When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Michigan?

What’s the worst time to list a house in Michigan?

According to Sheerin, the worst time to sell a house is in the colder months. “In the winter, things are typically slower — January, February, and March — because, obviously, nobody really wants to move in the snow, and everything just moves at a slower pace,” he says.

What seller concessions help close a sale in Michigan?

Sellers in Michigan sometimes provide concessions or extend credits to buyers to facilitate closing the deal.

“Typically, I’ve seen fewer seller concessions. To be honest, most of the concessions come from buyers,” says Sheerin. “Otherwise, the most common concessions are helping with buyers’ closing costs.”

Below are typical seller incentives and credits you might want to consider to make your Michigan home sale more appealing and help finalize the transaction:

• Assist with some of the buyer’s closing expenses
• Help fund a short-term mortgage rate buydown
• Provide a credit for repairs to resolve issues identified during the inspection
• Cover costs for the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal fees
• Pay for the initial months of HOA dues, if applicable
• Agree to cover the buyer’s agent commission
• Prepay property taxes or homeowners’ insurance premiums for the first year

Insider tips to help sell your house in Michigan

As a leading Michigan agent, Sheerin has experience guiding homeowners through the selling process, regardless of seasonal challenges.

Here are Sheerin’s expert recommendations for selling your home in the Great Lakes State:

1. Set the right price initially

Asking too much can result in a stagnant listing and force price cuts. Using a well-researched pricing plan grounded in recent comparable sales generates greater interest early on and encourages competitive bids.

“Lately, I’ve found that if you price the home accordingly, you’ll get multiple offers — often more than that — and it typically sells for over what it’s potentially worth,” says Sheerin.

2. Partner with a skilled agent

Choose an experienced local agent who understands your market and can assist with pricing, marketing, and negotiations effectively. The ideal agent knows how to position your Michigan property for a successful sale. Data from HomeLight shows the top 5% of agents typically sell homes at prices roughly 10% above the average.

3. Complete necessary repairs

Address visible problems like dripping faucets, broken tiles, or chipped paint — buyers often interpret minor faults as signs of bigger issues. Concentrate on repairs that provide good ROI and reassure potential buyers. Your Michigan agent can also advise on which repairs aren’t worth the effort.

4. Enhance curb appeal physically and virtually

Well-maintained landscaping, a tidy exterior, and inviting lighting establish strong curb appeal and form a positive first impression in person. Online, sharp photos and virtual tours help your Michigan listing capture buyers’ attention immediately.

“Another thing that a lot of people overlook, and you don’t always see it in pictures, is smell. I always say buyers notice that first. If there’s a strong smell of animals or smoke, it can really make or break the property. That’s something I really push with my sellers — to make the house picture-ready and move-in ready,” advises Sheerin.

5. Remove clutter and personal items

Decluttering by removing extra furniture, family pictures, and knick-knacks makes spaces appear larger and more welcoming. A neutral, tidy environment allows buyers to better envision living there.

6. Provide a home warranty

Offering a home warranty can ease buyer concerns about unexpected repair expenses, especially in older homes in Michigan. This can also differentiate your listing in a crowded market.

7. Be accommodating with showings

Making your house easy to view increases the likelihood of a quick sale. Allowing showings on weekends and evenings is particularly helpful for buyers from out of town or those with busy schedules. Check out typical showing numbers to understand market expectations.

8. Think about staging

Homes that are staged tend to sell more rapidly and often command higher prices because they enable buyers to better picture the space. Even partial or virtual staging can enhance your listing’s appeal.

Answers to other Michigan home-selling questions

What if I need a fast sale and closing in Michigan?

While some homes in Michigan may sell quickly, a quick sale is never a guarantee. If you require a fast transaction or don’t have the time or funds to complete necessary repairs, you might want to consider requesting an all-cash offer via HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform.

Within minutes, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and get a no-strings-attached cash offer within one day. Simple Sale provides cash offers on homes in nearly any condition throughout Michigan, letting you skip staging, showings, and repairs, and close in as little as 7 days.

What is the biggest mistake Michigan home sellers make?

According to Sheerin, one of the most common errors sellers make when putting a home on the market in Michigan is setting too high a price. 

“In this market, overpricing the home seems simple, or a no-brainer, but it really isn’t. When it comes to multiple offers, the market ultimately determines the price. I can tell you what a house is worth, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what the buyer is willing to write an offer for,” he says.

Find a top Michigan agent for a successful sale

The best time to sell a house in Michigan depends on your goals and circumstances. However, listing your property in a way that leads to quicker sales and higher returns doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance, you can make smart choices and steer clear of common mistakes.

Partnering with a leading agent in your region ensures you have an experienced advisor to support you throughout a successful home sale. Connect with a top agent today.

If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, explore HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This forward-thinking option taps into your home equity to simplify the process. Submit a non-contingent offer for your next property and move only once. Check out this brief video to discover more. 

Header Image Source: (Josh Garcia / Unsplash)