Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers to the questions Downriver buyers, sellers, and future neighbors ask us most. Don’t see yours? Reach out — we respond within one business hour.
For Buyers
How much are closing costs in Michigan?
Buyer closing costs in Michigan typically run 2–5% of the purchase price, so on a $250,000 home you should budget roughly $5,000–$12,500. That covers lender fees, title insurance, transfer tax, prepaid taxes and insurance, and escrow. We prepare a full cost sheet before you write any offer so there are no surprises at the table.
How much do I need for a down payment to buy a home in Downriver?
Less than most people think. FHA loans can go as low as 3.5% down, conventional as low as 3–5%, and Michigan’s MSHDA MI Home Loan offers up to $10,000 in down-payment assistance for qualified buyers. VA is 0% down for eligible veterans. We work with lenders who specialize in all of these programs.
Can I buy a HUD home in Downriver, Michigan?
Yes. HUD homes in Downriver (Lincoln Park, Taylor, Inkster, and surrounding cities) are listed at hudhomestore.gov and sold only through HUD-registered agents. Owner-occupants get a 15-day exclusive bidding window before investors can bid. We’re HUD-registered and can submit your bid and track deadlines for you.
How long does it take to buy a house in Downriver?
Start to close usually runs 30–45 days once you’re under contract. Expect another 30–60 days of active shopping in today’s market, plus 1–2 weeks upfront to get pre-approved. A realistic full timeline from “I want to buy” to “I have keys” is 60–120 days.
What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell the lender — it carries little weight with sellers. Pre-approval means the lender has pulled credit and verified income, and issues a letter committing to lend. In competitive Downriver neighborhoods, sellers won’t take an offer seriously without a pre-approval letter.
For Sellers
How long does it take to sell a house in Downriver, MI?
Days-on-market for well-priced homes in Downriver has been running 15–30 days, with hot segments like Wyandotte sub-$250K often going in under 10. Total timeline from listing to cash in hand is usually 45–75 days, including the 30-day closing window after you accept an offer.
What does it cost to sell a home in Michigan?
Plan on roughly 7–9% of the sale price in total costs. That includes agent commission (negotiated at listing), Michigan state transfer tax (0.75%), title insurance (seller customarily pays in Michigan), prorated property taxes, and any seller concessions the buyer negotiates. We prepare a net-sheet before we list so you know your walk-away number.
What upgrades add the most value when selling in Downriver?
The highest ROI is almost always paint, decluttering, and curb appeal — not big renovations. Fresh neutral paint, clean landscaping, updated lighting, and a professional deep clean routinely add more to your sale price than a $30K kitchen remodel. Every seller gets a room-by-room walk-through with budget-matched recommendations.
Do I need to disclose issues when selling a home in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan’s Seller Disclosure Act requires sellers of 1–4 unit residential property to complete a written Seller’s Disclosure Statement before any purchase agreement is signed, covering known conditions like roof, plumbing, electrical, foundation, and water damage. Hiding known defects exposes you to post-closing lawsuits. We walk every seller through the SDS to make sure it’s complete and accurate.
Should I sell my home before buying the next one?
It depends on your equity, financing, and risk tolerance. Selling first locks in your profit and gives the strongest buying position but may mean a temporary move. Buying first avoids moving twice but often requires a bridge loan, HELOC, or a contingent offer (which loses to non-contingent offers in hot neighborhoods). We model both scenarios for every move-up client.
About Downriver
What are property taxes like in Downriver, Michigan?
Property tax rates vary significantly by city. Homestead (owner-occupied) properties pay roughly half of non-homestead rates. Some suburban areas run around 35 mills while older urban cores can be 60+ mills. Always verify the current year’s tax bill with the local assessor before you buy — we pull it for every client.
Which Downriver city has the best schools?
Grosse Ile and Woodhaven–Brownstown consistently rank highest in Downriver for state test scores and graduation rates. Trenton and Gibraltar (Carlson High) also perform well. Rankings shift year to year, so we share the most recent Michigan School Index data with every family buying for schools.
Is Grosse Ile a good place to live?
For the right buyer, yes. Grosse Ile is a 10-square-mile island in the Detroit River with top-rated schools, an airport, boat access, strong property values, and a quiet, established feel. It’s also the highest-priced Downriver market and has limited commercial amenities — you’ll drive off the bridge for most shopping. We’ve sold on the island for years and can walk you through what life there actually looks like.
Can I buy waterfront property on the Detroit River?
Yes. Downriver has true waterfront in Grosse Ile, Gibraltar, Riverview, Trenton, and Wyandotte, plus canal-front homes near Gibraltar. Inventory is tight and prices run $500K–$2M+ depending on frontage and dock setup. We specialize in waterfront and will set you up on a saved search so you see new listings the day they hit.
How does winter affect the Downriver real estate market?
Winter is the underrated window. Fewer buyers are looking, but the ones who are tend to be serious — relocations, life events — and sellers who list in January or February often face less competition than the spring wave. We regularly get sellers top dollar in February because of scarcity. Cold-weather showings are less visual, so staging and professional photos matter more.
About The Saward Team
What areas does The Saward Team cover?
We specialize in Downriver Michigan: Wyandotte, Trenton, Grosse Ile, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Southgate, Riverview, Taylor, Woodhaven, Brownstown, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, and Rockwood. We also serve the rest of Wayne and Monroe counties when it’s the right fit for a client.
Why is The Saward Team with eXp Realty?
eXp gives us a national cloud-based brokerage with training, tech, marketing tools, and a referral network that independent offices can’t match — while letting us stay locally owned. For clients, that means national-grade marketing and relocation support with a Downriver-born team handling your transaction.
How is The Saward Team different from other teams in Downriver?
Three things. We’re Downriver-focused — every agent lives and works in the market we sell in. We run a team structure so someone is always available to show, write, and negotiate. And we invest in professional marketing — photography, video, staging consults — on every listing regardless of price point.
What does it cost to work with The Saward Team?
Buyers pay no upfront fee — our compensation is negotiated into the transaction and disclosed in writing before we show you any homes, per the 2024 NAR settlement rules. Sellers pay a negotiated listing commission agreed at the time of listing. You’ll always see a written fee disclosure before signing anything.
How do I contact The Saward Team?
Call or text 734-977-1405, email [email protected], or request a specific agent through our Team page. Our office is at 3277 West Rd, Trenton, MI 48183. We aim to respond to new-client inquiries within one business hour.
Still have questions?
We’d rather you ask than guess. Text or call 734-977-1405, email [email protected], or send a note through our contact page.