Frequently Asked Questions.
Answers to the questions buyers and sellers ask us most across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Northern California.
About John L. Scott
John L. Scott has been in business for 95 years, founded in 1931. It is a family-owned company now under third-generation leadership by Chairman and CEO J. Lennox Scott, and one of the nation's largest independently owned real estate brokerages. Its locally owned business model and longstanding commitment to the Pacific Northwest distinguish it from national franchise competitors.
Yes. John L. Scott is a family-owned company founded in 1931, now led by the third generation, J. Lennox Scott, and is one of the largest independent brokerages in the country. Its 3,000+ brokers/agents across 100+ offices give it deep roots and expertise throughout the Pacific Northwest. Because it is locally owned rather than a national franchise, decisions are made by people invested in the local community. Some offices are independently owned and operated.
John L. Scott ranks among the largest independent brokerages in the U.S. by sales volume and transactions, with roughly $20 billion in annual sales and 35,000+ closed transactions. Each broker/agent is backed by a full support team of transaction coordinators, marketing specialists, and administrative staff, so the entire process from first search to closing is handled seamlessly.
John L. Scott provides experienced human representation that automated processes cannot replace. Our brokers/agents average 12+ years of experience and bring hyper-local knowledge of neighborhoods, pricing, and market trends. Each broker/agent is backed by office leadership, legal support and office support. The focus is a lasting advisory relationship, not a one-time automated transaction.
John L. Scott is a fourth-generation, family-owned company founded in 1931, making it one of the oldest, most established, and innovative real estate firms in the Pacific Northwest. It is locally owned rather than a national franchise, with 3,000+ brokers/agents across 100+ offices in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. The company operates on the principle of 'Living Life as a Contribution' and gives back through the John L. Scott Foundation, and its brokers/agents average more experience and higher production than industry standards. John L. Scott is ranked 4th in the nation for production per broker/agent compared to the other top 25 brands.
Yes. John L. Scott brokers/agents bring local knowledge of neighborhoods, schools, amenities, and what homes are actually worth, supported by real-time market data and comparative analysis. Whether you are buying in Seattle, Portland, Boise, or Northern California, you receive the same level of expertise and service across all offices. Contact your John L. Scott broker/agent to receive local market information with Housing Updates, MarketInsights™, or Neighborhood Campaigns with new listing notifications.
John L. Scott has more than 3,000 broker/agent associates across 100+ offices in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California, closing 35,000+ transactions annually for roughly $20 billion in sales. Behind each broker/agent, JLS provides a team to support marketing, legal, IT, and transaction coordination.
John L. Scott combines technology with expert guidance: AI-assisted market analysis for competitive pricing from real-time data, listing exposure across the MLS and major real estate websites, AI Home Search on johnlscott.com as well as on our mobile app, and PropertyTracker for real-time updates on showings and market activity. An experienced broker/agent interprets the data and adjusts strategy throughout.
John L. Scott brokers/agents average 12+ years of experience and hundreds of closed transactions. They complete ongoing training, coaching, and mentorship, and are skilled negotiators focused on strategic deal-making rather than simple haggling. They bring deep market intelligence, including market conditions, seasonality, competition, and comparable-sales analysis.
John L. Scott operates on the principle of 'Living Life as a Contribution', focused on serving clients and building lasting relationships rather than a one time transaction. Brokers/agents coordinate every detail from accepted offer through closing day, working full time with the client's best interests in mind.
John L. Scott provides complete real estate solutions for all types of real estate including Land, Commercial, Residential, Condominium, Lease Rentals, Luxury Homes and Estates and Company Relocations. John L. Scott also has a JV partnership with Priority Home Lending to provide Lending solutions to our clients. As a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio International, the company offers luxury expertise and access to a worldwide network of buyers and sellers.
The company operates on its core value of 'Living Life as a Contribution' and gives back through the John L. Scott Foundation. Each year, through the generosity of our brokers/agents/employees, the Foundation helps sponsor multiple events that collectively raise millions of dollars for children's healthcare across the communities we serve. In addition to fundraising, we are deeply committed to volunteering at local Ronald McDonald Houses, where John L. Scott volunteers prepare and serve more than 3,500 meals each year, providing comfort and support to families while their children receive medical care. Together, our mission is helping kids get healthy and be at home.
Washington
It is not legally required, but it is highly recommended. Since the 2024 industry changes, buyers sign a written buyer-agency agreement before touring homes that discloses how their broker/agent is paid. Buyer's broker/agent compensation is fully negotiable and is settled separately from the listing side - it may be paid by the buyer, contributed by the seller, or a combination, and your broker reviews the options up front. A John L. Scott broker provides market expertise, negotiation skills, and contract knowledge; brokers average 12+ years of experience and close hundreds of transactions annually.
