FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
About Buying & Selling Real Estate in Washington
These are real questions from real clients. If yours isn't here, just ask. I'm easier to reach than this page makes it look.
Call or text: 425.492.6788
How much does a real estate agent cost, and who pays the commission?
Commission fees have always been negotiable between clients and agents. In Washington, it’s traditionally been the seller who pays the full commission, which is then split between the listing and buyer’s agents.
However, recent changes now give buyers and sellers more flexibility in how agent fees are structured. In some cases, buyers may agree to pay their agent directly, especially in competitive or specialized situations.
My goal is to ensure you're clear on your options and feel confident about how compensation is handled in your transaction. I’m always transparent about fees and will help you decide what makes the most sense for your situation.
What’s the process for buying a home in Washington?
For first-time buyers, the process can feel overwhelming, but it’s very manageable with the right guidance. It typically includes:
Getting pre-approved for a loan
Searching for homes
Making an offer using Washington’s statewide Form 21
Completing inspections
Negotiating terms
Going through escrow
Closing on the home
Each transaction is a little different, and timelines or contingencies (like financing or inspection) can vary. I’ll walk you through each step so nothing feels unexpected.
Do I need a buyer’s agent?
You’re not required to use a buyer’s agent, but having one is a smart move and working with a Windermere Realtor brings even more value to your experience. You’ll have a dedicated advocate who represents your interests, helps you write strong offers, negotiates on your behalf, and guides you through inspections, timelines, and contingencies. Windermere agents are known for their integrity, professionalism, and deep knowledge of local markets. With access to advanced tools, ongoing training, market data from our in-house economist, and a company culture centered on service and community, we’re here to help you make confident, well-informed decisions at every step.
How much earnest money do I need?
Earnest money is typically 1–3% of the offer price. It shows you're serious about the purchase and is held in escrow until closing. That amount is usually applied toward your down payment or closing costs and is subject to the terms of your purchase agreement.
What do I need to disclose when selling a home?
In Washington, most sellers must complete a Form 17 Seller Disclosure Statement, unless exempt. This form requires you to disclose known material defects. Including issues related to the home’s condition, systems, or legal standing. Disclosing thoroughly helps protect you from future legal claims and supports a smoother transaction.
Can I back out of a real estate deal?
It depends on where you are in the process and what your contract allows.
Buyers often have contingency periods (for financing, inspection, etc.) during which they can back out without penalty. Sellers have fewer options once under contract but may have outs in rare cases. Every deal is different, so it’s important to understand your contract rights before signing. I’ll make sure you know what’s possible and what isn’t before you commit.
What happens to my earnest money if I back out?
If you back out during a valid contingency, such as an inspection or financing issue, you’re usually entitled to a refund of your earnest money. If you walk away for other reasons, the seller may be allowed to keep the deposit. That’s why I always begin with a full consultation before we write an offer. We talk through the process, what’s at stake, and how to protect your interests. Submitting an offer is a serious step. It can take a home off the market and have real emotional and financial consequences for the seller. It is not something to rush into or take lightly. I want you to feel fully prepared, clear on your options, and confident in your decisions.
What can I do before I list my home for sale?
I’m always available to walk through your home and give advice, or help set up a pre-listing inspection with one of our vendors. Most issues eventually come up in the sales process, so it’s better to address them early before they turn into costly bargaining points.
Top 10 Things to Do Before Listing Your Home for Sale
I’m always available to walk through your home and give advice, or help set up a pre-listing inspection with one of our vendors. Most issues eventually come up in the sales process, so it’s better to address them early before they turn into costly bargaining points.
Declutter and depersonalize - pack away family photos, collections, and excess furniture.
Deep clean - windows, carpets, grout, baseboards. A clean home feels larger and well cared for.
Neutral paint - stick with light, warm neutrals that appeal to the widest pool of buyers.
Curb appeal refresh - mow, edge, plant fresh flowers, power wash driveway and walkways.
Lighting check - replace bulbs, clean fixtures, and maximize natural light.
Minor repairs - fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and cracked switch plates.
Update hardware - new knobs, pulls, and faucets can modernize without a remodel.
Flooring touch-up - clean carpets, refinish scratched wood, or replace worn vinyl.
Stage key rooms - living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom matter most.
Pre-inspection prep - consider having HVAC serviced, roof checked, and gutters cleaned so there are fewer surprises during inspection.
What should I consider before renting my home?
