ShaNayta (Shay) McClain

Buyer guide · Waterford, MI

Buying a Home in Waterford, MI

Buying a home follows the same basic steps everywhere in Michigan, but a few Waterford-specific questions are worth knowing before you start. Here's the whole process in order.

Written by ShaNayta (Shay) McClain, eXp Realty

Schedule a buyer consultation Call (248) 270-8529

The buying process, step by step

  1. 1. Get pre-approved

    A lender reviews your income, credit and savings and tells you what you can borrow. Sellers usually expect a pre-approval letter with an offer.

  2. 2. Set your search

    Decide on price, area, size and must-haves. You can search the live MLS on this site any time.

  3. 3. Tour homes

    I'll schedule showings and help you compare homes on condition and long-term costs, not just photos.

  4. 4. Make an offer

    We decide on price, earnest money, inspection period, financing terms and closing date together.

  5. 5. Inspections and appraisal

    A professional inspector checks the home; your lender orders an appraisal. We negotiate any issues that come up.

  6. 6. Close

    Final walkthrough, sign documents at the title company, and get your keys.

Questions to ask about a Waterford home

  • Is lake access private frontage, deeded access, or shared through an association or easement?
  • Is the home on public water and sewer, or a private well and septic system?
  • How old are the roof, furnace, water heater and electrical panel?
  • Is there a homeowners or lake association, and what does it cost?
  • What are the actual property taxes, and will they change after purchase? (Michigan taxes can reset when a home sells.)

Common questions

Do I need to be pre-approved before touring homes in Waterford?
It isn't required to look, but it's strongly recommended. It tells you your real budget, and most sellers expect a pre-approval letter with any offer.
Why might my property taxes be higher than the seller's?
In Michigan, a home's taxable value can be reset ("uncapped") after a sale, so the new owner's taxes may be higher than what the seller paid. Use the property tax estimator on this site and confirm with the township assessor.

Schedule a buyer consultation

Tell me what you're looking for and I'll set up a time to walk through your plan.

Book a Consultation
Or text Shay at (248) 270-8529

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