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Best time to buy a house in Michigan | Best Michigan cities to buy a house | How to get a great deal on a Michigan home
Is there a best time to buy a house in Michigan? The right time comes down to your priorities and situation.
In recent years, listing prices for homes in Michigan were lowest in January. On average, homes were $39,163 less expensive. While in August — the month with the highest prices — the listing prices were $23,786 more than the annual average.
Mortgage rates, on the other hand, were lowest in December. But with interest rates currently on the rise, it pays to explore your options with a trusted mortgage provider to make sure you get the best rate possible.
Read on to find out which time of year will give you the most options and the biggest savings when buying a house in Michigan.
Getting started
If you're interested in buying a home in Michigan, the first step is to connect with a realtor who knows your local market. The real estate market in Michigan can change quickly, and a knowledgeable realtor can give you up to date information on when and where to buy.
The best way to find a realtor is through a free service like Semya-Moya. Clever will match you with top agents from trusted brands like RE/MAX and Keller Williams. Interview as many agents as you'd like until you find the perfect fit, or walk away at any time with no obligation. Add your zip code below to request hand-picked agent matches today!
If you're ready to buy a home, Clever can connect you with an agent who knows the market!
✅ Get expert help to negotiate your purchase price
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When's the best time of year to buy a house in Michigan?
If you want plenty of homes to choose from, April, May, and June are the best months to house hunt. More listings tend to hit the Michigan market during these months. But the busy spring means more competition from other buyers, which could hike up the prices.
In July, August, and September, you're more likely to get a great deal on a home — but you'll probably have a smaller selection of properties to choose from. In the winter months, properties tend to be covered in snow, and it's difficult for home buyers to gauge factors like lawn size and maintenance. Because of this, homeowners are often more willing to negotiate their sales price as it gets closer to winter.
That said, real estate trends in Michigan can vary greatly depending on your specific area. The best way to find a home in your target market is to connect with a local realtor. They'll help you navigate the ins and outs of your market and find the best time to buy a house in Michigan.
💰 Find a top buyer's agent near me today!
Where are the best places to buy a home in Michigan?
Not sure where exactly in Michigan you want to live? Check out this list of five great places to buy a home in Michigan.
Birmingham
In this city of 20,500, the five public schools are known for their excellence in education, with test scores about 21% higher than the national average. Income levels are pretty high too, averaging $108,135 per household annually.
Birmingham’s unemployment rate is 48% lower than the national average, and the city is safer than 83% of all American cities.
Troy
Located in Oakland County, roughly 25 miles north of Detroit, Troy has a low crime rate and reasonably priced housing, with homes averaging $230,400.
Troy boasts a vibrant economy, and commute times average a little under 25 minutes. To top it off, Troy has top-rated schools, beautiful homes, world-class dining, and plenty of other attractions.
Ann Arbor
Known for its nature and bountiful parks, Ann Arbor got second place in Niche’s list of 2019 Best Cities to Live in America.
We can see why: the area has a vibrant economy, low crime rate, a progressive culture, regular festivals, and free outdoor music. And let’s not forget the first-rate schools, beautiful neighborhoods, and bustling downtown area.
Berkley
A suburb of Detroit, Berkley is home to over 15,000 people. The town is known for its dining, shopping, and nightlife. It also has a number of high-performing public schools and low crime.
Home buyers here have ample housing options, including cottages, Cape Cod homes, and craftsman-style properties — and for a great price, too. The median home value stands at $150,800. The overall cost of living is also low.
East Grand Rapids
Home to 11,000 residents, this suburb is known for having some of the best schools in the state. It also offers a steady, high-paying job market (the median household income averages $112,000, double the national average), a low crime rate, and a high quality of life. Homes are valued at an average of $270,100.
Four ways to get a great deal on a home in Michigan
1. Find a great Michigan real estate agent
If you're hoping to get a great deal on a Michigan home, it's important to connect with an experienced real estate agent. A good agent will know your local housing market inside and out, and they'll guide you toward the right neighborhoods for you.
2. Determine what you need and want in a home
To ensure a smooth home buying experience, first work with your real estate agent to determine what you need and want in a property. Also make sure you identify your budget. Once you know your requirements, your realtor can help you start an effective house hunt.
3. Find a lender and secure financing
Unless you plan to buy your home with cash, you'll need to apply for a mortgage. For most home buyers in Michigan, interest rate is one of the biggest factors when choosing a lender. Doing some upfront research and comparing options to find the best rate could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
For example, in Michigan a typical house is worth $186,000. Assuming a 20% down payment, if you took out a 30-year mortgage for 3.5%, your monthly payment would be $664. But if you shopped around and found a 3% mortgage, your monthly payment would drop to about $627.
4. Negotiate for the best possible price
Once you choose the property you want, your agent will help you decide how much to offer to win the home — without overspending. They'll also guide you through negotiations, ensuring you pay a fair price in the current market conditions.
If you're looking for a realtor, Clever can connect you with the top buyer's agents in your area for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Fill out our online form, and a Clever representative will reach out to get the process started and answer any questions.
Finding a great local realtor is the first step in making your home buying dreams a reality. Our free service matches you with top agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX.
Enter your zip code to request hand-picked agent matches in minutes. Compare your options until you find the perfect fit, or walk away with no obligation. Try Clever's free service today!
