Closing costs in Washington
What a buyer or seller pays at the closing table in Washington — the real transfer-tax rate, recording fees, title-insurance method and attorney rules, plus a calculator that uses Washington's actual rates.
- Transfer tax
- 1.28%
- customarily seller-paid
- Recording fee (deed)
- ~$200
- a flat fee per document
- Title insurance
- filed
- ~$4.50 / $1,000
- Attorney at closing
- Not required
Washington in the national transfer-tax dataset
1.28%, #2 of 51 nationally; at $400,000, that is $4,480 above the median $640 tax at $400,000. The comparison uses the 51 source-verified state and DC records in the TallyClose dataset; null transfer-tax states count as 0% rather than being filled with an estimate.
- National rank
- #2 of 51
- highest state transfer-tax rate first
- Median-state tax at $400,000
- $640
- Washington: $5,120
- County coverage
- 5
- 2 with a city-tax field
Washington transfer-tax data: official source linked on this page, reviewed 2026-Q2.
How closing costs work in Washington
The biggest closing-cost variable in Washington is the real-estate transfer tax, which here is 1.28% and is customarily seller-paid. Washington's Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) is graduated by price: roughly 1.10% up to $525k, 1.28% from $525k to $1.525M, 2.75% from $1.525M to $3.025M, and 3.00% above $3.025M (state portion), plus a local REET of 0.25%–0.50%. The seller pays. Washington has no state income tax, but REET is a meaningful closing cost.
On a $400,000 home, the state-level transfer tax works out to roughly $5,120 , before any county or city add-ons. County recording fees are a flat fee per document and run around $200 for the deed.
For title insurance, Washington title-insurance rates are filed with the state and broadly similar between companies, though you can sometimes shop. Washington does not require an attorney at closing — a title or escrow company typically handles settlement, though you can hire an attorney if you want one. Lenders here typically charge $1,500–$3,200 in origination and processing fees, and 2 months of property-tax escrow is commonly collected at closing.
Statute: RCW 82.45 (Excise tax on real estate sales). Official source ↗
Recent Washington rule changes
Selected from the source-cited rule-change dataset by this state slug.
Washington closing cost calculator
Pre-set to Washington. Adjust your price, down payment and loan type.
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Counties in Washington
County and city taxes can change the total significantly. Open a county for its precise rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs in Washington?
In Washington, buyer closing costs typically run about 2%–5% of the purchase price. The state-specific pieces are the transfer tax (1.28%, customarily seller-paid), county recording fees (a flat fee per document, around $200), and title insurance. Washington does not require an attorney at closing. Use the calculator above for your price.
What is the transfer tax in Washington?
Washington's real-estate transfer tax is 1.28% and is customarily seller-paid. Washington's Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) is graduated by price: roughly 1.10% up to $525k, 1.28% from $525k to $1.525M, 2.75% from $1.525M to $3.025M, and 3.00% above $3.025M (state portion), plus a local REET of 0.25%–0.50%. The seller pays. Washington has no state income tax, but REET is a meaningful closing cost.
Who pays closing costs in Washington?
Both buyer and seller pay different items. The transfer tax in Washington is customarily seller-paid. Buyers generally cover lender fees, the appraisal, lender's title insurance and prepaids; sellers generally cover the agent commission and, in most states, the bulk of the transfer tax. Everything is negotiable in the contract.
Do I need an attorney to close in Washington?
No. Washington does not require an attorney at closing; a title or escrow company typically handles settlement. You may still choose to hire one.
Closest transfer-tax comparisons
Algorithmic neighbors by verified transfer-tax rate, not a static related-links block.
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