external defibrillators were installed in heated and monitored units throughout the community. The Wyandotte Fire Department also received a $63,000 grant to purchase new breathing equipment.

The Wyandotte Police Department added 11 new officers and handled 24,245 incidents during the year. Officers made 893 arrests and issued 3,631 citations. The department also established a drone unit, added a second K-9, and adopted grappler units designed to safely stop highspeed pursuits.

City departments also reported significant work in municipal services. The Water Department repaired 66 water main breaks, replaced 60 lead service lines, and installed 18 new fire hydrants. The Electric Department launched the Wyandotte Cares energy assistance program and provided mutual aid during storm responses while continuing to maintain local services.

Additional city improvements included the demolition of six blighted structures, roof replacements, and security upgrades at the 27th District Court building. DeSana also reported that all collective bargaining agreements with city unions had been successfully settled.

The city also focused on improving communication with residents.

Wyandotte launched a new city website featuring a "Notify Me" alert system and expanded its social media presence.

Mayor DeSana's address outlined a year of progress across the community and a continued focus on investment, safety, and quality of life for Wyandotte residents.

Fifth annual cookoff celebrates chili and community

On a snowy Sunday in late February, the parking lot at PRCU hall was overflowing. Despite the weather, hundreds of residents of Wyandotte and the greater Downriver region gathered for KELLYSTEC the fifth annual City Club Chili

MAYOR PRO TEMPORE Cookoff. The event, hosted this year by the Knights of Columbus, celebrated the winners of local nonprofit clubs' individual competitions. The city finals saw seventeen victorious chilis placed head-to-head in an adjudicated championship. Members of the public were also welcome to sample the top-tier chilis and cast their vote for the People's Choice Champion for a $5 entry fee.

While all chilis at the event were worthy competitors, Dan Ford, representing Wyandotte FOP, took home both first place and the people's choice championship, with Michelle Helka (PLAV Post 74) and Dave Whipple (American Legion Post 217) rounding out the top three spots. In addition to the chilis, the cookoff featured a number of raffles. Lucky winners took home prizes including a guitar, a smoker, and a stay on Lake Huron thanks to generous support from community groups and local businesses.

Established in 2021 as a response to the

difficulties of fundraising and gathering together during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Club Chili Cookoff raises funds for local nonprofits and school-based projects. The organizing committee, known as Wyandotte Working Together, functions as a coalition of local nonprofits who share calendars, resources, and ways to best give back to the city and

its residents. Over the years, the group has raised nearly $25,000 for the community.

This year, the group was able to make a $5,000 donation to the Wyandotte Public Schools Scholarship Foundation thanks to the success of the event. Organizing committee members expressed their interest in being able to directly support Wyandotte students' futures, whether they are headed for college, trade school, or another postsecondary credential. The Foundation, which has distributed approximately $2 Million to Wyandotte graduates since its establishment, seemed like a natural fit for their fundraising goals.

"Everyone comes to this event ready to support the community, and they leave knowing they helped improve someone's life and hopefully full of chili," said Tony Borden, a spokesperson for the event. "We've been excited to see the competition grow over the years-we hope that by 2028 we have over 20 competitors, so whether you're a church, school group, or other nonprofit, come join the fun next year!"

Any local nonprofit who serves Wyandotte residents is welcome to join Wyandotte Working Together meetings and participate in next year's cookoff. Interested parties should contact myself at kstec@wyandottemi.gov.

Rug Cleaning Pick-Up & Delivery

Roosevelt bowlers strike big in championship season

The Wyandotte Roosevelt boys and girls bowling teams capped off an outstanding season, with both squads earning Downriver League championships and several bowlers advancing deep into postseason competition.

The boys team continued its success at regionals, capturing the Regional Championship in dominant fashion.

The Bears rolled a total score of 3,527, winning the event by nearly 200 pins and earning a spot at the state finals.

Sophomore Malachi Attard led the way, claiming the individual regional title with an impressive score of 1,335. Several other Bears also finished near the top of the standings. Braydey McLaughlin placed 10th with a score of 1,168, followed by Jayden Melton in 12th with 1,151. Ayden McLaughlin finished 26th with 1,084, Connor Bedo placed 33rd with 1,029, and Wyatt Isenegger recorded a score of 1,025.

At the state finals, the Bears continued their strong performance.

The team finished second during the qualifying block to advance to match play. In the bracket round, however, Wyandotte fell to Dearborn, the team that ultimately went on to win the state championship.

In the singles competition, Attard competed well but saw his run end

during the qualifying block. He finished 33rd overall with a score of 1,158.

On the girls side, the Bears also had an impressive regional showing. The team placed third overall with a score of2,857, narrowly missing the cutoff for the team state finals.

