Home buying guide
Buying a home in Washington
Washington's effective property-tax rate is about 0.737%, below the U.S. average of 0.888%. It's a title/escrow state (a title or escrow company handles closing). Here's what buying here actually costs, and the steps to get the keys.
Property taxes in Washington
Washington's effective property-tax rate is about 0.737%of a home's value per year, lower than the U.S. average of 0.888%. On a $500,000 home that's roughly $3,685 a year.
Closing costs in Washington
Washington is a title/escrow state (no attorney required), and Transfer taxes vary in WA — confirm locally. On a $400,000 home, estimated closing costs run about $7,141–$10,441 on top of your down payment.
First-time buyer programs in Washington
Washington runs a housing finance agency with first-time-buyer help: down-payment assistance, below-market first mortgages, and mortgage tax credits.
How much house can you afford in Washington?
What you can afford depends on your income, debts, and down payment, not just the home price. Washington's property taxes above feed straight into the monthly payment lenders measure against your income.
Enter your numbers once and see your real affordability range, debt-to-income, and rent-vs-buy break-even for Washington:
The steps to buy a home in Washington
Home Buying Steps walks you through the whole process, from checking if you're ready to getting pre-approved to closing day, one clear step at a time, tailored to Washington where the rules differ.
See your real numbers for Washington
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