Quick Answer
Selling your home in Detroit, Michigan? The median home price is $85,000 with homes selling in 55 days. The best months to sell are June-July. Agent commission averages 5-6% in this market.
Key Takeaways
- 1Median price: $85,000
- 2Days on market: 55
- 3Best time to sell: June-July
- 4Average commission: 5-6%
How to Sell Your Home in Detroit, MI
Your complete 2026 guide to selling a house in Detroit, Michigan. From pricing strategy to closing day — everything you need to sell fast and for top dollar.
8 Steps to Sell Your Detroit Home
Step 1: Price It Right
Work with a local agent to run a comparative market analysis (CMA). Overpricing leads to stale listings; underpricing leaves money on the table. The right price attracts multiple offers and creates urgency.
Step 2: Hire a Local Agent
Choose a listing agent with proven sales in your neighborhood. A great agent handles pricing strategy, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork so you can focus on your move.
Step 3: Prepare & Stage Your Home
Declutter every room, deep-clean surfaces, fix minor repairs, and stage key spaces. Staged homes sell 30-50% faster. Virtual staging at $0.10/image is a cost-effective alternative to physical staging.
Step 4: Professional Photography
Invest in professional photos and a 3D virtual tour. Listings with high-quality photography receive 118% more views online. First impressions happen on-screen before any showing.
Step 5: List on MLS & Market
Your agent lists on the MLS which syndicates to Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. Supplement with social media ads, email blasts, and targeted digital marketing for maximum exposure.
Step 6: Host Open Houses
Schedule open houses for the first two weekends after listing. A well-staged home with fresh flowers and good lighting creates an emotional connection that drives offers.
Step 7: Negotiate Offers
Review each offer on price, contingencies, financing type, and closing timeline. Your agent will help you counter-offer strategically. In competitive markets, multiple offers let you choose the strongest buyer.
Step 8: Close the Deal
Accept an offer, navigate the inspection and appraisal, clear any contingencies, and sign closing documents. Your agent and title company coordinate everything through a smooth closing day.
Stage Your Detroit Listing
Staged homes in Detroit sell faster and for more money. Virtual staging with Agent Lens costs just $0.10 per image — a fraction of the $2,000-$5,000 physical staging cost. Upload your listing photos and get photo-realistic staged images in under 60 seconds.
Local Tips for Selling in Detroit
Hot Neighborhoods
Buyers are actively searching in these Detroit neighborhoods. If your home is in or near these areas, emphasize location in your listing.
Timing Your Sale
In Detroit, the best months to list are June-July. During this window, buyer activity peaks and homes typically sell closer to or above asking price. Plan your preparation 4-6 weeks before listing.
Cost of Selling a Home in Detroit
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling in Detroit
How much does it cost to sell a house in Detroit?
The total cost of selling a house in Detroit, MI typically ranges from 8-10% of the sale price. This includes agent commissions (5-6%), closing costs, title insurance, and transfer taxes. On a $85,000 home, expect to pay roughly $7,650 in total selling costs.
How long does it take to sell a house in Detroit?
Homes in Detroit currently spend an average of 55 days on market before going under contract. Add another 30-45 days for closing, meaning the entire process takes roughly 85-100 days from listing to keys. Pricing correctly and staging well can significantly reduce time on market.
When is the best time to sell a house in Detroit?
The best months to sell a house in Detroit, MI are June-July. During this window, buyer demand peaks, inventory competition is manageable, and homes tend to sell faster and closer to asking price. However, well-priced and staged homes attract buyers year-round.
Do I need a realtor to sell in Detroit?
While you can sell FSBO (For Sale By Owner) in Detroit, homes sold with an agent typically net 6-10% more after commissions. A local Detroit agent brings MLS access, professional marketing, negotiation expertise, and knowledge of neighborhoods like Corktown and Midtown. Most sellers find the higher net proceeds justify the 5-6% commission.
Should I stage my home before selling in Detroit?
Absolutely. Staged homes in Detroit sell 30-50% faster and for 1-5% more than non-staged properties. With a median price of $85,000, even a 1% increase means thousands more at closing. Virtual staging with Agent Lens costs just $0.10/image and delivers photo-realistic results in seconds — a fraction of the $2,000-$5,000 physical staging cost.
More Resources for Detroit
Stage Your Detroit Listing with AI
Sell faster in Detroit's $85,000 market — virtual staging from $0.10/image
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