When you first rent out a home, it’s normal for unexpected things to come up a brand-new item might break, a faucet may start leaking, or something small can go wrong out of the blue. It helps to set up an LLC with a reserve fund in place so you’re prepared for these surprises. Renters, even good ones, generally treat a home differently than an owner would. They may close doors a little harder, crank things tighter, and won’t always have the same sense of long-term care. Having a buffer makes it easier to handle those issues quickly and keep the rental experience smooth. I’m also available to do a walk-through and help create a punch list of items to address before renting, so you go into the process with fewer surprises.
Simplify paint colors - ideally one neutral for walls, one for trim, to make touch-ups easier.
Fix broken items - make a checklist and tackle repairs before listing.
Check water heater age - most rental codes require under 10 years, or at least safety-checked.
Service HVAC - clean filters, check furnace, and make sure AC runs efficiently.
Safety compliance - working smoke detectors, CO detectors, GFCI outlets in wet areas, and secure railings.
Durable flooring - replace worn carpet with LVP or tile that handles tenant wear and tear.
Check appliances - ensure everything works, is clean, and isn’t near end of life.
Exterior maintenance - clean gutters, trim trees, and repair fencing.
Plumbing check - verify no slow drains, leaks, or dripping fixtures.
Ensure safe, code-compliant railings - Washington requires graspable handrails on stairs (2×4 railings don’t count) and guardrails at least 36″ high on decks over 30″ off the ground. See Washington’s code summary here: Seattle DPD Handrail & Guardrail Guide (PDF)
Who is a good real estate agent for first-time home buyers in Snohomish County?
Marc Bostian works with a lot of first-time buyers in the greater Seattle and Snohomish County area -- mostly long-term renters who have finally made the numbers work and are ready to own. What they're usually not ready for is everything that comes after the offer: property taxes, closing costs, and a water heater that looks like just a tank until you get a quote to replace it and realize it costs more than your first car.
A lot of first-time buyers have never dealt with contractors before. They don't have a plumber they trust or a baseline for what things should cost. That's where Marc's vendor relationships matter -- so clients have someone to call who can tell them when a quote is reasonable and when someone is taking advantage of the fact that they're new to this.
The transaction is honestly the easy part. The transition is where people need someone in their corner.
Who can help me navigate the home-buying process in Snohomish County?
Marc Bostian has worked the greater Seattle and Snohomish County market long enough to know that the biggest navigation barrier isn't finding the right home. It's understanding the money before you fall in love with something you can't get.
That starts with a real pre-approval. Not a number from a national app, but a local lender who has done the actual work. Verified the assets, reviewed the paystubs, understood the market. So when you find something, your offer means something.
The second part is building a realistic picture of what you actually need. No home is going to be perfect. But if we can get to 80 or 90 percent -- the right bedrooms, the right layout, the main floor primary for the person who can't do stairs -- then money and time can handle the rest. The goal is finding something that gets you most of the way there without spending every dollar getting there.
There's always another level in Seattle. Knowing where your real ceiling is saves a lot of heartbreak.
How do I find a reliable real estate agent in Snohomish County?
The honest answer is that you don't find one. You already know several. Think about the people in your life you'd want to spend real time with during one of the most stressful financial decisions you'll ever make. Someone you're comfortable talking money with. Someone who stays calm when an offer gets escalated out of your budget or an inspection reveals something you weren't expecting. Those things happen. No amount of experience eliminates the bumps. It just helps you handle them better.
There's a real difference between a transaction assistant and a full service agent. Some platforms assume you already know what you want and just help you execute. That works for some people. But when something unexpected comes up, I can pick up the phone and reach colleagues with 30 or 40 years of experience, or our managing broker. That kind of knowledge doesn't live on an app.
I hung my license with Windermere because of the standard they hold their agents to. Better training, a stronger ethical baseline, and a reputation that matters to them.
Are there experienced real estate brokers who also offer property management services in Washington State?
Most agents end up in one lane or the other. Sales or management. They're very different animals and most people don't want to run both. Marc Bostian does, through Windermere Snohomish for real estate transactions and R Squared Properties for property management. It came out of working with the same kinds of clients on both sides.
A lot of the people we work with are in tech or aerospace. They relocate to the Seattle area, rent first to figure out the lay of the land. The schools, the neighborhood, the commute. Seattle looks small on a map until you live through a few bad commute days and start rethinking everything. Once they get settled, sell the old house, and are ready to buy, that relationship already exists.
It works the other way too. Some clients buy a home and want to lease it while they move up to something bigger. Others want a multi-family property and live in one unit while renting the others. Everyone has a different idea of how to build toward something. Having both sides of the business means we can move with them.
Still have questions?
Good. That's what I'm here for.