February 17, 2025

Finding the Right Buyer at the Right Time

When I first started working on this Michigan Avenue property, I knew it had serious potential. Sitting in that key stretch between Canton and Ypsilanti’s Depot Town, it was positioned in a high-visibility corridor that’s only growing in demand. But like any deal, finding the right buyer wasn’t just about putting up a listing and waiting. It took persistence, strategy, and relationships with the right people.

A Prime Location with Room to Grow

What stood out about this property right away was its location. Depot Town has been on the rise, drawing more and more businesses and investors on the lookout for opportunities in a walkable, high-traffic area. Michigan Avenue serves as a major connector between Depot Town and Canton, making this property a smart long-term investment. The building had a strong tenant mix, which added to its value. But what really made it interesting was its potential for future growth. An investor who understood the area would look at this property and see not just what it was—but what it could be. That visionary person was the one I needed to find.

Why Relationships Matter in Real Estate

I knew this wasn’t going to be a deal where a buyer just stumbled across the listing and made an offer. It needed to go to someone who truly understood the market and saw the upside. That’s why I leaned on relationships I’ve built over time, keeping this property top-of-mind with my network of investors.

One of those investors had already closed multiple deals in Ypsi and knew the market’s potential. Because we had an ongoing relationship, it was easy to start the conversation. Once he took a deeper look, he saw exactly what I did—an opportunity with long-term value.

The sellers, who were seasoned investors themselves, also saw the benefit of working with a buyer who understood the market. It made for a smooth process, and in the end both parties walked away happy.

This deal came together because of persistence—keeping the property in front of the right people— maintaining relationships, and a clear timing strategy so that everything fell into place.

If you’re thinking about selling and want to make sure your property gets in front of the right buyers, let’s talk. Reach out to me, Mike Perales, at Mperales@thomasduke.com, or give me a call at 734-725-9018. I’d love to help you find the best path forward.


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