Real Estate News

Millennials and Gen Z Drive Interest in DIY Real Estate Transactions

Millennials and Gen Z are revolutionizing property buying by managing transactions independently. These tech-savvy generations leverage online tools and resources to save on commissions and maintain control

flareAI Services

23 Dec 2025 — 7 min read

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In a bustling coffee shop in Holland, Michigan, a group of Millennials pores over laptops, scouring digital listings for their first home. They're not waiting for a real estate agent's call they're taking charge themselves. Meanwhile, in Tampa, Florida, a young couple snaps photos of their beachside condo, uploading them to a digital platform to sell directly to buyers. This is the face of real estate in 2025: Millennials and Gen Z are driving a DIY revolution, reshaping how homes are bought and sold in markets from West Michigan to Florida's sun-soaked coasts.

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Millennials and Gen Z Fuel DIY Real Estate Deals in Michigan and Florida

The real estate industry is in the midst of a profound transformation, propelled by younger generations who prioritize control, affordability, and technology. In Michigan, where rising home prices challenge first-time buyers, and in Florida, where rapid population growth intensifies market competition, Millennials and Gen Z are sidestepping traditional real estate models. They're embracing For Sale by Owner (FSBO) listings, virtual tours, and e-closing platforms, fundamentally altering the proptech and real estate services landscape.

The catalyst? Cost savings, amplified by the NAR settlement that has reshaped commission structures. Historically, sellers paid 5-6% of a home's sale price to cover agent fees, but new rules allow greater negotiation flexibility. In West Michigan, where median home prices sit around $300,000, trimming even 1% off commissions can save thousands. In Florida's high-stakes markets like Miami, where homes often fetch premium prices, avoiding traditional fees is a game-changer for budget-conscious sellers.

A Generational Shift to Self-Directed Transactions

Data underscores this trend. In Michigan, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) reports a surge in first-time buyers exploring alternative purchasing methods, driven by affordability constraints. In West Michigan's hubs like Holland and Grand Rapids, young buyers are flocking to platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and local proptech startups. These tools provide streamlined workflows for escrow, payments, and contracts, empowering users to navigate transactions without an agent's guidance.

Florida's market mirrors this shift. Florida Realtors data highlights that Millennials and Gen Z dominate the state's buyer demographic, with many favoring mobile-first platforms for FSBO listings and digital tools. In competitive coastal markets like Tampa and Miami, DIY listing portals are gaining ground, allowing sellers to market properties for flat fees rather than percentage-based commissions. “Younger sellers want autonomy,” a Tampa broker observed. “They're comfortable managing listings, pricing, and negotiations online, all from their smartphones.”

This generational pivot isn't just about technology it's about mindset. Millennials and Gen Z, raised on digital platforms, view real estate as another domain to master independently. The NAR settlement has accelerated this trend by making commission structures more flexible, encouraging buyers and sellers to question traditional models. As a result, proptech solutions are booming, with Michigan and Florida at the forefront of this innovation.

Real-World Success Stories

Consider a young couple in Holland, Michigan, who sold their modest starter home through a local digital marketplace. By bypassing agent commissions, they saved $10,000 money they redirected toward their next home's down payment. Using a Michigan-based proptech platform, they managed disclosures and escrow seamlessly, closing the sale in just 28 days. This efficiency reflects a broader trend in West Michigan, where buyers and sellers leverage tools tailored to local markets.

In Florida, the story is equally compelling. A Gen Z investor in Tampa listed a rental property on a DIY portal, using virtual tours to attract buyers from across the country. The sale, completed without an agent, netted significant savings and closed in record time. These examples highlight how localized proptech solutions are empowering users to take control, from Detroit's urban core to Miami's vibrant coast.

Brokerages are adapting to this shift. In West Michigan, firms now offer “menu-based” services, allowing clients to pay for specific support like professional photography or legal reviews while handling other aspects themselves. In Florida, subscription-based platforms guide users through each transaction step, from setting a competitive price to finalizing e-signatures. These hybrid models reflect an industry in transition, bending to meet the demands of a generation that values flexibility and transparency.

