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, Craig’s List, Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo Real Estate, Front Door, HotPads, Oodle, Vast, Backpage, Enormo 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.