Frequently Asked
Questions

The first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage so you know your budget. From there, we'll discuss your priorities—location, size, features, and lifestyle—and set up a personalized property search. We guide you through showings, making an offer, inspections, and closing. The process typically takes 30 to 60 days from accepted offer to keys in hand.

While it's not legally required, working with a knowledgeable local agent is highly recommended. A buyer's agent provides expert guidance on pricing, negotiations, inspections, and paperwork—at no cost to you, since the seller typically pays the buyer agent's commission. In a competitive market like Traverse City and Leelanau County, having experienced representation can make the difference between winning and losing your dream home.

Waterfront properties in Leelanau County—whether on Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, Lake Leelanau, or other inland lakes—come with unique considerations. You'll want to understand shoreline regulations, riparian rights, flood zone designations, septic requirements, and seasonal water level changes. We help buyers navigate these factors so there are no surprises after closing.

Home prices in the Traverse City area vary widely depending on location, size, and property type. You can find condos and starter homes at lower price points, while waterfront estates and properties in sought-after neighborhoods like Old Town, Slabtown, or along the bays can command premium prices. We provide a detailed comparative market analysis for any property you're considering so you can make a confident, informed offer.

Getting pre-approved involves providing a lender with your financial information—income, assets, debts, and credit history. The lender then determines how much you're qualified to borrow. Pre-approval strengthens your offer and shows sellers you're a serious, qualified buyer. We work with several trusted local lenders and can connect you with the right one for your situation.

Spring and summer bring the most inventory to the Traverse City market, giving buyers more options—but also more competition. Fall and winter can offer opportunities to negotiate better deals with less competition, though inventory is more limited. The best time really depends on your personal situation, financial readiness, and the type of property you're looking for. We help buyers strategize timing based on current market conditions and their specific goals.

Grand Traverse Bay waterfront is among the most sought-after real estate in Northern Michigan. Key considerations include understanding riparian rights, dock permits, bottomlands ownership, shoreline erosion protections, and local zoning for things like seawalls and boat hoists. Properties on East Bay versus West Bay can differ significantly in water depth, sunset exposure, and wind patterns. We have extensive experience with bayfront transactions and can help you evaluate all the factors that affect value and enjoyment.

First-time buyers should start by getting pre-approved, understanding their monthly budget (not just the purchase price), and learning about available assistance programs. Michigan offers several down payment assistance and first-time buyer programs that can significantly reduce your upfront costs. We specialize in guiding first-time buyers through every step, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Yes. Michigan has several programs designed to help buyers, including the MSHDA (Michigan State Housing Development Authority) down payment assistance program, which offers up to thousands of dollars toward your down payment and closing costs. Eligibility depends on income, credit score, and the property location. We can connect you with lenders who specialize in these programs to help you take full advantage.

Most conventional mortgage lenders require a minimum credit score of 620, though FHA loans may be available with scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment. A higher credit score typically means better interest rates and more favorable loan terms. If your score needs improvement, we can connect you with trusted local lenders who offer credit counseling and can help you build a plan to become mortgage-ready.

Selling starts with a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine the right listing price. From there, we prepare your home for market—addressing repairs, staging, and professional, in-house photography and video. We market your property across the MLS, online platforms, social media, and our professional network. Once offers come in, we help you evaluate terms, negotiate the best deal, and manage every detail through closing.

Pricing your home correctly from the start is critical. We prepare a detailed comparative market analysis that examines recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood, current market conditions, and your home's unique features. Overpricing can cause your home to sit on the market, while underpricing leaves money on the table. Our goal is to find the sweet spot that attracts strong offers quickly.

Spring and early summer are traditionally the most active seasons in the Traverse City and Leelanau County market, as buyers want to be settled before the school year and enjoy the summer. However, listing in the off-season can also work to your advantage—less competition means more visibility for your property. We help sellers evaluate timing based on their personal situation and current market dynamics.

Common costs for sellers include agent commissions, title insurance, transfer taxes, any agreed-upon buyer credits or repairs, and your remaining mortgage payoff. In Michigan, sellers also pay a state transfer tax. We walk you through a detailed net sheet early in the process so you know exactly what to expect at closing—no surprises.

A home inspection is a professional evaluation of a property's condition—covering the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. In Northern Michigan, inspections may also look at well and septic systems, insulation for harsh winters, and potential moisture issues. An inspection protects you from costly surprises and gives you leverage to negotiate repairs or credits before closing.

A typical closing timeline in Michigan is 30 to 45 days from the accepted offer, though cash transactions can close faster. The timeline includes the home inspection, appraisal, title work, and final loan approval. We coordinate with all parties—lenders, title companies, inspectors—to keep the process on track and on time.

Closing costs are the fees and expenses paid at the final step of a real estate transaction. For buyers in Michigan, these typically include lender fees, title insurance, appraisal costs, escrow deposits, and recording fees—usually totaling 2% to 5% of the purchase price. For sellers, costs include agent commissions, transfer taxes, and title fees. We provide detailed estimates early in the process so you can plan accordingly.

Michigan's Principal Residence Exemption (commonly called the homestead exemption) exempts your primary home from the local school operating millage, which can save you a significant amount on your annual property taxes. To claim it, you file a Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit (Form 2368) with your local assessor's office by June 1 for that tax year. We remind all our buyers to file this after closing—it's one of the easiest ways to reduce your ongoing homeownership costs.

Traverse City has become one of Michigan's top destinations for real estate investment. The region's thriving tourism industry, growing year-round population, and limited housing supply create strong demand for both long-term rentals and short-term vacation rentals. Whether you're looking at a downtown condo, a cottage near the beach, or a multi-unit property, we can help you analyze the numbers and find the right investment.

Short-term rental regulations vary by township and municipality in the Traverse City and Leelanau County area. Some areas have specific zoning restrictions, permit requirements, or caps on the number of rental days allowed per year. It's essential to research the local rules before purchasing an investment property. We stay current on these regulations and can help you find properties in areas that align with your rental goals.

The Traverse City and Leelanau County real estate market remains highly desirable thanks to the region's natural beauty, vibrant downtown, and year-round recreation. Demand for waterfront properties, in-town homes, and rural acreage continues to be strong. Market conditions shift seasonally, so connecting with a local team who tracks these trends closely is the best way to get an accurate, up-to-date picture.

Traverse City offers a range of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. Downtown and the Old Town district are popular for walkability and culture. The areas along East and West Grand Traverse Bay are sought after for water access and views. Families often look at neighborhoods near top-rated schools in Traverse City Area Public Schools. Leelanau County attracts buyers seeking a quieter, more rural lifestyle with access to wineries, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and stunning Lake Michigan shoreline.

Traverse City is much more than a summer destination. Year-round residents enjoy a thriving food and wine scene, excellent schools, world-class healthcare at Munson Medical Center, and four distinct seasons of outdoor recreation—from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to kayaking, biking, and beach days in summer. The community hosts events year-round including the National Cherry Festival, Traverse City Film Festival, and a vibrant local arts scene. It's a place where small-town charm meets modern amenities.

We're a mother-son team that brings the best of both worlds: Janel's $240M+ in career sales and trusted local network, paired with Taylor's modern marketing edge. Every client gets a tailored strategy—whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or selling your family home. We pride ourselves on delivering standout service grounded in smart strategy, professional in-house photography and video, patient guidance, and deep local insight.

We'd love to hear from you. You can reach us by email at Taylor@taylorbrownrealtor.com or through the contact form on this website. Whether you have a quick question or you're ready to make a move, we're here to be a resource. Reach out anytime—we're always happy to talk through next steps, share insight, or simply answer your questions.