Buying a Home in TroyWithout a realtor.
Troy is Oakland County’s commercial hub, with top-rated Troy School District schools and major employer presence.
It carries the highest median price in this group, reflecting strong demand and premium amenities.
At these price levels, the buyer-agent commission is substantial — representing yourself keeps it.
Troy market snapshot
As of August 2026. Local buyer data that frames the savings math above.
Typical recent sale price
Median of actual recorded home sales over the trailing year, not current asking prices.
Year-over-year price change
Prices are still edging up year over year.
Typical days on market
Homes move quickly. Be ready to act when you find the right one.
How to represent yourself in Troy
A state-neutral walkthrough. CIY gives you education and organization tools; we do not perform these steps for you.
- 1
Get pre-approved before you tour
Line up your financing first. A pre-approval letter tells sellers you are a serious buyer.
It also sets a firm budget, so you can move quickly when the right home in Troy comes up.
- 2
Search listings and track homes yourself
You can find and evaluate homes directly.
Watch price history and days on market so you know where you have leverage in the Oakland County market.
- 3
Tour homes as a self-represented buyer
You can schedule showings directly with listing agents.
Say up front that you are representing yourself so everyone is clear on who is on which side.
- 4
For new construction, register yourself at the model home
Troy’s new construction is mostly infill and higher-end custom builds; the builder’s representative does not represent you.
Register yourself with the builder before a salesperson is assigned as your agent of record so you can negotiate incentives and commission directly.
Unlock the offer and closing steps
The written offer, inspection, appraisal, and closing steps walk you through the part where your savings turn into real money.
They are part of the CIY Package, along with the full closing timeline, document checklist, and provider directory.
Frequently asked questions about buying in Troy
Common questions from self-represented buyers in Oakland County.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a realtor to buy a home in Troy?
No. Michigan allows buyers to represent themselves. You can contact listing agents for showings, attend open houses, and prepare an offer using Michigan’s standard purchase agreement. The 2024 NAR settlement means a broker must have a signed buyer-agency agreement on file before showing you properties, which keeps the decision in your hands.
How much is the buyer-agent commission on a Troy home?
Near the local median of $477,449, a typical 2.5 to 3 percent buyer-agent commission is roughly $11,900 to $14,300. At Troy’s price levels that is one of the larger commission figures in this group, which is exactly what self-representation lets you keep.
Will my property taxes increase after buying in Troy?
Likely, and budget for it. Michigan “uncaps” the taxable value on sale — when you take ownership, the taxable value resets to the state-equalized value, often well above what the seller was paying. The prior owner’s capped taxable value does not transfer with the deed. File a Principal Residence Exemption with the Troy assessor after closing to lower the school operating millage on your primary residence.
Can I tour Troy homes without an agent?
Yes. You can schedule showings directly with listing agents and attend open houses. Since the 2024 NAR settlement, a broker must have a signed buyer-agency agreement before showing homes, but that requirement applies to brokers representing you — not to you contacting listing agents yourself as an unrepresented buyer.
How does the inspection contingency work in Michigan?
Michigan purchase agreements include an inspection contingency rather than a separate paid option period. You negotiate a window — commonly 7 to 14 days — to complete inspections, request repairs or credits, and decide whether to proceed. As a self-represented buyer you choose the length, so allow enough time for a thorough inspection and any follow-up.
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