Can you sell a home in Snohomish or King County if it has unpermitted additions or work?
Yes, you can sell a home with unpermitted additions, but the work must be properly disclosed. Unpermitted additions can impact value, appraisals, inspections, and buyer financing. REALTOR® Marie‑Noelle Metseye helps homeowners navigate these challenges so they can sell confidently, legally, and without unnecessary stress.
What Counts as an Unpermitted Addition?
Unpermitted work includes any renovation or improvement done without required city or county permits.
Common examples:
• Garage conversions
• Basement finishing without permits
• Decks or structures added without approval
• Non‑permitted electrical or plumbing upgrades
• Added rooms not reflected in county records
Step 1: Identify the Unpermitted Work
A contractor or permit specialist can help evaluate what was done and whether permits were required.
Helpful documents include:
• Contractor notes or receipts
• Permit history from the city or county
• Photos of work performed
• Estimates to bring work to code
Step 2: Decide Whether to Permit, Correct, or Sell As‑Is
Depending on cost and timing, sellers may choose to apply for after‑the‑fact permits, complete necessary corrections, or sell the home as‑is.
Marie‑Noelle helps weigh:
• Cost of retrofitting
• Time needed for city inspections
• Impact on sale price and buyer pool
Step 3: Understand How Unpermitted Work Affects Financing
Lenders often cannot include unpermitted square footage in the appraisal. This may affect loan approval.
This means:
• Cash buyers may be more likely
• Buyers using renovation loans may qualify
• Buyers may need higher down payments
Step 4: Disclose All Known Unpermitted Work
Washington State law requires sellers to disclose known unpermitted additions on the Form 17 disclosure form. Full transparency protects sellers from legal issues and builds buyer trust.
Step 5: Price the Home Strategically
While unpermitted additions may offer functional value, appraisers won’t include the extra square footage. Marie‑Noelle bases pricing on market demand, condition, and comparable sales in the area.
Step 6: Market the Home Honestly and Professionally
Homes with unpermitted additions still attract strong interest when marketed correctly.
Marie‑Noelle’s strategy includes:
• Highlighting permitted and updated areas
• Being transparent about unpermitted spaces
• Targeting value‑focused buyers and investors
Local Market Insight
Unpermitted additions are common in older homes throughout Everett, Lynnwood, Shoreline, Bothell, Seattle, and Mountlake Terrace. Given the high demand in Snohomish and King County, homes still sell quickly when priced and disclosed properly.
Conclusion: You *Can* Sell a Home With Unpermitted Additions
Unpermitted work doesn’t prevent a sale, it simply requires a thoughtful, transparent approach. With expert guidance from REALTOR® Marie‑Noelle Metseye, you can navigate disclosures, pricing, buyer expectations, and closing requirements successfully.