As of midpoint 2026, the median home price in Seattle is approximately $1,268,000, with prices varying significantly by neighborhood. Queen Anne and Capitol Hill tend to be higher at $1M-$1.4M, while areas like Rainier Valley average $725,000. John L. Scott tracks real-time market data across Seattle neighborhoods for accurate, current pricing.
A typical Washington closing takes 30-45 days from accepted offer. That includes the inspection period (usually 10 days), appraisal (7-14 days), loan processing (20-30 days), and final closing procedures. Cash purchases can close in 7-14 days. John L. Scott brokers coordinate with all parties for smooth, on-time closings.
King County property tax rates in 2026 average approximately $10-12 per $1,000 of assessed value, varying by location and taxing district. For an $800,000 home, annual property taxes typically range from $8,000-$9,600. Rates differ between Seattle city limits and unincorporated areas, and taxes fund schools, roads, and local services. John L. Scott provides detailed tax information for every listing.
You will need a government-issued ID, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, and W-2s for the past two years), bank statements (2-3 months), employment verification, credit authorization, and a lender pre-approval letter. If self-employed, provide business tax returns and profit/loss statements. Down-payment funds must be documented and sourced. John L. Scott brokers provide a complete checklist and work with preferred lenders to streamline the process.
Yes. John L. Scott operates across the Pacific Northwest with offices in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California, including Seattle, the Eastside, Bellingham, Vancouver, Spokane, and beyond. Each office is staffed by local market experts who understand neighborhood nuances, pricing trends, and regional requirements, with consistent service standards backed by 95 years of experience.
The best time to buy or sell a home is when the timing is right for you. Spring (April-June) is traditionally the highest selling season in Seattle, with the active buyers and new listings. Fall and winter offer less competition and serious, motivated buyers. John L. Scott's marketing reach and 3,000+ broker/agent network sells homes year-round, and brokers recommend timing based on your goals and current conditions.
Oregon
At the midpoint of 2026, the median home price in Portland is approximately $550,000, with prices varying significantly by neighborhood. John L. Scott tracks real-time market data across Portland neighborhoods for accurate, current pricing.
A typical Oregon closing takes 30-45 days from accepted offer, including the inspection period (usually 10 days), appraisal (7-14 days), loan processing (20-30 days), and final closing procedures. Cash purchases can close in 7-14 days. John L. Scott brokers coordinate with all parties for smooth, on-time closings.
It is not legally required, but it is highly recommended. Buyers now sign a written buyer-agency agreement before touring homes that discloses how their broker/agent is compensated; that compensation is fully negotiable and settled separately from the listing side. A John L. Scott broker provides market expertise, negotiation skills, and contract knowledge, and helps navigate Oregon's disclosure requirements. Brokers average 12+ years of experience and close hundreds of transactions annually.
You will need a government-issued ID, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, and W-2s for the past two years), bank statements (2-3 months), employment verification, credit authorization, and a lender pre-approval letter. If self-employed, provide business tax returns and profit/loss statements. Down-payment funds must be documented and sourced, and you will sign a written buyer-agency agreement. John L. Scott brokers provide a complete checklist and work with preferred lenders.
What you put into your offer on a property is completely up to you. Ask your real estate professional for up-to-date market statistics and a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) to prepare your decision. Remember, an offer typically has many levers besides purchase price that you can use.
John L. Scott is a fourth-generation, family-owned company founded in 1931, one of the oldest and most established real estate firms in the Pacific Northwest. It is locally owned with deep Oregon roots, and its 3,000+ brokers across 100+ offices provide regional expertise in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California. John L. Scott is ranked 4th in the nation for production per broker. The company operates on 'Living Life as a Contribution' and gives back through the John L. Scott Foundation.
Oregon has no state-level real estate transfer tax. Washington County is the one Oregon county with a transfer tax (a long-standing $1 per $1,000 of value). Some local fees may apply elsewhere, and who pays is negotiable. John L. Scott brokers know local requirements and ensure transfer costs are clearly outlined in your purchase agreement.
The best time to buy or sell a home is when the timing is right for you. Spring (April-June) is traditionally the highest selling season in Portland, with the active buyers and new listings. Fall and winter offer less competition and serious, motivated buyers. John L. Scott's marketing reach and 3,000+ broker/agent network sells homes year-round, and brokers recommend timing based on your goals and current conditions.
