FAQ
Closing Costs vs Down Payment in Washington
A lot of buyers know the down payment number but are still fuzzy on the rest of the cash-to-close picture. That gap matters because offers get easier to structure when the buyer understands not just the loan, but the full amount of money that needs to arrive at closing.
What the Down Payment Covers
The down payment is the portion of the purchase price the buyer is paying directly instead of financing through the loan. Depending on the loan type, that number can vary widely, and in some cases it may be relatively low.
What Closing Costs Cover
Closing costs are the separate transaction costs tied to getting the loan and completing the purchase. Buyers who only plan for the down payment sometimes discover late that the full cash-to-close number is larger than expected.
Loan-related charges.
Title and escrow costs.
Prepaid items and reserves.
Any buyer-paid closing adjustments.
Why This Matters for the Offer
A buyer who understands both buckets usually makes cleaner offer decisions. They are less likely to overcommit on price while underestimating the total cash needed to perform. That is one reason WriteMyOffer asks about down payment and financing early in the flow.