Deborah Lee Darling

My Story – Should I Stay or Should I Go?
I grew up in Brownstown, Michigan. I went to Woodhaven High School and knew all the back roads before I even had a car. This town wasn’t just where I lived—it was home. It’s where I raised my kids, built memories, and found my roots.

But then life changed.

After a divorce, I moved down to Tennessee and started a new job in eye care. Every day I helped people see clearly—but the truth was, I didn’t feel clear myself. I missed my hometown. I missed my family. And most of all, I missed that deep-down feeling of belonging. I was living in a place that didn’t feel like mine, and I didn’t know what my next chapter looked like.

That’s when I made the switch.

I came home to Brownstown. I didn’t just want to start over—I wanted to start with meaning. That’s when I found real estate. At first, I thought real estate was just about helping people buy and sell houses. But I quickly saw that it was really about helping people make big, sometimes scary, life decisions.

I began meeting people just like me—empty nesters whose kids had grown and gone. They were sitting in big houses that no longer fit. Some were overwhelmed. Some were stuck. Others didn’t even know where to begin. They were asking themselves, “Should I stay or should I go?” And they weren’t just looking for a Realtor—they were looking for someone who understood.

That’s why I created Find a Darling Home.

Now, I help Southeast Michigan homeowners who feel uncertain about downsizing. I give them clear steps, honest support, and space to make the right choice—without pressure or confusion. I’ve lived that moment of not knowing what’s next, and I’m here to guide you through it.

I help Southeast Michigan homeowners make sense of downsizing—so they can move forward without fear or regret.