Today we’re diving into an important topic that could make a big difference in the amount of money you net from your home sale. There is no denying that the Seattle real estate market is hot. There are more buyers who need houses than houses for sale. That means your home is in demand and it’s not even listed yet. This sounds like great news for you, and it is! As a result, we know what potential sellers are thinking . . . Hmm, maybe we should just put a sign up in the front yard and see what happens. The truth is, the worst thing you can do as a seller in a hot market is to do it alone. So, before you head to the local hardware store for that “For Sale By Owner” sign, keep reading. We know […]

A recent survey revealed that many consumers believe there’s a housing bubble beginning to form. That feeling is understandable, as year-over-year home price appreciation is still in the double digits. However, this market is very different than it was during the housing crash 15 years ago. Here are four key reasons why today is nothing like the last time. 1. HOUSES ARE NOT UNAFFORDABLE LIKE THEY WERE DURING THE HOUSING BOOM The affordability formula has three components: the price of the home, wages earned by the purchaser, and the mortgage rate available at the time. Conventional lending standards say a purchaser should not spend more than 28% of their gross income on their mortgage payment. Fifteen years ago, prices were high, wages were low, and mortgage rates were over 6%. Today, prices are still high. Wages, however, have increased, and […]

We see you out there… the For Sale sign is up in your front yard, people have come and gone to the open house (or maybe the open house had very little traffic which left you feeling defeated). You are seeing neighbors sell their homes after only a few days and wondering why you haven’t gotten that accepted offer yet. Here are a few reasons that the sign in your front yard still says For Sale. Or maybe you want to avoid being the seller who needs to read this blog post when the time comes for you to sell, and in that case, keep reading! 1) CONDITION If your home is in need of some TLC, it can lead to a lack of buyer interest. Buyers in Seattle’s market want to be able to move right in and avoid […]

The Four Part Plan: 1) FOCUS ON SELLING A LIFESTYLE You’re not just selling a house, you’re selling a lifestyle. Think  beyond your “house data” such as square footage and room sizes. Highlight home features that resonate with the lifestyle buyers will get if they purchase your home. Whether that’s entertaining space, smart home tech, a peaceful outdoor setting or a hotel like owner’s suite – you can optimize your space to show off the lifestyle and help potential buyers experience what it would be like to live there. Don’t forget about local amenities and nearby attractions!     QUESTIONS TO ANSWER: 1. Which room do you spend the most time in? 2. What is your favorite part about your community? 3. What is your favorite space in your home? 4. Which feature most attracted you to your home? 5. […]