DISCOVER A BRAND NEW WAY TO A SMOOTH HOMEOWNERSHIP JOURNEY IN Michigan WITHOUT THE ANXIETY OF MARKET UNCERTAINTIES
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Yes, I saw the whole video above and loved it!
Yes, I'm an aspiring Michigan homeowner, or I'm all set to join the ranks!
Yes, I’m committed my success, especially knowing that you guarantee success!
Yes, Count me in to unlock the secrets of Michigan living and find my dream home!!
My Journey From Medical Professional to a Trusted Downsizing Advisor in Southeast Michigan Decide Whether to Stay or Go, and Move Forward with Confidence, Not Regret.
Deborah Lee Darling
I grew up right here in Brownstown Township, Michigan, and graduated from Woodhaven High School back in 1988.
Like many young couples, I married young, had my first daughter, Kayla, and then faced a divorce shortly after. I was determined to create a stable life for my daughter, so I put myself through ophthalmology school and began a career helping people see clearly — literally.
For over 26 years, I worked in eye care, assisting doctors and caring for patients, including veterans at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Life led me to Tennessee, where I supported my husband during his military service, working as an optician and office manager in Clarksville. But no matter where I went, my heart always belonged in Michigan.
After more than a decade away, I came back home to Downriver, but as my kids grew up, moved out, and started families of their own, I found myself facing a new season of life — an empty house, and the question: What’s next?
When my daughter Jody moved out, I officially became an empty nester. That’s when I made the decision to leave my full-time job at the VA and fully pursue a new passion: real estate.
I knew what it felt like to face major life transitions and overwhelming decisions. I wanted to help others going through the same kind of change, especially homeowners like me who weren’t sure where to begin when it came time to downsize.
That’s why I built my Should I Stay or Should I Go? 5C™ System — a simple, step-by-step plan to help empty nesters gain clarity, organize their home and belongings, calculate their best financial move, sell confidently, and complete their next chapter with peace of mind.
It’s not just about selling a house — it’s about guiding people through one of the biggest emotional and financial decisions of their life, with care, patience, and a clear plan.
Today, I live back in my hometown of Brownstown with my wonderful husband Keith, and I get to spend precious time with my beautiful grandbabies.
I know firsthand how important it is to simplify life so you can focus on what really matters: creating new memories, not feeling stuck in old ones.
Helping my clients confidently move forward into their next chapter is not just my job — it’s my passion.
I help homeowners in Southeast Michigan who feel stuck about where to start with downsizing get the clarity and confidence they need to make their next move — without pressure, confusion, or regret.
Deborah Lee Darling
My Journey From Medical Professional to a Trusted Downsizing Advisor in Southeast Michigan Decide Whether to Stay or Go, and Move Forward with Confidence, Not Regret.
I grew up right here in Brownstown Township, Michigan, and graduated from Woodhaven High School back in 1988.
Like many young couples, I married young, had my first daughter, Kayla, and then faced a divorce shortly after. I was determined to create a stable life for my daughter, so I put myself through ophthalmology school and began a career helping people see clearly — literally.
For over 26 years, I worked in eye care, assisting doctors and caring for patients, including veterans at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Life led me to Tennessee, where I supported my husband during his military service, working as an optician and office manager in Clarksville. But no matter where I went, my heart always belonged in Michigan.
After more than a decade away, I came back home to Downriver, but as my kids grew up, moved out, and started families of their own, I found myself facing a new season of life — an empty house, and the question: What’s next?
When my daughter Jody moved out, I officially became an empty nester. That’s when I made the decision to leave my full-time job at the VA and fully pursue a new passion: real estate.
I knew what it felt like to face major life transitions and overwhelming decisions. I wanted to help others going through the same kind of change, especially homeowners like me who weren’t sure where to begin when it came time to downsize.
That’s why I built my Should I Stay or Should I Go? 5C™ System — a simple, step-by-step plan to help empty nesters gain clarity, organize their home and belongings, calculate their best financial move, sell confidently, and complete their next chapter with peace of mind.
It’s not just about selling a house — it’s about guiding people through one of the biggest emotional and financial decisions of their life, with care, patience, and a clear plan.
Today, I live back in my hometown of Brownstown with my wonderful husband Keith, and I get to spend precious time with my beautiful grandbabies.
I know firsthand how important it is to simplify life so you can focus on what really matters: creating new memories, not feeling stuck in old ones.
Helping my clients confidently move forward into their next chapter is not just my job — it’s my passion.
I help homeowners in Southeast Michigan who feel stuck about where to start with downsizing get the clarity and confidence they need to make their next move — without pressure, confusion, or regret.
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IT'S ALL ABOUT living more to give more
At Find a Darling Home, we don’t just help people buy or sell—we help them move forward with clarity, dignity, and heart.