Despite the team just missing advancement, three Wyandotte bowlers qualified individually for the state tournament. Junior Madison Dufault led the group with a fourthplace regional finish, scoring 1,068. Sophomore Keegan McClain followed closely in fifth with 1,058, while senior Ellen Isenegger placed seventh with 1,029.

Other top finishes for the Bears included Megan Murray in eighth place with 1,025, Claire Schippling in 18th with 91 7, and Samantha Plascencia in 21st with 903.

At the state finals, Dufault finished 24th in the qualifying block with a score of 1,101, while Isenegger placed 37th with 1,039. McClain turned in a strong performance, bowling a 1,189 to finish ninth in the block and earn a spot in match play.

In the first round of match play, McClain battled Aria Ragland of Taylor in a close matchup, but Ragland narrowly edged her out to end McClain's impressive postseason run.

Bears hoops cap season with district title

The Wyandotte Bears girls basketball team put together a competitive season, finishing with a 13-13 overall record and placing fourth in Downriver League play. The team remained steady throughout the year, competing hard in league matchups while continuing to build momentum within the program.

That effort paid off in the postseason, as the Bears captured a District championship.

Wyandotte opened district play with a 37-26 victory over Southgate Anderson in the first round. The Bears continued their strong defensive play in the semifinals, defeating Allen Park 34-23 to advance to the championship game.

In the District finals, Wyandotte secured the wooden mitten with a 3 728 win over Riverview, completing an impressive postseason run and adding a District title to their program.

Their District win advanced them to Regional play where they ended their season against Dearborn in the Regional Semifinal.

The season marked a farewell for five seniors: Alicia Poyle, Annie Ziegler, Anaya Glenn, Madison Noe, and Emma Jordan. Their leadership and contributions helped shape the team's identity and played an important role in the program's continued growth.

Wyandotte cheer earns district runner-up finish

The Wyandotte Bears competitive cheer team earned a District Runner-Up finish with a total score of771.88, delivering their strongest perfonnance of the season when it mattered most.

The team put three of its best rounds on the mat. They opened with a 232.60 in Round One, followed by a 222.48 in Round Two. In Round Three, the Bears turned in an impressive 316.80 to secure the second-place finish and a spot at Regionals.

At the Regional competition, Wyandotte posted an overall score of779.60 to finish seventh to end their season.

Monthly recap with Rep Linting

It is great to get out in our communities and meet with residents, local leaders and small business owners. This RYLEE LINT/NG helps me serve as State Representative a VOiCefor US in the Legislature so our priorities can be heard! I wanted to share another update of where I've been and local events I've been honored to attend over the past few weeks.

I want to congratulate and thank the Trenton Rotary for hosting Trenton's State of the City and inviting me to attend. We're truly blessed to have strong communities like Trenton in our area. This is a community that has been part of the fabric of southeast Michigan for almost 200 years, having been founded in 1834. I'm grateful for the people and leaders and I was very interested in hearing plans for what's ahead for this great community.

Local infrastructure improvements are part of that future. As part of the current year's budget, I secured a $10 million appropriation that will go towards construction on a new bridge on West Road. Lane closures due to the condition of the existing bridge have created bottlenecks and safety concerns for motorists and first responders who need to use it during an emergency. I remain committed to fighting for resources for Trenton and other communities I represent across the district.

In addition to the State of the City event, I stopped by the Atria

Kinghaven Retirement and Assisted Living Facility in Trenton to help one of its residents, Isabelle, celebrate her 101st birthday! I presented Isabelle with a legislative tribute and chatted with her. It was a great time, and I want to thank the staff at Atria Kinghaven for allowing me to be a part of such a special moment!

I also presented four tributes to Southgate police officers at a recent city council meeting. Last year, two of these officers were shot when responding to a call with a third officer. A fourth officer rendered first aid on site. Thankfully, the suspect who shot these heroes was arrested a few hours later. We are incredibly grateful for the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make for our families and neighborhoods every time they put on the uniform. It was great to formally honor these four courageous officers with their families, Mayor Joseph Kuspa, Southgate Police Chief Mark Mydlarz and members of the Southgate City Council.

I also stopped by the Riverview Rotary for their Comedy Night. On top of the good laughs and vibes, it was great to talk with local leaders and residents about priorities that matter to the community. Thank you for having me, and I look forward to providing everyone Downriver with more updates soon!

State Rep. Rylee Linting serves the 27th House District in Wayne County, which includes the township of Grosse Ile, the cities of Gibraltar, Riverview, Trenton and TTyandotte,and a portion of the City of Southgate.

Name: Holly

Astrology sign: Virgo

Favorite Movie: Stand By Me

Favorite Life Experience? Grand Babies

Suggestion for Life? Life is short, Be Kind, Stay Humble

Quote: Stress causes wrinkles, Don't sweat the Small Stuff

HOROSCOPEOFTHEMONTH

March-

Expect heightened emotions, intense career focus, and opportunities for, or necessary adjustments to, long-term, sustainable goals, 22-5-33-15

An Island tradition is back up and running as Grosse He's Sacred Heart Catholic Church is again this year offering its famous Friday Fish Fries.

