Key Takeaways
- Washington closings are typically conducted by escrow companies or attorneys
- The closing disclosure must be provided to the buyer at least 3 business days before closing per federal law
- Washington uses statutory warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds for property transfers
- Property taxes in Washington are paid in the current year (half due April 30, half October 31)
- Recording fees are paid to the county auditor to record deeds
Last updated: January 2026
Washington Closing Procedures
Washington has specific requirements for real estate closings.
Who Conducts Closings
In Washington, closings are typically conducted by:
| Entity | Role |
|---|---|
| Escrow Company | Coordinates closing, handles funds |
| Title Company | Issues title insurance, may provide escrow |
| Attorney | May represent parties, not required |
| Lender | Provides loan documents and funds |
| Real Estate Broker | Coordinates, but does not conduct closing |
Escrow Process
Washington closings typically use an escrow process:
- Escrow opened with earnest money
- Escrow holder gathers documents
- Title search and insurance ordered
- Loan documents prepared by lender
- Parties sign documents (often separately)
- Funds collected and held
- Recording occurs
- Funds disbursed after recording
Pre-Closing Requirements
Closing Disclosure (Federal TRID Rules)
| Document | Timing |
|---|---|
| Loan Estimate | Within 3 business days of application |
| Closing Disclosure | At least 3 business days before closing |
| Changes requiring new 3-day wait | APR increase >0.125%, loan product change, prepayment penalty added |
Title Examination
Title companies typically:
- Search public records for title defects
- Examine chain of title
- Identify liens, encumbrances, easements
- Issue preliminary title commitment
- Issue title insurance policy at closing
Types of Deeds in Washington
Statutory Warranty Deed
The statutory warranty deed is most common in Washington residential sales:
- Provides warranties as defined by RCW 64.04.030
- Warrants title against all claims
- Most comprehensive protection
- Standard for most sales
Special Warranty Deed
Provides limited warranty:
- Warrants only against claims arising during seller's ownership
- Does not cover prior owners' actions
- Common in commercial transactions
Quitclaim Deed
Provides no warranty:
- Transfers only the interest the grantor has (if any)
- No promises about title quality
- Used to clear title, transfer between family members
- Not typical for regular sales
Bargain and Sale Deed
- Implies grantor has title but offers no warranties
- Less common in residential transactions
Prorations at Closing
Property Taxes in Washington
Washington property taxes are due in the current year:
| Due Date | Payment |
|---|---|
| April 30 | First half due |
| October 31 | Second half due |
Proration Calculation
| Item | Method |
|---|---|
| Taxes paid | Credit seller, debit buyer |
| Taxes unpaid | Credit buyer, debit seller |
| Calculation | Annual tax ÷ 365 × days |
Other Common Prorations
| Item | Direction |
|---|---|
| HOA dues (paid in advance) | Credit seller for unused portion |
| Rent (if applicable) | Credit buyer for post-closing rent |
| Utilities | Transferred to buyer at closing |
Recording Requirements
Where to Record
Deeds are recorded with the County Auditor in the county where the property is located.
Recording Fees and Taxes
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Recording fee | Per page fee to county |
| Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) | State and local tax on sale price |
| Affidavit of Real Property | Required for recording |
Real Estate Excise Tax (REET)
Washington imposes Real Estate Excise Tax:
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| State REET | Graduated (1.1% to 3.0% based on price) |
| Local REET | Up to 0.5% additional |
| Who pays | Typically seller |
Note: REET rates are graduated based on sale price. Higher-priced properties pay a higher percentage.
Loading diagram...
Test Your Knowledge
Who typically conducts real estate closings in Washington?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
When are Washington property taxes due?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Where are real estate deeds recorded in Washington?
A
B
C
D