Our mission goes beyond real estate. Every move we guide is an opportunity to create meaningful change—both for our clients and our community.
We proudly support causes that matter, including:
🧵 Quilts for Kids – bringing handmade comfort to children facing serious illness and trauma
🚚 Move For Hunger – turning every move into a chance to fight hunger across Michigan
🌍 Rotary & Kiwanis International – giving back locally and globally through service and leadership
👩💼 Women’s Council of Realtors – empowering women in real estate and community leadership
When you work with us, you’re not just finding a home—you’re helping us build a better Michigan, one act of kindness at a time.
Experience some of our CLIENTS' Success
Sold a Home In Allen Park MI
We had a great experience with Deborah as our real estate agent! We went into the process not knowing what to expect, as the property was in need of some TLC and with the market and economy being in such a conflicted time. But after a relatively short period, we had the property sold at our asking price!
Deborah gave us great suggestions to market our property that would bring the right returns on our spending without unnecessary costs. She was a knowledgeable and calm source that helped us to be proactive while waiting for the right offer.
Couldn’t recommend her enough! She was very available with answers to any questions and was willing to go the extra mile to help us sell our home with as little stress as possible. Thanks again Deborah!
-Frank
Sold a home in Monroe, - Purchased a Home in Washington MI
Deborah, made the experience of selling a home stress free and easy. Her kindness, and understanding went a long way. Thank you so much!
-Peggy
Purchased a Home in Southgate
Deborah was incredible to work with! After having rough luck with another agent we were referred to Deborah and she worked tirelessly to find us our Darling Home. She did a great job keeping us informed, was constantly available for any of our questions or communications and ultimately gave us the advice that made the difference and caused our offer to be accepted. Then when life got in the way and we tested positive for COVID the day before our closing, Deborah went above and beyond to make it still happen by completing the final walk through for us and helped us schedule to a socially distant closing at the very last moment. We couldn't have done this without her and would absolutely recommend Deborah to anyone looking to buy a home.
-Megan
Purchased in Wayne, MI
Deborah is one of the best realtor in the state of Michigan. She works hard for you, she picks up the phone every time you call, don’t matter what time. She knows what she’s talking about when it comes to homes. she always on top of new codes that change all the time and makes sure you understand how everything works. After working with Deborah she will become a new family member as she did with mines. I would recommend her to anybody who looking for a home, she is great!!!
-Christopher
Sold in Milan, MI - Purchased Home in Brighton, MI
We had a great experience both buying and selling our home! Highly recommend and you won't be disappointed. The process was easier than expected and we had great direction along the way!
-Jon and Emily
Purchased Home in Wayne
Deborah is the BEST!!! My husband and I didn’t have a great experience our first time around trying to find a home. So we had given up a little and we were nervous because we didn’t want the same things to happen to us. But someone recommended Deborah to us and she changed our whole outlook on everything. Deborah made my husband and myself feel like family, she made sure we knew what we needed to know about buying a home. Even when things got rough she made them feel easy never not answering our calls or texts. If we didn’t understand something she made sure we did. She worked tirelessly with us for a year and now we’re in our HOME! We appreciate her so very much. ♥️
-Arielle
Sold a Home in Milan, MI
Deb Darling is truly a top notch realtor. Everybody knows the pictures sell the house. In the past, when on the buyer’s side, I wouldn’t even bother with listings with bad, lazy, out of focus pictures. For my house I was selling , she did 360 views of all rooms. She used a “fly-through” device to simulate a drone flying through the interior and created a movie of my house with delightful music behind it. Then she did an actual drone to capture the exterior and aerial view of my property. Needless to say, I was very very impressed. She made me see my house I was selling in a whole new light and beauty that gave me confidence it would sell fast, and it did. I had an offer after just one week. The care a realtor puts into each listing is a testament to and a reflection of their sincerity in having real passion for what they do. She has a fantastic reputation for a reason. She loves what she does. I would highly recommend Deb Darling to help anyone and everyone to Find THEIR Darling Home.
- Rabecca
Purchased a Home in Dewitt, MI
Syed Mohsin was so helpful and efficient. He helped with every part of the process and helped us to sell our property as quickly as possible! He is a very nice person and very professional as well.
-MIchael
Purchased A Primary Home in Wayne
Deborah was able to find me a home on time and within my budget.
Without her calm guidance, I wouldn't have been able to succeed.
- Luke
Investor - Purchased in Detroit, MI
Wanted to make sure I took time to write a review to let others know, if you are looking for an agent in the Michigan area, Deborah is the agent for you. Excuse me, I meant to say REALator. Real Estate Agents are a plenty, but its not often where you find one that is not only attentitive to your needs, but also ensures your closing experience is a pleasant one. I am an out of town investor and Deborah did a lot of the intangibles that cannot be overlooked. I was and am still very much impressed at the attention to detail you take at your craft. I appreciate being a value add in every way possible. I have found my agent for Michigan. Thank you again Deborah for being the professional you are!
