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Seller guide

Understanding Closing Costs & Net Proceeds in Michigan

Michigan uses a simple flat transfer tax that's uniform across the state — $4.30 per $500 of sale price (0.86%), split $3.75 per $500 for the state portion and $0.55 per $500 for the county portion, both seller-paid by long-standing custom. Michigan is a title-company closing state, so no attorney is required. The one thing sellers should know to mention proactively: buyers' property taxes will reset to full market value the year after the sale (Michigan's "uncapping" rule), which often surprises buyers who see the seller's low current bill.

Key local custom breakdown

• Flat combined transfer tax: $4.30 per $500 of sale price (0.86%): $3.75 state ($0.75%) plus $0.55 county (0.11%), both seller-paid by custom. On a $300,000 sale that's about $2,580 in transfer tax. Uniform across every Michigan county — there is no local variation.
• Deed won't record until it's paid: The Michigan title company handling closing will not record the deed until the transfer tax has been paid. In practice, that means the amount comes off the seller's net proceeds automatically at settlement — no separate check to write.
• No attorney required: Michigan closings are handled by title companies. No attorney is legally required, though either buyer or seller may optionally hire one for title review or complex transactions. Budget zero for attorney fees on a standard sale.
• Heads-up for the buyer: property tax uncapping: Michigan caps how fast a home's taxable value can rise each year while one owner holds it (2.7% for 2026), but that cap resets the year after a sale. Your buyer's first full property tax bill will jump to the full market-based taxable value — often 2 to 3 times higher than what you were paying if you owned the home for many years. Not something you owe, but something buyers frequently ask about, so it's worth flagging up front.

How the Michigan transfer tax is calculated

Michigan combined transfer tax = $4.30 per $500 of sale price (0.86%):
  State portion:  $3.75 per $500 (0.75%, seller-paid)
  County portion: $0.55 per $500 (0.11%, seller-paid)

Frequently asked questions (Michigan real estate)

How is Michigan's real estate transfer tax calculated and who pays it?

Michigan's real estate transfer tax is a flat combined $4.30 per $500 of sale price (0.86%): $3.75 per $500 for the state portion (0.75%) plus $0.55 per $500 for the county portion (0.11%). Both portions are seller-paid by long-standing Michigan custom, though who pays can be renegotiated in the purchase agreement. The rate is uniform across every Michigan county — there is no local variation. Michigan title companies will not record the deed until the transfer tax has been paid at closing, so the amount comes off the seller's proceeds automatically.

Why will my buyer's property taxes be higher than what I've been paying?

Michigan caps how fast a property's taxable value can rise each year while the same owner holds it (2.7% for 2026). That cap resets — "uncaps" — the year after a sale, jumping to the full current market-based taxable value. On a home held for many years, the buyer's first full tax bill can be 2 to 3 times higher than what the seller was paying. This isn't a tax the seller owes, but it's a fact buyers routinely ask about, and it's worth flagging proactively. The investor page on our site has a fuller explanation of Michigan property tax uncapping if a buyer wants details.

Do I need an attorney to sell a house in Michigan?

No — Michigan does not require an attorney at closing. Michigan is a title-company closing state, and a title/settlement company will handle the deed, transfer tax, and disbursement of funds. Sellers may still choose to hire an attorney for title review or unusual situations (estate sales, disputes, complex title issues), but for a standard Michigan home sale it is optional and not a required closing cost.