Run by the parish's Knights of Columbus, the weekly dinners will be offered every Friday from through April 3rd. The weekly events run from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Come and enjoy some great food and some fine LIVE entertainment from groups such as Barry Van Englelen and Pies & Bows.

Donations from the fish fries and other Knights events throughout the year help support Sacred Heart Seminary, Food for Families, Michigan Special Olympics, the Right to Life GolfFundraiser, Leave No Neighbor Behind, an ultrasound machine for the Archdiocese of Detroit, the Michigan Freedom Center serving military members at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, the Diaper Drive, the Sacred Heart Giving Garden, the Sacred Heart Food Pantry, and more.

The menu includes a choice of fried cod, broiled cod, fried lake perch, fried shrimp, and fried walleye. Each meal

includes a baked potato or French fries, house made coleslaw, a fresh Island Bakery dinner roll, and house made tartar and cocktail sauce.

Side orders include crab cakes, jumbo shrimp, pierogi, fries, and baked potatoes.

There is also a kid's menu featuring cheese pizza and macaroni & cheese.

Adult dinners run from $15.95 to $18.95 and kid's meals are $4.95. Prices include tax.

And don't forget the soup. The Sacred Heart Fish Fry is famous for its rotating variety of homemade soups, especially the lobster bisque - the lobster comes from Maine from a friend of the cook. If you have room, don't forget dessert. Sweet options include Hungarian strudel and floats.

A variety of beverages is available, including beer and wine.

The fish fry is held in the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, located at 21599 Parke Lane, Grosse Ile. Carryout is also available. Check the current week's offerings: www.kofcgi.com

OGRAND

New preserve protects wildlife habitat along the Detroit River

The Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy (GINLC) has completed the purchase of an ecologically significant parcel of land on Meridian Road just south of Bridge Road, marking the largest land acquisition in the organization's 33-year history.

The newly protected property, totaling 18.8 acres, includes 7.9 acres of upland forest and 10.9 acres of offshore property extending into the Detroit River. It complements the nearby Dr. Bruce D. Jones Preserve, acquired in 2022, and preserves a key natural gateway to Grosse Ile for future generations.

The acquisition was made possible through a generous donation covering the full purchase price by Grosse Ile resident, local business owner, and philanthropist Leo Stevenson. After learning the property had been listed for sale, Stevenson contacted the Conservancy to explore preserving the land permanently for its ecological value, scenic beauty, and critical wildlife habitat. Following a comprehensive assessment by the GINLC Land Acquisition Committee, negotiations concluded with the property's purchase in January 2026.

In recognition of the family's contribution, the land will be named the Leo G. Stevenson Family Preserve, with a sign scheduled for installation along Meridian Road this spring.

"This parcel not only adds to our existing 176 acres under stewardship, but it is one of the largest remaining tracts available for preservation on the Island," said GINLC President Paul Gloor. "This is a major acquisition for Grosse Ile and will be protected in perpetuity for all generations."

SEEPAGE3

REGISTER

Specialized, comprehensive care now available in Downriver

March is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of a complex neurological disease that affects nearly one million people in the United States.

The Multiple Sclerosis Center at the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND) is recognized as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and has expanded its reach with a new Downriver location. The Riverview office is staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including an MS fellowship-trained neurologist and advanced practice providers, who specialize in caring for individuals with multiple sclerosis and other complex neurological conditions.

SEEPAGE 15

Unified Titans take down SPD in community showdown

Recently, Southgate Police officers took to the court at Anderson High School to compete against the Southgate Unified basketball team in a spirited game that brought the community together for a great cause. The event fostered school pride while raising funds for two important student groups - Southgate Unified and the high school's DECA program.

SEEPAGE3

Mayor Rzeppa highlights projects, progress at State of the City

During his address, Rzeppa reflected on the past year and outlined a vision for the future while delivering his seventh State of the City speech. One of the largest projects currently underway is the battery energy storage system being constructed by DTE Energy. The facility, already visible as construction progresses, is expected to become the largest battery energy storage system in the Midwest.

SEE COVER

A tribute to Officer Lucas Sizemore and a call for support

Cold water has a way of shocking the system, but it can also build resilience, clarity, and commitment. The Brownstown Township Police Department co-hosted the annual Lucas Polar Plunge along the Detroit River, where approximately 250 people gathered and nearly 70 participants stepped into the icy water to raise awareness about police officer suicide. Many remained in the river for 8 minutes and 14 seconds, demonstrating solidarity and determination in support of the cause.

