In short
No official source gives a “typical” Washington closing-cost percentage, so add it up line by line. The largest fixed cost is the real estate excise tax, which the law makes the seller’s obligation: $16,855 on a $1 million sale in Seattle for 2026 (Department of Revenue rates). King County charges $303.50 to record a deed and $304.50 for a deed of trust, plus $1 per extra page.
Why there is no single “typical” total
Government bodies fix only some costs: the excise tax, county recording fees and the REET affidavit fee. Others depend on the lender, the title and escrow companies you choose, and your purchase contract. Prorated property taxes and loan deposits depend on the closing date and the loan.
Two federal forms give your own numbers. The lender must give you a Loan Estimate within three business days of your application, and all lenders use the same form. You must receive the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau).
Line by line: what each cost is
Real estate excise tax (REET). The state tax is graduated from 1.1% to 3%, and Seattle adds 0.5%. State law makes the tax the seller’s obligation (RCW 82.45.080); if the seller does not pay, the buyer is responsible, says the Department of Revenue. See our REET page for brackets and the January 1, 2027 change.
Recording fees. King County Recorder’s Office fees (as of October 2026):
| Document | Fee |
|---|---|
| Deed (listed under “all other documents”) | $303.50, plus $1 per additional page |
| Deed of trust | $304.50, plus $1 per additional page |
| Taxable excise tax affidavit | $5 plus the tax |
| Non-taxable excise tax affidavit | $10 |
A minimum of $10 in fees or tax is due. Paying by card adds a 2.35% convenience fee charged by the county’s bank provider.
Title insurance. Washington does not set one premium. Each title insurer files its own rates, which may not be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory, and a change takes effect 15 days after filing (RCW 48.29.140; Office of the Insurance Commissioner). The sources read give no typical premium, so ask each company for a quote and compare. See title insurance explained.
Escrow. Washington requires an escrow agent to hold a license from the director of the Department of Financial Institutions, with exceptions for banks, credit unions, insurers and attorneys (RCW 18.44.021). The sources read do not set an escrow fee, so it varies by company.
Lender charges. Origination, appraisal, credit report and underwriting fees are set by the lender and the companies it hires. Compare them on the Loan Estimate. See home appraisal cost and closing costs explained.
Other costs. Home inspection, survey, homeowners insurance and prepaid items are not regulated by the state texts read here. See home inspection cost and homeowners insurance. Property tax is billed in two halves, due April 30 and October 31; see Washington property tax. Brokerage compensation is negotiable; see real estate commission.
Who pays what?
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| REET (state and local) | Seller, by law (buyer responsible if unpaid) |
| Recording, title, escrow, prorations | Not fixed by the texts read; set in the purchase contract |
| Lender charges | Shown on the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure |
The Washington law read here fixes only the REET. Your purchase and sale agreement decides the rest, so read it before you sign.
What it costs: a worked example in Seattle
This is an example, not a quote. Assume a $1,000,000 sale in Seattle with an $800,000 loan, closing in October 2026. Only the lines fixed by law or by King County are calculated. Page counts are assumed.
| Line | Rule used | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| State REET | $525,000 × 1.1% + $475,000 × 1.28% | $11,855.00 |
| Seattle local REET | 0.50% of $1,000,000 | $5,000.00 |
| Total REET (seller) | $16,855.00 | |
| REET affidavit | King County, taxable | $5.00 |
| Deed, 3 pages | $303.50 + 2 × $1 | $305.50 |
| Deed of trust, 20 pages | $304.50 + 19 × $1 | $323.50 |
| Title insurance, escrow, lender charges, inspection | Set by each provider | See your quotes and Loan Estimate |
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs in Washington?
No official source gives a typical percentage. Fixed items include the excise tax and recording fees; the rest depends on your lender, title and escrow companies, and your contract. Your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure show the actual amounts.
Who pays the excise tax in Washington?
The seller. RCW 82.45.080 makes it the seller’s obligation. The Department of Revenue says that if the seller does not pay, the buyer is responsible.
How much does it cost to record a deed in King County?
$303.50 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, as of October 2026. A deed of trust costs $304.50 plus $1 per extra page.
Are title insurance premiums fixed by the state?
No. Each insurer files its own rates with the Insurance Commissioner, and the rates may not be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. Ask several companies for quotes.
When will I know my exact closing costs?
The Loan Estimate arrives within three business days of your application. The Closing Disclosure, with final figures, must reach you at least three business days before closing.
Compare with the other states: Closing costs by state.
More Washington guides
- Washington real estate excise tax (REET): rates and Seattle
- How Washington property tax works, with a Seattle example
- Seller disclosure requirements in Washington
- Do you need a real estate attorney to close in Washington?
- Foreclosure process in Washington
- Home prices in Washington and Seattle: median value and trend
- First-time home buyer programs in Washington: WSHFC, Seattle
- How to verify a real estate license in Washington
- Community property and buying a home in Washington
- Natural hazards and home insurance in Washington
- Buying a rental property in Washington: tenant rules
Sources
- Real estate excise tax (Washington Department of Revenue) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- RCW 82.45.080, tax is seller's obligation (Washington Legislature) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Local Real Estate Excise Tax Rates, effective May 1, 2026 (Washington Department of Revenue) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Real Estate Excise Tax (King County Recorder's Office) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Record a document, fees (King County Recorder's Office) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Title insurance rate and form filing requirements (Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- RCW 48.29.140, title insurance premium rates (Washington Legislature) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- RCW 18.44.021, escrow agent license required (Washington Legislature) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- What is a Loan Estimate? (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- What is a Closing Disclosure? (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) (consulted October 13, 2026)