RE/MAX Douglass Real Estate Services

Real Estate Brokerage · Houghton, Michigan

6:24 AM in Houghton Directions

Here is what working with RE/MAX Douglass Real Estate in Houghton typically covers, from the first consultation to closing day. Services and terms vary, so confirm the details in your written agreement.

Buyer services

Buyer consultation and agreement

Budget, timing, must-haves and the written buyer agreement required before touring.

Home search and private showings

Tours of homes for sale in and around Houghton, including new listings as they hit the market.

Offers and counteroffers

Contract terms, earnest money, inspection and appraisal contingencies explained step by step.

Getting to the closing table

Coordinating with the lender, title or escrow office and the other agent so nothing slips.

Selling a home

Listing price strategy

Comparable sales and current competition used to set a realistic asking price.

Getting the home market-ready

Staging suggestions, small fixes and scheduling professional photos.

MLS listing and marketing

Listing on the local MLS and syndication to the major home-search sites.

Offer review and negotiation

Comparing offers on price, terms and financing strength, then negotiating to a signed contract.

How a typical transaction works

ConsultA first conversation about goals, budget and timing — and a written agreement that spells out services and compensation.
PrepareBuyers get pre-approved; sellers review a pricing analysis and prepare the home for photos.
Market & tourListings go live on the MLS; buyers tour homes and compare recent sales.
NegotiateOffers, counteroffers, inspection requests and appraisal issues are worked through.
CloseFinal walk-through and signing with the title or escrow company under Michigan rules.

Typical costs on a Houghton home

Illustrative figures for a home at the local typical value of $278,715. Real numbers depend on your agreement, lender and title company.

Item	Rate	On $279K
Listing-side commission (negotiable)	2.5–3%	$6,968–$8,361
Buyer-side compensation (negotiable)	2–3%	$5,574–$8,361
Buyer closing costs (lender, title, escrow)	2–5%	$5,574–$13,936
Home inspection	flat	$350–$600

Every percentage above is negotiable and is set in the written agreement. Typical value from the Zillow Home Value Index (August 2026).

Questions about these services

How are real estate agents paid in Michigan?

Compensation is negotiable and set out in writing. Sellers sign a listing agreement; since August 2024 buyers sign a written buyer agreement before touring homes with an agent, stating what the agent will be paid and by whom.

Does RE/MAX Douglass Real Estate work with both buyers and sellers?

Most agents and brokerages represent both, but not in the same transaction without written consent. Ask how RE/MAX Douglass Real Estate handles dual agency or designated agency under Michigan law.

What should I prepare before the first meeting?

Buyers: a mortgage pre-approval, a target budget and a list of must-haves. Sellers: your mortgage payoff estimate, a list of upgrades with dates, and any HOA or survey documents.