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Seattle home prices are up 14.3 percent this year compared with last year, according to the January 2021 S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index. With median prices reaching $720,000, values of homes continue to increase, which makes Seattle an attractive destination for real estate sellers, buyers, and investors alike.
Decisions on buying or selling a house should never be taken lightly. Real estate agents can help advise, negotiate, and advocate for you throughout the experience. The This Old House Reviews Team has performed in-depth research on dozens of real estate agents in the Seattle metro that sell properties all around the Puget Sound to save you time on your search and help connect you to the best of the best.
Benefits of Having a Top Real Estate Agent in Seattle, WA
Home prices are steadily increasing in Seattle, solidifying it as a fast growing housing market for the foreseeable future. The rapid growth of the market proves the importance of real estate agents to help you both find and sell properties for the best value.
Working with a top-rated Realtor can make both the buying and selling process easier, relieving the stress of having to endlessly shop or tirelessly market to prospective buyers. Even if you’re leaning toward handling everything yourself, we suggest speaking to one of these real estate professionals to be sure you don’t need their help.
Best Buyer’s Agents
Having a buyer’s agent when searching for your next house is crucial for the smoothest experience. Top buyer’s agents are skilled at listening to your needs and desires and translating them into the perfect selection of houses to tour. They can also help negotiate the price and advise you on critical decisions before closing.
The best buyer’s agents in Seattle are:
- Michael Menin, Century 21
- Mark Ashmun, Coldwell Banker BAIN
- Jennica Lynn, Compass Washington
Best Seller’s Agents
The top seller’s agents are certified Seller’s Representative Specialists (SRS) that are equipped with a toolkit of unique connections and strategies for getting your home on and off the market as quickly as possible for top dollar. As both your partner and your advocate, they can help ensure you get the most value out of your house. Many of the best agents have a team of other specialists that can assist in finding a high-quality buyer quickly, and their sales numbers are proof.
The best seller’s agents in Seattle are:
- Michelle Lions, Allison James Estates & Homes
- Vince Grant, RE/MAX Northwest Realtors
- Mindy Hibbard, John L. Scott
Comparing the Top Seattle Real Estate Agents
In order to find the most successful real estate agents to recommend, we dug deep into the performance data of dozens of local agents. When making your decision on an expert to guide you through the buying or selling process, look for how they stack up on metrics such as years of experience, number of recent sales, range of listing prices, recognition, and unique details that set them apart.
Comparison
| Agent | Agency | Years of Experience | Sales in the Last 12 Months* | Price Range Last 24 Months** | Unique Details and Recognition | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelle Lions | Allison James Estates & Homes | 26 | 82 | $202,000-$2.3M | Seattle Magazine’s Best in Client Satisfaction Award | carrollandlions.com |
| Vince Grant | RE/MAX Northwest Realtors | 32 | 64 | $130,000-$1.4M | Leads a team of real estate specialists | grantteamproperties.com |
| Mindy Hibbard | John L. Scott | 17 | 60 | $314,500-$11.5M | Top 1% Real Estate Agent Award | mindyhibbard.com |
| Michael Menin | Century 21 | 35 | 10 | $82,500-$2.36M | Seattle Magazine’s Top 3% Seattle Agents Award | michaelmenin.com |
| Mark Ashmun | Coldwell Banker BAIN | 11 | 13 | $65,000-$2M | International Diamond Society Award Winner | markashmun.coldwellbankerbain.com |
| Jennica Lynn | Compass Washington | 11 | 33 | $215,000-$1.2M | 2018 Realtor Magazine 30 Under 30 Honoree | jennicalynn.realtor |
| Agent | Agency | Years of Experience | Sales in the Last 12 Months* | Price Range Last 24 Months** | Unique Details and Recognition | Website |
*Figures pulled from Zillow.com as of March 25, 2021.
**Figures pulled from Realtor.com as of March 25,2021.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to begin your search for the house of your dreams, or you’re ready to sell your home, we suggest starting a conversation with a few real estate agents to get a feel for their personalities and let them help you figure out what you need. Many of them use unique tactics and methods for finding and selling properties that could be particularly attractive to you.
Seattle Real Estate: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a house cost in Seattle?
According to a report in February 2021 by Realtor.com on the housing market in Seattle, the median cost of a home is around $720,000, with the sale price being slightly higher than the listing price. In February, this median was up 3.1 percent year-over-year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Seattle?
The top neighborhoods in Seattle feature easy walkability, public transportation, parks, and activities, as well as a variety of homes for residents. A few of these neighborhoods in the city include Beacon Hill, West Seattle, Ravenna, Columbia City, Ballard, and Interbay.
How long are houses on the market in Seattle?
The median number of days on the market for Seattle homes is 44, according to a February 2021 report by Realtor.com.
Do you need a real estate agent to sell a house?
Technically, you don’t need a real estate agent to sell your house. However, working with one can considerably increase the amount of money you can get. Many agents have unique connections and sales tactics that can get you top dollar for your home. Selling it yourself can take much longer and leave money on the table.
Is buying a house in Seattle a good investment?
With the steadily increasing median price of houses and high inventory demand throughout the metropolitan area, buying a home in Seattle is a sound investment for now and the foreseeable future. Hiring a real estate agent is a smart move to help you find the most profitable property.
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