This is a topic that has no absolute answers.  What I can tell you is what the industry standard is.  There are a hand full of items and expenses that need to be addressed when buying a piece of northern Michigan real estate, whether you're located in Gaylord, Traverse City, Sutton's Bay or Petoskey.  No matter where you're purchasing homes or property, the expenses will be very similar. 

Off the top of my head, I can think of:  Title Insurance, Revenue Stamps, Closing fees, "other fees", mortgages fees, real estate commissions, appraisal fee, mortgage insurance, survey, courier fees and any recording fees.

 

The above is what the traditional closing statement would look like.  When purchasing Michigan real estate, everything will be handled on a case by case basis.  Some sellers will increase the sale price and then contribute towards some of the buyer's closing costs.  It should be said, this is a tactic used to help the buyer out with the down payment and is usually brought up by the buyer.  Recording fees are so minimal, but realistically, it should be a buyer's expense.  What does the seller care if you record the deed or not?  Everything related to a buyer's financing is a buyer's expense.  And since the buyers is bringing a check for the purchase price, most of the other fees are picked up by the seller because they are the ones receiving the funds and initiated the entire transaction.