What makes King County different from the rest of Washington
Washington's graduated REET (1.1%–3%, plus a 0.5% local share in King County) is seller-paid. The county's average effective property-tax rate of 0.88% sets your escrow prepaids: at the $860,000 county median that's roughly $7,568 a year, about $3,784 collected at the closing table.
Seller pays REET, so buyer costs stay lean
King County buyer closing costs usually land near 2% of price because the big excise tax is the seller's. Your largest lines are title/escrow on a Seattle-sized price and 6 months of prepaid taxes — roughly $3,800 at the county median.
Cutting your Seattle closing costs
Three moves that work in King County: (1) collect Loan Estimates from three lenders on the same day — origination, points and lender credits swing by thousands; (2) negotiate seller concessions (3% conventional under 10% down, 6% above, 6% FHA/VA) and take them as a closing credit rather than a price cut; (3) close in the last week of the month to shrink prepaid interest from roughly 30 days to two. Where a transfer or recordation tax is customarily split, that split is a contract term, not a law — ask.
FAQ
How much are closing costs in King County, Washington?
Plan on roughly $21,500–$38,700 of buyer closing costs at the $860,000 King County median, on top of your down payment. Washington's graduated REET (1.1%–3%, plus a 0.5% local share in King County) is seller-paid.
Does the buyer pay transfer tax in King County?
Not customarily. Washington's graduated REET (1.1%–3%, plus a 0.5% local share in King County) is seller-paid. Buyers still pay recording fees, title work and prepaids.
What are property taxes in King County?
The county's average effective rate is about 0.88% of market value, so a $860,000 home runs roughly $7,568 a year. Individual parcels vary by municipality, school district and special assessments — check the parcel's actual bill, not the county average.
How much cash do I need to buy a house in Seattle?
Down payment + closing costs + reserves. At the King County median with 10% down, that's about $116,100 before reserves. Run your own price and rate above for the exact stack.
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