How To Sell An Apartment in Seattle, WA
Apartments are a great option for first-time homeowners, single professionals, and anyone who wants to avoid the hassle of maintaining a large property that often has more space than you really need. However, when it is time to move on, selling an apartment has some unique factors to consider compared to a home sale.
Whether you are upgrading, downsizing, or relocating within Seattle, selling an apartment comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. From understanding the local market to preparing your unit for sale and pricing correctly, knowing what to expect can make the process smoother and help you get the best possible return.
Is Selling An Apartment or A Condo Different From Selling A House?
In many ways, selling an apartment or a condo and selling a house follow the same general process. Both involve preparing your home, pricing, listing, staging, and showing, negotiating offers, and closing the sale. The main difference is how each of these steps is handled.
When selling an apartment, preparation goes beyond just the unit itself. Buyers also pay close attention to shared spaces and amenities such as hallways, lobbies, elevators, parking areas, and common facilities. These areas should be clean, well-maintained, and reflect the overall condition of the building.
Apartment buyers also tend to differ from single-family home buyers, as many are young professionals, first-time homeowners, downsizers, or investors. Because of this, factors like location, commute time, building security, HOA fees, and building rules often play a bigger role in the decision-making process. HOA regulations can be especially important, as details like pet policies, rental restrictions, and monthly fees can be a deal breaker for many buyers.
Another important difference between a conventional house and a condo sale is the paperwork. Selling an apartment typically requires additional documents, including Homeowners Association disclosures and a resale certificate. These documents provide buyers with insight into the building’s finances, rules, and management, and are often required before a sale can move forward.
While the overall process may look similar to selling a house, selling an apartment in Seattle comes with its own considerations. To help you navigate these differences, the following sections break down each step of how to sell an apartment in Seattle, from preparation to closing.
1. Sell at the Right Time: When is the Best Time to Sell in Seattle?
Seattle and the rest of Washington state generally follow the traditional real estate timeline, with spring through early summer being the most favorable time to sell, and the months of March through July are often considered ideal. During these months, better weather helps showcase your apartment, especially those with large windows and plenty of natural light. This period also attracts a larger pool of buyers, including families with children and young professionals actively looking to move into new homes.
And while the Seattle real estate market is active year-round with sales happening in every season, it is still generally best to avoid listing from September through the winter months if possible. During this time, buyer activity slows, and properties can sit on the market longer than expected.
Selling at the right time can shape the overall outcome of your sale and help you prepare well before your home even hits the market. The month you choose to sell should guide your strategy. For example, if you are selling in the summer, keeping the AC on high during open houses can make the space more comfortable and inviting. On the other hand, if you need to sell during the winter, small touches like warm lighting or even fresh-baked cookies can help create a cozy atmosphere and make potential buyers feel right at home.
If you are looking to sell your apartment for cash in Seattle and nearby cities, we offer a fast, reliable transaction with no financing contingencies and a smooth closing process.
2. Sell With A Real Estate Professional, FSBO, or Cash Buying Companies?
When selling an apartment, it is important to know that there is more than one way to sell; ergo, not all properties are sold with a real estate professional. You can sell on your own or sell directly to a cash buying company or a real estate investor, depending on your goals and timeline.
Selling with an expert is often the best option if you want the highest possible price and prefer someone else to handle everything from pricing to closing. This route usually requires making repairs, staging the property, paying the 5-6% in expert fees, and waiting anywhere from two weeks to several months for a sale in Seattle.
Selling your home FSBO, or For Sale By Owner, allows you to avoid aggregate fees and keep more of the profit. You maintain full control of the process but take on all of the responsibilities, including showings and the paperwork. This option works best for sellers with experience or those willing to learn and manage the entire sale.
Selling to a Seattle cash buying company is the fastest and simplest option, as these companies buy apartments or condos as-is, with no repairs, staging, or marketing required. Closing can happen in as little as a week, but offers are typically lower than market value in exchange for speed and convenience.
Choosing the right option depends on how quickly you need to sell, how much work you want to take on, and how important getting top dollar is to you.
3. Set The Right Price For Your Apartment
How you price the apartment plays a major role in how much interest your apartment receives. The price you set must be realistic and justifiable. Pricing too high, especially if the apartment needs repairs, can turn buyers away, while pricing too low may leave money on the table or raise questions about the condition of the property.
A real estate professional will usually create a Comparative Market Analysis, or CMA, to determine an appropriate price. This analysis looks at recently sold apartments in your area and compares factors such as size, layout, condition, HOA fees, and unique features. If you are selling on your own, you can also research pricing by reviewing recent sales and active listings on real estate websites to understand what similar apartments are selling for.
Setting the right price is critical. If the price is too low, buyers may assume something is wrong with the property, even if it’s in good condition. If the price is too high, you will need to clearly justify it through upgrades, desirable amenities, or a prime location; otherwise, buyers may lose interest.
