Frequently Asked Questions About Buying, Selling & Moving to Seattle
Home Buying FAQs (Seattle & Eastside)
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The first step is getting pre-approved with a local lender. This gives you a clear budget, shows sellers you’re serious, and allows you to move quickly in competitive situations. Then, you should document your home buying criteria by deciding what is important to you, nice to haves, must haves, your timeline, and desired areas. A real estate broker with local expertise can also guide you through this process and answer questions along the way.
👉 Our blog about preparing to buy a home outlines clear steps you can take in more detail.
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Most buyers plan for:
Down payment (3–20% depending on loan type)
Closing costs (about 2–3% of purchase price)
Some buyers also use down payment assistance or negotiate seller credits which can provide flexibility within your budget.
👉 Learn about how seller credits can help you save thousands on a home purchase
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Trying to time the market is difficult and factors such as home values and interest rates are not easily predictable. If you find the right home and payment that fits your current budget, buying now can make sense, especially since you can refinance later if rates decrease in the future.
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Competition varies by neighborhood and price point. Well-priced homes in desirable areas are always going to be sought after and often receive multiple offers. There are times when inventory is high or new buyers entering the market is low and this may provide room for negotiation. Finding off market properties is also a strategy if the homes you want in the locations you are searching are not reflecting in the current inventory.
A local real estate expert can help navigate these scenarios and find opportunities by leveraging their network and negotiation skills, so be sure to interview multiple agents to understand their level of expertise in the market you’re searching in.
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Strong offers often include:
Shorter inspection timelines
Flexible closing dates
Higher earnest money
Clean contract terms
Seller credits instead of repair requests
Remember, you should always feel confident about the offer you are presenting and never feel pressured to agree to terms outside of your comfort level. There are often ways to creatively structure your offer to align with what is most important to that particular seller.
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Not necessarily. Many buyers choose a pre-inspection or limit inspection contingencies rather than waiving completely, depending on risk tolerance and property condition.
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Typically 30–45 days from contract to closing, plus time for home searching (which can range from a few weeks to several months).
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Yes. Options include contingent offers, bridge loans, or temporary rent-backs. The right strategy depends on your finances and market conditions.
👉 We made a comprehensive video that explains how contingent offers work and what you need to know when buying before selling.
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Many loan programs allow scores starting around 620, but higher scores typically unlock better rates and terms. USA.gov has a comprehensive overview of understanding your credit score and how to improve it so you can plan ahead.
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Condos or townhomes can be more appealing for first-time buyers. They often provide lower entry pricing and easier maintenance compared to single-family homes.
👉 If you’re considering buying a condo or townhome, this video breaks down some of the key items you’ll want to understand when purchasing a condo vs a single family home.
Want more personal guidance on buying a home?
Schedule a 1:1, no pressure home buying consultation with Veronica to get all of your questions answered
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Early spring and early fall are traditionally strong in our local Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, and surrounding markets, but well-prepared homes sell year-round. Market conditions and pricing matter more than the season alone.
Our seller guide outlines additional advice on preparation and what to expect when selling your home.
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Value depends on location, condition, size, recent comparable sales, and buyer demand. Pricing your home strategically can dictate how long your home is on the market. A customized home valuation provides the most accurate picture.
👉 Schedule a complimentary seller consultation and we can prepare a personalized home valuation based on the current market and your home’s unique features.
If you’d like an instant, approximate valuation, you can access our exclusive Homebot valuation tool at no cost to you.
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It will depend on the state of your home, the market, and your specific goals. Strategic improvements and light cosmetic updates can often yield ROI without having to make major renovations. In certain cases, larger improvements can significantly increase the price you can command on the market.
We offer a white glove, pre-listing concierge service to help you decide what repairs to make and ensure the process of making those updates is seamless and stress-free. In certain cases, you may even be able to make updates and delay payment until you sell.
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Total seller costs usually range between 7–10% of the sale price. Sellers typically pay for the following:
Real estate commissions
Excise tax
Title and escrow fees
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Staged homes generally sell faster and for more money because buyers can better visualize the space.
