When you’re ready to sell your home in Lynnwood, Everett, Kirkland, or Seattle, you’re likely focused on your home’s listing price, the offers you might receive, and your potential profit. But selling a home also comes with a set of expenses that many sellers overlook—costs that can affect your bottom line if you’re not prepared.
At Grant Team Properties at RE/MAX Elite, we’ve guided thousands of clients through successful sales in Snohomish and King Counties, and we know how frustrating it can be when unexpected costs pop up. By understanding these “hidden” seller expenses upfront, you can plan ahead, avoid surprises at closing, and keep more money in your pocket.
1. Utility Adjustments
When a home changes hands, utilities are often prorated so that the seller pays for their usage up until the day of closing. This can include:
- Water, sewer, and garbage
- Electricity and gas
- Propane or oil (common in some Snohomish County homes)
- Cable or internet (if tied to the property)
For example, if your closing date falls mid-month, you’ll owe the buyer the amount for utilities used before they take possession. While these costs aren’t usually huge, they can add up—especially if you’ve prepaid certain services.
Tip: Contact your utility providers as soon as your home goes under contract to get a clear picture of your final bills. In areas like Mukilteo or Shoreline, where water/sewer rates may be higher, it’s even more important to budget accurately.
2. Prorated Property Taxes
In Washington State, property taxes are paid in installments, but when selling your home, you’ll need to settle up for the portion of the year you’ve owned the property.
For example:
- If your Edmonds home closes on September 1st, you’ll owe the buyer your share of taxes from January 1st to August 31st.
- This amount can be thousands of dollars, depending on your home’s value and local tax rate.
In high-value areas like Kirkland or Lake Forest Park, where property taxes can be substantial, this adjustment can catch sellers off guard.
3. Inspection Preparation Costs
Most buyers will schedule a home inspection, and if your property needs obvious repairs or maintenance, you might choose to address them in advance to ensure a smoother negotiation.
Common pre-inspection expenses can include:
- Roof repairs
- HVAC servicing
- Plumbing fixes
- Pest control
- Fresh paint or touch-ups
- Smoke & CO2 Detectors to code
- Water Heater Straps to code
While you’re not required to make repairs before listing, doing so can help you attract stronger offers and prevent last-minute price reductions. In competitive markets like Bothell or Seattle, move-in ready homes often sell faster and for more money.
4. HOA Paperwork and Transfer Fees
If your home is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA)—common in many condo communities in Everett or newer neighborhoods in Marysville—you may be responsible for:
- HOA resale certificates
- Governing documents and financial statements
- Transfer fees or move-out fees
- Status letter fees (confirming no outstanding dues)
These costs can range from $200 to over $1,000, depending on the HOA. Buyers often require this information early in the transaction, so having it ready can help keep the process moving.
5. Escrow & Title Fees
In Washington, the cost of escrow and title insurance is typically split between the buyer and seller—but sellers often shoulder the owner’s title policy. This policy protects the buyer from future ownership disputes and is a standard part of most transactions.
Escrow and title fees for sellers in Snohomish and King Counties can range from $1,000 to $3,000+, depending on the sale price.
6. Real Estate Commission
While not exactly “hidden,” some sellers forget to factor in the real estate agent commission when calculating their net proceeds. This is usually a percentage of the final sale price and covers:
- Professional marketing
- MLS listing services
- Negotiations
- Transaction management
- Guidance through closing
At Grant Team Properties at RE/MAX Elite, we believe this investment pays for itself by helping you sell faster and for a higher price, especially in competitive markets like Seattle and Kirkland.
7. Mortgage Payoff and Possible Prepayment Penalties
If you still owe money on your mortgage, the balance will be paid from your sale proceeds at closing. In some cases, there may also be:
- Prepayment penalties (check your loan terms)
- Second mortgage or HELOC payoff balances
- Interest accrued between your last payment and closing date
These can reduce the cash you walk away with, so it’s best to get an exact payoff statement from your lender early in the process.
8. Moving Costs
Once your home sells, you’ll need to factor in moving expenses—whether you’re hiring professionals or renting a truck. In the Greater Seattle area, moving costs can range from a few hundred dollars for a local move to several thousand for a long-distance relocation.
If you’re downsizing, you might also have costs for storage or donating large items.
Planning Ahead to Avoid Surprises
The best way to avoid being blindsided by hidden seller expenses is to work with a local real estate expert who can walk you through a net sheet—a breakdown of your likely costs and proceeds—before you even list your home.
At Grant Team Properties, we’ve helped over 2,600 homeowners in Lynnwood, Everett, Shoreline, and beyond understand exactly what to expect financially when selling their homes. We also coordinate with trusted service providers to help you manage—and sometimes even reduce—these costs.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home in Snohomish or King County isn’t just about setting a price and finding a buyer. It’s about anticipating every cost—large and small—so you can walk away with the profit you expect. From utility adjustments to HOA paperwork, these hidden seller expenses can add up quickly if you’re not prepared.
With Grant Team Properties at RE/MAX Elite, you’ll have an experienced team guiding you through every detail, ensuring that there are no surprises and that your sale goes as smoothly as possible.
Ready to Sell with Confidence?
If you’re thinking about selling your home in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Kirkland, Bothell, or anywhere in the Greater Seattle area, let our team help you understand your numbers and maximize your profit.
📞 Call or text us today at 425.483.4200 for your free home valuation and seller consultation.