Can you sell a home in Snohomish County with a mortgage?
Yes, you can sell a home in Snohomish County even if you still have a mortgage. The process involves paying off your remaining loan balance at closing, with the help of your escrow or title company. Marie-Noelle Metseye guides homeowners through this step to ensure a smooth and stress-free sale.
Understanding How Selling With a Mortgage Works
Many Snohomish County homeowners worry that having a mortgage will prevent them from selling. In reality, most homes sold today still carry an outstanding loan. At closing, your escrow company uses the proceeds from the sale to pay off your lender. Any remaining funds after closing costs and mortgage payoff go directly to you.
For example, if you sell your Bothell home for $750,000 and still owe $300,000 on your mortgage, the lender gets paid first. After subtracting closing costs and fees, the rest becomes your net proceeds.
Why Homeowners in Snohomish County Sell With a Mortgage
Some common reasons include:
- Relocating for work to Seattle, Bellevue, or out of state
- Downsizing from larger homes in Mill Creek or Woodinville
- Upgrading to a bigger home in areas like Lake Stevens or Mukilteo
- Taking advantage of strong home values in Everett or Bothell to build equity
Steps to Selling Your Home With a Mortgage in Snohomish County
Here’s how the process typically works:
- Contact Your Lender: Request a mortgage payoff statement to know your exact balance.
- Hire an Experienced Local Agent: Marie-Noelle Metseye ensures your home is prepared to show its best attributes, priced correctly and marketed effectively.
- List and Market Your Home: Using professional photography, staging, and targeted digital campaigns.
- Review Offers: Focus on terms that allow a smooth closing with your lender payoff.
- Close Escrow. Proceeds from the buyer are used to pay off your mortgage, with remaining equity distributed to you.
Local Market Insights for Snohomish County Sellers
In Snohomish County, homes with active mortgages are the norm, not the exception. Recent MLS data shows that the majority of Bothell, Lynnwood, and Everett sales involve mortgage payoffs at closing. Median sales prices in mid-2025 hover around $700,000 in the county, which often leaves sellers with significant equity.
This means even if you purchased your home just a few years ago, you may still walk away with strong net proceeds after paying off your loan.
Special Cases: Selling With HELOCs or Second Mortgages
If you have a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a second mortgage, those must also be paid off at closing. Your escrow company will coordinate with all lenders to make sure liens are cleared before the buyer takes ownership. Marie-Noelle Metseye helps sellers in Snohomish County navigate these situations smoothly.
Common Concerns About Selling With a Mortgage
What if I owe more than my home is worth?
This is called being ‘underwater.’ Options include bringing funds to closing, negotiating a short sale with your lender, or exploring rental alternatives. Marie-Noelle can connect you with financial and legal professionals if this applies to you.
Will the buyer know I still have a mortgage?
No, buyers only see that the home will transfer free and clear of liens. The mortgage payoff is handled privately between you, your lender, and the escrow company.
Does selling with a mortgage take longer?
No, the process is standard. As long as your agent and escrow team stay on top of communication with the lender, your timeline should be the same as any other sale.
Why Work With Marie-Noelle Metseye
Selling a home with a mortgage can feel intimidating, but with the right guidance, it’s straightforward. Marie-Noelle Metseye has years of experience helping homeowners in Bothell, Everett, Mill Creek, and beyond sell successfully, whether they owed a little or a lot on their mortgage.
Her expertise in pricing, marketing, and negotiations means you’ll not only pay off your loan but also maximize your equity.
Conclusion: Yes, You Can Sell a Home in Snohomish County With a Mortgage
The bottom line is that selling your Snohomish County home with a mortgage is completely normal. With the right strategy and a trusted local expert like Marie-Noelle Metseye, you can move forward confidently knowing your mortgage will be handled properly at closing.
Ready to explore your options? Contact Marie-Noelle Metseye today for a personalized consultation about selling your home in Snohomish County.
