FAQ

No, Moses Real does not provide real estate services in Oregon State.  Moses Mikhailenko is only licensed to practice real estate brokering in the State of Washington.

A down payment refers to the initial amount of money a buyer needs to put down on a property to secure a mortgage.

When you are financing a home (that is applying for a mortgage rather than paying for the property with cash), a down payment is a portion of the loan, generally ranging between 3% -- 20%, that you pay with cash.  For example, if you are approved for a $300,000 loan (that therefore being your "mortgage principal"), a 20% down payment would be $60,000 (300,000 multiplied by 0.20).

Get pre-approved by a bank or private lender!  This not only shows yourself real motivation to actually move forward with securing your first house, but it also provides you a realistic budget (or budget goal) that you can work with in the given moment.  Your pre-approved mortgage amount and rate(s) will help you decide whether or not this is a realistic time for you to buy the property you envision as your first house.

Moses Real is the personal branding of Moses Mikhailenko, a licensed real estate broker in Washington State and a proud REALTOR®. Moses works as an independent contractor under the brokerage Call It Closed International Realty, which is licensed in WA and several other states. Moses Real is not a formal real estate firm, but rather the broker—Moses himself—offering boutique, personalized service under that name.

Displaying Moses Mikhailenko’s license number (#24027783) provides transparency and trust. It allows potential clients to verify his licensing status with the Washington State Department of Licensing. 

While processes vary, the general steps are:

1. Get pre-approved by a lender.
   
   

2. Find a suitable property.
   
   

3. Submit an offer.
   
   

4. Conduct home inspections.
   
   

5. Secure financing.
   
   

6. Close the transaction.
   Working with a REALTOR®—like Moses—can guide you smoothly through each step.

A “contingent” offer includes specific conditions (such as passing inspection or securing financing) that must be met before the sale can proceed. It protects buyers—but sellers may favor offers with fewer contingencies.

Since August 17, 2024, due to industry reforms, buyers must sign a Buyer Representation Agreement detailing agent services and how they will be paid. This shift creates much greater transparency—but it also means buyers may now directly cover agent fees. Moses can review such agreements with you to ensure clarity and protection. 

The best time to buy is when you are financially ready and find the right property—not necessarily based on the season. Spring tends to have more listings and nicer weather; winter can offer unique visibility into a home’s condition. If you're selling, listing just before school ends can capture buyers planning moves before summer. 

In addition to a down payment, buyers may face:

• Earnest money (1–2% of purchase price)
  
  

• Closing costs (typically 2–5%)
  
  

• Inspection and repair costs ($2,000–$8,000 or more)
  
  

• Potential drainage, roofing, or insulation repairs ($3,000–$30,000)
  
  

• Utility setup fees
  
  

• HOA fees ($200–$500+ per month)
  Moses can help you budget thoroughly to avoid surprises.

Sellers must disclose known property defects, environmental hazards, and other material facts that could affect a buyer’s decision-making. This transparency is required by Washington State law.

A title company conducts a title search to verify clear ownership and issues title insurance to protect both buyers and lenders against any future claims or legal issues related to the property’s title.

Washington does not have an inheritance tax, but it does have an estate tax. If the total value of a person’s estate—regardless of location—exceeds the state's filing threshold, an estate tax return may be required.

Yes. With nearly 8 million residents and strong job growth in diverse sectors, Washington offers solid appreciation potential. Average home values are over $600,000, with opportunity in growing markets like Spokane, Tacoma, and the Tri-Cities. Investors may benefit from tax breaks like mortgage interest deductions, depreciation, and 1031 exchanges.

Co-buying involves purchasing a home with friends or extended family to share costs. It's increasingly popular among buyers priced out of solo ownership. It can offer benefits in affordability, but requires clear agreements around financial contributions, maintenance, and future decisions.

Moses conducts a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), reviewing similar homes recently sold in your neighborhood, current competition, and overall market trends. The goal is to set a price that’s competitive enough to attract buyers quickly, but also maximizes your net proceeds. Overpricing can cause a home to linger on the market, while underpricing leaves money on the table—Moses strikes the right balance.

Your home won’t just be listed—it will be showcased. Moses uses a mix of professional photography, virtual tours, MLS exposure, targeted social media ads, and email campaigns to ensure your property reaches both local and out-of-state buyers. The goal: maximum visibility, faster offers, stronger negotiating leverage.

Market time depends on location, condition, and pricing. In many Washington State markets, well-priced homes in good condition can sell in 10–30 days, sometimes faster. Luxury properties or unique homes may take longer. Moses provides honest, data-driven expectations based on your home and neighborhood.

Typical seller costs in Washington include:

• Broker commissions (usually shared between listing and buyer’s agents)
  
  

• Excise tax (currently 1.1%–3% depending on sale price)
  
  

• Title and escrow fees
  
  

• Repairs or concessions agreed upon during negotiations
  Moses will provide a net sheet estimate so you know what to expect at closing—no surprises.

Simple steps make a huge difference. Moses advises on decluttering, deep cleaning, fresh paint, and sometimes minor repairs or landscaping touch-ups. Staging—even partial staging—can help buyers imagine living in the space. Remember: first impressions matter, both online and in-person.

A Listing Agreement is a legally binding contract between you (the seller) and Moses Real (your broker) that authorizes him to represent you in the sale of your property. It outlines important details like:

• The listing price of your home
  
  

• Broker commission structure
  
  

• Duration of the agreement
  
  

• Duties and responsibilities of both you and your agent
  
  

By signing, you’re granting Moses the exclusive right to market, negotiate, and sell your property on your behalf. This agreement ensures professional representation, accountability, and transparency throughout the selling process.