What Is the Cost of Selling a House in Washington State?

Published on May 30th, 2025
9 min read

Alexandra Lee Associate Editor
Close
Alexandra Lee Associate Editor

Email
Alexandra is an associate editor of HomeLight.com. Previously, she served as a writer and social media manager at Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine, in addition to interning at the nonprofit honors society Phi Beta Kappa. Alexandra holds a bachelor's degree in communication and global studies from UC Santa Barbara, and she has three years of experience reporting on topics including international travel, luxury properties, celebrity interviews, fine dining, and more.

View profile

If you’re like many residents in Washington State, your home is probably your most significant financial asset. Choosing to sell it is a major decision. Whether you’re considering moving to a different state, relocating to the suburbs, or simply want to downsize to a more manageable property, you’re likely looking for a seamless sale while maximizing your proceeds.

As you formulate your moving plans, it’s critical to understand the potential costs associated with selling your home in Washington State. This article provides expert insights to give you a clearer picture of the expenses you can anticipate, helping you move forward with greater accuracy and confidence.

Housing trends in Washington State

Similar to many other states, Washington’s housing market is facing high interest rates and rising home prices.

“The housing market in Washington State remains competitive, with strong demand, limited inventory, and steady price growth, especially in urban and suburban areas. Buyers need to be prepared and act quickly, while sellers are still in a great position to capitalize on current conditions,” says Carrie Freeman, a top Washington real estate agent who works with over 68% more single-family homes than the average agent in her market.

Here’s a brief overview of the current real estate landscape in Washington State:

	As of April 2025
Days on market	29 days
Median home sale price	$575,000
List price vs. sale price	100.4%
Supply of inventory	2 months
Population growth year over year	+1.27%

Sources: ATTOM, Redfin, World Population Review

As a seller in Washington State, one important statistic to consider is the days on market (DOM), which indicates the average time from listing a home to securing a signed purchase agreement. In Washington, the average DOM is 29 days.

“Homes across Washington State are moving quickly, with the median time from listing to pending around 29 days statewide. In the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area, homes are selling even faster, with a median of 30 to 35 days on market,” says Freeman.

Start with a home value estimate

A great place to start when estimating the costs of selling your home in Washington State is to obtain an accurate home value estimate. Given the rapid changes in market trends and home prices, it’s never too early to assess what your home is worth — you might be pleasantly surprised by its value.

You can quickly request an initial assessment using HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator. This free automated valuation model (AVM) tool analyzes recent sales data, local market trends, and your home’s latest selling price to provide a preliminary value range in under two minutes. Simply enter your address to begin.

How much does it cost to sell a house in Washington State?

The precise answer varies. Based on our findings, the cost to sell a home in Washington State typically ranges from 6% to 10% of your selling price.

For instance, if you sell your home for $575,000 — the median home price in Washington State — your selling costs could be approximately $34,500 to $57,500.

The specific costs you incur will largely depend on your choices regarding home preparations, agent commissions, and any concessions you may offer to the buyer. Let’s explore the key factors to consider when calculating the cost of selling a house in Washington State.

What are common expenses for sellers in Washington State?

Freeman notes that the expenses associated with selling a house in Washington State can differ significantly based on individual circumstances within the state’s dynamic market.

“When clients ask, ‘How much will it cost me to sell my house in Washington State?’ I tell them to plan for around 7% to 8% of the sale price. That typically includes the agent commissions, excise tax, title and escrow fees, and any prep work or repairs they choose to do, although every situation is a little different, and I break it down clearly so there are no surprises,” Freeman says.

Several factors can affect the costs of preparing your home for sale, including its size, age, and condition. The following estimated prices can serve as a guide to assist you as you plan your sale.

Prepping your house for sale

Preparing your Washington State home for sale generally costs between 1.5% and 2.7% of your home’s final sale price. Based on the median home price in the state, this could amount to $8,625 to $15,525.

Here’s a breakdown of these expenses:

Pre-sale repairs: $4,500-$5,400, depending on the year your home was built and its maintenance history.
Staging the home: $1,500-$4,000 (recommended by agents for higher returns).
Professional cleaning services: $118-$237, depending on the size of the home.
Interior painting: $966-$3,086.
Landscaping: $1,248-$6,281.
Pre-listing inspection: $250-$500, if desired.

Before taking on any significant projects, like a kitchen remodel or roof replacement, be sure to consult with your Realtor. An experienced Washington State real estate agent can advise you on what repairs are necessary and what can be left as is.

Realtor fees in Washington State

Agent commissions are one of the most significant costs involved in a real estate transaction. In Washington State, these fees can range from 2.5% to 6%, depending on whether you choose to cover the buyer’s agent commissions, which is no longer a given following a landmark court ruling that altered commission structures nationwide.

Based on the median home price of $575,000 in Washington State, you can expect to pay between $14,375 (2.5%) and $34,500 (6%) in real estate agent commissions.

While Realtor fees may seem substantial, partnering with a skilled professional is one of the best ways to boost your final net proceeds. HomeLight transaction data indicates that the top 5% of agents in the U.S. sell homes for as much as 10% more than the average agent.

Later in this post, we’ll demonstrate how commissions can affect your total selling costs in our at-a-glance example chart.

Check out HomeLight’s Agent Commissions Calculator to estimate potential Realtor fees in your area. Additionally, explore HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform to connect with a top real estate agent in Washington State.

Seller concessions

Seller concessions can add to the overall cost of selling a house in Washington State. Beyond the direct costs of preparing your home and covering Realtor fees, there may be indirect costs that come up throughout the transaction. These costs may include seller concessions and buyer incentives.

