If you’re like many residents in Michigan, your home is probably your most significant financial asset. Selling it is a major decision. Whether you’re moving to a different state, relocating to the suburbs, or looking to downsize, you probably want the selling process to be as seamless and profitable as possible.
As you plan your sale, understanding the costs involved in selling your Michigan home is essential. This article outlines what expenses you can expect and provides expert insights to help you navigate the selling process.
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Housing trends in Michigan
Similar to the national real estate landscape, the Michigan housing market is facing high interest rates and rising home prices.
“There’s lots of buyer activity in the market, and because it’s still generally a seller’s market, we’re seeing home values continue to appreciate. But now we’re back down to a more sustainable, normal level of appreciation—around 4% to 6% a year,” says Kate Hayman, a top Michigan real estate agent who works with over 65% more single-family homes than the average agent in her market.
Here’s a snapshot of the current real estate conditions in Michigan:
| As of April 2025 | |
| Days on market | 28 days |
| Median home sale price | $249,100 |
| List price vs. sale price | 97.6% |
| Supply of inventory | 3 months |
| Population growth year over year | 0.56% |
Sources: Redfin, World Population Review
As a seller in Michigan, one important metric to consider is the days on market (DOM), which indicates the time from listing to securing a signed purchase agreement. In Michigan, the median DOM is 28 days.
“When a home is priced appropriately for the market, it’s typically selling within three to seven days, especially in the cities or more popular areas,” says Hayman. “In more rural areas, like a client I have now who’s looking to buy 20 acres outside the metro, homes are taking more like 30 days. That’s simply because there’s less activity in those markets.”
Start with a home value estimate
A critical first step in estimating the cost of selling your home in Michigan is to obtain an accurate home value estimate.
Given the fluctuations in values and markets, checking your home’s worth before selling is advised. You might be pleasantly surprised by its value.
You can quickly request an online value estimate using HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator. This free automated valuation model (AVM) tool utilizes recent sales data, local market trends, and your home’s latest selling price to provide a ballpark value range in under two minutes. Just enter your address to begin.
How much does it cost to sell a house in Michigan?
The answer varies. Based on our research, the cost to sell a home in Michigan typically ranges from 6% to 10% of your home’s final selling price.
For instance, if you sell your home for $249,100 — the median home price in Michigan — your selling costs could be approximately $14,946 to $24,910.
Which end of this estimate you can expect to pay will largely depend on your choices regarding home preparations, agent commissions, and any concessions you plan to offer to the buyer. Let’s explore a breakdown of which expenses to consider when calculating the cost of selling a home in Michigan.
What are common expenses for sellers in Michigan?
Hayman notes that the cost of selling a house in Michigan can vary significantly based on the state’s evolving market.
“Typically, you’ll pay between 6.5% and maybe as much as 8%, depending on the specifics — especially if there are additional costs like water escrows or a rent-back arrangement if you’re staying in the home after closing,” Hayman says.
Several factors can affect the cost of preparing your home for sale, including its size, age, and condition. Below, we’ve included some estimated prices to guide you as you plan.
Prepping your house for sale
Preparing your Michigan home for sale generally costs between 1.5% and 2.7% of your home’s final sale price. Based on the median price of a house in Michigan, this could range from $3,736 to $6,725.
Here’s a breakdown of these expenses:
- Pre-sale repairs: $4,500-$5,400, depending on the year your home was built and its maintenance.
- Staging the home: $1,500-$4,000 (recommended by agents for higher proceeds).
- Professional cleaning services: $118-$237, depending on the home’s size.
- Interior painting: $966-$3,087.
- Landscaping: $1,249-$6,280.
- Pre-listing inspection: $250-$500 if desired.
Before undertaking major projects like a kitchen remodel or roof replacement, consult with your Realtor. An experienced Michigan real estate agent can advise you on what needs fixing and what repairs you can skip when prepping your home for listing.
Realtor fees in Michigan
Agent commissions are among the most significant costs in a real estate transaction. In Michigan, Realtor fees typically range from 2.5% to 6%, depending on whether you choose to pay the buyer’s agent commissions, which is no longer a given due to a landmark court settlement that changed commission rules nationwide.
Based on the median home price of $249,100 in Michigan, you can expect to pay between $6,227.50 (2.5%) and $14,946 (6%) in real estate agent commissions.
“The bulk of selling costs are the standard 6% commission (split between the listing and buyer’s agents), plus about 1% to 1.5% in additional costs, like title insurance and Michigan’s state transfer tax,” says Hayman.
While agent commissions may seem high, working with a skilled professional can significantly impact your final net proceeds. HomeLight transaction data indicates that the top 5% of agents across the U.S. sell homes for as much as 10% more than average agents.
Later in this post, we’ll illustrate how commissions might affect your total selling costs in our at-a-glance example chart.
Seller concessions
Seller concessions can add to the overall cost of selling a house in Michigan. Beyond the direct costs of preparing your home and paying Realtor fees, there may be indirect costs during the transaction. These indirect costs may include seller concessions and buyer incentives.
