Financial Guide · FAQ
Last updated: September 2026
Quick Answer
Typical rate locks run 30 to 60 days, though longer options exist for a fee, particularly useful for new construction with a longer closing timeline. Confirm your specific lock window aligns with your realistic closing date with margin to spare.
Related Questions
It depends on your specific numbers — a buydown reduces your payment during the early years of the loan, while a price reduction lowers your overall loan amount permanently. Ask your lender to model both against the same seller concession amount before deciding which to request.
Read answerNo — this varies by lender and loan product and is not automatic. Ask specifically whether it's available and what it costs before assuming you have this protection.
Read answerNo. Washington generally assesses property closer to current market value on an ongoing basis rather than capping increases tied to how long you've owned the home. There is a statutory limit on how much a taxing district's total levy collections can grow year over year, but this is different from a cap on any individual home's taxable value.
Read answerBecause property tax is the sum of overlapping taxing districts — state, county, city, school district, and sometimes fire or port districts — and each sets its own rate. Homes on opposite sides of a district boundary can carry a different total rate even if their assessed values are similar.
Read answerRelated Articles
Most buyers budget for a mortgage payment and stop there. Property tax is often the single largest ongoing cost after the mortgage itself — and it varies meaningfully by neighborhood, taxing district, and school levy. Here's how to actually budget for it before you buy.
Read the article
A $1M home in Seattle requires roughly $200K down, $25K in closing costs, and 6 months of reserves — most buyers underestimate the full number by 30–40%. Here is the complete cost breakdown by price tier for 2026.
Read the article
Closing costs are one of the most misunderstood parts of a real estate transaction. In Seattle, both buyers and sellers face real costs at closing — understanding them upfront prevents surprises and enables smarter negotiating.
Read the articleReady to talk?
Have Questions? Talk to Christine