Idaho
At the midpoint of 2026, the median home price in Boise is approximately $570,000, with prices varying by neighborhood. John L. Scott tracks real-time market data across Boise neighborhoods for accurate, current pricing.
A typical Idaho closing takes 30-45 days from accepted offer, including the inspection period (usually 5-10 days), appraisal (7-14 days), loan processing (20-30 days), and final closing procedures. Cash purchases can close in 7-10 days. John L. Scott brokers coordinate with all parties for smooth, on-time closings.
It is not legally required, but it is highly recommended in Idaho's competitive, fast-moving market. Buyers now sign a written buyer-agency agreement before touring homes that discloses how their broker/agent is paid; compensation is fully negotiable and settled separately from the listing side. A John L. Scott broker provides market expertise, negotiation skills, and contract knowledge; brokers average 12+ years of experience and close hundreds of transactions annually.
You will need a government-issued ID, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, and W-2s for the past two years), bank statements (2-3 months), employment verification, credit authorization, and a lender pre-approval letter. If self-employed, provide business tax returns and profit/loss statements. Down-payment funds must be documented and sourced, and rural properties may require well and septic inspections. John L. Scott brokers provide a complete checklist and work with preferred lenders.
What you put into your offer on a property is completely up to you. Ask your real estate professional for up-to-date market statistics and a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) to prepare your decision. Remember, an offer typically has many levers besides purchase price that you can use.
John L. Scott is a fourth-generation, family-owned company founded in 1931, one of the oldest and most established real estate firms in the Pacific Northwest. It is locally owned with deep Idaho roots, and its 3,000+ brokers across 100+ offices provide regional expertise in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California. John L. Scott is ranked 4th in the nation for production per broker. The company operates on 'Living Life as a Contribution' and gives back through the John L. Scott Foundation.
Boise remains a strong market in 2026, though growth has moderated from the 2020-2022 surge. The city continues to attract residents and employers through tech, healthcare, and manufacturing, plus outdoor recreation and quality of life. Appreciation has normalized to roughly 3-5% annually, with lower property taxes than neighboring states. John L. Scott's local experts provide investment analysis and neighborhood-specific data.
The best time to buy or sell a home is when the timing is right for you. Spring (April-June) is traditionally the highest selling season in Boise, with the active buyers and new listings. Fall and winter offer less competition and serious, motivated buyers. John L. Scott's marketing reach and 3,000+ broker/agent network sells homes year-round, and brokers recommend timing based on your goals and current conditions.
Northern California & Siskiyou County
At the midpoint of 2026, the median home price in Siskiyou County is approximately $360,000, well below California's statewide median and among the more affordable markets in the state. Prices vary widely by community: Mount Shasta and Dunsmuir command a premium for their scenery and recreation access at roughly $500,000, while Yreka, the county seat, and nearby Weed and Montague are more affordable at roughly $293,900-$363,000. John L. Scott tracks local market data across Siskiyou County for accurate, current pricing.
A typical California closing takes 30-45 days from accepted offer. California transactions run through an escrow company, and the timeline includes the inspection and contingency periods, appraisal (7-14 days), loan processing (20-30 days), and final escrow closing. Cash purchases can close in as little as 14-21 days. John L. Scott brokers coordinate with escrow, title, and lenders for smooth, on-time closings.
It is not legally required, but it is highly recommended. Buyers sign a written buyer-representation agreement (commonly the C.A.R. form) before touring homes that discloses how their broker/agent is paid; compensation is fully negotiable and settled separately from the listing side. California also has detailed statutory disclosures, including the Transfer Disclosure Statement and Natural Hazard Disclosure. A John L. Scott broker guides you through these requirements and negotiates on your behalf.
You will need a government-issued ID, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, and W-2s for the past two years), bank statements (2-3 months), employment verification, credit authorization, proof of funds, and a lender pre-approval letter. If self-employed, provide business tax returns and profit/loss statements. Down-payment funds must be documented and sourced, and you will sign a written buyer-representation agreement. John L. Scott brokers provide a complete checklist and work with preferred lenders.
What you put into your offer on a property is completely up to you. Ask your real estate professional for up-to-date market statistics and a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) to prepare your decision. Remember, an offer typically has many levers besides purchase price that you can use.
Yes. John L. Scott serves Northern California, including Siskiyou County communities such as Yreka, Mount Shasta, Weed, Dunsmuir, and Montague. Local brokers understand the area's rural and recreation markets, well and septic considerations, water rights, and wildfire-zone insurance factors, and they support relocations to and from the broader Pacific Northwest network across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.