I once sat at a closing table with elderly clients who were comfortable only in Korean. Their child had settled in Detroit first, and the parents followed to secure a small home. All the documents were in English. The seniors were careful with each signature. I explained each clause in Korean as we proceeded.

Let's first look at the market situation in Detroit. As of July 2026, the median home price is $99,450, which is a 15.64% increase from the previous year. Compared to other major cities, this is still relatively low. The supply of listings has increased to 2.37 months, up from 1.75 months a year ago. This means buyers have more time to consider their options.

In this transaction, we took the time to compare two properties. Both homes were within budget. One had a convenient commute, while the other had a large yard. Ultimately, we chose the one closer to the child's home, as being able to see the grandchildren every week was a significant factor.

We also discussed closing costs, which included title insurance and registration fees. Since home prices in Detroit are lower than in other major cities, the burden of closing costs is relatively light. Still, we checked each item's amount one by one.

During the inspection, we discovered old plumbing. We renegotiated with the seller and received a credit for part of the repair costs. Such negotiations must be completed within the timeframe specified in the contract; otherwise, rights are forfeited.

Following this transaction from start to finish reveals a clear sequence. First, we filtered and compared properties that fit the budget. When making an offer, we negotiated the price and terms. We reviewed the sales contract sentence by sentence. We scheduled the inspection and checked the results together. Finally, we prepared the closing documents and guided them through the signing process. With each step, I had to explain to the seniors what we were doing and why.

Since the NAR lawsuit settlement in 2024, there is one more requirement. Buyers must sign a written buyer agency agreement before working with an agent. This contract outlines the commission and the services provided. This part also needs to be explained accurately in Korean from the beginning to avoid misunderstandings later.

• Property search and comparative market analysis
• Offer preparation and negotiation
• Review of sales contract and buyer agency agreement
• Inspection scheduling
• Preparation and execution of closing documents

When serving clients from the parents' generation, understanding takes precedence over speed. Reading English documents verbatim is different from understanding their meaning accurately before signing. Working with a Korean agent helps bridge this gap. In areas like Detroit, where Korean families have settled from the child generation onward, consultations for bringing parents over are not uncommon. The network of inspectors, title companies, and immigration attorneys built over many years in the area also provides practical assistance in these transactions.

The closing documents contained many unfamiliar terms. Items like escrow, title insurance, and closing cost statements were among them. I provided brief explanations for each. The seniors asked questions until they understood. That's how we completed the signatures.

They also inquired about property tax rates. In Michigan, tax rates vary by county and city. Sometimes, tax exemptions from previous owners do not carry over to new owners. These details must be confirmed before closing.

I also introduced them to a mortgage broker. The seniors found visiting the bank unfamiliar and needed interpretation. I briefly explained the meaning of each document. The approval process went smoothly without major issues.

On closing day, interpretation was needed again. There were many documents to sign. The deposit receipt, deed, and loan documents were laid out in order. I explained the meaning of each page. The seniors nodded as they signed. Only after receiving the keys did they finally feel at ease. Even after the transaction, we continue to communicate when property tax bills or insurance renewal notices arrive.

Since property tax and insurance conditions can vary by region, please verify again before the actual contract. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and consulting a professional before signing a contract is recommended.