Policy to Profit: How Legislation Shapes Your Real Estate Success

September 2025 Industry Update

Speakers: Senator Sarah Anthony and Eaton County Commissioner Jeanne Pearl-Wright

Top 10 Takeaways

🔹 Housing Affordability

1. Both Senator Sarah Anthony and Commissioner Jeanne Pearl-Wright stressed that housing affordability, aging stock (80% pre-1980), and lack of supply are major statewide challenges. Costs are outpacing wages, making housing increasingly unaffordable.

2. According to Eaton County Commissioner, workers in Eaton county are commuting long distances due to limited affordable housing near job centers.

3. Affordable housing isn’t “low-quality” or “undesirable.” It’s essential workforce housing for teachers, first responders, and young professionals—critical to sustaining communities.

4. Senator Anthony emphasized that homeownership is central to building generational wealth, and policy must support both first-time buyers and long-term owners.

 

🔹 Development

5. Projects like the Walter French rehabilitation highlight the potential of redeveloping vacant or blighted properties as ways to add housing supply and revitalize neighborhoods.

6. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), “barn-dominiums,” and small rural homes are emerging as creative land-use solutions, but adoption varies widely across townships depending on zoning and planning commissions.

7. Strategic investments in sewer, broadband, and transportation corridors (like the Delta Township sewer expansion) pave the way for future residential growth.

🔹 Policy

8. Programs like those from the Ingham County Housing Trust Fund provide grants up to $30,000, supporting first-time buyers (who meet the income threshold) and expanding equity-building opportunities.

9. Both Senator Anthony and Commissioner Pearl-Wright emphasized the need for REALTORS®, developers, and residents to participate in master plan updates, zoning hearings, and legislative feedback. Without on-the-ground expertise, policymakers risk enacting impractical solutions.

10. Despite widespread acknowledgment of the housing crisis, very few housing-related bills have passed at the state level in the last year. Gridlock leaves local governments scrambling with limited tools.

 

Want to watch a replay and earn continuing education credit? Watch now on GLAR Academy