In Seattle, it is common to price apartments or condos competitively, sometimes slightly below the neighborhood median, to attract more buyers. This strategy can increase demand, lead to multiple offers, and ultimately drive the final sale price higher. Of course, for this strategy, the market should be a seller’s market to be more effective.
4. Prepare the Apartment for Sale
Once you’ve chosen the right timeline and selling method, the next step is preparing your apartment or condo for the market. If you decide to sell as-is, very little preparation is required, and the focus shifts to finalizing the deal and closing on your home. However, if you are selling through a more traditional route, the staging is one of the most important parts of the process.
Start by evaluating the condition of the apartment and identifying any repairs or updates that may be necessary. Even small fixes can make a difference in how buyers perceive the space. Decluttering and deep cleaning are also essential, as a clean and organized apartment feels larger, brighter, and more inviting. Depersonalizing your apartment by repainting brightly colored walls into something more neutral is also a great way to attract more buyers and appeal to a larger buyer pool.
In addition, make sure you gather all required paperwork early, including the resale certificate and HOA documents, since these can take time to obtain and are often required by buyers.
When preparing your apartment for sale, it is important to understand who your potential buyers are. Consider the apartment’s location and surroundings. Is it close to tech companies, public transportation, schools, or other major amenities? Is it a good investment for a possible rental property? Knowing this helps you decide which features to highlight.
If you are targeting families, focus on safety features, storage space, and any shared amenities such as playgrounds or common areas. If your likely buyers are young professionals or tech-savvy individuals, you can emphasize modern finishes, smart home features, fast internet access, and convenience. Preparing your apartment with your ideal buyer in mind can help it stand out and attract stronger offers.
We buy apartments in Tacoma and the surrounding areas, providing homeowners with a fast and straightforward way to sell.
5. Effectively Market Your Seattle Condo or Apartment
Effectively promoting your Seattle apartment or condo plays a major role in how quickly it sells and the type of offers you receive. In a tech-forward city like Seattle, using the power of online marketing and social media is especially important. High-quality photos are a must, as most buyers form their first impression based on listing images. Strong visuals that highlight natural light, layout, views, and key features can encourage buyers to schedule a showing, while poor photos may cause them to scroll past the listing altogether.
Along with great photos, a well-written description and strong storytelling can help set your apartment apart. Share what makes the unit unique, along with the benefits of the building, nearby amenities, and the surrounding neighborhoods. Highlighting your personal experience, such as walkability, commute convenience, or favorable local spots, helps buyers picture themselves living in the space. These are also important features for a landlord, as locational desirability has a great impact on their ability to find tenants.
If you are selling FSBO, listing your apartment or condo through a flat fee MLS (Multiple Listing Service) site can significantly increase exposure by placing your property on major real estate websites. If you choose to work with a local real estate professional, they will handle marketing for you, using their own professional network, online platforms, and proven strategies to ensure your apartment reaches the right buyers and increases the likelihood of being sold sooner rather than later.
6. Negotiate Like a Pro
For many sellers, negotiation can be the most challenging part of the process, especially when you’re so close to the finish line. Negotiating is an art, and not everyone is comfortable with it. If you hire a real estate professional, the step becomes much easier as they handle the conversations, protect your interests, and work to get you the best possible outcome. If you are selling on your own or even working with an expert, it is important to go into negotiations knowing your limits and what you’re willing to compromise on.
Very few deals close without some level of flexibility. Going into negotiations with a firm stance and no room for discussion can turn buyers away. On the other hand, being prepared and strategic allows you to respond confidently to requests. If your Seattle condo is not in top condition or requires minor repairs, expect buyers to bring this up and be ready to negotiate accordingly.
In Seattle, it is common for sellers to offer concessions to keep deals moving forward. These may include covering a portion of the buyer’s closing costs, offering repair credits instead of completing the work, or adjusting the price to account for inspection findings. In some cases, sellers may also offer credits related to HOA fees or Seattle property taxes to make the deal more attractive.
What matters most is understanding why a buyer is asking for concessions. For example, a request for repair credits after an inspection is different from a request for closing cost assistance due to financing limits. Knowing the motivation behind the request helps you negotiate effectively and focus on solutions that work for both sides without giving away more than necessary.
7. Close The Deal
After months of preparation, marketing, and showing, you have finally accepted an offer and reached an agreement with a buyer. While closing may feel like the final hurdle, it is often one of the more straightforward stages as long as you stay organized and responsive. This phase mainly involves paperwork, final approvals, and any remaining inspections.
During closing, an escrow account is opened, ownership of the apartment is transferred, and funds are securely exchanged. You will review and sign the closing document, settle any closing costs you’re responsible for, and receive your proceeds once a transaction is complete.
Documents to Have Ready:
- The deed to the property
- Your most recent property tax statement
- Seller Disclosure Form
- HOA documents and real estate certificate, if not already provided
The seller disclosure form is especially important and must be completed honestly. Even if there are no known defects, you must state so in the form. If there are existing issues with the apartment, they must be disclosed immediately, as failing to do so can lead to legal issues after the sale.
