Heather Polites

My best advice is to start with a strong foundation: connect with a trusted local lender and get pre-approved before you begin house hunting. In today’s market, especially here in Grosse Ile, the Downriver area, and across Metro Detroit, well-prepared buyers are in the best position to act quickly and competitively when the right home comes along. From there, partner with an experienced Realtor® who knows the nuances of our local neighborhoods, market trends, and pricing strategies. Each area is different — waterfront properties on Grosse Ile, suburban homes in Brownstown or Woodhaven, or historic charm in Wyandotte all come with unique considerations. Having someone guide you through inspections, negotiations, and contingencies ensures you make informed decisions and avoid surprises. Finally, be clear about your priorities - your “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves” - and keep an open mind. The right home may not check every single box, but with a thoughtful plan and the right guidance, you’ll find a property that fits your needs and sets you up for long-term success in southeastern Michigan.

The best advice I can give a seller is to start with preparation. Before listing, take time to declutter, deep clean, and make small updates that highlight your home’s strongest features. First impressions matter — whether that’s through professional photos online or a buyer’s first step inside. In markets like Grosse Ile and the Downriver communities, pricing strategy is especially important. Property values can vary greatly depending on location, setting, and style, so a detailed market analysis ensures you don’t leave money on the table or risk sitting too long on the market. It’s also important to work with an experienced local Realtor® who understands how to position your property in today’s market. Effective marketing — professional photography, online exposure, and outreach to qualified buyers — can make all the difference in achieving the strongest offer. Finally, stay flexible and open to feedback. Market conditions in Metro Detroit shift with seasonality, interest rates, and buyer demand. With the right preparation, pricing, and guidance, you’ll be set up for a smooth sale and a successful closing.

I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients throughout Grosse Ile, the Downriver communities, and the greater Metro Detroit area. This includes first-time buyers taking their very first step into homeownership, families upsizing into larger spaces, and downsizers looking for something more manageable. I also assist relocation clients moving into or out of southeastern Michigan, as well as investors looking for rental or multi-unit opportunities. On the selling side, I’ve partnered with homeowners preparing to list everything from waterfront properties on Grosse Ile to starter homes in Southgate and Trenton. Each client’s situation is unique, and I make it a priority to tailor my approach to their specific goals. Whether it’s guiding a first-time buyer through financing, helping a growing family compete in a busy market, or developing a marketing plan for a high-value listing, I focus on clear communication and local expertise to make the process as smooth as possible.

One transaction that stands out involved helping a family purchase a home on Grosse Ile. They were relocating from another part of Metro Detroit and wanted to be closer to the water while still having access to community amenities. Because the island offers such a wide variety of properties — from canal-front homes to wooded inland settings — it was important to carefully review comparable sales and assess how features like waterfront access and lot size impacted value. We worked closely together to narrow down their priorities and prepare a strong offer in a competitive situation. After the inspection, a few repairs were negotiated successfully, and the transaction moved forward smoothly. Seeing them close on a home that fit both their lifestyle and long-term goals was rewarding. For me, transactions like this reinforce why I love real estate — combining local market knowledge with client advocacy to help families make confident moves in Grosse Ile and the Downriver area.

I began my real estate career in 2020 by assisting one of the top 1% agents in Grosse Ile and Nationwide, S. Brooke MacNee. Working alongside such a successful mentor gave me hands-on experience with every part of the process — from marketing listings to negotiating contracts — and taught me the value of integrity and client-first service. Over time, I began handling my own transactions while continuing to support my mentor, which allowed me to build both knowledge and confidence. That combination of training and experience gave me a strong foundation to serve buyers and sellers independently while still drawing on the lessons I learned from some of the best in the industry. Today, I focus on helping clients across Grosse Ile, the Downriver area, and southeastern Michigan navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives. What started as a learning opportunity has grown into a true passion — guiding people toward their goals and building long-term relationships along the way.

Yes. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Management, which gives me a strong background in organization, communication, and problem-solving — skills that are invaluable in real estate transactions. Beyond formal education, I’ve also completed extensive real estate training through the State of Michigan’s licensing requirements and ongoing continuing education to stay current with contracts, regulations, and industry updates. In addition, I had the privilege of starting my career by assisting one of the top-producing agents in Grosse Ile and Metro Detroit. That mentorship gave me hands-on experience with high-volume transactions, complex negotiations, and detailed marketing strategies. For my clients, this means I bring both a strong academic foundation and real-world expertise to every deal. Whether you’re buying or selling, you can expect clear communication, careful attention to detail, and guidance designed to protect your best interests from start to finish.