Thinking about moving to Traverse City but not sure where to start from afar? You are not alone. Many buyers relocate to Grand Traverse County for the lifestyle, lakes, and strong community, yet the distance can make decisions feel rushed. This 90-day game plan gives you a clear, week-by-week path so you can tour smart, write a strong offer, protect your inspection windows, and close with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Why move to Grand Traverse County

Traverse City and the surrounding townships blend small-city amenities with lake living and outdoor access. You will find walkable in-town neighborhoods, rural parcels with wells and septic, and in-demand waterfront homes. The market is seasonal, with more listings and activity in spring and summer, so timing matters. Your plan should match the season, property type, and your financing timeline.

Your 90-day plan

Weeks 1–2: Set your foundation

• Hire a local buyer’s agent with relocation and remote-buyer experience.
• Get lender pre-approval and confirm appraisal timelines and rate lock windows.
• Define non-negotiables: commute needs, neighborhood feel, lot size, year-round access, and if waterfront is essential.
• Set up MLS alerts that match your criteria, including price bands and waterfront or rural filters.
• Review current market reports for month-by-month patterns and pick likely travel windows.
• Ask a title company and your lender about remote closing, remote notarization, and acceptable e-sign procedures in Michigan.

Weeks 3–4: Remote discovery

• Have your agent send 8–12 target properties with disclosures, recent utility bills, property tax info, HOA or condo documents, and floor plans.
• Request unedited walkthrough videos and 3D tours when available, plus photos of mechanical systems.
• Do live video tours and use a checklist for structure, water signs, systems, access, and neighborhood context.
• Narrow to a top 3 and plan an in-person trip if possible.

Weeks 5–6: On-the-ground visits

• Book travel to Traverse City for a 2–4 day window. Summer lodging fills fast, and winter weather can affect access, so plan early.
• Tour homes in different times of day to understand traffic and seasonal activity.
• For rural or waterfront properties, walk boundaries and confirm driveway access, snow clearance, and service vehicle access.
• If you cannot attend inspections later, name a trusted local representative to stand in for you.

Weeks 7–8: Offer strategy and submission

• Finalize price strategy, earnest money, inspection timeframes, occupancy date, and target closing.
• Discuss escalation clauses for competitive listings and confirm earnest money delivery steps.
• Choose a local title company and confirm what they will accept for remote signing and notarization.
• Submit your offer and prepare for counters with clear deadlines.

Weeks 9–10: Inspections and decisions

• Schedule general and specialty inspections: septic, well, radon, HVAC, roof, pest, and structural as needed.
• If you are remote, insist on detailed written reports with photos and videos when possible.
• Use your inspection contingency to negotiate repairs, credits, or escrow holdbacks if work cannot be completed before closing.

Weeks 11–12: Closing logistics and move prep

• Confirm loan conditions, appraisal timing, and the title commitment.
• Verify wire instructions by phone directly with the title company before transferring funds.
• Schedule movers, utility start dates, internet installation, and rekeying service.
• For seasonal or second homes, arrange furnace service, winterization, and snow removal.

Week 13: Move-in and first 30 days

• Rekey doors on possession day.
• Confirm utility accounts, waste and recycling service, and emergency contacts.
• Complete a deep clean and knock out priority repairs.
• Update vehicle and voter registrations and set up any local service subscriptions you need.

Local factors that affect your plan

Seasonality and timing

Inventory and showing activity tend to rise in spring and stay strong through summer. Well-priced homes, especially waterfront, can move quickly in peak months, so have financing and offer terms ready. In winter, plan for weather, snow removal, and limited daylight during showings.

Wells and septic systems

Many rural homes rely on private wells and septic systems. Ask for well yield and depth records, septic inspection history, and drainfield location. Schedule a septic evaluation and water quality test during inspections. These services can take extra time to book, so build that into your contingency windows.

Radon testing

Parts of Michigan see elevated radon levels. Include a radon test in your inspection plan. If levels are high, discuss mitigation options and typical timelines with your inspector and contractor.

Waterfront and shoreline rules

Lakefront use and future changes may be subject to shoreline setbacks, bluff stability, lake level considerations, and state or local permits. Request a shoreline or boundary survey when possible. Confirm rules that may govern docks, lifts, or shoreline improvements before you finalize plans.

Broadband and utilities

Service availability varies by address. Ask for the current provider list and service tiers from the seller. If high-speed internet is essential, verify exact options at the property before making a final decision.

