Sell your house for cash in Washington

How to sell a house for cash in Washington, step by step

1. Get your numbers first. Call your lender for a payoff statement and check your county tax bill. Run a quick estimate with our cash offer calculator so you know what a fair offer looks like.
2. Request several offers. One offer tells you nothing. Get at least two, from local investors, iBuyers that serve your area, or Cash Offer Desk where we buy, and check each one with the calculator.
3. Compare more than price. Look at the closing date, who pays closing costs and the transfer tax, the inspection period, earnest money, and whether the buyer will assign the contract.
4. Close with a professional. Escrow companies or limited practice officers (LPOs) usually handle Washington closings. Attorneys are optional.
5. Get paid at closing. Your mortgage and any liens are paid from the sale proceeds, and the rest is wired to you or paid by check.

Wholesalers in Washington

Washington has no wholesaling-specific law as of 2026. The Department of Licensing has informally said repeated wholesaling without intent to close can be unlicensed brokerage under RCW 18.85.

Wherever you live, ask every buyer one question: “Are you buying this house yourself, or will you assign the contract?” A wholesaler can still be a fine option if they are upfront about it. Read our guide to wholesaling for sellers before you sign.

Closing costs and taxes

Washington's state real estate excise tax is graduated: 1.1% up to $525,000, 1.28% to $1,525,000, 2.75% to $3,025,000 and 3% above (through 2026), plus local REET of up to about 0.5%. The seller customarily pays.

Many cash buyers offer to pay closing costs. Get that in the contract, and ask which costs it covers. Capital gains rules are federal and state; a tax professional can tell you what you will owe.

Do you have to disclose problems?

Sellers must give the seller disclosure statement (Form 17) under RCW 64.06, and the buyer can rescind within 3 business days of receiving it. Transfers by a personal representative of an estate, foreclosures and some others are exempt (RCW 64.06.010).

If you are behind on payments

Most Washington foreclosures are non-judicial trustee sales under deeds of trust, with a foreclosure mediation program for owner-occupied homes. Judicial foreclosure is also available.

Selling before a foreclosure sale can protect your equity and your credit, but watch for foreclosure rescue scams. Never sign your deed over to anyone outside of a formal closing. A free HUD-approved housing counselor can walk you through every option. More in our foreclosure guide.