Buying your first home is exciting. It can also feel overwhelming. There are new terms to learn, paperwork to complete, money to plan, and important decisions to make.

If you are a first-time home buyer in Michigan, you do not have to figure everything out alone. I will help you understand each step, communicate clearly, and protect your interests from the first showing through closing day.

Here are 10 things I want every first-time buyer to know before making an offer.

 

1. Start with a full mortgage pre-approval

Before touring homes, talk with a lender and get pre-approved. Pre-approval is more detailed than prequalification (income, credit, debts, assets, employment history reviewed).

Ask the lender:

• What will my estimated monthly payment be?
• How much cash will I need at closing?
• How much should I keep in savings after closing?
• What loan programs might fit my situation?
• How quickly can we close?

A pre-approval gives a practical price range and helps write a stronger offer.

2. Ask about MSHDA and MI 10K assistance

MSHDA offers programs for qualified buyers. The MI 10K Down Payment Assistance Loan may provide up to $10,000 toward down payment, closing costs and prepaid expenses when used with an eligible MI Home Loan

Generally an interest-free, deferred loan with no monthly payment, but repayment can become due when you sell, refinance, pay off the first mortgage, or stop occupying the home. Program rules, income limits, purchase-price limits and lender requirements apply.

Washtenaw and Lenawee counties include MSHDA targeted areas, but eligibility is checked by the specific property address and buyer circumstances — a participating lender confirms whether a home qualifies. Ask about assistance before making an offer.

3. Plan for more than the down payment

Other costs may include:

• Earnest money
• Inspections
• Appraisal
• Lender fees
• Title work and title insurance
• Recording fees
• Prepaid taxes and insurance
• Homeowner's insurance
• Moving expenses
• Immediate repairs or improvements

Many buyers should plan for approximately 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs depending on loan and transaction. The lender provides a loan estimate and later a closing disclosure. Tamara will help review how much cash will be left after the purchase.

4. Look closely at Michigan property taxes

The amount shown in a listing may reflect the seller's current taxable value; after a sale, Michigan's taxable value can uncap in the following year and reset closer to the property's state equalized value, which may cause taxes to increase.

Before offering, review:

• The current tax amount
• Local millage rates
• Whether the property is in a city, township or village
• Whether special assessments apply
• How taxable value may change after the sale

General info: Michigan Department of Treasury property tax resources 

5. Understand city and township rules

Ask about:

• Zoning
• Rental restrictions
• Building permits
• Driveway access
• Water and sewer service
• Trash and snow removal
• Special assessments
• Well and septic requirements
• Local transfer or inspection requirements

This matters especially outside larger cities or when buying property with land.

6. Check the basement, foundation, and winter-related concerns

Michigan homes face freeze-and-thaw cycles, heavy snow, ice, wind and moisture. During a showing pay attention to:

• Musty smells in the basement
• Water stains or efflorescence on foundation walls
• Cracks in floors or walls
• Sump pump operation
• Grading around the foundation
• Roof age and condition
• Attic ventilation and insulation
• Window condition
• Furnace and water heater age
• Signs of ice damming or previous leaks

A professional home inspection is strongly recommended.

7. Ask whether the home has a well or septic system

For a private well:

• Water quality test
• Well-flow or pressure evaluation
• Review of well location and records

For a septic system:

• Septic inspection
• Tank and field evaluation
• Pumping records
• Confirmation of system location and condition

Lenders or loan programs may have specific requirements and some municipalities require inspections or certifications before a sale. These checks should be planned early.

8. Know how earnest money and contingencies work

Earnest money is a deposit showing the seller you are serious, typically held in escrow and credited toward the purchase at closing; the amount varies by market and offer strategy.

Common contingencies include:

• Home inspection
• Financing approval
• Appraisal
• Well and septic inspections
• Sale of another property when applicable

A strong offer does not have to remove every protection.

9. Expect title work before closing

The title company searches public records for liens, unpaid obligations, ownership issues or other claims. Buyers may purchase owner's title insurance, which can help protect their ownership interest from certain covered title problems that may not appear during the initial search. Tamara helps explain who handles the closing and what documents are needed.

10. Build a realistic offer and closing timeline

A financed purchase in Michigan often takes about 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to closing.

During that time buyers may need to:

• Deliver earnest money
• Schedule inspections
• Review inspection results
• Complete lender documents
• Order and review the appraisal
• Satisfy loan conditions
• Complete title work
• Arrange homeowner's insurance
• Review the closing disclosure
• Complete a final walkthrough

Closing date, possession date, inspection timing, earnest money, financing terms and seller concessions may all affect how attractive the offer is.

You do not have to navigate buying a house in Michigan alone

If you are searching for information about how to buy a house in Michigan, start with a clear budget, a trusted lender, and an experienced real estate professional who will take time to explain the process. Tamara serves buyers across Lenawee, Washtenaw, Jackson County, and Southeast Michigan, helping search for the right home, understand local details, prepare a careful offer, and stay involved through closing. When you are ready, reach out to NextHome Roots Real Estate Group and ask what your next step should be.

Real estate with heart, hustle, and integrity.

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, lending, or financial advice. Program requirements and property conditions can change. Always confirm current details with your lender, municipality, inspector, title company, and other qualified professionals.