A concession occurs when a seller agrees to allocate a portion of their proceeds to cover some or all of a buyer’s closing costs. The total of these concessions can vary based on your market and specific selling circumstances.

“In Washington State, particularly in the Seattle area, seller concessions have become increasingly common, with over 70% of transactions including some form of concession in early 2025. The most frequent concessions include covering a portion of the buyer’s closing costs, offering repair credits, and providing funds for mortgage rate buydowns,” Freeman says.

While sellers are not obligated to offer concessions, doing so can attract more buyers, enhance your home’s appeal, and even help finalize a deal. Here’s a quick overview of some seller concession examples that could increase the cost of selling a house in Washington State:

Home inspection fees: $296-$424, depending on the size of the home.
Buyer’s home warranty: $350-$900 (more comprehensive plans can range from $1,200-$1,400).
Repair credits: Seller credits vary and can reduce your net proceeds.

Closing costs and additional fees

Not including agent commissions, your closing costs and additional fees will likely range from 2% to 4% of your home’s selling price. With Washington State’s median home price of $575,000, this would amount to between $11,500 and $23,000.

So, what types of closing costs do sellers typically incur in Washington State? Here are some examples of the line items you’ll find on your final settlement statement:

Escrow fee
Title insurance premiums
Title search fees
Tax liens or other judgments
Homeowner’s association dues
Reconveyance fee and recording fees
Prorated property taxes
Mortgage loan payoff amount (U.S. average: approximately $250,000)
Real estate excise tax

“One expense that often surprises sellers in Washington State is the real estate excise tax (REET). It’s a state and local tax that can take a decent chunk out of your net proceeds — especially on higher-priced homes — and many first-time sellers don’t realize how much it adds up until we sit down and go over the numbers,” Freeman says.

Washington State’s excise tax: Not all states impose a real estate transfer tax, but Washington’s real estate excise tax (REET) can range from 1.1% to 3% depending on the property’s selling price.

At-a-glance home selling cost example for Washington State

This at-a-glance analysis is based on the median home price of $575,000 in Washington State. For simplicity, this table does not include a mortgage payoff amount. These figures can serve as a helpful planning tool as you prepare to sell your home.

Selling expense	Example costs*	% of home sale price
Prepping your home for sale	$11,500	2%
Realtor fees (commissions)	$17,250	3% (listing agent only)
Concessions, closing costs, taxes, fees	$17,250	3%
Excise tax	$7,360	1.28%
Total selling cost example	$53,360	9.28%

*General estimates based on Washington State’s median home price of $575,000

If you opt to cover the buyer’s agent fee: Add an estimated 2.5%, or $14,375.

How much profit will you make? To gain a clearer understanding of your potential earnings after expenses, try HomeLight’s Net Proceeds Calculator. This free tool considers all the selling costs discussed in this article, including your mortgage payoff amount.

Relocation expenses

One expense that’s often overlooked is the cost of relocating. Moving fees can vary depending on the proximity of your next destination and whether you hire movers to pack your belongings. Here’s a general idea of moving costs after selling your home:

Typical cost to move: $883-$2,568
Typical cost to move out of state: $3,000-$9,500

How can I reduce my seller costs in Washington State?

There are various strategies you can leverage to lower the costs of selling a house in Washington State — some more effective than others. Here are some ways to minimize seller costs:

Handle repairs yourself when possible
Negotiate a lower commission with your real estate agent
Use a discount-commission agent or brokerage
List your home for sale by owner (FSBO)
Avoid offering seller concessions or buyer incentives
If you agree to cover closing costs or provide a repair credit, consider increasing your home’s sale price
Resist the temptation to over-improve or make unnecessary repairs when selling
Sell your house off-market
Time your home sale using HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator
Work with a top-performing agent who has a proven sale-to-list ratio

While a discount agent or broker may offer lower-cost services, they might also lack the experience and skills needed to successfully close the sale, potentially costing you more money overall.

“I tell sellers that while a discount agent might save them on commission up front, it can easily cost them more in the long run. You need someone who knows how to price strategically, market aggressively, negotiate hard, and manage the deal through closing — because the right agent doesn’t cost you money, they make you more of it,” Freeman says.

Helpful tools for your next home purchase

As you prepare to purchase your next home, consider these HomeLight tools and our innovative Buy Before You Sell program:

Partner and plan with a top Washington State agent

A good first step in determining the cost of selling a house in Washington State is to get a home value estimate.

From there, you can create a plan to maximize your profits. HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform can connect you with a top real estate agent in your Washington State market who can sell your property above asking price.

Typically, the cost to sell a house in Washington is 6% to 10% or more of your home’s final sale price.

“My best advice for sellers in Washington State is to understand that the market is constantly evolving, and having a top, full-service Realtor by your side can make all the difference. A seasoned agent knows how to navigate pricing, negotiate the best deal, and offer insights on how to make your home stand out,” Freeman says.

HomeLight’s Agent Match can connect you with the highest-performing agents in your Washington State market who can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your home sale.

Header Image Source: (Jacob Sutherland / Unsplash)

At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.

Alexandra Lee

Associate Editor

Alexandra is an associate editor of HomeLight.com. Previously, she served as a writer and social media manager at Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine, in addition to interning at the nonprofit honors society Phi Beta Kappa. Alexandra holds a bachelor's degree in communication and global studies from UC Santa Barbara, and she has three years of experience reporting on topics including international travel, luxury properties, celebrity interviews, fine dining, and more.