Selling
How much does it cost to sell a house in Michigan?
A plain breakdown of what Michigan sellers pay at closing: commission, state and county transfer tax, title insurance, prorated taxes and the stuff people forget.
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Straight answers about buying and selling in Metro Detroit
Short posts from Michael Allen and the team on the questions we hear every week. A new one every Tuesday.
Market
How long does it take to sell a house in Metro Detroit?
Real numbers from recent MLS sales in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Livingston and Genesee counties, plus what speeds a sale up and what slows it down.
Michigan rules
Why do property taxes go up when you buy a house in Michigan?
Michigan's taxable value cap comes off when a home sells, so the buyer's tax bill can be a lot higher than the seller's. Here's how uncapping works and how to estimate it.
Selling
How is a home's value determined?
How agents and appraisers actually figure out what a home is worth: comparable sales, adjustments for size, style, basement and garage, and why online estimates miss.
Buying
What are closing costs for buyers in Michigan?
What Michigan home buyers pay at closing, why the property tax escrow is bigger than people expect, and a few ways to bring the number down.
Buying
How much do you need for a down payment in Michigan?
You probably don't need 20% down. Here's what the common loan types require, how MSHDA's MI 10K DPA works, and what other cash to plan for.
Selling
Should I sell my house before buying another one?
Sell first, buy first, or try to line them up on the same day. The pros and cons of each, and the Michigan tools that make the timing easier.
Buying
Who pays the buyer's agent in Michigan now?
What changed with buyer agent pay in 2024, why you sign an agreement before touring homes, and how it usually works out at the closing table.
Buying
What do home inspectors look for in Michigan?
The things that come up again and again in Michigan home inspections: basements, sewer lines, radon, roofs and older systems, plus what to do with the report.
Buying
Pre-qualified vs. pre-approved: what's the difference?
Why sellers want a pre-approval letter, what the lender checks, how long it lasts, and a few things not to do while you're shopping for a home.