Answers by Justin Cofer

In the Seattle market, buyers often get excited about the kitchen, finishes, views, or location and miss some of the bigger issues hiding underneath. One of the most common things overlooked is water and drainage problems, especially with Seattle’s rain and older homes. Things like damp basements, poor drainage, standing water, or signs of moisture can turn into expensive repairs later. Sewer lines are another big one, particularly in older neighborhoods where roots or aging pipes can cause major problems that are not obvious during a showing. Buyers also sometimes assume remodeled homes were done correctly without checking permits, which can mean hidden electrical, plumbing, or structural issues. Older roofs, electrical panels, plumbing, retaining walls, and foundation concerns are easy to miss when a house looks updated cosmetically.

It varies where you live. I happen to service clients on the WA and ID border, living between Pullman, WA and Moscow, ID. Most people think it is just sale price minus the mortgage, but there are other costs like title and escrow fees, negotiated real estate commissions or buyer broker compensation, prorated property taxes, and sometimes repair credits or buyer concessions. One of the biggest differences on the Pullman–Moscow border is that in Washington, including Pullman, sellers generally pay a real estate excise tax at closing, which for many homes locally works out to around 1.5% of the sales price once state and local portions are combined. On a $500,000 house in Pullman, that could mean around $7,500 right off the top. In Moscow and elsewhere in Idaho, there is no excise tax, which can save thousands. There is usual fees like commissions which are negotiable, etc. Plan on a little less than 10% and you should have a conservative estimate for a state with excise tax