A title company or an escrow company handles much of the heavy lifting during this stage. They manage the escrow process, coordinate the transfer of title, ensure funds are securely transferred, and record the closing with the county.
Another critical part of the closing is the buyer’s mortgage approval. This step should be closely monitored, as delays or denials can cause a deal to fall through. If financing fails, your home may need to return to the market and renegotiate with new buyers, which can be especially challenging if it pushes your sale outside of peak selling season. Choosing a well-qualified buyer from the start can help reduce this risk and keep the home-selling process smooth.
Main Costs to Expect When Selling An Apartment in Seattle
Selling an apartment comes with several upfront and closing-related costs. Planning for these expenses early is important so that you are not caught off guard at closing, and you can accurately estimate your net proceeds from the sale.
Below are some of the most common costs you can expect when putting your Seattle apartment or condo up for sale.
Real Estate Professional Fees
If you choose to work with a real estate professional, commission fees typically range from 5% to 6% of the final sale price. It could reach up to 6% as in the past, sellers covered the buyer’s expert fees as well, but starting in 2024, trends show that’s no longer the case. However, many sellers still cover this as an additional incentive.
Repair costs
Bringing your apartment into top shape can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the unit’s condition and your goals. Minor fixes, such as replacing a broken doorknob or small plumbing issues such as a leaky faucet, may cost roughly $60 to $400. Larger updates like repainting the walls can range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Ultimately, repair costs depend on your budget and how much work you want to do before selling. Some sellers focus only on essential repairs, while others choose to invest more to improve overall appeal and command a higher asking price.
Professional Cleaning
While you can clean the apartment yourself, many sellers hire professional cleaners to make the space look move-in ready. For an apartment, this is usually between $100 and $300 and can help improve first impressions and buyer interest.
Professional Photography
High-quality listing photos play a major role in attracting buyers. Professional photography typically costs around $90 to $300 and is often worth the investment, as beautiful photos showcasing your condo’s best qualities can lead to more showings and offers from buyers.
Moving costs
Moving your belongings out before open houses can add to your expenses, as hiring professional movers may cost a few thousand dollars, depending on the size of the apartment and distance. On the flip side, you can consider this as an investment, as it results in a net positive for you. An empty apartment devoid of personal belongings can help potential buyers imagine what it would be like if they owned the space. If you want to save on moving costs, you can do the move yourself or enlist help from friends and family.
Real Estate Excise Tax (Reet)
Washington state charges a real estate excise tax on the sale of property. In Seattle, WA, the combined state and local REET generally ranges from approximately 1.60% to 3.50% of the total sale price, depending on the value of the property. This tax is paid by the seller at closing and replaces a traditional real estate transfer tax, as Washington does not impose a state capital gain tax on real estate sales.
Understanding these costs ahead of time can help you plan more effectively, set the right price, and avoid surprises when it is time to close.
Final Thoughts: How to Sell an Apartment in Seattle, Washington
As of 2025, Seattle is experiencing a steady real estate market that continues to lean towards sellers. If you’re thinking about turning your apartment or condo into cash, this can be a strong opportunity to maximize your home’s value. Success comes down to preparation, timing, and having a solid plan in place before listing.
Don’t have months to wait?
Sell your Seattle condo directly to us, Sell My House, and close in as little as 7 days. We purchase properties as-is for cash, eliminating repairs, showings, and drawn-out negotiations that often add stress and extra costs. We even cover seller closing costs!
Get your competitive, no-obligation cash offer sent straight to your email.
Reach out to us by calling (253) 289-3773 or filling out the form below. It only takes a minute to get started.
FAQs:
Is Selling an Apartment or Condo Different From Selling a House in Seattle?
Yes. Selling flats and condominiums is harder because of HOA bylaws, monthly dues, shared amenities, resale certificates, and HOA disclosures. More than single-family homes, building management, shared spaces, rental limits, and pet rules are looked at more closely.
What is the Best Time of Year to Sell an Apartment in Seattle?
Most of the time, the best time to sell an apartment in Seattle is between March and July. Better weather makes natural light and views stand out, and there are more buyers. Apartments sell all year, although listings in the fall and winter take longer to sell.
What is the Best Way to Sell My Seattle Apartment?
The best way to market depends on the choices you make. Working with a real estate professional can help you get a higher sale price, but it also costs money for repairs, staging, and commission. FSBO sales don’t have to pay for experts, but the seller is responsible for everything. Selling as-is to a cash buyer is the quickest and easiest option because you may do it in just a few days.
How Should I Price My Apartment or Condo in Seattle?
Pricing should be based on the condition of the unit, the HOA fees, the location, and recent sales of similar properties. Sellers try to convince customers to buy from them by offering better bargains. Overpricing might make people less interested, and underpricing can cause you to lose money or damage your property.
What Costs Are Involved When Selling an Apartment in Seattle?
Common costs of selling a home include REALTOR commissions, repairs, upgrades, professional cleaning, photography, moving costs, and Washington State’s Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), which is between 1.60% and 3.50% of the price of the home. You can plan and predict your net proceeds by understanding these costs.