👉 Learn more about the importance of staging, especially in Seattle and Kirkland, in our blog article: Why Home Staging Matters
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Properly priced, marketed, and staged homes often go under contract within 1–3 weeks, though this is highly dictated by neighborhood and current market conditions on both a local and macro level.
We always share insights with our sellers about what the current trends are for comparable homes in their area so that they can go into the selling process prepared. Read more about the realities of selling in Greater Seattle here.
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It’s possible. Some buyers specifically seek as-is properties, though pricing and buyer pool may differ. You should discuss the trade-offs of this approach with a trusted local real estate expert and then decide which route aligns best with your particular goals as a seller.
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No, in fact we recommend our sellers to vacate the house for at minimum the first week it is on market to give maximum flexibility for showings for buyers. Often times having to coordinate around schedules becomes a barrier and a deterrent for potential buyers and they will focus on homes that do not have such restrictions.
Home Selling FAQs
NEED SPECIFIC ADVICE ON YOUR SELLING SITUATION?
Book a private selling consultation with Veronica to understand your options and guidance for selling your home
Relocating to Seattle & Eastside FAQs
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Seattle offers strong job opportunities, outdoor access, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant culture.
👉 Gain insights about the different neighborhoods of the greater Seattle region including Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, and more in our complimentary Relocation Guide
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Popular Eastside suburbs include Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, Lynnwood, Issaquah, and Bothell, each offering different lifestyles and price points.
Kirkland is our backyard and where our expertise lies, so we’ve put together a comprehensive overview of what it’s like to live in Kirkland including lifestyle such as restaurants, shopping, parks, home types and prices, fun things to do, employers, amenities, commutes, and more.
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Seattle has a higher than average cost of living, driven mainly by housing, but residents also have a higher than average annual income thanks to its high concentration of technology based employers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.
There are homes to fit every budget and desired lifestyle across the different areas of Seattle, Kirkland, and the rest of the Eastside.
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Typical commutes range from 20–60 minutes depending on location, traffic, and transit options. Local transit options to maximize your time while commuting now include the light rail which connects both North and South Seattle as well as the Eastside to Seattle, buses, and even private commuter shuttles for some companies.
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Many residents rely on public transit or walkability depending on where they live, but a car can be helpful, especially in suburban areas and for exploring on the weekends.
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Neighborhoods vary widely in architecture, density, school options, and vibe. Visiting is always the best way to decide on which neighborhood meets your ideal lifestyle and home ownership goals. If you do plan a visit, try to stay in a variety of areas for a few days each to get a true feel for what living there might be like.
Financing & Affordability FAQs
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Options include conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo loans, and first-time buyer programs. We have relationships with a variety of lenders in the area who offer programs to meet an array of buyer needs and are happy to connect you if you need a trusted resource.
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Earnest money is a good-faith deposit (typically 1–3% of purchase price) submitted with an offer. If the transaction closes successfully, the earnest money is applied towards the buyer’s down payment or total closing costs by escrow.
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Yes. Seller credits, lender credits, and assistance programs may be available. These are all items that can be discussed with your real estate and mortgage broker when deciding to buy a home. There are also ways to lower your interest rate in the future after you purchase a home.
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A jumbo loan exceeds conventional loan limits and is common in higher-priced Seattle area markets.
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An experienced local agent does so much more than open doors. They are experts in pricing, negotiation, contracts, strategy, and risk management, all of which are vitally important when working in a competitive and ever-shifting market such as Seattle.
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Typically through the seller as part of the transaction, though compensation structures can vary. You should ask the agents you interview how they are compensated as part of your discussion and before you sign any agreements.
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Local expertise, strong negotiation skills, clear communication, and proven results.
In the Seattle and Kirkland markets where competition is typically high, the market shifts constantly, and finding opportunities requires creativity and connection, having an agent with long standing experience in the market and has a recent track record of successfully completing transactions, proven marketing and negotiation strategies, and of course positive feedback from clients is what you want to look for when selecting an agent to work with.
We always suggest interviewing multiple agents to decide who you feel fits with your criteria and can help you best meet your goals.
Working With an Agent
still have questions?
Reach out to Veronica and team any time, with any question. We are here to be your trusted resource for all things Seattle, Kirkland, and the surrounding Eastside real estate market.