How to Sell My House for Cash in Seattle
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Alexandra Lee Associate EditorClose
Alexandra Lee Associate EditorAlexandra is an associate editor of HomeLight.com. Previously, she served as a writer and social media manager at Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine, in addition to interning at the nonprofit honors society Phi Beta Kappa. Alexandra holds a bachelor's degree in communication and global studies from UC Santa Barbara, and she has three years of experience reporting on topics including international travel, luxury properties, celebrity interviews, fine dining, and more.
If you’re planning to sell a house for cash in Seattle, it’s likely you’re aiming for a quick, uncomplicated sale. With an all-cash transaction, you can skip the home prep, avoid repairs and showings, and close on your own timeline.
The three big questions on your mind might be:
- How do I sell a house for cash in Seattle?
- What does this convenience cost?
- How much more can I get for my Seattle house if I make repairs?
In this post, we’ll walk you through the two most common options for receiving an all-cash offer in Seattle, and what your offer amount might look like, depending on who you sell to and whether you decide to make repairs or sell as-is.
Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Seattle Agent
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Seattle home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 10 days with no repairs or showings. You can also see an estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Seattle agent.
Options to sell my house for cash in Seattle
There are two main ways that homeowners typically sell for cash: by working directly with a house-buying company or investor, or by hiring a real estate agent to help attract a cash offer from a traditional buyer. Each of these options can provide varying levels of proceeds.
Before we get into the details, use the calculator below to get a quick estimate of how a cash offer in Seattle might compare depending on your selling method.
As you can see, your cash offer amount will be significantly higher if your Seattle home is in good condition. However, not everyone has the time, money, or desire to take on major repairs before moving. For homeowners facing an impending life or job change, financial pressures, or needing to sell an out-of-state inherited property, the speed and convenience of an all-cash offer can’t be beat.
Let’s explore what you can expect from each option to sell a house for cash in Seattle.
Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Seattle
House-buying companies and investor groups specialize in purchasing homes for cash. Many of them buy properties in “as-is” condition, meaning you can skip the hassle of cleaning, repairing, and staging your Seattle home. These are commonly known as “We Buy Houses” companies.
Other house-buying companies that serve Seattle, known as iBuyers, only purchase homes in good condition or move-in-ready “turnkey properties.” The most well-known iBuyers are Opendoor and Offerpad, which pay higher cash offers but charge a fee of around 5% of the home’s price.
We Buy Houses companies in Seattle typically follow a similar streamlined process:
- You submit information about your Seattle property online or over the phone.
- They assess the home’s value using local market data and an on-site visit.
- You receive a no-obligation cash offer, often within 24 to 48 hours.
- If you accept, they can close in as little as 7 to 14 days.
Some Seattle cash buyers fix and flip homes, while others rent them out or hold them as investments. In general, they aim to purchase below market value to allow room for profit.
Most We Buy Houses investors in Seattle follow the 70% rule of house flipping, which suggests that the purchase price should not exceed 70% of a home’s after-repair value (ARV) minus the cost of the repairs. Our calculator above applies a formula to show a range of the 70% rule and an 80% guideline used by many rental property investors.
Keep in mind, however, that these are general rules, and some Seattle cash-for-homes companies may offer more or less depending on the property’s location and condition.
»Learn more: 5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Seattle
Pros and cons of selling to a Seattle cash buyer company
| Pros | Cons |
| Speed: You can close and have cash in hand in a matter of days, not months | Lower sale price: Offers are typically less than market value |
| No repairs required: Sell your Seattle home in its current condition, with or without repairs | No negotiation: Most companies usually present a take-it-or-leave-it cash offer |
| Convenience: Skip the showings, open houses, or drawn-out negotiations | Less competition: By selling off-market, you’re not exposing the home to multiple buyers |
| No fees or commissions: Most house-buying companies will cover your closing costs | Not suitable for all situations: An agent-assisted sale has advantages in some circumstances |
| Certainty: Without a lender involved, there’s less risk of a deal falling through | Unscrupulous buyers and scams: Not all cash buyers are trustworthy |
While many reliable investors operate throughout Seattle, it’s important to watch out for signs of a bad actor, such as a company that uses pressure tactics or lacks an established track record or online presence. Instead, search for companies with verified reviews, local market knowledge, and transparent communication.
»Learn more: We Buy Houses Pros and Cons: Make an Informed Decision
A better way to find trusted cash buyers in Seattle
HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with the largest network of pre-vetted cash buyers in Seattle and throughout the country, helping you review offers without navigating the investor world on your own.
Here is the 4-step Simple Sale process:
To get started, you’ll enter a few details about your Seattle home and receive a no-obligation offer within 24 hours. If you choose to move forward, you can close in as few as 7 days or select your preferred closing date. In addition, you’ll receive a professional estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Seattle real estate agent, so you can compare your options.
Option 2: Attract a cash buyer with a top Seattle agent
Not all cash offers come from investors or companies. In Seattle’s competitive housing market, many individual buyers come prepared with cash, whether they’re downsizing, relocating after selling a home in Portland, or looking for a second home to capitalize on the long-term rental market. A top Seattle real estate agent can help position your home to attract these buyers.
»Learn more: Why Hire a Real Estate Agent When You’re Selling or Buying
Pros and cons of selling with a top Seattle agent
| Pros | Cons |
| A higher sale price: Agents can increase exposure to attract more competitive offers | Longer timeline: A traditional listing in Seattle can take weeks or even months to close |
| Professional guidance: A pro takes care of pricing, marketing, and negotiations for you | Prep work required: You’ll likely need to clean, stage, or make repairs to your property before listing |
| Broad market access: Reach more cash buyers through the MLS and local agent networks | Showings and disruptions: Selling with an agent typically involves multiple walkthroughs or showings |
| Reduced stress: Agents handle complex tasks, saving you time and reducing uncertainty | Commission fees: You’ll need to account for agent fees (a percentage of the sale price) when budgeting |
| Legal protection: An agent will advise you on state-mandated disclosures and federal fair housing laws | Uncertainty of sale: There is no guarantee of a quick sale, and offers have a higher chance of falling through |
»Learn more: Should I Sell to a Home Investor or List With an Agent?
The easy way to find top-rated Seattle agents
If you’re strongly considering working with an agent, HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform can connect you with Seattle’s top-performing agents based on actual transaction data. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is the right fit, based on your needs.
Whether you’re aiming to attract a cash offer or want to explore all your options before settling, the right Seattle agent can help you maximize your sale. For a no-obligation consultation with a trusted agent, share a few details about your selling goals and timeline.
Which cash sale option is right for you?
Looking for speed, convenience, and a no-fuss experience? Selling directly to a vetted Seattle cash buyer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform could be the right fit.
Willing to take more time to lock in a higher sales price? If you’re open to prepping your home for the market, working with a top Seattle agent could make the most sense.
When you request a Simple Sale offer, you’ll also get an expert estimate of what your Seattle home could sell for with a top agent, so you can confidently compare both options.
Still on the fence about selling a house for cash in Seattle? Use our Home Cash Offer Comparison Calculator above to get a sense of what your home might sell for, depending on which approach you choose. Then, request a no-obligation offer or consult with a trusted Seattle expert.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the right resources and expert guidance can help you make a confident, well-informed decision.
Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr / Unsplash)
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
