First-Time Home Buyer Checklist for Michigan

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. Having a clear checklist helps you move through the process with confidence instead of scrambling at each step.

Step one: check your credit. Pull your credit report and look for errors. A score of 620 or higher opens up most loan programs. Higher scores mean better rates. If your score needs work, a few months of focused effort can make a meaningful difference.

Step two: get pre-approved before you shop. A pre-approval letter tells sellers you are serious and tells you exactly what you can afford. It also surfaces any issues early — before you fall in love with a house.

Step three: explore down payment assistance. Michigan's MSHDA DPA program offers up to $10,000 for eligible buyers. There are also local and county-level programs worth checking. Many first-time buyers leave money on the table by not asking.

Step four: understand your total costs. The down payment is just one piece. Budget for closing costs (typically 2–3% of the loan amount), home inspection, appraisal, and moving expenses.

Step five: work with local professionals. A local lender, a buyer's agent who knows the market, and a real estate attorney (Michigan is an attorney state) make a real difference in how smoothly the transaction goes.