Buying a Home in Michigan Without an Agent
Skip the buyer's agent and save $7,500 on a median Michigan home ($250,000).
A step-by-step guide for Michigan buyers who want to keep the commission.
Michigan Closing Requirements
Attorney Required at Closing
No — Title Company Can Close
Buyer Agent Required by Law
No — Agent Is Optional
Standard Inspection Period
10 Days
Potential Savings
$7,500 at median price
Title companies handle Michigan closings. No agent required. Note Michigan's seller disclosure laws.
Transfer Tax
Seller pays Michigan state transfer tax ($3.75 per $500) plus county transfer tax ($0.55 per $500). Buyers pay no transfer tax.
8 Steps to Buy Without an Agent in Michigan
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before searching for homes, get a pre-approval letter from a lender. This tells sellers how much you can borrow and shows you're a serious buyer. Compare rates from multiple lenders — even a 0.25% rate difference on a $250,000 Michigan home saves thousands over the loan term.
Search for Homes
Use Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and local MLS portals to find listings in Michigan. Set up alerts for your target criteria. You can also drive neighborhoods and look for FSBO signs — those sellers have no listing agent and may be open to direct offers.
Research Comparable Sales
Before making an offer, research what similar homes have sold for in the last 90 days. Zillow, Redfin, and Michigan county tax records provide recent sale prices to help you make a fair offer.
Schedule a Showing
Contact the seller's listing agent directly to schedule a showing. The listing agent represents the seller but is legally obligated to treat you fairly. You don't need your own agent to tour homes in Michigan.
Write and Submit Your Offer
Prepare a written offer including purchase price, contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal), closing date, and earnest money. In Michigan, the inspection contingency window is typically 10 days — make sure it's in your offer.
Complete Inspections
You have 10 days to complete inspections in Michigan. Hire a licensed home inspector to evaluate the property. Michigan has some of the most detailed seller disclosure requirements in the Midwest. The Seller Disclosure Act (Act 92) requires disclosure of any known defects — review it line by line before your inspection.
Secure Final Mortgage Approval
Work with your lender to complete underwriting, appraisal, and final approval. Respond quickly to any document requests and avoid major purchases or new credit during this period.
Close on Your Home
A title company handles your Michigan closing — reviewing title, preparing the deed, and coordinating the transfer of funds. Review and sign all closing documents, pay your down payment and closing costs, and receive the keys.
Resources for Michigan Buyers
Partner services to help you buy without a buyer's agent.