Selling in Seattle? Commission is not the only line on your closing statement.

Washington is an escrow state, not an attorney-closing state. A neutral escrow or title company runs the transaction, holds the funds, prepares your settlement statement, and disburses everything only when the contract conditions are met. They are not your advocate. They are the referee.

Besides broker compensation, expect these line items:

Real estate excise tax (REET). Washington's graduated state rate runs from 1.10 percent on the first $525,000 up to 3 percent above $3,025,000, with a local King County or Seattle portion on top. The rate is set by statute and is not negotiable. Note that the thresholds adjust for inflation every four years, with the next change due January 2027.

Escrow fee. Set by the escrow company. Who pays it is a contract term.

Title charges. Search, commitment, and the owner's and lender's policies. No Washington law assigns these to either side. Fully negotiable.

Recording fees. The per-document amount is fixed by county ordinance. Who pays is not.

Payoff and release costs from your existing lender, plus small wire and courier charges.

One thing worth knowing: the national "who pays what" charts you find online mostly do not apply here. Washington's escrow model and REET structure are their own animal.

General information only, not legal, tax, or financial advice.