What to Expect in a Simultaneous Closing in Washington: How Same-Day Selling & Buying Really Works (2025 Guide)

Most Washington homeowners prefer to move once.
Not twice, not into temporary housing — just a clean transition from one home straight into the next.

That’s exactly what a simultaneous closing allows.

A simultaneous closing means you sell your current home and buy your next home on the same day, or within 24 hours. Your sale funds your purchase immediately, your timelines align, and the move happens in one coordinated flow.

It’s one of the most common strategies for move-up buyers in Pierce, Thurston, King, and JBLM-area markets — and when handled correctly, it’s smooth, predictable, and far less stressful than sellers expect.

This guide breaks down exactly how simultaneous closings work in Washington, the timing, what you should prepare for, and how to avoid common issues.

1. What Is a Simultaneous Closing?

A simultaneous closing is when:

• Your current home closes first

• Funds from your sale go directly to your purchase

• You close on your next home immediately after

Typically:

Your sale closes in the morning
→ your purchase closes in the afternoon
→ you move the same day.

Why Washington sellers choose it:

• Only one move

• No temporary housing

• No storage units

• No paying two mortgages

• Clean, organized timing

The success of a simultaneous closing is built on good timing — you can read more here:
How to Time the Sale of Your Current Home
 

2. How Simultaneous Closings Work Step-by-Step

Here’s the actual sequence most Washington families follow:

Step 1: Prepare, list, and sell your current home

Your closing date becomes the anchor for everything else.

Step 2: Go under contract on your next home

Your purchase closing date is set for the same day or next day as your sale.

Step 3: Your lender coordinates timelines

They schedule your funding to align with the exact time your sale closes.

Step 4: Closing Day — Sale closes first

• You sign early

• Buyer’s loan funds

• Escrow records with the county

• You officially no longer own the home

Step 5: Proceeds transfer instantly to escrow for your purchase

Escrow sends funds to the next title company.

Step 6: Purchase closes second

• You sign

• Lender releases funds

• Escrow records

• You receive keys

Step 7: Movers unload in your new home

Same day if planned correctly.

Timing matters, and that’s why simultaneous closings require strong coordination.

3. Why Washington Buyers & Sellers Choose Simultaneous Closings

1. You avoid carrying two mortgages

Paired with this detailed guide:
How to Avoid Carrying Two Mortgages
 

2. You only move once

No storage units.
No short-term rentals.
No temporary living with family.

3. Your sale proceeds fund your purchase instantly

No waiting period. No delays.

4. Clean, predictable transition

Your timeline is coordinated and controlled.

5. Strong fit for military timelines and PCS moves

Simultaneous closings simplify tight scheduling.

For JBLM-specific planning:
Housing Near JBLM
 

 4. When Simultaneous Closings Make the Most Sense

You may be a good fit if:

• You need sale proceeds for your next down payment

• You want to avoid two moves

• You cannot (or prefer not to) carry two mortgages

• You’re coordinating with school schedules or job changes

• You have a strong buyer on your current home

• Your lender can fund same-day

Simultaneous closings work best when:

• Your sale is predictable

• Your buyer is strong and prepared

• Your lender communicates clearly

• Your purchase is structurally simple

They’re especially effective in balanced or seller-leaning markets.

5. Common Tools Used to Support a Simultaneous Closing

Most simultaneous closings rely on a few strategic tools:

1. Rent-Back Agreements

If your next home needs a few extra days or you want breathing room, you can stay in your current home temporarily after closing.
More here:
How Rent-Backs Work in Washington
 

2. Extended Closing Periods

Buyers agree to close later, giving you time to coordinate everything.

3. Shortened Closing Periods

If your purchase can close quickly, the two closings can be tightly aligned.

4. Back-to-Back Funding

Title and escrow schedule both closings in the same office and same day.

5. Clear contingency planning

This supports timing and avoids delays:
How to Handle Contingencies
 

These tools reduce risk and improve control.

6. How Movers Fit Into a Simultaneous Closing

Simultaneous closings must be choreographed with your moving plan.

The typical Washington schedule:

• Movers arrive early

• You finish signing

• Sale closes

• You receive keys to your next home

• Movers unload that afternoon

If you need more time, consider:

• Rent-backs

• Temporary storage

• Splitting moving into two days

Here is the guide that helps most of my clients:
How to Coordinate Movers in Washington
 

 7. What Can Go Wrong — and How to Prevent It

Simultaneous closings are smooth when each step is anticipated.
But here are common issues buyers and sellers run into:

1. Delays in buyer financing

Prevented by strong pre-approval and lender communication.

2. Appraisal delays

Avoided by ordering early and choosing strong lenders.

3. Inspection disputes

This guide helps prevent fall-throughs:
Why WA Homes Fall Out of Contract

 4. Title or HOA delays

Mitigated by quick documentation requests.

5. Underestimating mover availability

Book movers early and confirm timing.

6. Unrealistic expectations

Simultaneous closings require flexibility and clear communication.

Every challenge can be managed with preparation.

8. What You Need to Do BEFORE Closing Day

Two weeks before closing

• Confirm paperwork with lender

• Verify closing schedule with both title companies

• Book movers

• Finalize utilities for new home

One week before closing

• Pack everything except essentials

• Complete any agreed repairs

• Plan your moving-day meals, kids, and pets

Day before closing

• Confirm wire instructions

• Confirm mover schedule

• Pack final items

Closing day

• Sign papers

• Stay available by phone

• Move into your next home

Clear steps make this process feel smooth and predictable.

9. My Honest Take: Simultaneous Closings Are Easier Than Most People Expect

When people hear “simultaneous closing,” they imagine chaos — paperwork everywhere, movers waiting, escrow delays, and pressure building.

But in reality?

Simultaneous closings are one of the most efficient ways to sell and buy a home in Washington.

With:

• A clear strategy

• Strong lender coordination

• Solid timing

• The right negotiation tools

You can transition homes in one clean, predictable day.

Most of my clients tell me afterward:
“I thought it would be stressful, but it was surprisingly smooth.”

And that’s always the goal.

If you're planning to sell your home and want to understand whether a simultaneous closing is right for you — or how to structure it to avoid stress — I’d love to help you map out a confident plan. Reach out anytime, and we’ll build the strategy that fits your timeline and your life.

 Written by: Lani Fisher — Washington Realtor Helping Everyday Buyers & Sellers With Confidence