Welcome to the SoldByCaleb Real Estate Blog, featuring Michigan real estate tips, local market trends, home maintenance guides, and buyer and seller resources. Stay informed with expert insights designed to help you navigate the Michigan housing market with confidence.
Michigan Seller's Disclosure Statement: What Sellers Must Tell Buyers
Michigan sellers are generally required to disclose known property conditions. Learn what belongs on the Seller's Disclosure Statement, what happens when a seller doesn't know an answer, and why disclosure doesn't automatically require repairs.
Michigan Land Split Rules Are Changing. What Property Owners Should Know
Michigan is expanding land division rights beginning in 2027, potentially allowing more parcels to be created from qualifying acreage. Learn what the new rules mean for Southeast Michigan landowners, why zoning still matters, and what to investigate before selling.
Who Pays the Property Taxes When a Michigan Home Sells?
Who pays the property taxes when a Michigan home sells? The answer depends on the Purchase Agreement, the proration method, and the closing date. Learn how it works and try our interactive calculator to see how moving closing by a week can change the numbers.
Final Walkthrough: Is the House in the Same Condition?
What happens if the furnace quits, a pipe leaks, or something goes missing before closing? Learn what Michigan purchase agreements may require and what buyers should check during their final walkthrough.
Time Is of the Essence
A missed deadline in a real estate purchase agreement can have serious consequences. Learn what “time is of the essence” means, how closing delays are handled, and why the exact contract wording matters.
Home Square Footage Basics
Two homes can have the same square footage but offer very different living spaces. Learn what counts, how finished basements are measured, and what Michigan buyers and sellers should check before making a decision.
Property Deed Basics
What does a property deed actually do? Learn the differences between warranty and quitclaim deeds, how deeds differ from title and mortgages, and where to find your recorded deed in Michigan.
Home Inspection Negotiation Basics
What happens when a home inspection reveals problems? Learn how buyers and sellers negotiate repairs, closing cost credits, price adjustments, and inspection contingencies before moving toward closing.
Real Estate Agency Basics
Who does your real estate agent actually represent? Learn the difference between buyer's agents, listing agents, agency disclosures, and representation agreements so you know who's working for whom when buying or selling a home in Michigan.
Home Door Basics : Types, Sizes, Shapes, and Terminology.
What's the difference between a pocket door and a sliding door? What does a 2/6 door mean? Explore common residential door styles, dimensions, materials, construction, and terminology in this practical guide.
Home Garage Basics: Understanding the Space Beyond the Garage Door.
Not all garages are created equal. Learn the differences between attached, detached, tandem, and pull-through garages, along with common dimensions, construction, doors, features, and what makes a garage useful when buying or owning a home.
Home Heating and Cooling Basics: Understanding Your Home's Comfort Systems.
Furnace, boiler, heat pump, or central air? Learn how home heating and cooling systems work, what affects efficiency, and what Michigan buyers and homeowners should know about maintenance, equipment age, and replacement costs.
Home Inspection Basics: What Does a Home Inspection Really Tell You?
What does a home inspector actually check, and what might they miss? Learn the seven essentials of home inspections, from major systems and inspection reports to specialized testing and what happens when problems are found.
Property Survey Basics: Boundaries, Corners, and Easements
Is your fence really on your property line? Learn how property surveys identify boundaries, corners, easements, and other important details Michigan buyers and homeowners should understand.
Purchase Agreement Basics: 11 Things to Understand Before You Sign
A home purchase agreement involves much more than price. Discover 11 important terms Michigan buyers and sellers should understand before signing, including earnest money, inspections, financing, appraisals, and closing.
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) Basics: What Homebuyers Need to Know
What is an earnest money deposit, and can you get it back? Learn how EMD works, where your money goes, when it's refundable, and what every homebuyer should understand before making an offer.
Condo Basics: What Buyers Should Know Before Purchasing a Condominium
Buying a condominium involves more than choosing the right unit. Learn what condo owners actually own, what association fees cover, important condo terms, and the documents Michigan buyers should review before purchasing.
Home Plumbing Basics: What Buyers and Homeowners Should Know
What's behind your walls? Learn the basics of home plumbing, including copper, PEX, galvanized pipes, drains, water heaters, and warning signs buyers and homeowners should recognize.
Buying New Construction in Southeast Michigan? Know Your Options Before Visiting a Model Home
Exploring new construction in Southeast Michigan? The 2026 Parade of Homes features 37 model homes, including several in the $600,000 to $800,000 range. Learn what advertised prices include, which upgrades may cost extra, and why arranging your own buyer representation before visiting a builder can make a difference.
Buying Vacant Land to Build a Home: What You Need to Know Before Purchasing
Thinking about buying vacant land to build your dream home? Before purchasing, make sure the property can accommodate your plans. Learn what Michigan buyers should investigate, including zoning, surveys, perc tests, septic systems, wells, utilities, wetlands, driveway access, financing, and the true cost of building.