Relocating to Macomb or Oakland County, Michigan
Moving to Metro Detroit for work, or from another country? Giovanna helps relocating families and professionals choose the right community, then lease or buy with a plan that fits their timeline.
Moving to Metro Detroit for work?
Southeast Michigan is home to the auto industry and the companies that supply it. Stellantis has its North American headquarters in Auburn Hills in Oakland County, General Motors' Global Technical Center is in Warren in Macomb County, and many suppliers and engineering firms have offices in Troy, Auburn Hills, Southfield and Novi. Many people who relocate here for work end up choosing between Macomb County and Oakland County.
Giovanna has helped clients relocating from other states and other countries, including corporate transferees and international assignees. Before real estate, she worked in the corporate world, so she understands relocation timelines, company housing allowances and the pressure of making a big decision from far away.
- A shortlist of communities based on your commute, schools and budget
- Video walk-throughs and live tours when you can't be here in person
- Help with a lease first, or a purchase right away
- Coordination with your company's relocation team or HR contact
- Introductions to lenders and inspectors she trusts
Macomb County or Oakland County?
Both counties are within easy reach of most Metro Detroit employers. The right choice usually comes down to commute, the kind of home you want and your budget.
| Macomb County | Oakland County | |
|---|---|---|
| Popular areas for relocating families | Macomb Township, Shelby Township, Washington Township, Sterling Heights | Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Rochester Hills, Novi |
| Homes | Lots of new construction and newer subdivisions, usually more space for the money | Walkable downtowns, established neighborhoods and new communities in the western and northern townships |
| Prices | Generally lower; new construction starts in the $300,000s and runs to about $1 million | Generally higher; many homes in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills start near $1 million |
| Property taxes (first year, primary residence) | About 1.5% to 1.6% of the price in Macomb and Shelby Townships | About 1.7% to 2.0% of the price in many communities |
| School districts include | Utica Community Schools, Chippewa Valley, Romeo | Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Rochester, Novi |
Tax figures are estimates for a new owner who files Michigan's Principal Residence Exemption. Your actual taxes depend on the city or township, school district and the home's taxable value.
Moving to Michigan from another country?
If you're coming to the U.S. on a work assignment, buying a home here may work differently than it does at home. Giovanna walks international clients through each step so there are no surprises.
- Your agent works for you. In Michigan you sign a written buyer agreement that explains how Giovanna represents you and how she's paid.
- Talk to a lender early. Without a U.S. credit history, some lenders offer programs for international buyers, often with a larger down payment.
- Offers include an earnest money deposit and usually an inspection period, so you can have the home checked before you commit.
- A title company handles the closing and holds the funds. Always confirm wiring instructions by phone at a number you already know.
- Property taxes are paid separately from your mortgage principal and interest, often through an escrow account, and they reset the year after you buy.
- Homeowners associations are common in newer subdivisions and may cover common areas, snow removal or lawn care.
Should you lease or buy first?
Lease first
A good fit when your assignment is short, your timeline is uncertain or you want to learn the area before you commit. Giovanna helps relocating clients find quality rentals, including higher-end homes, and can help you buy when you're ready.
Buy now
A good fit when you know you'll be here a few years and want to stop paying rent. A move-in ready new construction home can often close in 30 to 60 days, and a resale home in about 30 to 45 days after your offer is accepted.
Not sure which fits? Book a call and Giovanna will walk through your assignment length, budget and company benefits with you.
A typical relocation timeline
- Before you arrive: a call with Giovanna to talk through your work location, commute, schools, budget and timing.
- Get pre-approved with a lender, or confirm your company's housing allowance if you plan to lease.
- Shortlist communities with video tours, neighborhood guides and market reports.
- Visit for a focused tour of the homes and communities that fit, or tour live by video.
- Lease or make an offer, with inspections, appraisal and closing coordinated around your start date.
- Move in, with local recommendations for everything from utilities to schools.
Giovanna's step-by-step guide to buying a home · Buying new construction · Client case studies
Relocation FAQ
Does Giovanna help people relocating to Macomb and Oakland County?
Yes. She helps corporate transferees, international assignees and families moving from other states compare communities, schools and commutes, and then lease or buy a home on their timeline.
Should I rent or buy when I first move to Metro Detroit?
It depends on how long you'll be here and how certain your plans are. Leasing gives you time to learn the area; buying makes sense if you expect to stay a few years. Giovanna can help with either and talk through your company's relocation benefits.
Can I buy a home in Michigan before I arrive?
Often, yes. Giovanna can tour homes with you by live video, and much of the paperwork can be signed electronically. Ask your lender and title company early about what can be done remotely.
Can international buyers get a mortgage in Michigan?
Many can. Some lenders offer programs for buyers without a U.S. credit history, often with a larger down payment. Talk with a lender before you start touring so you know your budget.
Are property taxes higher in Oakland County than in Macomb County?
Generally, yes. For a buyer who files Michigan's Principal Residence Exemption, first-year taxes are often about 1.5% to 1.6% of the price in Macomb and Shelby Townships and about 1.7% to 2.0% in many Oakland County communities.
Can Giovanna work with my company's relocation team?
Yes. She can coordinate with your company's relocation provider or HR contact so the search, the paperwork and your start date stay in sync.
Relocating soon? Let's plan your move.
Tell Giovanna where you'll be working and when you need to be here. She'll help you narrow down the right communities and build a plan to lease or buy on your timeline.