Income Needed to Buy in Detroit
Common Question: 'How much income do I need to buy a house in Detroit?' Based on the median home price of $85,000, lenders typically look for an annual household income of roughly $5,950. This ensures your payment stays below 28% of your gross pay.
Closing Costs in Michigan
Don't forget cash to close. In Michigan, buyer closing costs typically range from 2% to 5%. For a home in Detroit, you should budget between $1,700 and $4,250 on top of your down payment.
Rent vs Buy in Detroit
Is it better to rent or buy in Detroit? With a calculated monthly payment of ~$595, buying is currently more expensive monthly than the average rent. However, buying locks in your housing cost against future Michigan inflation.
Hidden Costs: Property Taxes
Generic calculators often get Detroit wrong because they underestimate taxes. Our Detroit Mortgage Calculator uses the specific Michigan property tax rate of 2.8%, which adds roughly $198/mo to your real payment.
First-Time Buyer Tips (FHA & PMI)
First-time buyers in Detroit often utilize FHA loans. Note that putting less than 20% down will trigger Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which can add 0.5-1% annually to your loan balance until you reach 20% equity.