Sonic Realty

10 Steps to Buying a Home in Garden City, MI

10 Steps to Buying a Home in Garden City, MI

10 Steps to Buying a Home in Garden City, MI

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life — financially, emotionally, and logistically. For first-time buyers and seasoned homeowners alike, the process can feel overwhelming. However, when purchasing in a unique community like Garden City, Michigan, understanding the local market and taking the correct steps can make the journey smoother.
Here are 10 clear, actionable steps to buying a home in Garden City, MI, so you can feel confident and prepared every step of the way.

1. Determine Your Budget

Before you scroll through listings or attend open houses, take a deep dive into your financial situation. Look at your income, debts, savings, and credit score. Use online mortgage calculators to estimate what you can afford monthly — and don’t forget to factor in property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and maintenance costs.
Tip: Garden City offers relatively affordable homes compared to nearby metro areas, but prices have been steadily climbing. Set a realistic budget with some wiggle room.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

A mortgage pre-approval gives you a competitive edge. It tells sellers you’re serious and financially qualified. To get pre-approved, you’ll need to submit financial documents (income verification, tax returns, bank statements, etc.) to a lender.
Local Insight: Garden City buyers often face competition, especially for well-priced single-family homes. Pre-approval can help you stand out.

3. Hire a Local Real Estate Agent

A knowledgeable Garden City real estate agent can help you navigate the nuances of the local market. They’ll guide you through listings, schedule showings, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure that all paperwork is in order.
Look for an agent with experience in Wayne County and someone who understands the neighborhoods, school districts, and trends within Garden City.

4. Start House Hunting

Now the fun begins! Create a list of must-haves (such as bedrooms, bathrooms, yard size, school proximity, etc.) and start touring homes with your agent. In Garden City, homes range from charming post-war ranches to updated colonials and newer constructions.
Tip: Be prepared to act quickly. Homes in this area often sell within days, especially those priced under $250,000.

5. Make an Offer

Once you’ve found the right home, your agent will help you make an offer. This involves determining a fair price based on comparable homes (comps), current market conditions, and the seller’s situation.
Garden City is a competitive but manageable market — bidding wars are possible, so listen to your agent’s advice and be prepared to negotiate.

6. Schedule a Home Inspection

After your offer is accepted, schedule a professional home inspection within your due diligence period. This will reveal any hidden issues, such as roof damage, foundation cracks, or plumbing problems.
If major issues are found, you can negotiate repairs, ask for a credit, or even walk away from the deal (depending on your contract terms).

7. Get an Appraisal

Your lender will order an appraisal to ensure the home’s value matches the purchase price. If the appraisal comes in low, you may need to renegotiate or pay the difference out of pocket.
Why this matters: In areas like Garden City, where prices are rising, appraisals sometimes lag behind demand — so be ready to pivot if needed.

8. Secure Homeowners Insurance

Before your lender finalizes your mortgage, you’ll need to purchase homeowners’ insurance. This protects your home and belongings from damage or loss due to fire, theft, weather, and more.
Bonus Tip: You may get a better rate if you bundle home and auto insurance with the same provider.

9. Close the Deal

The closing process involves signing a mountain of documents, paying your closing costs, and finalizing your mortgage. In Michigan, this often happens with a title company present to facilitate the transaction.
Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price and may include:
  • Loan origination fees
  • Title insurance
  • Transfer taxes
  • Escrow fees
  • Prepaid property taxes and insurance
Pro Tip: Garden City homes close quickly once under contract, so line up your finances and paperwork early.

