Washington Buyer Closing Costs Explained
Learn your planning range before you review loan papers.
Direct answer
Washington buyers often plan for 2% to 3% of the purchase price for closing costs. This cost is separate from your down payment. Your total will vary by loan, property, lender, and date.
Washington buyers usually do not pay the state real estate excise tax. The seller usually pays this tax. It is called REET. If the seller does not pay it, the buyer must pay it instead.
How to set your planning range
Multiply your price by 2%. Then multiply your price by 3%. This gives you a low number and a high number. It is not a quote. Your loan type, lender, and closing date can change your total.
For worked examples at specific price points, see closing costs on a $400,000 house and closing costs on a $300,000 home. For the full method, read how to calculate closing costs.
What the estimate includes
Lender charges
Origination charges may include application, underwriting, processing, verification, and rate-lock fees. These come from your lender.
Appraisal and lender's title insurance
Your closing costs may include an appraisal fee. They may also include lender's title insurance. Both show as separate charges on your Loan Estimate.
Title, escrow, and recording
Your closing costs may include escrow or settlement fees and recording fees. You can shop some of these. Your Loan Estimate shows which ones.
Prepaids and reserves
Buyers often prepay loan interest. Buyers also often prepay six to twelve months of home insurance. Lenders may also collect money for property tax and insurance. This is called a reserve.
What changes the final number
Your final cost depends on your loan type, lender, address, closing date, credits, and contract terms. A lender credit can lower your closing costs. It may also raise your interest rate. Always check your own numbers.
Calculate your cash to close
Cash to close is your down payment plus closing costs. Then subtract your deposit, seller credits, and other adjustments. Try your own numbers with the calculator before you make an offer.
Open the Washington closing cost calculator
Before you sign
Loan Estimate
Your Loan Estimate lists your origination charges. It also shows which services you can shop. Compare it to your final numbers before closing day.
Closing Disclosure
Your lender must send your Closing Disclosure three business days before closing. Check it against your Loan Estimate for any changes.
Washington transaction math
Washington Closing Cost Calculator
Enter your own numbers. Every field is a starting estimate you can edit. Rate, property tax, and insurance stay blank until you enter them, because we never guess your numbers.
Questions
Clear answers first. If one question changes the deal, bring it into the review before you move money.
Do Washington buyers pay real estate excise tax?+
Usually not. The seller pays this tax. It is called REET. If the seller does not pay it, the buyer must pay it.
Is the 2% to 3% range a guaranteed cost?+
No. It is only a planning range. Your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure show your real numbers.
What is the difference between closing costs and cash to close?+
Closing costs are loan and transfer fees. Cash to close adds your down payment. Then it subtracts your deposit, seller credits, and other adjustments.
Can I shop for any of my closing costs?+
Yes. You can shop for some services, like title or escrow. Your Loan Estimate shows which charges you can shop.
When will I see my final closing costs?+
Your lender must send your Closing Disclosure three business days before closing. Compare it to your Loan Estimate before you sign.
Next step
Talk with a Kirkland and Eastside broker before you set your offer price and budget. Aditya Kasturi helps buyers, sellers, relocations, and investors. See how buying works on the Eastside.
Book a Real Estate ReviewNext steps
Keep moving forward
Cash Closing Cost Calculator for Washington Buyers
See real cash closing costs in King County. No mortgage fees, but title, escrow, and recording still apply. Try the calculator.
View guide ->Washington Closing Cost Calculator
Estimate Washington closing costs for buyers or sellers in Kirkland, Bellevue, and King County. Edit real numbers, no email required.
View guide ->Washington Closing Costs: What Buyers and Sellers Actually Pay
Estimate buyer cash to close and seller net proceeds in Washington, including graduated REET. Real Kirkland and Bellevue numbers, updated daily.
View guide ->Closing Costs on a Three Hundred Thousand Dollar Home
See the $6,000-$9,000 planning range for closing costs on a $300,000 Washington home, what's included, and how to prepare your cash to close.
View guide ->Closing Costs on a Four Hundred Thousand Dollar House
Buying a $400,000 house in Washington? See the typical 2% to 3% closing cost range, what it covers, and what can change your final number.
View guide ->Free Closing Cost Calculator for Washington Homes
Test Washington buyer or seller closing costs free, with no email or login. Kirkland and Bellevue inputs update the estimate instantly.
View guide ->