Why Lowering the Barrier for Buyers Can Mean a Better Sale for Sellers

We recently closed on a townhome in Issaquah for some wonderful repeat clients who had just bought their new home earlier this year. With their move complete, it was time to sell—and they entrusted us with the entire process. From the moment they handed over the keys, our goal was simple: minimize hassle, maximize return, and reduce risk.

While the broader real estate market is moving fast, the condo and townhome segment is moving a bit more slowly right now. That’s why thorough prep and a strategic approach are more important than ever. We coordinated everything—window washing, deep cleaning, new carpet, fresh paint, lighting updates, and professional staging—to make sure the home showed at its best.

But preparation isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also about strategy.

We believe one of the most effective ways to set sellers up for success is to lower the barrier for buyers to write a strong offer. In this case, we provided a seller-paid home inspection and complete HOA documentation upfront. Why? Because when buyers have all the information they need from the beginning, they’re more likely to waive contingencies—like inspection or HOA review—and submit a cleaner, more confident offer.

And that’s exactly what happened.

After a strong first week on market, we received two offers. The best was from a VA buyer—a loan type that can sometimes come with extra red tape. In this case, the condo association hadn’t previously been approved by the VA, and their underwriters initially required recorded HOA bylaws—a step that isn’t actually required in Washington State.

Rather than panic or pass on the offer, we leaned in. We made dozens of phone calls to clarify the rules, connect with the HOA board, collaborate with title and legal counsel, and help the VA see how other similar communities had already closed without recorded bylaws. We solved the problem before it became an issue, and the buyer got the green light—on time, with no added cost or delays for our sellers.

By doing the work upfront, we made it easier for buyers to act quickly and confidently—and helped our sellers land a strong, low-risk offer.

When it comes to selling real estate, risk and liability don’t always show up at the offer table. They often hide in contingencies, delays, or misunderstandings that surface later in escrow. Our job is to proactively clear those hurdles and guide our clients safely across the finish line.

This is full-service real estate. And it’s why we’re so grateful when clients trust us to do what we do best.