Selling a House in Michigan in 2025: 8 Simple Steps

Michigan home prices rose another 9.7% in Nov 2024, reaching $262,200. If you’re looking to sell your home, now maybe a great time. But record home prices also mean record Realtor commissions. On a typical Michigan home, you’ll pay upto $15,000 in commission.

But it’s 2025. Selling a house in the Wolverine State is easier than ever. You don’t need a full-commission Realtor to get top dollar for your home. Follow these simple steps to list on MLS in Michigan, attract buyers quickly, and save thousands!

Selling Your Home in Michigan: 8 Simple Steps

Michigan’s picturesque lakes and affordable housing attract homebuyers looking for serene living. In fact, Michigan gained 57,000 residents, with Detroit attracting thousands for its single-family homes.

To make the most of this growing demand, follow this step-by-step guide to selling a house in Michigan and close in days, not months:

Step 1: Prep Your Home for Sale

97% of agents believe that curb appeal can speed up your sale. Mowing your lawn is a great way to start, but don’t stop there— check for pest infestations. Michigan’s changing seasons can attract critters like mice, wasps, and carpenter ants, which can be a major turn-off for buyers!

You can also carry out a pre-listing inspection to uncover other issues in your property. A home inspection in Michigan typically costs between $300 and $350.

Step 2: Choose How to Sell Your House

Here are 4 options you can consider when selling a house in Michigan:

• Discount Real Estate Brokers: They offer services like contract review and negotiation for a lower fee than traditional agents. Michigan discount real estate brokers charge between 0.5% and 2% as commission.
• Full-Service Realtors: They provide various services from listing to closing, but charge a hefty 5% to 6% commission. In today’s digital age, you can skip the agent and handle most of these tasks yourself, saving you thousands.
• Cash Buyer Companies: Selling to an iBuyer or a cash buyer is one of the best ways to sell your home fast in Michigan. However, you may get lowball offers, ranging between 30% and 70% of your home’s fair market value.
• Flat Fee MLS: If you sell your house with Michigan Flat Fee MLS listing companies, your home will be on the MLS for just $399. Your property will also be on top websites like Redfin and Trulia.

Step 3: Price Your Home Competitively

27.4% of MI sellers had to drop their homes’ asking price in Nov 2024. Inaccurate pricing forced them to stay longer on the market and probably cost them top-dollar offers.

While in a seller’s market, you could price your home up to 10% more than its market value, With only 2 months of supply, Michigan is a seller’s market. Homes spend an average of 32 days on the MLS. So, you can price your home 10% above its market value

Step 4: Make Your Home Market-Ready

A visually appealing home has a higher likelihood of getting multiple offers. Here’s what you must do to get a market-ready property:

• Stage Your Home: Staged homes sell 70% faster and for 17% above the asking price. The inviting atmosphere helps buyers envision their future in the space.
• Invest in Professional Photography: Michigan real estate photographers can showcase your home’s unique features that increase the impact of your listing. A well-captured garden-style apartment is sure to grab the attention of potential buyers.

Once your home is market-ready, don’t wait any longer. Get it on the MLS immediately!

Step 5: Market Your Property Effectively

Whether it is a bungalow or a single-family home, you must showcase your home’s unique features to attract the right audience. Here’s what you can do:

• Craft a Captivating Property Description: A catchy headline with an engaging description will draw buyers’ attention. Use popular adjectives like “modern,” “spacious,” and “garden-style” to make your home stand out.
• Host Open Houses: The best way to connect with potential buyers is by hosting an open house. In fact, 4% of homebuyers found their dream home through an open house. Schedule them on weekends to attract larger crowds and increase your chances of getting more offers.
• Add a Yard Sign: 35% of buyers found their homes because of these signs in 2021 which is relevant even today. FSBO yard signs will feature your name, contact details, and property description.

» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is one of Michigan’s best home-selling websites.

Step 6: Handle Showings and Offers

After your Michigan home is listed, ensure that it is staged and ready for showings. The more presentable your home is, the more likely you are to get offers. And don’t settle for the first offer you get. Consider these factors before making a decision:

• Is the buyer making a cash offer on your house?
• Has the buyer applied for a mortgage? Are they pre-approved?
• Is the buyer willing to waive off some contingencies like home appraisal?

Step 7: Close the Deal

Once you’ve finalized an offer, you can move towards closing the deal. Here are some costs you’ll need to pay when selling your house in Michigan:

• Transfer Tax: This is a one-time fee that’s paid when transferring ownership. The transfer tax generally costs less than 1%.

• Property Tax: You are generally charged approximately 1% of the total home sale value. You can also claim a rebate if you have paid your property tax a year in advance.

• Closing Costs: You and the buyer pay separate closing costs. Seller closing costs in Michigan include HOA, real estate attorney, and home warranty fees.

Step 8: Transfer the Ownership

To transfer ownership to the buyer, you must sign the escrow paperwork, title deed, and other documents.

Once the formalities are complete, the buyer transfers all the funds to the escrow, and the escrow company transfers the funds to you. The process is officially concluded when the buyer’s name is registered in the public record.

Should I Sell My Michigan Home Now?

Yes! With rising home prices, now is the best time to sell a house in Michigan. Despite the cold winters, Michigan’s affordable cost of living make the state appealing to many. Plus, with buyers seeking vacation homes, you’re sure to get a great price for your property.

Frequently Asked Questions