What are your options for selling an abandoned home in Snohomish or King County?
You have several options for selling an abandoned home in Snohomish or King County, including repairing it, selling as‑is, selling to an investor, or marketing it for land value. REALTOR® Marie‑Noelle Metseye helps homeowners assess condition, navigate disclosures, handle title or safety issues, and position the property for the strongest possible sale.
What Counts as an Abandoned Home?
An abandoned home is a property left unoccupied for an extended period, sometimes months, sometimes years. These homes often have issues such as deferred maintenance, vandalism, mold, structural deterioration, or overgrown landscaping.
Common characteristics include:
• No active utilities
• Significant clutter or debris
• Signs of pests or squatters
• Major repair needs or safety hazards
Option 1: Repair the Home Before Listing
Some homeowners choose to make repairs before selling. Even basic improvements, cleaning, securing doors/windows, removing debris, can increase value. Larger repairs, such as roof, plumbing, or electrical updates, may result in a higher sale price but require time and investment.
Option 2: Sell the Home As‑Is
Most abandoned homes are sold as‑is. This option avoids upfront repair costs and attracts buyers who specialize in renovations or redevelopment. Marie‑Noelle provides a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help you understand the as‑is value versus repaired value.
Option 3: Sell to an Investor or Cash Buyer
Investors and cash buyers are often the best match for severely deteriorated homes. They can close quickly and usually do not require lender repairs. This option is ideal when the home is unsafe, missing systems, or too costly to repair.
Option 4: Sell for Land Value
If the structure is beyond repair, the property may still hold significant value as a lot. Areas like Shoreline, Seattle, Lynnwood, and Bothell have strong demand for land, making this an excellent option for homes with extensive deterioration.
Step 1: Secure and Inspect the Property
Before listing, ensure the property is safe to enter. Boarding windows, adding locks, and clearing pathways may be necessary. A pre‑inspection can help identify issues to disclose and anticipate buyer concerns.
Step 2: Disclose All Known Issues
Washington State law requires sellers to disclose known defects, hazards, or structural issues. Abandoned homes often come with significant problems, full transparency protects you legally and attracts serious buyers.
Step 3: Price Strategically
Pricing must reflect condition, location, and feasibility of repairs. Snohomish and King County both have strong investor demand, which helps even distressed homes sell when priced correctly. Marie‑Noelle uses market data and neighborhood trends to guide pricing decisions.
Local Market Insight
Abandoned homes are most common in rural Snohomish areas like Granite Falls, Monroe, and Sultan, as well as older King County neighborhoods like Shoreline, South Seattle, and Burien. These abandoned homes are attractive to investors, builders, and DIY buyers.
Conclusion: You Have Options, Even With an Abandoned Property
An abandoned home may feel overwhelming, but you’re not stuck. With the right strategy, disclosures, and marketing approach, you can sell successfully. REALTOR® Marie‑Noelle Metseye helps homeowners navigate every step, from securing the property to choosing the right selling path.
If you’re preparing to sell an abandoned home in Snohomish or King County, contact Marie‑Noelle for expert guidance and a personalized selling plan.