A concession occurs when a seller agrees to use part of their proceeds to cover some or all of a buyer’s closing costs. The total of these costs will depend on your market and selling situation.
“Probably only about 30 percent of the time, the buyer is asking for — or the accepted offer includes — seller-paid closing costs to cover the buyer’s lender fees and other loan-related costs,” Hayman says. She also notes that some sellers agree to offer a repair credit for buyers to fix specific items.
While sellers are not obligated to make concessions, doing so can attract more buyers, help your home stand out, or facilitate closing a deal. Here’s a quick overview of some seller concession examples that might increase the cost of selling a house in Michigan:
- Home inspection fees: $296-$424, depending on square footage.
- Buyer’s home warranty: $350-$900 ($1,200-$1,400 for more comprehensive plans).
- Repair credit: Seller credits vary and can reduce your net proceeds.
Closing costs and additional fees
Your closing costs and additional fees (excluding agent commissions) will likely range from 2% to 4% of your home’s selling price. Using Michigan’s median home price of $249,100, this would amount to between $4,982 and $9,964.
So, what closing costs do sellers incur in Michigan? Here are examples of the line items you’ll find on your final settlement statement:
- Escrow fee
- Title insurance premiums
- Title search fees
- Tax liens or other judgments
- Homeowner’s association dues
- Reconveyance fee and recording fees
- Prorated property taxes
- Mortgage loan payoff amount (U.S. average: approximately $250,000)
- Real estate transfer tax
“The thing that tends to catch most sellers off guard is the transfer tax. I wouldn’t say they’re completely surprised — everyone expects some kind of cost — but it’s one of those things people don’t like to think about,” Hayman says.
At-a-glance home selling cost example for Michigan
This at-a-glance table is based on the median home price of roughly $249,100 in Michigan. For simplicity, this table does not include a mortgage payoff amount. These figures can serve as a helpful planning tool as you prepare to sell your home.
| Prepping your home for sale | $4,982 | 2% |
| Realtor fees (commissions) | $7,473 | 3% (listing agent only) |
| Concessions, closing costs, taxes, fees | $7,473 | 3% |
| Transfer tax | $2,142 | 0.86% |
| Total selling cost example | $22,070 | 8.86% |
*General estimates based on Michigan’s median home price of $249,100
If you decide to cover the buyer’s agent fee: Add an estimated 2.5%, or $6,227.50.
How much profit will you make? To gain a clearer understanding of your potential earnings after expenses, try HomeLight’s Net Proceeds Calculator. This free tool considers all the selling costs discussed in this post, including your mortgage payoff amount.
Relocation expenses
One cost you might overlook is the cost of relocating. Moving expenses vary based on your next destination and whether you hire movers to pack your belongings. Here’s a general idea of moving costs after selling your home:
- Typical cost to move: $882-$2,567
- Typical cost to move out of state: $3,000-$9,500
How can I reduce my seller costs in Michigan?
Several strategies — some more effective than others — can help you minimize the cost of selling your home in Michigan.
“My best tip is to get ahead of repairs,” suggests Hayman. “If you haven’t looked in your attic in 10 years — and especially here in Michigan, where we have a wet climate for much of the year — there could be issues you’re not aware of. It’s always better to identify those problems before listing your home. That way, you can get your own quotes and work with contractors on your terms.”
Here are some other ways to reduce seller costs:
- Make repairs yourself when possible.
- Negotiate a lower commission with your real estate agent.
- Use a discount-commission agent or brokerage.
- Consider selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO).
- Avoid offering seller concessions or buyer incentives.
- If you agree to cover closing costs or provide a repair credit, consider raising your home’s purchase price.
- Resist the temptation to over-improve or make unnecessary repairs when selling.
- Sell your house off-market.
- Time your home sale using HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator.
- Work with a top-performing agent who has a proven sale-to-list ratio.
“Discount brokerages might seem like a way to save money, but in many cases, they’re just putting your home on the MLS and leaving most of the work up to you. Studies have shown that sellers who go this route often end up with lower net proceeds,” says Hayman.
While a discount agent or broker may offer lower-cost services, they might lack the experience needed to successfully close the sale, potentially costing you money in the long run.
Helpful tools for your next home purchase
As you prepare for your next home purchase, consider these HomeLight tools and our modern Buy Before You Sell program:
Connect With a Top Agent to Sell Your Michigan Home
It takes just two minutes to match clients with the best real estate agents, who will contact you and guide you through the process. To connect with an agent, simply tell us a little bit about your property and how soon you’re looking to sell.
Our data shows the top 5% of agents across the U.S. help clients sell their home for as much as 10% more than the average real estate agent.
Partner and plan with a top Michigan agent
A good first step in determining the cost of selling a house in Michigan is to obtain a home value estimate.
Then, you need to create a plan to maximize your profits. HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform can connect you with a top real estate agent in your Michigan market who can sell your property for more than its asking price.
Typically, the cost to sell a house in Michigan is 6% to 10% or more of your home’s final sale price.
HomeLight’s Agent Match can connect you with high-performing agents in your Michigan market who can guide you through the selling process and help you make the most of your real estate transition.
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