SEE COVER

Ahhhhh, you're on vacation

Your morning in paradise starts with sipping your coffee sitting at your nautical teak table overlooking lush tropical landscaping on your private balcony or taking a short stroll to the tiki hut at the end of the pier to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic. The perfect start in paradise.

After a fun filled day of boating, fishing, scuba diving or soaking up the sun relaxing by one of the largest pools in the Florida Keys or relaxing by the pool overlooking the marina and Atlantic ocean, or even sinking your toes in the sand like the song says "only worry in the world is the tide going to reach your chair" on our private upland sunning beach. There is always something for everyone!

Paradise isn't over yet as you walk through your own private courtyard, a bricked patio garden with relaxing furniture, then up just one flight of stairs, your private oasis awaits you where you can unwind from a fun filled day. You can cook your fresh day's catch in your fully equipped new kitchen with lots of natural light glistening off the solid surface countertops and the stunning stainless steel appliances and eat in comfort. Or go "out on the town" and relax in some of the best restaurants in the area where you are pampered as your fresh catch is being prepared to your specifications as you relax drinking a glass of wine watching the beautiful Florida Bay Sunset. The perfect end to a wonderful day in paradise.

After dinner retreat to your 1480 sq. ft. Newly Decorated Beautiful two bedroom townhouse with a smart open floor plan, 14' vaulted ceilings. Relax with ELEGANT Tommy Bahama furnishings and a 65" HDTV in the great room.

Now time for a perfect night's rest as you enjoy a wonderful view from the master bedroom giving the feeling of nestling in the trees. A beautifully tropical draped four-poster, king size bed with ultra comfort mattress assures a perfect night's sleep and offers the ideal spot to view the 48" flat screen TV. An en suite bath features a corner SJ)a tub, the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing.

Welcome to 901 Mariners Club! We are glad to have you here!

DOWNRIVERCU ANSWERS

Open the Door to Something Great with these Smart Homebuying Tips

For many families across Wayne and Monroe Counties, homeownership is one of life's most meaningful milestones. Whether you're buying your first home, moving up for more space, or downsizing, it's about more than square footage - it's about stability, community, and building memories.

In today's Downriver market, preparation matters. While inventory has improved compared to the height of the buying frenzy, well-priced homes still move quickly. Interest rates remain higher than pandemic-era lows, making it especially important for buyers to plan ahead.

If you're considering a move this year, here are practical steps to help you open the door to something great.

1. Get Pre-Approved Before You Shop

Before you start touring homes, know what you can truly afford. A mortgage pre-approval helps you avoid wasting your time (or that of a real estate agent or seller) looking at homes outside your budget.

Pre-approval gives you a clear price range, estimated monthly payment, and stronger buying power when you're ready to make an offer.

Even if you're months away from buying, starting early gives you a financial roadmap and positions you as a confident, qualified buyer.

2. Work with a Local Real Estate Expert

Each Downriver community has its own character and pricing trends. A knowledgeable local real estate agent can guide you through neighborhood differences, school districts, and comparable sales.

Choose someone who listens to your goals and understands what matters most in your next home. In a competi-

tive market, experienced guidance can make a significant difference.

3. Budget Beyond the Listing Price

The purchase price is only part of the picture. Ongoing homeownership costs include:property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, maintenance and repairs, and closing costs

Older homes - common throughout the Downriver area - may require updates over time. Setting aside funds for unexpected repairs protects both your investment and your peace of mind.

4. Think Long-Term

Before making an offer, ask yourself:

Will this home meet my needs for the next five to seven years?

Is there space for remote work or future growth?

Does the location support my lifestyle and commute?

Buying with long-term goals in mind can reduce the need to move during less favorable market conditions.

5. Don't Skip the Inspection

Even when homes sell quickly, a professional inspec-

tion is one of the smartest financial planning tools you have. From the foundation to the roof and HVAC system, an inspection identifies current concerns and potential future repairs before closing.

Knowing what improvements may be needed - and when - allows you to budget appropriately, prioritize upgrades, and avoid unexpected financial strain. Instead of surprises after move-in, you gain clarity and a proactive plan to protect both your home and your long-term investment.

6. Explore Opportunities to Save

As market conditions shift, buyers should explore available programs and promotions that may reduce upfront costs. Even modest savings at closing can ease the financial transition into homeownership.

For example, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union is currently offering $500 off closing costs on qualifying mortgage loans - a meaningful savings that can help free up funds for moving expenses, home updates, or building your emergency savings.

Opening the Door to What's Next

The Downriver region has long been built on hardworking families who take pride in their homes and neighborhoods. While today's market requires patience and preparation, opportunities remain for buyers who are informed and financially ready.

For those seeking guidance, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union offers mortgage education, personalized support, and community-focused lending solutions designed to help members accomplish great things at every stage of life.

Door