A Story Behind
Every Sold Sign
"Johnine and Gaile were the best agents we could have had..."
-Rhonda & Ed
Common Questions
- How will you market my home?
- What paperwork is necessary?
- What extra costs are involved in selling my home?
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.