10. Move Into Your New Garden City Home!

Once the closing is complete, the keys are yours. Time to celebrate! Schedule your move-in, set up utilities (electric, gas, water, and internet), and change your address with the post office.
Garden City offers a mix of suburban charm and easy access to nearby Dearborn, Livonia, and Detroit. Whether you’re drawn to the friendly neighborhoods, local parks, or community events, you’re now part of a welcoming and growing city.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home in Garden City, MI, doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With the right planning, a strong team (agent + lender), and a step-by-step game plan, you can confidently make one of the most important investments of your life.
Here’s a quick recap of the 10 Steps to Buying a Home in Garden City:
  1. Determine Your Budget
  2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
  3. Hire a Local Real Estate Agent
  4. Start House Hunting
  5. Make an Offer
  6. Schedule a Home Inspection
  7. Get an Appraisal
  8. Secure Homeowners Insurance
  9. Close the Deal
  10. Move In and Enjoy!
If you’re just beginning your journey, now is a great time to get started. Garden City’s real estate market is active, accessible, and full of opportunity for buyers ready to take the leap into homeownership.

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Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure Statement
This is to give you notice that Sonic Loans Inc., Sonic Title Agency LLC, and Sonic Realty LLC have a business relationship. The nature of the relationship between the Referring Party and the provider(s), including percentage of ownership interest, if applicable, is: Sonic Loans Inc., Sonic Title Agency LLC, and Sonic Realty LLC are all 100% owned by the same party. Because of this relationship, this referral may provide any of the above parties with financial or other benefit.
A. Set forth below is the estimated charge or range of charges for the settlement services listed. You are NOT required to use the listed provider(s) as a condition for settlement of your loan on, or purchase, sale, or refinance of, the subject property.
THERE ARE FREQUENTLY OTHER SETTLEMENT SERVICE PROVIDERS AVAILABLE WITH SIMILAR SERVICES. YOU ARE FREE TO SHOP AROUND TO DETERMINE THAT YOU ARE RECEIVING THE BEST SERVICES AND THE BEST RATE FOR THESE SERVICES.
Provider and Settlement ServiceCharge or Range of Charges
Sonic Realty LLC1%-6% of purchase price
Sonic Title Agency, LLC Title Insurance Policy: $950 - $1706 on a $250,000 property. (Rates vary and are dependent on the state, selling price, and loan amount on the property.)
Title Search Fee: $250 - $325 (where applicable)
Closing Fee: $450 - $650
Sonic Loans Inc.

This company provides various real estate mortgage loan origination activities either as a third-party originator or a mortgage broker, including loan pre-qualification, competitive bid process (when providing third-party origination services), loan origination, loan pre-approval, loan structuring, processing, and closing.

Loan Origination Charge: 0-3 % of loan amount (may include 3rd party fees)
Loan Discount Fee/points: 0.5%-6% of loan amount.
Application/Processing Fee: $0.00 - $875.00
Flood and tax service: $0.00 - $95.00
Underwriting Fee: $0.00 - $1295.00
Document Review Fee: $0.00 - $400.00
Appraisal Fee: $0.00 - $850.00
Credit Report Fee: $0.00 - $135.00

Actual charges may vary according to the particular lender selected, the particular services provided, and the underlying transaction, borrower selections, etc. Some or all of these fees may be charged by third parties and/or the Member Mortgage Lender/Mortgage Broker. The Member Lenders and Mortgage Brokers have agreed to pay a fee ranging from 0.5% to 2.75% of the loan amount to Sonic Loans in connection with a range of loan origination services provided by Sonic Loans to the Member Lender/Mortgage Broker. The fees are paid either directly to Sonic Loans by the Member Lender/Mortgage Broker or billed directly to you at closing.
B. Set forth below is the estimated charge or range of charges for the settlement services of an attorney, credit reportingagency, or real estate appraiser that we, as your lender, will require you to use, as a condition of your loan on this property, to represent our interests in the transaction.
Sonic Loans Inc. provides mortgage lender/broker services. Sonic Realty LLC provides real estate brokerage services. Sonic Title Agency LLC provides title insurance and settlement services.

Provider and Settlement ServiceCharge or Range of Charges
Appraisal Fee$0-$800
Credit Report Fee$63-$125
 Actual charges may vary depending on the lender and loan program selected which can be found on your loan estimate.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I/we have read this disclosure form and understand that Sonic Loans Inc., Sonic Realty, LLC, or Sonic Title Agency LLC are referring me/us to purchase the above-described settlement service(s) and may receive a financial or other benefit as the result of this referral.