When most homeowners think about selling, one number dominates the conversation: list price.
But in today’s real estate market, especially across Spokane and the Tri-Cities, seller success is rarely defined by price alone.
A truly successful sale is one that closes on time, without unnecessary stress, and supports what comes next for the seller.
Why List Price Isn’t the Whole Story
Homes can receive strong offers and still fail to close. Why?
Because price doesn’t account for:
- Buyer financing strength
- Appraisal risk
- Inspection contingencies
- Closing timelines
- Market volatility
A high number on paper means little if the deal collapses halfway through escrow.
Public Market Reality
In competitive markets:
- The highest offer often carries the highest risk
- Buyers stretch financially to compete
- Appraisal gaps and loan denials are more common
MLS data consistently shows that failed contracts often relist at a disadvantage.
What Actually Defines Seller Success
At RealVantage, we define success through:
- Certainty – confidence the deal will close
- Timing – alignment with the seller’s next move
- Terms – clean contingencies and clear expectations
- Outcome – minimal disruption, maximum control
The best sale isn’t just profitable — it’s predictable
For Jeff Crabb, seller success has never been about chasing a number — it’s about creating a clear, controlled path to closing.
When Jeff first met with David and Melanie, they asked a question every homeowner should be asking before they list:
“What are you going to do differently than the other Realtors who tried to sell our home?”

Instead of focusing solely on price, Jeff built a strategy designed to deliver certainty, visibility, and momentum:
- Strategic, high-impact real estate marketing across multiple platforms
- Weekly seller updates with real-time Spokane market insights
- Proactive outreach to neighbors and qualified local buyers
- Consistent weekend open houses with follow-up on every interested party
This approach wasn’t about rushing the sale — it was about doing it right. Clear communication, intentional exposure, and consistent execution ensured the home didn’t just attract attention, but attracted the right buyers.
The result?
A successful sale that closed smoothly, minimized stress, and gave the sellers confidence every step of the way.
That’s what seller success looks like when list price is only part of the strategy.
Final Thought
If you’re preparing to sell, the smartest strategy isn’t asking “What’s the highest price?”
It’s asking “What creates the best outcome for my life?”