Navigating the Challenges of DIY Real Estate

Yet, the DIY path has its hurdles. In Michigan, strict disclosure laws require sellers to provide detailed property information, and missteps can lead to costly legal disputes. Grand Valley State University notes a spike in demand for buyer education workshops, as many young buyers underestimate the complexity of contracts, inspections, and financing. “It's not just about posting a listing,” a Holland-based consultant explained. “You need to understand the legal and financial nuances to avoid pitfalls.”

In Florida, where market velocity amplifies pressure, DIY sellers face additional risks. Undervaluing a property or mishandling paperwork can delay closings or deter buyers. Visibility is another concern: in West Michigan, some sellers fear FSBO listings lack the exposure of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), potentially limiting buyer interest. In Florida's crowded markets, a DIY listing without professional staging can get lost amid polished competitors. As Realtor.com notes, while commission savings are appealing, the trade-off can be reduced market reach or legal exposure.

Seizing Opportunities in a New Era

Despite these challenges, the opportunities are transformative. The NAR settlement has made commission savings more achievable, with some negotiations yielding fees as low as 1-2%, per Clever's negotiation guide. In Michigan, MSHDA views DIY transactions as a complement to its first-time buyer programs, helping young households afford homes in cities like Grand Rapids. In Florida, the state's Housing Finance Corporation sees digital tools as a way to level the playing field for buyers navigating competitive markets.

Proptech is the backbone of this revolution. Michigan startups are developing AI-powered valuation tools and digital escrow services tailored to local markets like Detroit and Holland. In Florida, brokerages are launching mobile apps that integrate virtual tours, e-signatures, and real-time market analytics, enabling buyers to close deals from anywhere. These innovations not only reduce costs but also streamline processes, making real estate more accessible for tech-savvy generations.

The broader business impact is clear. Hybrid brokerages in both regions are rethinking their models, offering à la carte services to meet DIY demand. Meanwhile, local housing agencies are partnering with proptech firms to educate buyers, ensuring they're equipped to navigate complex transactions. As these trends converge, the real estate industry is evolving to prioritize efficiency, affordability, and user empowerment.

A Memorable The Future of Real Estate

The rise of DIY real estate reflects a broader cultural shift: Millennials and Gen Z are redefining homeownership with confidence and digital fluency. In Michigan's urban hubs and Florida's dynamic metros, these buyers and sellers are leveraging technology to bypass traditional barriers, from high commissions to rigid processes. Yet, success demands diligence understanding local laws, mastering market trends, and using reliable tools are non-negotiable. As a Michigan REALTOR® aptly stated, “The platforms are powerful, but knowledge is the key.” For those ready to embrace the challenge, the rewards lower costs, greater control, and a stake in their own future are reshaping the American Dream in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can I save by selling my home without a real estate agent in Michigan or Florida?

Sellers who bypass traditional real estate agents can save thousands of dollars on commission fees, which historically ranged from 5-6% of the sale price. For example, in West Michigan where median home prices are around $300,000, reducing commissions by even 1% can save $3,000 or more. Following the NAR settlement, commission structures have become more flexible, with some negotiations yielding fees as low as 1-2%, making DIY real estate transactions increasingly cost-effective for budget-conscious Millennials and Gen Z sellers.

What are the biggest challenges of For Sale by Owner (FSBO) transactions in Michigan and Florida?

DIY home sellers face several key challenges, including navigating strict disclosure laws in Michigan that require detailed property information, understanding complex contracts and financing terms, and ensuring proper legal compliance to avoid costly disputes. In Florida's fast-paced markets, additional risks include undervaluing properties, mishandling paperwork that can delay closings, and achieving sufficient visibility without access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Many young buyers and sellers underestimate the complexity of inspections, escrow management, and legal nuances, making education and reliable proptech tools essential for successful FSBO transactions.

What digital tools and platforms are Millennials and Gen Z using for DIY real estate in 2025?

Tech-savvy younger generations are leveraging a range of proptech solutions including FSBO listing portals, virtual tour platforms, e-closing and e-signature services, and AI-powered valuation tools. Popular platforms include Facebook Marketplace, local Michigan and Florida proptech startups offering digital escrow services, and mobile-first apps that integrate real-time market analytics. Subscription-based platforms and "menu-based" brokerage services allow users to pay for specific support like professional photography or legal reviews while managing other aspects independently, making real estate transactions more accessible and streamlined from smartphones.

Disclaimer: The above helpful resources content contains personal opinions and experiences. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute professional advice.

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