Buying in DC runs on a different contract and a different set of rules than Virginia or Maryland. Most DC-area agents use the same GCAAR regional sales contract, but DC layers on its own tenant-protection law, tax structure, and disclosure requirements that don’t exist across the river. Here’s the DC buyer’s roadmap, from offer to closing.
Your earnest money deposit
Your deposit is held by the settlement/title company and protected by whichever contingencies you keep in your contract. See how your earnest money is protected in DC.
Your contingencies
- Home inspection contingency — your window to inspect, negotiate, or walk away.
- Financing contingency — protects your deposit if your loan falls through.
- As-is sales — what you give up, and what disclosures still apply.
DC’s tenant law: TOPA
If you’re buying an occupied rowhouse, condo unit, or small building, DC’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act almost certainly applies and can change your timeline. Read how TOPA affects your purchase before you write an offer on tenant-occupied property.
Making your offer stronger
- Escalation clauses — how to compete without overpaying at the start.
- Why sellers reject offers — and how to avoid the common reasons.
- Seller credits — how buyers offset DC’s closing costs.
Your contract timeline
- What ratification means — and why your deadlines start there, not at your offer date.
- Can you withdraw an offer? — before vs. after ratification.
Protecting your money
- How to avoid wire fraud at closing.
How you can hold title
- Tenants in common — separate, divisible shares.
- Tenancy by the entirety — for married couples, with creditor protection.
- Joint tenancy — equal shares with right of survivorship.
- Can someone be on the deed and not the loan?
More contingencies and inspections
- Appraisal contingency
- Sale of home contingency
- Radon contingency
- Pre-home inspection
- Risks of waiving a home inspection
- How long should each contingency last?
- Termite inspection for a VA loan
Property, fixtures, and HOAs
- Why a home has an HOA and a condo association
- Purchasing the seller’s furniture
- Fixtures vs. personal property
- Buying a home with a tenant
- 1031 exchanges for DC investment property
Contracts, agents, and process
- What contract do I use?
- How notice and delivery works
- How to void a contract
- Can I submit offers on multiple homes?
- Can I hide that I own my home?
- Can a seller’s agent write my offer?
- What is subagency?
- What is procuring cause?
Settlement and closing timeline
- What the settlement date means
- How quickly can I settle?
- How long does buying a home normally take?
- The purpose of a final walkthrough
What you’ll pay at closing
DC’s transfer and recordation taxes are higher than what many Virginia and Maryland buyers expect — see DC transfer and recordation tax rates and who pays them.
Homes for sale in DC
Search current DC listings on our home search.
Talk to Glenn and Gift before you sign
Buying in the District? Call 703-707-0334 or tell us what you need.
General information for DC-area buyers, not legal advice. Your contract controls, so read it and ask before you act.
