Detroit attracts buyers nationwide with its affordable housing market and rich cultural history. With thousands of homes for sale in Detroit, you have plenty of options. But you must get preapproved, explore neighborhoods, and attend open houses before you make a purchase.
With Houzeo, Detroit’s best home buying website, managing your home search is simple. You can look through the latest listings in Detroit, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
👉 Download the Houzeo mobile app to simplify your Detroit home search.
At a Glance:
- Determine whether you’re purchasing a primary home, a vacation getaway, or a rental property. Also, choose neighborhoods in Detroit that match your lifestyle.
- Set aside 30–45 days for mortgage pre-approval. Aim for a credit score of 620+ to stay competitive in Detroit’s fast-moving market.
- Explore FHA, VA, or USDA loans, and apply for Michigan programs like MSHDA’s down payment assistance to make buying more affordable.
- Use platforms like Houzeo to search homes by acreage, price, or must-have features like pools, waterfront access, or hurricane protection.
- Schedule inspections for the roof, HVAC, and plumbing. In Detroit, it’s also smart to check for septic system health, well water quality, and winterization needs.
- Expect 2%–5% in closing costs. After purchase, file for Michigan’s Principal Residence Exemption to reduce your property taxes.
7 Steps to Buy a Home in Detroit🏖️
Buying a home in Detroit is not that complicated. Whether you’re just starting your search or already browsing homes for sale in Midtown, Corktown, or Boston-Edison, these 7 simple steps will help you move forward with confidence:
Step 1: Decide Your Homebuying Purpose
Whether you’re looking for a getaway or seeking an investment, knowing why you’re buying in the Detroit real estate market is essential. It sets your expectations and helps you make smarter choices. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Primary Residence vs. Investment: If you want to buy a home, choose places that fit your lifestyle, whether it’s historic Boston-Edison or vibrant Royal Oak. For investment properties, consider homes for sale in Southfield, where tourism drives demand.
- Short-Term or Long-Term: If you plan to live in the house for only a few years, focus on neighborhoods with strong resale value and upward market trends. You can check out homes for sale in New Center, where the housing market continues to grow.
- Space Requirements: If you’re looking for larger lots or big backyards, consider suburban areas like Livonia. But if you prefer something easier to manage, condos in places like Downtown Detroit or the Riverfront District can be a smart option.
Calculate the cost of living in Detroit to get a detailed breakdown of expenses like housing, utilities, transportation, and more. 🏡
Step 2: Explore Financing Options
Before making a purchase, it’s important to understand the financing options available for you to make an informed decision. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Prepare Financially
- Check Your Credit Score: Lenders will check your credit score to determine if you’re eligible for a loan. Aim for a score of 500+ for an FHA loan and 620+ for a conventional loan.
- Calculate Your Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Lenders often use your DTI ratio to assess how much home you can afford. Keep your DTI below 36%, especially if you want a home in an expensive region like Corktown.
- Set Your Budget: Make sure your budget accounts for property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and winter heating costs, which can be significant in Detroit.
👉 Use a Michigan mortgage calculator to estimate how much property you can afford in the Wolverine State.
2. Explore Loans and Assistance Programs
Down payments in Detroit usually range between 10% and 20%, but often vary based on the financing option you choose. You can also look for suitable Down Payment Assistance Programs (DPAs) to help you cover part or all of your down payment.
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Require just 3.5% down and are ideal if you’re a first-time homebuyer in Detroit or anywhere in Michigan. |
| VA & USDA Loans | Offer 0% down with lower interest rates. Perfect for veterans or those purchasing homes in rural areas. |
| MSHDA Down Payment Assistance | The Michigan State Housing Development Authority provides up to $10,000 in down payment assistance, making homeownership more accessible. |
| MI Home Loan & MI Home Loan Flex | Programs designed for first-time and repeat buyers that offer competitive interest rates and down payment help. |
| Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) | Once you buy in Detroit, you can apply for the PRE to reduce property taxes on your primary residence. |
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
The Detroit housing market is competitive, so get a mortgage pre-approval to show sellers you’re a serious buyer. In fact, 86% of sellers prefer buyers who are pre-approved. It also helps you negotiate better, and reduces delays in the transaction.
Shop around to find the best Michigan mortgage lenders—compare their programs, rates and terms. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, get pre-approved by submitting documents like proof of income, credit history, bank statements, and your ID proof.
Step 4: Dive Into the Detroit Market
Whether you’re looking at houses for sale in Detroit or anywhere else in the Wolverine State, here’s how to buy smart:
- Online Listings: If you’re wondering how to buy a house, starting with online listings is a good first step. Use platforms like Houzeo to search homes for sale by price, zip code, and more. You can also filter for must-haves like a backyard, waterfront view, etc.
- FSBO (For Sale By Owner) Homes: Explore FSBO listings, as they often offer more flexibility in price negotiations. This is because sellers aren’t paying 5% to 6% in agent fees.
Flint is the nicest and cheapest place to live in Michigan. The number of homes for sale in Flint is on the rise, thanks to its safe neighborhoods and diverse job opportunities.
