Common Questions

How will you market my home?

  • Our graphic designer prepares a professional flyer featuring digital photos of your home and property details.
  • A "For Sale" sign and information box is placed on your property.
  • Your listing is entered into the NWMLS (North West Multiple Listing Service) computer system with links to a photo tour and/or video tour of your property.
  • We advertise your home on the following web sites: nwrealestate.com, realtor.com, sellingseattle.com, remax.com and realestategals.com.
  • A broker's open house is scheduled for a Wednesday and advertised to all area agents. To guarantee a high turnout, we serve brunch or lunch.
  • A high-profile ad is placed in the Seattle Times/PI.
  • A Sunday open house is scheduled and advertised in the Seattle Times/PI.

What paperwork is necessary?

  • A CMA (Current Market Analysis) is prepared to determine a market value based on current market conditions and comparable sales in your area.
  • We'll sit down to complete the initial paperwork, listing agreement, form 17-disclosure statements and lead-based paint addendum. Additionally, we may suggest improvements to make your home market-ready and realize the most profit from the sale.

What extra costs are involved in selling my home?

  • Real Estate Commissions: The commission is negotiated with the seller when they list their home. Generally, it is 6% of the sales price, split between the listing and selling agent, and paid at the time of closing from the seller's proceeds of the sale.
  • State Excise Tax: This is tax charged by the state anytime real estate is transferred, currently 1.78 % of the sales price.
  • Title Insurance: Two policies are purchased: one by the buyer to protect the lender, and one by the seller to protect the buyer. Title insurance is for the protection of all parties in the event that a future claim is made against the property.
  • Deed Recording Fee: Normally, the county charges $50.00 for the recording of the deed.
  • Escrow Fee: This is the fee charged by an independent third party to close the transaction. The buyer and the seller share this fee.
  • Pro-rated Yearly Property Taxes: Annual property taxes are paid by the homeowner twice a year, in October and April. The escrow company pro-rates the taxes for the closing date to ensure that neither the buyer nor the seller overpay.