Can you sell a Snohomish or King County home if there’s a boundary dispute with a neighbor?
Yes, you can sell a home with a boundary dispute, but the issue must be disclosed and will likely need resolution before closing. Boundary disagreements are more common than homeowners realize, especially in older neighborhoods or rural areas of Snohomish and King County. REALTOR® Marie-Noelle Metseye helps sellers work with surveyors, title companies, and neighbors to resolve disputes and protect your ability to sell smoothly.
What Is a Boundary Dispute?
A boundary dispute happens when two property owners disagree about where the property line actually sits. This can affect fences, landscaping, driveways, easements, or even portions of a home.
Common causes include:
- Mismatched or outdated surveys
- Fences built on incorrect property lines
- Driveways or structures crossing onto a neighbor’s land
- Conflicting legal descriptions in old deeds
- Disagreements over easements or access rights
Step 1: Identify the Source of the Dispute
A professional land survey is usually the first step in determining the true boundary. Surveyors use markers, plats, legal descriptions, and GIS data to identify the accurate property line.
Marie-Noelle helps coordinate surveys early in the listing process so sellers have clarity before negotiations begin.
Step 2: Review the Title Report and Property Records
Boundary issues often show up in the preliminary title report, especially if previous owners were aware of the dispute. Title officers can also flag overlapping structures, encroachments, or mismatched legal descriptions.
Marie-Noelle reviews all documents with the title company to ensure the problem is properly understood and documented.
Step 3: Work Toward Resolution
Common solutions to boundary disputes include:
- Boundary line agreements signed by both homeowners
- Easements allowing shared use of disputed space
- Adjusting fences or landscaping to reflect the correct line
- Quiet title actions when ownership must be legally clarified
- Negotiated settlements between neighbors
Marie-Noelle works with attorneys, surveyors, and the neighbor’s real estate agent, if involved, to find a fair and practical solution.
Step 4: Disclose the Dispute Honestly
Washington law requires sellers to disclose any known boundary issues on the Form 17 Seller Disclosure Statement. Transparency is critical, failing to disclose can expose sellers to legal claims long after closing.
Marie-Noelle ensures buyers receive accurate information so they feel confident moving forward.
Step 5: Market the Property With Clarity
Even with a past or resolved boundary dispute, homes in Snohomish and King County often still attract strong interest. Many buyers simply want reassurance that the issue is documented, resolved, or clearly understood.
Marie-Noelle communicates clearly with buyers, explains the resolution steps taken, and works with escrow to ensure the title is insurable.
Local Market Insight
Boundary disputes are most common in older neighborhoods with historical lot lines, including Everett, Shoreline, Seattle, Bothell, and rural areas such as Monroe and Snohomish. They also occur in HOA neighborhoods when fences or shrubs extend into common areas.
Because demand remains strong in both counties, homes typically sell quickly once boundary issues are documented or resolved.
Conclusion: Yes, You Can Sell, With the Right Guidance
A boundary dispute doesn’t have to derail your home sale. With clear documentation, professional support, and expert negotiation, you can move forward confidently.
If you’re facing a property line disagreement, contact REALTOR® Marie-Noelle Metseye for guidance, resources, and a step-by-step plan to help you sell successfully.
