District of Columbia

The District of Columbia, commonly known as Washington D.C., is a unique market for real estate investment. The city has a strong economy and is home to many thriving neighborhoods, such as Dupont Circle and Logan Circle. These areas have strong job markets and a high cost of living, which can create demand for housing and make them attractive markets for real estate investment. Property rentals and short term rentals, such as vacation rentals, can be popular in Washington D.C. due to the city's many tourist attractions and the large number of people who travel there for work or events. However, it is important for investors to carefully consider the local market conditions and do their due diligence before making any real estate investments in the District of Columbia.

Sustainability Resources

The Real Estate industry is one of the most environmentally damaging industries in the world accounting for:
30%
of total carbon dioxide
40%
of all energy
40%
of all raw materials
Our goal is to give you the resources you need to take sustainable action in improving, building, retrofitting and revamping your home. The impacts are real, the benefits significant, and the need critical. Join us in bringing sustainability home and creating a brighter future for all, starting with you.

Save money and do the world a favor!
Here's a list of Sustainability Initiatives in the area:

WaterSense Webinars

WaterSense, a subset of the US EPA, puts on sustainability webinars that have different focuses.

Learn More
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency

DSIRE's incentive and policy search tool allows you to search energy incentives and policies by state.

Learn More
Solar Incentives, Rebates and Tax Breaks by State

Energy Sage's Solar Savings by State tool allows you to search your state for solar rebates, incentives, and tax breaks.

Learn More

District of Columbia FAQs

Is District of Columbia a judicial or non-judicial state?

Judicial

In a judicial foreclosure state, the lender must go through the court system in order to foreclose on a property. This process can be longer and more expensive for the lender compared to a non-judicial foreclosure.
In a judicial foreclosure state, the lender must go through the court system in order to foreclose on a property. This process can be longer and more expensive for the lender compared to a non-judicial foreclosure.

What is the process of closing on a property in District of Columbia?

Attorneys, title insurance companies, or their agents may conduct closings. Conveyances are by bargain-and-sale deeds. Though mortgages are available, the deed of trust, containing private power of sale, is the security instrument of choice. Foreclosures require at least six weeks and start with a 30-day notice of sale sent by certified mail. ALTA policies and endorsements insure title. Buyers generally pay closing costs, title insurance premiums, and recording taxes. Sellers pay the transfer tax. Property taxes fall due annually or if they’re less than $100,000, semiannually, on September 15th and March 31st.

Property Taxes in District of Columbia?

Annually if more than $100,000 otherwise due on September 15thand March 31st

In District of Columbia, does a property management company require a real estate broker's license?

NO. The District of Columbia is somewhat unique in that a broker's license is not required of a property manager UNLESS he or she will be performing any activities that relate to the purchase, sale or exchange of the property, or negotiating a loan on the property. Property managers, however, must pass the DC property managers exam and obtain a property manager license. Those holding broker's licenses need not obtain a property manager license, as the broker's license is considered superior. According to DC law, a "property manager" means an agent for the owner of real estate in all matters pertaining to property management. "Property management" is the leasing, renting or offering to lease or rent, managing, marketing, and the overall operation and maintenance of real estate. The term includes the physical, administrative, and fiscal management of any real property serviced by a licensee, or his or her employee or agent. For more information about these and other D.C. property management requirements and exceptions, please contact the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission. Before hiring a property manager to manage your D.C. rental property, you should always check that he or she is licensed appropriately. You can check the license status of D.C. property managers at Pearson's VUEs credentials management system.

Are there any exceptions to the requirement that a property manager have a broker's license in District of Columbia?

Do you need a broker's license to manage community associations in District of Columbia?

A broker's license is not required to be a community or condo association manager in the District of Columbia. However, the Real Estate Board of the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs does regulate community association managers as "commercial" property managers.

District of Columbia Real Estate Broker Requirements

Attorneys, title insurance companies, or their agents may conduct closings. Conveyances are by bargain-and-sale deeds. Though mortgages are available, the deed of trust, containing private power of sale, is the security instrument of choice. Foreclosures require at least six weeks and start with a 30-day notice of sale sent by certified mail. ALTA policies and endorsements insure title. Buyers generally pay closing costs, title insurance premiums, and recording taxes. Sellers pay the transfer tax. Property taxes fall due annually or if they’re less than $100,000, semiannually, on September 15th and March 31st.

District of Columbia Real Estate Salesperson Requirements

Annually if more than $100,000 otherwise due on September 15thand March 31st

How do property ownership transfers work in District of Columbia?

Bargain-and-sale deeds

Cities