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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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: 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. 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.Housing trends 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% Start with a home value estimate
How much does it cost to sell a house in Washington State?
What are common expenses for sellers in Washington State?
Prepping your house for sale
Realtor fees in Washington State
