Every now and then a real estate transaction goes far beyond the usual goals of optimal price and flawless timing. Sometimes it’s about purpose. It’s about legacy.
Case in point: the sale of 550 W. Seven Mile in Northville. Our clients weren’t interested in merely selling a property. They wanted to shape the future of their community.
From the start, Jeff and Terry Snyder made clear to us that their top priority wasn’t securing the highest offer. Instead they wanted us to find a buyer who would bring lasting value to Northville. Longtime residents, they had watched the town evolve, and they knew the right development could greatly enhance the lives of their neighbors, friends, and future generations.
We first began marketing this property nearly ten years ago. It was the former site of MacDonald Ford—a dealership that held sentimental value for many in the area, including me. I purchased my very first car there.
Over that decade the site garnered a fair share of interest. With its high-visibility corner location at Seven Mile and Northville Road—just across from what is now becoming the Downs development—it was clear the parcel had enormous potential. The challenge? Matching its potential with the Snyder family’s vision.
As brokers, we typically try to find the highest-paying buyer who can deliver the most favorable terms. The sellers made it clear that was not to be our priority.
During our time marketing the property we received more than 15 offers. Several were at or above the asking price. We had national developers pitching large-scale residential projects. We had interest from car washes, the USPS, and private investors. But none of those uses aligned with the Snyders’ vision.
Jeff and Terry wanted the property to become a place that enhanced the lives of Northville residents. They didn’t want to see a strip mall or high-rise apartments. They wanted the newly developed space to reflect the town’s character and serve its people.
It’s rare to see sellers prioritize community over capital, but that’s exactly what Jeff and Terry did. In fact, they turned down offers that were nearly half a million dollars higher than the final sale price.
Ultimately they chose a buyer who would bring the Northville farmers market to the site. It’s a use that preserves open space, encourages local commerce, and offers a gathering place for the community—a true win for Northville residents.
To give even more impact to their choice, the Snyders added a condition to the purchase agreement requiring that the site be designated a public park for at least ten years. This decision made it crystal clear that their intention was first and foremost to invest in Northville’s future.
This transaction brought together a rare alignment of interests:
● The City and Township of Northville gained a new location for their farmers market, a cherished weekly event that supports local farmers and artisans.
● The buyers acquired a property that meets both the community’s immediate needs and itslong-term benefit.
● The sellers left behind a legacy of thoughtful development and civic commitment.
It was a win for everyone involved, and we couldn’t be prouder to have helped make it happen.
In our combined 60-plus years of experience we’ve learned that no two transactions are alike. While some deals are all about numbers and timing, others ask of us a deeper empathy and understanding of our clients’ values.
At Thomas Duke Company we always say we’re not in the business of selling properties. We’re in the business of solving problems. This deal serves as a perfect example.
Jeff and Terry weren’t looking for a quick sale. They needed a team that would stand with them, advocate for their vision, and help identify buyers who saw beyond the property’s market value.That’s why they called us.
Through careful vetting, persistent communication, and constant collaboration, we ensured their story was told the way they wanted it told to people who would be receptive. That process, though slower than a typical sales process, ultimately delivered exactly the outcome our clients had hoped for.
We’d be remiss not to thank everyone who helped this deal shine. From Northville’s local government to the buyer and their development team, and of course Jeff and Terry Snyder, this success story came together through trust, transparency, and shared goals.
It also highlights an important lesson for all property owners: when you work with a team that truly listens, aligns with your priorities, and understands how to communicate your vision to the market, you don’t have to sacrifice your goals. You can achieve them with integrity.
As the new home of Northville’s farmers market, 550 W. Seven Mile is buzzing with anticipation. The market is set to open in May, and we can’t wait to see this space come alive with families, vendors, and neighbors enjoying the fruits of thoughtful development.
This is just one example of how we can help turn possibility into reality.
Maybe you’re holding a property that feels hard to market, or you’re struggling to align your goals with the right buyer. Let’s talk. Whether you’re prioritizing price, timing, community use, or all of the above, we’re here to help you navigate the process with purpose and clear strategy.
Because every property has a story. And with the right strategy, that story can become a legacy.
Interested in finding the right fit for your property? Let’s start a conversation.
📧 Mark Szerlag, CCIM — mszerlag@thomasduke.com
📞 (248) 476-5394
📧 Steve Valli — svalli@thomasduke.com
📞 (248) 476-3700
