Seller's guide · 7 min read
Selling your Michigan home for top dollar
How to price it, prepare it, market it and close it, plus the Michigan paperwork and taxes sellers need to know.
- 1
Know your numbers
Start with your mortgage payoff balance and what you'd like to walk away with. Your agent will prepare a comparative market analysis showing what similar homes nearby actually sold for, which is the best guide to your list price.
Pricing right from day one matters. Homes that start too high tend to sit, and buyers start to wonder what's wrong.
- 2
Choose your listing agent
Interview two or three agents. Ask how they'd price your home and why, how they'll market it, how often you'll hear from them, and what their fee covers.
Commissions are negotiable. Your listing agreement spells out what you pay your agent. Whether you offer anything toward the buyer's agent's fee is a separate decision your agent can help you think through.
- 3
Prepare the home
Declutter, deep clean and fix small things buyers will notice: leaky faucets, burned-out bulbs, sticky doors, scuffed paint. Neutral paint and good lighting photograph well.
A pre-listing inspection can surface problems early so they don't derail a deal later. Curb appeal counts: mow, edge, trim and make the front door look inviting.
- 4
Complete your disclosures
Michigan law requires most sellers of homes with 1 to 4 units to give buyers a Seller Disclosure Statement describing known conditions, like the roof, basement water, mechanicals and environmental issues. Be thorough and honest; it protects you.
If your home was built before 1978, federal law also requires a lead-based paint disclosure.
- 5
Market it and show it
Your agent lists the home on the MLS with professional photos and a strong description, then promotes it online and to other agents. Most activity happens in the first couple of weeks.
Keep the home show-ready and be flexible with showing times. Step out during showings so buyers feel comfortable.
- 6
Review offers and negotiate
Look beyond the price: the buyer's financing and pre-approval, earnest money, inspection and appraisal terms, requested closing date, and any concessions they've asked for.
After the inspection, expect a repair request. You can make repairs, offer a credit or price reduction, or say no. Your agent will help you decide what's reasonable.
- 7
Closing
The title company orders your mortgage payoff, prepares the deed and settlement statement, and handles the money. You'll sign the deed, hand over keys and receive your proceeds, usually by wire.
Cancel utilities and insurance only after closing, and leave manuals, garage openers and spare keys for the new owners.
What Michigan sellers usually pay
| Agent commission | Negotiable; set in your listing agreement |
|---|---|
| State transfer tax | $3.75 per $500 of the sale price (0.75%). Some sellers whose home has not gained value qualify for an exemption; ask your title company. |
| County transfer tax | $0.55 per $500 of the sale price (0.11%) |
| Owner's title insurance | Customarily paid by the seller in Michigan |
| Mortgage payoff | Your remaining loan balance plus interest to the payoff date |
| Prorated property taxes | Settled at closing based on when bills are due in your city or township |
| Repairs and concessions | Whatever you agree to after the inspection |
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and figures change; confirm details with your agent, lender, title company or attorney. Move Michigan · movemichigan.co