Step 5: Make a Competitive Offer
In Detroit’s competitive housing market, homes tend to sell fast. Make sure you focus on real estate comps for a more accurate picture. Here’s a checklist to help you craft a strong offer:
- Seller’s Name and Address: Don’t forget the basics—include the seller’s legal name and property address.
- Price and Terms: Offer a price based on Fair Market Value (FMV) and comparable sales. In high-demand neighborhoods like Midtown, Corktown, or Downtown, you might need to offer above the asking price to stand out.
- Down Payment: In Detroit, down payments usually range from 3% to 20%. In competitive markets like Royal Oak or Grosse Pointe, a larger down payment can strengthen your offer.
- Earnest Money: Boost your earnest money deposit to show you’re serious, especially in hotspots like Wayne State University, where homes can go fast.
- Contingencies: Include protections like home inspection, financing, and wind mitigation contingencies. These safeguards protect you from issues like hurricane damage.
- Concessions: Request the seller to cover some closing costs. In Michigan, it’s common to negotiate repairs after the inspection, such as roof issues, HVAC problems, or plumbing leaks.
- Deadline for Seller’s Response: Set a 24- to 72-hour deadline to encourage a prompt reply. This helps prevent delays and keeps you on track for Michigan’s average 44-day closing timeline.
- Closing Costs: Expect closing costs around 2% to 5% of the home’s price, including title insurance, lender fees, and Detroit property taxes.
Step 6: Conduct Inspections and Appraisals
A standard home inspection in Michigan should cover:
- HVAC System: Ensure the heating and cooling systems are in good working order. Detroit experiences hot summers and cold winters, so a reliable HVAC system is essential for year-round comfort.
- Plumbing: Check for leaks, corrosion, and water pressure issues, especially in homes built before the 1980s. Older homes often have aging pipes that may need replacement.
- Electrical System: Verify that all wiring is up to code and can handle modern electrical loads. Some homes may require updates to prevent issues with older panels or circuits.
- Roof Condition: Assess for storm damage, missing shingles, or age-related wear. Winter snow and ice can take a toll on roofs, so proper maintenance is critical.
- Foundation and Structure: Look for cracks, moisture, or settlement issues. Homes in Detroit may have foundation challenges due to shifting soils or older construction, so careful inspection is important.
If you’re browsing homes for sale in Detroit or elsewhere, ensure that you get a wind mitigation inspection for hurricane risk. Also, if you have a condo over 30 years old and higher than two stories, make sure you get a Milestone Inspection for structural safety.
Once the inspection is complete, your lender will order a home appraisal to confirm the property’s market value. This step ensures the loan amount aligns with what the home is actually worth. It can impact final loan approval, especially if the appraisal comes in low.
Step 7: Close on Your Detroit Home
Almost there! Closing usually takes 30–45 days, from signing the contract to getting the keys in your hand. Here’s what you can expect:
- Final Walkthrough: Make sure all repairs have been completed, and the home is in the agreed-upon condition.
- Buyer Closing Costs: Expect to pay 2%–5% of the home price. This includes title fees and lender charges, plus prepaid taxes or insurance.
Once you sign the dotted line and transfer the escrow—congratulations, you’re officially a homeowner. Grab those keys and cue your happy dance! 🎉
What Should You Do After Closing?
Welcome home! Now it’s time to handle a few must-dos to protect your investment:
- File for Homestead Exemption: If the home is your primary residence, apply for Michigan’s PRE to reduce your property taxes. This exemption lowers the taxable value of your home, which can make a noticeable difference in Detroit.
- Set Up Utilities: Arrange water, electric, internet, and trash service through local providers. If your property has a sump pump, older plumbing, or a detached garage with wiring, schedule inspections and routine maintenance to avoid surprises.
- Get Insurance: Homeowners insurance is required if you’re financing, and coverage should account for winter weather damage, like ice dams or frozen pipes. Flood insurance may be needed if your home is near the Detroit River or in low-lying areas.
- Home Maintenance Plan: Schedule AC tune-ups at least twice a year, clear gutters regularly, and inspect roofs for storm damage or algae build-up. Consider wind mitigation upgrades to reduce insurance costs.
How to Buy a House in Detroit Without a Realtor?
Start by researching neighborhoods and browsing listings on trusted sites like Houzeo. Then, schedule showings directly with sellers or their agents. You can also hire a real estate attorney to review contracts and handle legal details.
Next, get pre-approved for a mortgage, make an offer, schedule inspections, and negotiate repairs. With the necessary due diligence, you can buy a house without a Realtor.
Should You Buy a House in Detroit?
Absolutely! Buying a house in Detroit offers incredible opportunities for homeowners, whether you’re buying for investment, residence, or vacation. Moreover, with more homes being sold below the list price, now’s the best time to buy a house in Michigan.
Whether you’re drawn to Detroit’s revitalized downtown job market or its rich arts and culture scene, the Motor City has it all. So if you’re on the hunt, check out our list of the best places to live in Michigan!
