SELLING COSTS IN KIRKLAND

REAL ESTATE EXCISE TAX (REET)

Washington State charges a Real Estate Excise Tax on the sale of property. The rate is tiered based on the sale price. For a $1.3M home in King County, expect to pay approximately $22,230 in combined state and local excise taxes — roughly 1.7% of the sale price.

This is typically the largest tax cost for sellers in Washington.

REAL ESTATE COMMISSIONS

Commission fees are negotiable and typically range from 5–6% of the sale price, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. On a $1.3M sale, commissions may total $65,000–$78,000.

TITLE & ESCROW FEES

The seller typically pays for the owner's title insurance policy and a share of escrow/settlement fees. These costs protect the buyer's ownership rights and ensure a clean transfer of title. Expect approximately $4,800–$5,400 for a $1.3M transaction.

PROPERTY TAX PRORATIONS

Any unpaid property taxes through the closing date are prorated and deducted from the seller's proceeds. Kirkland property tax rates are approximately $10–$12 per $1,000 of assessed value, so a $1.3M home may carry annual taxes of $13,000–$15,600.

OUTSTANDING MORTGAGE PAYOFF

If you have a remaining mortgage balance, it will be paid in full at closing from your sale proceeds. This includes any accrued interest through the closing date and any release or tracking fees charged by your lender.

PRE-LISTING REPAIRS & UPDATES

Addressing deferred maintenance, updating fixtures, fresh paint, or landscaping improvements. Even minor cosmetic updates can run $2,000–$15,000 but often yield a strong return at sale.

PRE-INSPECTION

Many listing agents recommend a pre-inspection ($400–$600) to identify issues before buyers do. This gives you the opportunity to repair proactively or disclose transparently — both of which can prevent deal-killing surprises.

STAGING

Professional staging typically costs $3,000–$8,000+ depending on the size of the home and duration. Staged homes statistically sell faster and for more money.

UTILITY PRORATIONS

Outstanding utility bills to the City of Kirkland and local sewer districts are settled at closing. These are small but can add up to several hundred dollars.

CAPITAL GAINS TAX

If your profit exceeds $250,000 (single) or $500,000 (married filing jointly), you may owe federal capital gains tax on the amount above the exemption. Washington State also levies a 7% capital gains tax on gains exceeding $250,000. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

MOVING COSTS

Local moves within the Eastside may cost $1,500–$4,000, while long-distance relocations can run significantly higher. Don't forget storage costs if there's a gap between your closing and your next move-in.

OVERLAP COSTS

If you're buying and selling simultaneously, you may carry two mortgages briefly or need a bridge loan. Factor in the cost of temporary housing, storage, or extended hotel stays.