If you're buying or selling a condo or townhome in Seattle, working with someone who knows the buildings makes a significant difference.
I'm Kim Reidy, a Seattle broker and Certified Buyer Agent Expert. This is a part of the market I know exceptionally well, and not just from research. I'm in and out of Seattle's condo and townhome buildings constantly, showing them to buyers and renters throughout the year. I know which buildings are well managed, which have strong HOAs, which have quirks worth knowing about, and which represent the best value in their neighborhood.
When you buy a condo or townhome, you're not just buying the unit. You're buying into the building. The HOA, the management, the reserves, the rules, the neighbors, and the fees all affect your day-to-day experience and the long-term value of your investment.
Most buyers don't know what questions to ask. I do. Because I work in these buildings regularly, I can give you context and perspective that goes well beyond what's on a listing sheet.
The HOA's finances. The budget, the reserve study, and how much is set aside for future repairs. A building with thin reserves is a building where owners may be asked to pay more later.
Special assessments. Whether one is in place, recently finished, or being discussed in the meeting minutes.
What the dues cover. Two buildings with the same monthly dues can include very different things. I help you compare the real monthly cost.
The rules. Rental caps, pet policies, move-in fees, and anything else that affects how you can live in or use the home.
The resale certificate. In Washington, the seller provides a resale certificate with the HOA's documents. I read through it with you so you understand what you're signing up for before your review period ends.
Financing fit. Lenders look at the building as well as the buyer. I'll connect you with lenders who know Seattle condos so there are no surprises after you're under contract.
Whether you're a first-time buyer starting with a condo, someone downsizing from a larger home, or a buyer relocating to Seattle who wants low-maintenance urban living, I can help you find the right building and the right unit.
Many of my renters eventually move into condo or townhome ownership, and I love being part of that journey. Having guided someone through their rental years in Seattle means I already know their lifestyle, their priorities, and their favorite neighborhoods, which makes finding the right home to buy a much more personal and focused process.
New to buying? Start with my first-time home buyer page.
If you're selling a condo or townhome in Seattle, my knowledge of the building and the market works in your favor. I understand how to position your unit relative to others in the building, how to price it accurately based on real comparable sales, and how to reach the buyers most likely to be interested.
My background in relocation also gives me an advantage. I work daily with people relocating to Seattle, many of whom are looking for exactly the kind of turnkey, well-located living that condos and townhomes offer. That's a motivated, qualified audience that many listing agents don't have direct access to.
"Kim helped me buy and sell a condo in Seattle. She's was extremely patient when we were looking at different areas of the city, and I never felt any pressure from her to make a decision. When I sold, she took care of everything and made the whole process as easy as possible for me."
"She helped me find an apartment when I first moved to Seattle, and more recently she walked me through buying my first home in the highly competitive Capitol Hill neighborhood. Kim is extremely responsive and invested in each of her clients. ... If you are looking to buy or rent in the Seattle area, I recommend you reach out to Kim now and don't look back."
"She had found a most reliable renter whom she had vetted extensively, and she managed to sell our condo within a two-week period without any kind of problems. Since we live out-of-state, we needed to do all paperwork electronically, again something Kim facilitated superbly."
I have deep familiarity with condo and apartment buildings across Seattle's most desirable neighborhoods, including Ballard, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, Denny Triangle, First Hill, and many more. My neighborhood guides include specific building recommendations with honest assessments of what makes each one worth considering.
Look past the unit to the building. Review the HOA budget, the reserve study, recent meeting minutes, any pending or recent special assessments, the rental and pet rules, and what the monthly dues cover. In Washington the seller provides a resale certificate with these documents, and I read through them with every buyer before the review period ends. More here: What to check before buying a Seattle condo.
It varies by building. Dues commonly cover building insurance, exterior and common area maintenance, water, sewer, garbage, and contributions to the reserve fund. Some buildings also include heat, hot water, a concierge, or amenities like a gym or roof deck. Always compare what is included, not just the monthly number.
A special assessment is an extra charge to owners when the HOA needs money beyond what is in its reserves, often for a major repair like a roof, siding, or elevators. I check the reserve study and meeting minutes for signs that one may be coming, so you can factor it into your offer.
Condos usually offer the lowest entry price in close-in neighborhoods, along with shared amenities and less maintenance, in exchange for monthly dues and building rules. Townhomes typically offer more space and privacy, often with reserved parking and outdoor space such as a yard or rooftop deck, with lower or no dues but more responsibility for upkeep. The right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how long you plan to stay.
It depends on the building. Many Seattle condo associations limit how many units can be rented at one time, and some have waiting lists. If renting the home out later matters to you, check the rental rules before you make an offer. I confirm the current policy with the HOA for every buyer who asks.
Yes. Lenders review the building as well as the buyer. Things like owner-occupancy rates, reserves, litigation, and insurance can affect which loan types are available, and FHA and VA loans have their own condo approval requirements. Talk to a lender early so there are no surprises after you're under contract.
Looking to buy or sell a condo or townhome in Seattle? Let's talk. I'll give you a clear picture of the market and the buildings worth your attention.