Home Buying in Seattle | Henos Adhana

Buying a house in Seattle is a different process depending on where you look. A townhome in Ballard, a single-family home in Green Lake and a condo near Northgate each come with their own inventory, prices and timelines. My job is to help you read those differences and act on them.

I'm Henos Adhana, a broker with eXp Realty. I represent you as the buyer from the first meeting through closing, so your interests come first in every conversation, offer and negotiation.

Start with a planning meeting

Before you tour anything, we meet for about an hour, in person, by video or by phone. It costs nothing, and you are not committing to work with me afterward.

We talk about what you want, your timeline and your numbers. That means what a lender may approve, what you are comfortable paying each month, and the cash you need beyond the down payment, such as earnest money, the inspection and closing costs. If this is your first home, we also check Washington and City of Seattle down payment help. I can connect you with lenders so your financing is ready before the right home appears.

You leave with a short list of areas and home types worth your weekends, and a clear next step.

Narrowing the map

Prices, competition and the kind of homes for sale can change from one neighborhood to the next. I give you specifics about the areas you are weighing, not Seattle-wide averages.

If you are still deciding where to live, we start with how you want your days to go. How long a commute can you live with? Do you want a walkable street or a quiet one? How much yard or space do you need? Then we compare what your budget buys in places such as Ballard, Green Lake, Queen Anne and Northgate, on the Eastside and in the north-end suburbs. If I don't know an area well, I will say so.

From offer to keys

When you find the right home, I prepare a comparative market analysis, walk you through the numbers and help you structure an offer. Once it is accepted, I coordinate the inspection, appraisal and paperwork through closing.

The seller's disclosure comes early. As of October 2026, Washington law says the seller must give you the disclosure statement, known as Form 17, within five business days after mutual acceptance, unless you waived it. You then have three business days after you receive it to approve it or cancel the purchase in writing. If you cancel in time, your deposits come back, less anything the contract allowed to be paid out. We read it together the day it arrives.

Sources: RCW 64.06.030, seller disclosure statement

Your buyer's agent and the written agreement

A buyer's agent represents you, not the seller. I explain trade-offs plainly, point out problems that are easy to miss on a quick walk-through, and negotiate for you.

Since January 1, 2024, Washington law has required a written services agreement between a buyer and the broker's firm. It is signed before the broker starts work, or as soon as reasonably practical after. As of October 2026, it must state its term, which is 60 days unless you choose a longer one. It names the broker appointed to represent you. It says whether it is exclusive or nonexclusive, which you choose by checkbox, and whether you consent to limited dual agency. It states the amount of compensation and whether it can be shared or paid by more than one party. It also says whether the broker will show you homes when no one has offered to pay the broker's firm. Before you sign, you get a short state pamphlet about real estate brokerage in Washington.

How I am paid is set in that agreement. It is often paid by the seller as part of the sale, but the amount is negotiable and written down before we start.

Sources: Chapter 18.86 RCW (2023 c 318, in effect January 1, 2024), RCW 18.86.020, services agreement, RCW 18.86.080, compensation, RCW 18.86.030, broker duties and pamphlet

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Common questions

Do I pay for your services as a buyer?

My pay is set in the written buyer agreement. It is often paid by the seller as part of the sale, but the amount is negotiable and stated in writing, so you know the terms before we tour.

Do I have to sign an agreement before you show me homes?

Yes. Washington law requires a written agreement before a broker starts work for a buyer, or as soon as reasonably practical after. It lasts 60 days unless you choose a longer term.

What is the difference between a buyer's agent and a listing agent?

A listing agent represents the seller and works for the best result for them. A buyer's agent represents you, from judging homes to negotiating your offer.

Do I need to be pre-approved before we meet?

It helps but is not required. If you are not pre-approved yet, we can talk through the process at the first meeting and I can connect you with lenders.

How long does buying a house in Seattle take?

The search depends on how specific your list is and what comes up for sale. From an accepted offer to closing usually takes several weeks. I will set expectations once I know what you are looking for.

Can you help me sell my current home and buy the next one?

Yes. If your next home is also in the area, I can plan both sides so the timing works and you are not carrying two homes or rushing to find a place to land.

Which areas do you serve?

Seattle, the Eastside and the north-end suburbs, including neighborhoods such as Ballard, Green Lake, Queen Anne and Northgate.

Home Buying