Winter access and snow removal

If you plan to live or visit year-round, confirm who maintains the road and how the driveway is plowed. Consider slope, turnaround space, and where plowed snow is stored.

Property taxes and assessments

Request the most recent tax bill, special assessment history, and any pending district assessments, such as sewer or road improvements. These can affect your budget.

Remote touring toolkit

Documents to request

• Seller disclosures and any addenda
• Recent property tax bill and parcel number
• Title commitment or current deed and recorded easements
• HOA or condo documents, budgets, and meeting minutes if applicable
• Recent utility bills and service providers
• Past inspection reports and service receipts for major systems
• Floor plans, survey, or plat map
• Permit history for additions or major work
• Floodplain, wetland, or FEMA map excerpt for the parcel

Live video tour checklist

• Exterior: foundation, roofline, gutters, and grading away from the home
• Interior: representative rooms, ceilings, walls, and visible water stains or cracks
• Mechanical: furnace age and model, water heater, electric panel labeling, sump pump evidence
• Plumbing: visible pipes, water pressure, and water quality indicators
• Basement or crawlspace: moisture, insulation, vapor barriers, or signs of prior flooding
• Access: driveway condition, snow clearing feasibility, meter locations, and parking
• Neighborhood context: proximity to busy roads, nearby commercial areas, seasonal noise patterns
• Mobile checks: cell signal at the property for at least two carriers and quick street views

Offer strategies for remote buyers

• Use clear deadlines and allow enough time for specialty inspections.
• Consider an escalation clause for high-demand homes.
• Add seller access windows so contractors can get in during the inspection period.
• Explore escrow holdbacks for repairs that cannot be completed before closing.
• Define possession and key handoff procedures, including lockbox or caretaker options.

Inspections you should plan

• General home inspection for overall condition
• Septic system evaluation and pumping record or full inspection
• Well yield and water potability test
• Radon test with a short-term or continuous monitor
• Structural or foundation engineer if concerns arise
• Pest or wood-destroying organism report if signs are present
• Shoreline or bluff stability report for waterfront properties
• Mold or indoor air quality testing when moisture is suspected

Closing and wire security

• Confirm whether your title company and lender will allow electronic signatures and remote notarization.
• Verify wire instructions by calling a known title company number. Do not rely on email for final verification.
• Review your title commitment and closing disclosure early to avoid last-minute surprises.

Vendor onboarding checklist

Who to line up early

• Buyer’s agent with relocation expertise
• General home inspector and specialists for septic, well, and radon
• Title company or closing attorney experienced with out-of-area transactions
• Movers and deep-clean crew
• HVAC technician, plumber, and electrician for post-close checks
• Locksmith, landscaper, snow contractor, and property manager if needed

How to vet vendors

• Request license numbers and verify with state or local boards.
• Ask for proof of insurance and recent local references.
• Review sample inspection reports for depth and photos.
• For movers, request written estimates and confirm insurance for goods in transit.
• For title, confirm electronic closing capabilities and wire verification procedures.

Your first 30 days after closing

• Rekey doors and update access codes.
• Transfer or start utilities. Set up internet and confirm speed.
• Schedule priority repairs and a furnace service if buying before winter.
• Enroll in trash and recycling. Add snow removal if needed.
• Update registrations and keep a local contact list handy.

Ready to make your move?

You do not have to navigate this alone. If you want a clear plan, local market insight, and a vetted vendor network, connect with The Trillium Partners for education-first guidance and concierge-level coordination. Start your move with The Trillium Partners.

FAQs

How long from offer to closing in Traverse City?

• Most financed purchases close in about 30 to 45 days, with extra time for specialty inspections and any remote closing steps.

Can I close remotely on a Michigan home?

• Many transactions allow electronic signatures and remote notarization when the title company and lender approve. Confirm your options early.

How do I manage inspections if I cannot attend?

• Require detailed written reports with photos, authorize your agent or attorney to attend, and use an inspection contingency to negotiate or cancel if needed.

Are lakefront homes more complex to buy?

• Yes. You should confirm shoreline setbacks, erosion or bluff stability, access rights, and potential permit needs before committing to plans.

How fast do homes sell in peak season?

• It depends on price point and property type. Well-priced and waterfront homes can move quickly, so set MLS alerts and be ready to act.