Homes by Molly Haines, home page
Real Broker LLC
206-498-4137

Author: Molly Haines

  • How Do I Choose the Right Realtor to Sell My Home?

    How Do I Choose the Right Realtor to Sell My Home?

    Choose a listing agent by comparing how they would price your home, how they would market it, what they have sold near you, and how they will keep you informed. Interview two or three agents and ask each one for a written plan, so you can compare specifics instead of promises.

    What should a listing agent show me?

    • A pricing analysis built on similar homes that are active, pending and recently sold nearby.
    • A marketing plan covering preparation, professional photos, online exposure and showings.
    • Recent local results, such as homes they sold in your area and how long those took.
    • A communication plan that says how often you will hear from them and what you will hear about.

    Should I pick the agent who suggests the highest price?

    Not on that basis alone. A price set too high can leave a home sitting while buyers move on, and later price cuts can cost more than pricing well from day one. Ask each agent to explain their number with real sales data.

    What should I check in the listing agreement?

    Read how long the agreement lasts, what services are included, how the agent is paid and how either side can end it. Commission is negotiable, so ask questions before you sign.

    Ready to talk about selling?

    Start with a free home value estimate, then call Molly at 206-498-4137 for a plan built around your home.

  • 6 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Broker

    6 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Broker

    Before you hire a real estate broker, ask about their local experience, how they price homes, how they market or search, how they communicate, who on their team does the work, and what past clients say. The answers show you how they will handle your move, not just how they present themselves.

    What should I ask?

    1. How well do you know this area? Ask about recent sales near you and what is moving homes in your neighborhood right now.
    2. How do you set a price or write an offer? A good answer points to recent sales, active listings and current demand, not a guess.
    3. What is your plan for my home or my search? Sellers should hear about photos, preparation and where buyers will see the listing. Buyers should hear how you will find homes and compete for them.
    4. How and how often will we talk? Agree on calls, texts or email and how quickly you can expect a reply.
    5. Who will I work with day to day? On a team, know who handles showings, paperwork and negotiation.
    6. What do past clients say? Read reviews and ask for a recent client you can call.

    Should I interview more than one broker?

    It helps to talk with two or three. Comparing answers side by side makes it clear who understands your goals and who has a real plan. Also read the agreement before you sign it, so you understand the length, the services and how the broker is paid.

    Want to ask Molly these questions?

    Call Molly at 206-498-4137 or send the team a message. You can also meet the team.

  • 5 Steps to Prepare Your Pacific Northwest Home for Winter

    5 Steps to Prepare Your Pacific Northwest Home for Winter

    Getting your home ready for a Pacific Northwest winter comes down to five jobs: clear the gutters, check the roof, service the furnace, protect your pipes and test your detectors. Most take an afternoon, and they prevent the water damage and surprise repairs that wet months can bring.

    What should I do first?

    Start with water, because rain is the biggest threat to a Northwest home. Clean the gutters and downspouts once most leaves have fallen, and make sure water drains away from the foundation instead of pooling next to it.

    What are the five steps?

    1. Clear gutters and downspouts. Blocked gutters overflow and can send water into siding, fascia and the foundation.
    2. Check the roof. Look for missing shingles, damaged flashing and moss, which holds moisture against the roof.
    3. Service the heating system. Replace the furnace filter and book a tune up before the first cold snap, when service calls get busy.
    4. Protect your pipes. Disconnect garden hoses, shut off and drain outdoor faucets, and insulate pipes in crawl spaces and garages.
    5. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Swap the batteries and replace any detector past its expiration date.

    Does winter prep matter if I plan to sell?

    Yes. Buyers and inspectors notice clogged gutters, roof moss and signs of water, and those findings can turn into repair requests or a lower offer. A well kept home photographs better and gives buyers confidence, even in the gray months.

    Want help with your own move?

    Thinking about selling this season? See what your home is worth, or call Molly at 206-498-4137.