Seattle Real Estate News & Local Happenings

What Is Step-Up in Basis for Inherited Property?

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Inherited Property Taxes What Is Step-Up in Basis for Inherited Property? If you inherited a parent’s home, step-up in basis may be one of the most important tax concepts to understand before deciding whether to sell. In simple terms, the tax basis of inherited property is generally based on the property’s fair market value when … Continued

How Long Does It Take to Sell a House in Seattle?

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Seattle Home Seller Timeline How Long Does It Take to Sell a House in Seattle? The answer depends on what you mean by “sell.” There is the time it takes to prepare the house, the time it spends on the market, and the time between accepting an offer and actually closing. 9–12 Weeks, Start to … Continued

Best Seattle Neighborhoods for Home Appreciation Potential

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Seattle Neighborhood Buying Guide Best Seattle Neighborhoods for Home Appreciation Potential If long-term value matters to you, it is natural to ask which are the best Seattle neighborhoods for appreciation. But there is an important distinction between a neighborhood that went up the most last year and one that may have strong long-term fundamentals. Home … Continued

Selling a Parent’s House Full of Stuff in Seattle

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Seattle Probate & Estate Guide Selling a Parent’s House Full of Stuff in Seattle A practical way to handle decades of belongings, figure out who has authority to act, and move from an overwhelming house to a manageable plan for selling. By Emily Cressey | August 31, 2026 Quick Answer You do not have to … Continued

Condos vs. Houses by Seattle Neighborhood: Where Each Makes Sense

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Seattle Neighborhood Buying Guide Condos vs. Houses by Seattle Neighborhood: Where Each Makes Sense When buyers compare condos vs houses in Seattle, the answer changes dramatically by neighborhood. In some areas, condos are the dominant way to buy into the location. In others, detached homes, townhomes, and small-lot houses make up a much larger share … Continued

Do You Pay Capital Gains Tax When Selling a House in Washington?

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Washington Home Seller Tax Guide • Updated 2026 Do You Pay Capital Gains Tax Selling a House in Washington? The answer depends on three different tax rules. Here is how the federal home-sale exclusion, Washington capital gains tax, and real estate excise tax work together. By Emily Cressey | Updated August 24, 2026 Quick Answer … Continued

Sell First or Buy First in Seattle? (2026 Guide)

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Sell First or Buy First in Seattle? (2026 Guide) Quick Answer: In the Greater Seattle market of 2026, most move-up owners should sell first, then buy, because inventory sits near a 14-year high and homes take longer to sell. Buying first and carrying two mortgages is far riskier now than it was two years ago. … Continued

How Much Income to Buy a $1M Seattle Home (2026)?

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Quick Answer: To comfortably buy a $1,000,000 home in the Greater Seattle area using the assumptions in this article, a household may need roughly $259,000 to $303,000 in annual gross income, depending largely on the down payment. With 20% down and a 6.66% mortgage rate, the estimated monthly PITI, including principal, interest, property taxes, and … Continued

Should You Buy in Seattle Now or Wait for Prices to Drop?

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Should You Buy in Seattle Now or Wait for Prices to Drop? Greater Seattle inventory has climbed to its highest level in years, giving buyers real negotiating room. Quick Answer: Buying in Seattle now can make sense even as prices soften, if the home fits your life and your budget. Inventory sits near a multi-year … Continued

What Does It Cost to Sell a House in Seattle in 2026?

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Selling a house in the Seattle area in 2026 usually costs about 7 to 9 percent of the sale price once you total everything up. On a $900,000 King County home, plan for roughly $68,000 in selling costs: agent commission (still the biggest line, and now openly negotiable), Washington’s real estate excise tax, escrow and … Continued