How long does it take to close on a house in Washington?

With a mortgage, many Washington purchases close about 30 to 45 days after the offer is accepted, and a cash purchase can close sooner. The date is written into your contract, so it is a choice you and the seller agree on. In Washington you get the keys when the sale records with the county, which is usually a day or two after you sign.

By Julie Herrmann · Updated November 2026

What happens between offer and keys

Week 1: earnest money goes to escrow, your loan application is completed, and the inspection is scheduled.
Weeks 1 to 2: inspection, and any negotiation over repairs. The appraisal is ordered.
Weeks 2 to 4: appraisal comes back, title work is reviewed, and your loan goes through underwriting.
Final week: final loan approval, your closing figures, the final walkthrough and signing.

Escrow, not attorneys

In Washington an escrow company handles the closing. You and the seller usually sign separately, often on different days. After both have signed and the lender has funded the loan, escrow records the deed with the county. Recording is the moment the home is yours, and that is when keys are released.

What slows a closing down

Documents that come in late. Send what your lender asks for the same day if you can.
Appraisal scheduling in busy seasons.
Repairs that have to be finished before closing.
Title questions, such as an old lien that needs clearing.
A new credit account or large purchase during the loan. Hold off until you have keys.

Can it go faster?

Sometimes. A full pre-approval before you write the offer, with your documents already in, removes the most common delays. Because I am both your agent and your mortgage broker, I set the closing date in the offer knowing where your loan actually stands. Your lender confirms what is realistic for your loan.

If you will not be here to sign

Remote and mail-away signings are common, and a power of attorney is possible in some cases. Tell me early so escrow and the lender can set it up.

General information, not a commitment to lend. Timelines vary by loan, property and season.