Seattle Real Estate News & Local Happenings

Should You Sell or Keep an Inherited House as a Rental?

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Inherited Property Decisions Should You Sell or Keep an Inherited House as a Rental? If you inherit a house with substantial equity, keeping it as a rental can sound appealing. Instead of selling a valuable asset, you keep the property, collect rent, and potentially benefit from future appreciation. Sometimes that is a very good decision. … Continued

Who Pays the Bills, Mortgage, and Property Taxes After Death?

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Inherited Property Finances Who Pays the Bills, Mortgage, and Property Taxes After Death? When someone dies owning a home, the bills connected to the property do not simply stop. Mortgage payments may still be due, property taxes continue to accrue, insurance needs to remain in place, and utilities or maintenance expenses may continue while the … Continued

How Are Sale Proceeds Distributed in an Estate?

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Inherited Property Finances How Are Sale Proceeds Distributed in an Estate? When an estate home is sold, families sometimes expect the money to be divided among the heirs immediately after closing. Usually, there are several steps between selling the property and distributing the remaining inheritance. The estate sale proceeds may first need to account for … Continued

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