The Washington market right now
Sales figures: Redfin Data Center, market tracker (Redfin, a national real estate brokerage), Washington, May 2026, all residential property types. Typical value: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), Zillow Research, August 2026, mid-tier homes, seasonally adjusted. These are area-wide figures, not a value for any one home.
With about 3.1 months of supply, this is a fairly balanced market by the usual rule of thumb, and homes sold for about 0.2% below their list price on average.
Show the numbers
| Month | Median sale price |
|---|---|
| May 2026 | $651,800 |
| Apr 2026 | $639,300 |
| Mar 2026 | $643,900 |
| Feb 2026 | $624,400 |
| Jan 2026 | $595,200 |
| Dec 2025 | $610,700 |
| Nov 2025 | $626,500 |
| Oct 2025 | $644,500 |
| Sep 2025 | $631,600 |
| Aug 2025 | $646,600 |
| Jul 2025 | $649,200 |
| Jun 2025 | $665,800 |
| May 2025 | $653,300 |
| Apr 2025 | $663,300 |
| Mar 2025 | $644,900 |
| Feb 2025 | $628,400 |
| Jan 2025 | $605,200 |
| Dec 2024 | $611,900 |
| Nov 2024 | $637,500 |
| Oct 2024 | $649,500 |
| Sep 2024 | $634,100 |
| Aug 2024 | $643,900 |
| Jul 2024 | $651,400 |
| Jun 2024 | $649,400 |
| May 2024 | $656,600 |
Source: Redfin Data Center, Washington. Monthly figures, not seasonally adjusted, so some ups and downs are just the time of year.
Washington rules that affect sellers
Transfer tax
Washington's real estate excise tax (REET) uses graduated state rates for 2026: 1.1% of the price up to $551,000, 1.28% from $551,000.01 to $1,551,000, 2.75% from $1,551,000.01 to $3,051,000, and 3.0% above that. The seller usually pays; if the seller does not, the buyer is responsible. Cities and counties add their own local REET on top of the state rate.
Local add-ons: Cities and counties add a local REET, for example up to 0.25% under RCW 82.46.010 plus up to another 0.25% under RCW 82.46.035 where adopted.
Source: Washington Department of Revenue, Real Estate Excise Tax
Seller disclosure
Yes. Under RCW 64.06.020, sellers of improved residential property must give the buyer a completed seller disclosure statement (commonly called Form 17) within five business days after mutual acceptance of the contract, unless otherwise agreed, unless the buyer waives it or the sale is exempt.
Who handles the closing
Washington closings are customarily handled by escrow companies. Non-attorney Limited Practice Officers licensed under the state Supreme Court's rules may select, prepare and complete approved closing documents, so an attorney is not required.
Source: Washington State Bar Association, Limited Practice Officers
Also worth knowing
After receiving the seller disclosure statement, the buyer has three business days to cancel the purchase agreement by written notice, unless the buyer has waived that right.
Also worth knowing
Because REET is graduated, the state rate jumps from 1.1% to 1.28% on the part of the price above $551,000 and to 2.75% above $1,551,000 in 2026, so sellers of higher priced homes pay a noticeably larger share. Agricultural and timberland stay at a flat 1.28%.
Source: Washington Department of Revenue, Real Estate Excise Tax
Checking an agent's license
Real estate agents in Washington are licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate Program). You can look up any agent before you work with them.
Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate Program) license lookup
Rules checked 2026-09-30. They change, and local practice varies: confirm with your title company, closing attorney or agent before relying on them. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Metro areas in Washington
Prices and pace can be very different from one metro to the next, so the local page is a better guide than the statewide figure.
Market figures: Redfin Data Center and Zillow Research, updated monthly. All states.