Sell Your House Fast in Washington. Get Your Cash Offer.

How a Washington home sale closes

Washington escrow agents generally must hold a license under the Escrow Agent Registration Act (RCW 18.44.021).

• Exceptions include banks, attorneys handling escrow in their law practice, and licensed title insurers and title agents.
• Real estate brokers are also exempt when they receive no pay for escrow services.
• A real estate excise tax affidavit is generally filed whenever ownership or title transfers, per the Department of Revenue.
• Escrow, title and recording fees can vary, so it helps to ask for an itemized estimate.

Real estate excise tax (REET)

Washington charges a graduated state real estate excise tax on the selling price. Usually the seller pays it, per the Department of Revenue.

• Since Jan. 1, 2023, the portion of the price up to $525,000 is taxed at 1.1 percent.
• The portion from $525,000 to $1,525,000 is taxed at 1.28 percent (RCW 82.45.060).
• The portion from $1,525,000 to $3,025,000 is taxed at 2.75 percent, and anything above at 3 percent.
• On Jan. 1, 2027, the thresholds rise to $551,000, $1,551,000 and $3,051,000. The rates stay the same.
• Local REET is added to the state rate. If the seller does not pay, the buyer is responsible.

Seller disclosure statement

Washington sellers generally give the buyer a seller disclosure statement within five business days of mutual acceptance, unless the buyer waives it (RCW 64.06.030).

• The buyer then has three business days to approve the statement or rescind the agreement in writing.
• Exclusions include foreclosures, sales by a personal representative, and gifts to a parent, spouse, domestic partner or child (RCW 64.06.010).
• A buyer cannot waive the environmental section if any answer in it would be yes.
• For homes built before 1978, federal law also requires a lead paint disclosure and the EPA pamphlet. Foreclosure sales are among the exemptions.

Foreclosure process and timeline

Washington trustee's sales follow the Deeds of Trust Act. A sale cannot take place less than 190 days from the date of default (RCW 61.24.040).

• The notice of trustee's sale is recorded, mailed and posted or served at least 90 days before the sale.
• Sales are held on a Friday, or the following Monday if Friday is a legal holiday.
• The notice of sale lists a deadline to cure the default, 11 days before the sale.
• Many owners in this situation explore selling before the sale date. An attorney or housing counselor can review your timeline.

Probate and inherited homes

Washington's small estate affidavit can be used 40 days after death when the estate is worth $100,000 or less (RCW 11.62.010).

• The value is figured less liens and encumbrances. It excludes a surviving spouse's or domestic partner's community property interest.
• The statute is written for collecting personal property and debts owed to the decedent.
• A transfer on death deed passes a home at death only if recorded before the owner's death with the county auditor (RCW 64.80.060).
• Larger estates may need a personal representative appointed through probate.
• A probate attorney can confirm which path fits your family.

Selling a rental with tenants

Washington landlords generally need a cause listed in RCW 59.18.650 to end a tenancy, including a periodic tenancy.

• One listed cause is an owner's election to sell a single-family residence, with at least 90 days' advance written notice.
• The owner must make reasonable attempts to sell within 30 days after the tenant leaves, at minimum by listing at a reasonable price.
• Your lease may have its own terms about a sale, so review it first.
• We make offers on rentals, and we may buy rentals with tenants in place. A landlord-tenant attorney can explain the notices that apply.

Property tax and capital gains basics

Washington offers a property tax exemption for qualifying seniors, people with disabilities and certain veterans who own and live in their home (RCW 84.36.381).

• Claimants generally must be 61 or older by Dec. 31 of the filing year, or retired because of disability.
• Veterans may qualify with a VA service-connected rating of 40 percent or higher, or a total disability rating.
• Income limits apply, based on combined disposable income. A 2026 law updates the program for taxes collected in 2027 and later.
• Federal law lets many sellers exclude up to $250,000 of gain, or $500,000 for married couples filing jointly (IRS Topic 701). You generally must have owned and lived in the home 2 of the last 5 years.

Notes for military sellers

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) adds protections for servicemembers who own a home in Washington.

• For a mortgage taken out before service, a lender generally needs a court order to foreclose non-judicially. This applies during service and for one year after, per the Department of Justice.
• The SCRA caps interest at 6 percent on qualifying pre-service mortgages during service and for one year after.
• Eligible uniformed services members may suspend the IRS five-year test during qualified official extended duty, for up to 10 years.
• A military legal assistance office or an attorney can review your situation.

Tell us about the house

Property type, condition, timeline and address. It takes about two minutes.

Talk with us

We call to learn about the property and your plans.

Review your offer

A quick walkthrough confirms the details, then you review a written offer on your own time.

Close on your date

You choose the closing date. The title or escrow company handles the paperwork and the funds.