How to Sell a House for Cash in Michigan
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- 8 min read
- Cheyenne Wiseman Associate EditorCloseCheyenne Wiseman Associate Editor
Cheyenne Wiseman is an Associate Editor at HomeLight.com. Previously, she worked as a writer for Static Media (Mashed.com and Chowhound.com) and as an editor for CBR.com. Cheyenne holds a bachelor’s degree in English from UC Davis, where she also founded and led a literary magazine called Open Ceilings. She has four years of experience writing and editing on topics including real estate, financial advising, and pharmaceuticals.
If you’re looking to sell a house for cash in Michigan, you likely want a fast, hassle-free sale. With this type of transaction, you can skip home prep work, avoid repairs and showings, and close on a timeline that works for you.
The three big questions on your mind might be:
- How do I sell a house for cash in Michigan?
- What does this convenience cost?
- How much more can I get for my Michigan house if I make repairs?
In this post, we’ll explain the two most common options for pursuing an all-cash offer in Michigan and what the offer amount might look like, which can depend on who you sell to and whether you make repairs or sell “as is.”
Options to sell a house for cash in Michigan
In Michigan, homeowners typically have two main ways to sell for cash: work directly with a house-buying company or investor, or hire a real estate agent who can help attract a cash offer from a traditional buyer. Each option can result in different levels of proceeds.
Before we break down everything, use the calculator below to get a fast estimate of how a cash offer in Michigan might compare depending on how you sell.
As you can see, your cash offer amount will be considerably higher if your Michigan home is in good condition. However, not everyone has the time, funds, or desire to make extensive repairs. For homeowners dealing with a major life change, job relocation, financial pressure, or the sale of an inherited property from out of state, the convenience of an all-cash offer is hard to match.
Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from each option to sell a house for cash in Michigan.
Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Michigan
House-buying companies and investor groups specialize in purchasing properties for cash. Many of these buyers purchase homes “as is,” meaning you don’t need to clean, make repairs, or stage your Michigan home. They are commonly known as “We Buy Houses” companies.
Other house-buying companies that operate in Michigan, known as iBuyers, only accept homes in good condition or move-in-ready “turnkey properties.” The most well-known iBuyers are Opendoor and Offerpad, which make higher cash offers but charge a fee of around 5% of the home’s price.
We Buy Houses companies in Michigan typically follow a similar streamlined process:
- You give them information about your Michigan property online or over the phone.
- They determine the home’s value using local market data and an on-site visit.
- You receive a no-obligation cash offer, often within 24 to 48 hours.
- If you accept the offer, they can close in as little as 7 to 14 days.
Some Michigan cash buyers fix and flip homes, while others rent them out or hold them as investments. They usually aim to purchase below market value to allow room for profit.
Most We Buy Houses investors in Michigan follow the 70% rule of house flipping, which dictates that the purchase price should not exceed 70% of a home’s after-repair value (ARV) minus the cost of the repairs. Our calculator above applies a formula to show a range of the 70% rule and an 80% guideline that many rental property investors use.
However, these are general rules, and some Michigan cash-for-homes companies may make higher or lower offers depending on the property’s location and condition.
»Learn more: 7 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Michigan
Pros and cons of selling to a Michigan cash buyer company
Pros | Cons |
Speed: Close and get paid in a matter of days instead of months | Lower sale price: Offers are typically below market value |
No repairs required: Sell your Michigan home in its current state | No negotiations: It’s usually a take-it-or-leave-it type of offer |
Convenience: No showings, open houses, or negotiations | Less competition: You’re not exposing the home to multiple buyers |
No fees or commissions: Most Michigan companies pay closing costs | Not suitable for all situations: An agent-assisted sale has its advantages |
Certainty: Less risk of a deal falling through due to financing | Unscrupulous buyers and scams: Not every cash buyer in Michigan is reputable |
While there are many legitimate investors in Michigan, it’s important to stay alert for signs of a bad deal, such as a company that pressures you or has no established track record or online presence. Prioritize companies with verified reviews, local market knowledge, and transparent communication methods.
»Learn more: We Buy Houses Pros and Cons: Make an Informed Decision
A better way to find trusted cash buyers in Michigan
HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with the largest network of pre-vetted cash buyers in Michigan and throughout the U.S., helping you review offers without having to navigate the investor world on your own.
The Simple Sale process has four straightforward steps:
Just enter a few details about your Michigan home, and you’ll receive a no-obligation offer within 24 hours. If you choose to move forward, you can close in as few as 7 days or select your closing date. You’ll also receive an expert estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Michigan real estate agent so that you can compare your options.
Option 2: Attract a cash buyer with a top Michigan agent
Not all cash offers come from investors or companies. In Michigan’s competitive housing market, many individual buyers pay with cash, whether they’re downsizing, relocating after selling a home in Texas, or looking for a second home to enjoy the Great Lakes and settle into a slower pace of life. A top Michigan real estate agent can help position your home to attract these buyers.
»Learn more: Why Hire a Real Estate Agent When You’re Selling or Buying
Pros and cons of selling with a top Michigan agent
Pros | Cons |
A better sale price: Agents can increase exposure to attract multiple offers | Longer timeline: A traditional listing can take weeks or months to close |
Expert guidance: Pricing, marketing, and negotiations are taken care of | Prep work required: You may need to clean, stage, or complete repairs before listing |
Broad market access: Reach more cash buyers through the MLS and agent networks | Showings and disruptions: Selling this way typically involves multiple walkthroughs |
Reduced stress: Agents handle complex tasks, freeing up your time | Commission fees: You’ll need to budget for agent fees (a percentage of the sale price) |
Legal protection: Provides guidance on disclosures and federal fair housing laws | Uncertainty of sale: There is no guarantee of a fast sale, and offers can fall through |
»Learn more: Should I Sell to a Home Investor or List With an Agent?
The easy way to find top-rated Michigan agents
If you’re leaning toward partnering with an agent, HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform can connect you with Michigan’s top-performing agents based on real transaction data. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to find you the best agent for your needs.
Whether you’re trying to attract a cash offer or explore all your options, a skilled Michigan agent can help you maximize your sale. For a no-obligation consultation with a trusted agent, tell us a little about your selling goals and timeline.
Which cash sale option is right for you?
If speed, convenience, and a hassle-free experience are your top priorities, selling to a vetted Michigan cash buyer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform could be the better fit — especially if you’re hoping to move quickly before peak summer swim season is over.
If you’re willing to take more time to potentially earn a higher price — and don’t mind preparing your home for listing — teaming up with a top Michigan agent may be the right choice.
When you request a Simple Sale offer, you’ll also receive an expert estimate of what your Michigan home could sell for with a top agent, so you can confidently weigh both options.
Still unsure if you should sell a house for cash in Michigan? Use our Home Cash Offer Comparison Calculator above to get a sense of what your home might sell for, depending on your chosen selling strategy. Then, request a no-obligation offer or consult with a trustworthy Michigan agent.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but with the right guidance and resources, you’ll be able to make a well-informed, confident choice.
Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr / Unsplash)