Pricing decides everything
The single most important decision in a home sale is the list price. Overpriced homes sit, stale, and ultimately sell for less than they would have at the right price. Underpriced homes leave money on the table — though they can also generate bidding wars that overshoot list. The art is landing on the price that triggers maximum buyer interest in the first 10 days.
Prepare with discipline, not extravagance
Most homes benefit from light prep — fresh paint in the worn rooms, decluttering, a thorough deep clean, refreshed landscaping. Some benefit from staging. A small minority benefit from larger pre-sale improvements like kitchen or bathroom updates.
Heather walks every home she lists before the prep plan is set. She gives sellers an honest list of what's worth doing — and what isn't. The goal is to maximize net proceeds, not to spend money.
Marketing that brings the right buyers
Modern home marketing is a combination of professional photography, video or 3D tour where appropriate, syndication across Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com, broker preview events, weekend open houses, and targeted digital advertising. The goal is qualified buyer attention in the first week of listing — when the home is fresh and the market is paying attention.
Negotiation is more than price
When offers come in, the price line is one factor among several. Heather evaluates each offer on price, financing strength, earnest money, inspection contingencies, closing date, and post-occupancy terms. Sometimes the best offer is not the highest. A solid offer at 99% of list with a fast cash close may net you more than a 105% offer that falls apart on financing.
Timing the market — within reason
Seattle has seasonality. Spring (March-May) is the strongest listing season. Late fall and winter are quieter but have less competition. The right time to sell is the time that fits your life — but if you have flexibility, spring usually wins.