Buying a Home in Washington Without an Agent
Skip the buyer's agent and save $17,700 on a median Washington home ($590,000).
A step-by-step guide for Washington buyers who want to keep the commission.
Washington Closing Requirements
Attorney Required at Closing
No — Title Company Can Close
Buyer Agent Required by Law
No — Agent Is Optional
Standard Inspection Period
10 Days
Potential Savings
$17,700 at median price
Escrow companies handle Washington state closings. No buyer agent is legally required.
Transfer Tax
Washington excise tax is paid by the seller. Buyers pay no state transfer tax.
8 Steps to Buy Without an Agent in Washington
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before searching for homes, get a pre-approval letter from a lender. This tells sellers how much you can borrow and shows you're a serious buyer. Compare rates from multiple lenders — even a 0.25% rate difference on a $590,000 Washington home saves thousands over the loan term.
Search for Homes
Use Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and local MLS portals to find listings in Washington. Set up alerts for your target criteria. You can also drive neighborhoods and look for FSBO signs — those sellers have no listing agent and may be open to direct offers.
Research Comparable Sales
Before making an offer, research what similar homes have sold for in the last 90 days. Zillow, Redfin, and Washington county tax records provide recent sale prices to help you make a fair offer.
Schedule a Showing
Contact the seller's listing agent directly to schedule a showing. The listing agent represents the seller but is legally obligated to treat you fairly. You don't need your own agent to tour homes in Washington.
Write and Submit Your Offer
Prepare a written offer including purchase price, contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal), closing date, and earnest money. In Washington, the inspection contingency window is typically 10 days — make sure it's in your offer.
Complete Inspections
You have 10 days to complete inspections in Washington. Hire a licensed home inspector to evaluate the property. Washington's Form 22 inspection addendum gives you 10 days to inspect and request repairs. In Western Washington, pay close attention to roof condition, moisture in the crawlspace, and drainage — the wet climate accelerates these issues.
Secure Final Mortgage Approval
Work with your lender to complete underwriting, appraisal, and final approval. Respond quickly to any document requests and avoid major purchases or new credit during this period.
Close on Your Home
A title company handles your Washington closing — reviewing title, preparing the deed, and coordinating the transfer of funds. Review and sign all closing documents, pay your down payment and closing costs, and receive the keys.
Resources for Washington Buyers
Partner services to help you buy without a buyer's agent.