Buying Process4 min read
Closing Costs in Washington and Oregon: What to Expect
Closing costs catch first-time buyers off guard. Here's a breakdown of what you'll pay in Washington and Oregon — and what's negotiable.
The headline number
Expect 2-5% of the purchase price in closing costs. On a $500K home, that's $10K–$25K on top of your down payment. The exact amount depends on your loan type, location, and what you negotiate with the seller.
Washington-specific costs
Washington has a real estate excise tax (REET) paid by the seller, which is good news for buyers. Buyer closing costs in WA typically include loan origination (0.5-1%), title insurance ($1,500-$2,500), escrow fees ($1,000-$1,500), recording fees, prepaid taxes and insurance, and home inspection ($400-$600).
- Loan origination: 0.5-1% of loan amount
- Title insurance: $1,500-$2,500
- Escrow/settlement fees: $1,000-$1,500
- Home inspection: $400-$600
- Appraisal: $500-$700
- Prepaid taxes + insurance: varies by county
Oregon-specific costs
Oregon closing costs are similar but with some differences. Oregon doesn't have a transfer tax for most transactions (unlike many states). Title insurance and escrow fees are comparable. The biggest variable is county-specific recording fees and prepaid property taxes, which vary significantly between Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties.
What's negotiable
Seller concessions can cover some or all closing costs — especially in a buyer's market. Lender credits (accepting a slightly higher rate in exchange for reduced fees) are another option. Some loan programs (FHA, VA) allow seller contributions up to 6%. Use the closing cost calculator to estimate your total and see where negotiation makes sense.
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