Where did 2025 Leelanau County
Homebuyers Come From?
Understanding where Leelanau County homebuyers are coming from is key to understanding market demand, pricing pressure, and future trends. Based on Northern Great Lakes Realtors® MLS data, the visuals above tell a clear story: Leelanau County real estate is no longer a mostly local market — it’s a regional and national one.
Below is a breakdown of what the data shows and why it matters if you’re thinking about buying or selling property in Leelanau County.
Leelanau County Buyers: A National Footprint
The heat map shows buyer zip codes spread across the entire United States, with heavy concentrations in:
Michigan (especially Southeast Michigan)
Illinois (Chicago metro area)
Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin
Secondary pockets along the East Coast, Texas, Florida, and the West Coast
This confirms what many sellers already feel during showings: Leelanau County attracts out-of-area buyers who are willing to travel, compete, and pay for lifestyle.
Northern Michigan is no longer a secret — it’s a destination.
Local Buyers Are Shrinking as a Share of the Market
The bar chart highlights a long-term trend that matters a lot.
Percent of Buyers From Leelanau or Grand Traverse County:
2014: 63.0%
2016: 61.6%
2018: 56.5%
2020: 53.0%
2021: 48.3%
2023: 44.1%
2024: 40.0%
2025: 43.0%
While 2025 shows a small rebound, the big picture is clear: local buyers now represent less than half of the market.
This shift has major implications:
More cash buyers
Fewer contingency-driven offers
Stronger demand for waterfront, second homes, and short-term rental-capable properties
2025 Buyer Breakdown: The Numbers
375 total buyers in 2025
43% from Leelanau or Grand Traverse County
57% from outside the local area
Each dot on the Michigan map represents a unique buyer zip code from 2025, reinforcing how geographically diverse demand has become.
This isn’t just tourism interest — these are people putting capital into Leelanau County real estate.
Why This Matters for Sellers
If you’re selling a home or land in Leelanau County, this data should shape your strategy.
Out-of-area buyers:
Rely heavily on online listings, photos, video, and data
Are more emotional about lifestyle and views than price-per-square-foot
Often make faster decisions
That means:
Professional marketing matters
Overpricing gets exposed quickly
Unique properties perform best when positioned correctly
The market rewards sellers who understand who the buyer actually is.
What This Means for Buyers
If you’re a local buyer, the competition isn’t your neighbor — it’s often someone from:
Metro Detroit
Chicago
Cincinnati or Columbus
Out-of-state buyers seeking second homes or retirement properties
Winning in this market often requires:
Strong financing or cash
Clean offers
Decisiveness
Understanding buyer origins helps explain why well-priced homes move quickly — even in shifting market conditions.
The Big Picture: Leelanau County Is a Lifestyle Market
The takeaway is simple:
Leelanau County is no longer driven primarily by local demand. It’s driven by lifestyle migration, remote work flexibility, and long-term wealth preservation.
That’s a fundamentally different market than it was 10 years ago — and it’s why smart pricing, timing, and strategy matter more than ever.
Data based on information provided by Northern Great Lakes Realtors® MLS. Reliable but not guaranteed. Does not include fractional ownership.
Need Expert Real Estate Advice? Contact Jonathan Oltersdorf Today!
For personalized insights into Leelanau County real estate, reach out to Jonathan Oltersdorf at Oltersdorf Realty, LLC.
📞 Office Phone: 231-271-7777
📧 Email: jonathan@oltersdorf.com
🌐 Website: www.oltersdorf.com