I Can’t Sell my House in Seattle Washington - Help!

If you’ve been thinking, “I just can’t sell my house in Seattle, Washington,” don’t worry—you’re not out of options. Whether your property has been sitting on the market without any serious offers or you’re facing challenges that make a traditional sale difficult, there are still effective strategies available. This article will walk you through practical solutions to help you sell your home at a fair price, without the stress or delays.

You’ve probably already tried the first one at least once: Lowering the asking price.

While it’s natural to want to sell your home for more than you originally paid, market conditions don’t always align with that goal. If property values in your area have dropped, the local economy is struggling, or your home has structural issues or a less desirable location, you may need to consider lowering your asking price. Being realistic about the current market can help you attract serious buyers and avoid letting your property sit unsold for too long.

What are my options if I can’t sell my house in Seattle?

Here are five other things you can try when you can’t sell your house in Seattle:

1) Take It Off the Market

Sometimes, the problem isn’t your home—it’s the timing. Trying to sell during the winter, over the holidays, or when the market is flooded with similar properties can significantly reduce your chances of a quick sale. If you’re facing these challenges and can afford to keep covering the mortgage, it might be wise to temporarily take your home off the market. Waiting for a more favorable selling season or reduced competition could help you attract better offers when the time is right.

2) Take Out a Second Mortgage

If you’ve built significant equity in your home, taking out a home equity loan could be a smart alternative—provided you can manage the higher monthly payments. This option allows you to access cash without selling. If that’s not financially feasible, consider speaking with your lender about modifying your loan terms. You may be able to renegotiate for a more manageable repayment plan or convert an adjustable-rate mortgage into a fixed-rate loan with a lower, more stable interest rate. These strategies can ease financial pressure and give you more time to decide whether selling is truly the best option. The loan can be used to fund other things, including real estate investments.

3) Rent Out Your Home

If selling your home isn’t working out and you’re not in a position to carry two mortgages, renting out your current property can be a practical solution. By setting the rental rate close to your monthly mortgage payment, you can cover the bulk—if not all—of your mortgage costs without taking on extra financial strain. While you’ll still be responsible for routine maintenance, repairs, and potential vacancies, renting allows you to hold onto the property until market conditions improve or you’re ready to sell on better terms.

4) Consider a Short Sale

“I can’t sell my house in Seattle because I owe too much!” This can happen if you purchased your home within the past few years and currently owe more than the home is worth (called being upside down).

In some instances, you can negotiate with your lender to accept less than what you owe on your mortgage. If it looks like the other option is foreclosure, your lender probably will accept a short sale.

To do this, you’ll need to have a buyer on board who can close quickly. Fortunately, we can! Give us a call today at (253)289-7220 for a no-hassle offer on your house.

Keep in mind, however, that short sales can affect your credit. Redeeming a pre-foreclosure on your credit history might disqualify you from getting another mortgage, at least for a little while.

5) Offer a “Lease to Own” Option

A lease-to-own agreement allows you to rent your home to a tenant who has the option to purchase it within a set period. This can be an excellent solution if you’re struggling to find qualified buyers right now. With this arrangement, you’ll receive monthly rent along with a lease option fee—typically a non-refundable amount paid upfront for the right to buy later. Meanwhile, the tenant has time to improve their credit and save for a down payment, increasing their chances of securing a mortgage when the time comes. It’s a win-win that can ease your financial burden while keeping the path to a sale open.

You also can add a lease premium to their monthly rent that can either be applied to the down payment later or – if they don’t end up exercising their option to buy your home – you can keep it as income.