2026 Spring West Michigan Housing Market Update + Ski Chalet Paint Makeover

2026 Spring West Michigan Housing Market Update + Ski Chalet Paint Makeover

Author: Dan Hansen/RepcoLite Paints February 28, 2026 Duration: 39:55

On this episode of Home in Progress, Dan Hansen sits down with Ginger Herman of Suprins Group at Five Star Real Estate Leaders for a timely 2026 West Michigan real estate update — plus a behind-the-scenes look at Ginger’s own ski chalet renovation.

Ginger explains that as winter fades, Michigan’s spring market is heating up. Inventory remains tight but is improving, particularly in the $350,000–$400,000 range. Bidding wars are still happening, though not as frenzied as previous years. Mortgage rates have eased compared to last year, hovering in the high-5% to low-6% range, while home prices continue their steady climb.

For sellers preparing to list, Ginger emphasizes the fundamentals: deep cleaning, decluttering, and addressing small deferred repairs. Strategic prep depends on your pricing goals and neighborhood comparables — but presentation still matters.

In the second half of the episode, Ginger shares the story of purchasing and refreshing a fully furnished 1970s ski chalet rental — complete with orange accents and dated finishes. Instead of gutting the character, she leaned into it. Keeping the black trim and wood floors, she updated the space with Benjamin Moore Ballet White and Sweet Rosie Brown, using Scuff-X for durability in a high-traffic rental. With guidance from a color specialist and expert advice on finishes for tall, light-filled walls, the chalet now feels fresh while honoring its roots.

A practical market update and a real-world paint transformation — all in one conversation.

EPISODE TIMELINE

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:24 Winter Walk Mirror Moment

03:32 Spring Market Warming Up

05:09 Inventory and Buyer Segments

07:00 Mortgage Rates and Pricing

08:44 Offers and Timing Strategy

11:03 Seller Prep and Touchups

13:23 Deep Clean and Declutter

18:14 Contact Info and Break

19:19 Ski Chalet Project Begins

20:15 Buying the Chalet Fast

20:57 Renovation Plans and Style

21:57 Seventies Decor Tour

23:15 Renovation Vision

24:26 Color Plan With Hailey

27:18 Neutrals Versus Cabin Dark

28:51 Bathroom Color Pop

29:34 Paint Finish And Scuff X

32:06 Why Experts Matter

33:49 Wrap Up And Furnishings

34:33 Rentals And Repeat Guests

35:56 Consultations And Store Help

38:27 Company Experience And Thanks

39:17 Contact Info And Sign Off


Home In Progress is a weekly conversation hosted by Dan Hansen from RepcoLite Paints, born from the belief that a home is never truly finished. It’s a constant, often charming, series of projects and adjustments. This podcast digs into that reality, covering everything from choosing the right paint sheen and troubleshooting a stubborn plumbing issue to planning a garden layout or refreshing a room with a new design perspective. The tone is practical and approachable, blending useful advice with a genuine sense of humor about the inevitable mishaps that come with DIY. You’ll hear specific tips on materials and techniques, discussions on balancing aesthetics with function, and honest talk about what it really takes to maintain and improve your space. Each episode aims to leave you with a tangible takeaway, whether it’s the confidence to tackle a small repair or inspiration for a larger weekend project. It’s for anyone who views their home as a living project-a place of leisure, creativity, and continuous learning. Listen for a mix of straightforward education and relatable stories that make the process of caring for a house feel less like a chore and more like a rewarding part of life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Home In Progress
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