-Theodore
Investor - Southeast MI
I’ve truly enjoyed working with Deborah Darling of “Find a Darling Home EXP Realty”. She is one of the most dynamic agents I’ve ever worked with, in over 40+ years as a Realtor and Broker. I only wish she was part of our team, bringing her knowledge, awesome people skills, ethics, and professionalism to our firm. We need more Realtors in the business like her, and it has been my honor and privilege to know & work with her. She’s a “FIRST CLASS” Agent, always going above and beyond, and even a better person!
-Harlan
Sold Home in Milan, MI
Deb Darling is truly a top notch realtor. Everybody knows the pictures sell the house. In the past, when on the buyer’s side, I wouldn’t even bother with listings with bad, lazy, out of focus pictures. For my house I was selling , she did 360 views of all rooms. She used a “fly-through” device to simulate a drone flying through the interior and created a movie of my house with delightful music behind it. Then she did an actual drone to capture the exterior and aerial view of my property. Needless to say, I was very very impressed. She made me see my house I was selling in a whole new light and beauty that gave me confidence it would sell fast, and it did. I had an offer after just one week. The care a realtor puts into each listing is a testament to and a reflection of their sincerity in having real passion for what they do. She has a fantastic reputation for a reason. She loves what she does. I would highly recommend Deb Darling to help anyone and everyone to Find THEIR Darling Home.
- Dave
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first steps I should take when considering buying a home in Michigan?
Start by assessing your financial situation, including credit score, savings for a down payment, and budget. Then, get pre-approved for a mortgage to understand your buying power.
Is it better to buy a home in Michigan or continue renting?
This depends on your long-term plans, financial stability, and lifestyle preferences. Buying can be a good investment and offer stability, but renting provides flexibility and less responsibility for maintenance.
What should I know about the Michigan real estate market before buying?
Research local market trends, such as average home prices, inventory levels, and the typical time homes stay on the market. This can vary greatly between urban areas like Detroit and rural regions.
How much down payment do I need to buy a home in Michigan?
Typically, a down payment of 20% is ideal to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). However, there are programs available that allow lower down payments, even as low as 3-5%.
Are there any first-time homebuyer programs or incentives in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan offers several programs for first-time homebuyers, including down payment assistance and tax credits. Check with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for current programs.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing a location to buy a home in Michigan?
Consider factors like proximity to work, quality of local schools, neighborhood safety, local amenities, and potential for property value appreciation.
As a renter, how can I prepare for the transition to owning a home in Michigan?
Start saving for a down payment and closing costs, work on improving your credit score, and begin researching different neighborhoods and types of homes that fit your budget and lifestyle.
What are the average property taxes in Michigan, and how do they affect home affordability?
Property taxes in Michigan vary by location. It's important to factor in these costs when determining the affordability of a home, as they can significantly impact your monthly budget.
How do I find a reliable real estate agent in Michigan?
Look for an agent with experience in your desired area and a strong track record of helping buyers. Ask for referrals from friends or family, or search for agents with positive reviews online.
What are the common pitfalls to avoid when buying a home in Michigan?
Avoid overextending your budget, neglecting home inspections, ignoring neighborhood research, and rushing into a purchase without proper due diligence. Take your time to make a well-informed decision.
our Darling guarantee
I personally guarantee that I will work with you hands-on, every single day... until you find your dream home
The right fit?
As you can imagine, our service unlike any other experience out there and as such, we go to great efforts to maintain the quality & exclusivity of our services
THIS COULD BE RIGHT FOR YOU IF:
You're dreaming of owning a home in Michigan or are on the path to becoming one
You can dedicate few hours each week to crafting your dream home journey
You're geared up to take bold, even if not flawless, steps towards your goal
You're financially prepared to invest in turning your home-owning dreams into reality
Your aim is to enhance your lifestyle, not just for yourself, but to contribute more to those around you
THIS MAY NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU IF:
You are hesitant to find your footing in the real estate market, either as a buyer or seller
You're hoping for instant, effortless success in the housing market
You're only interested in free insights but aren't ready to put in the effort
You're hesitant about the value of investing in your own real estate journey
Your goal is solely to increase your wealth without the desire to contribute to the community or others
If this resonates with you and you're eager to tap into all that I've achieved in becoming one of the leading experts in Michigan real estate (which includes direct, daily access to my personal insights and guidance), then you know your next step...
Are you next?
Now that you’ve seen the proof and the hundreds of mission-driven coaches like you who’ve gone on to change countless lives from within the Coach’s Secret community, I only have one more question to ask:
Will you be next?...
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