Sell your house for cash in District of Columbia

How to sell a house for cash in District of Columbia, step by step

1. Get your numbers first. Call your lender for a payoff statement and check your county tax bill. Run a quick estimate with our cash offer calculator so you know what a fair offer looks like.
2. Request several offers. One offer tells you nothing. Get at least two, from local investors, iBuyers that serve your area, or Cash Offer Desk where we buy, and check each one with the calculator.
3. Compare more than price. Look at the closing date, who pays closing costs and the transfer tax, the inspection period, earnest money, and whether the buyer will assign the contract.
4. Close with a professional. Title and settlement companies handle most closings, often with attorneys on staff. An attorney is not required.
5. Get paid at closing. Your mortgage and any liens are paid from the sale proceeds, and the rest is wired to you or paid by check.

Wholesalers in District of Columbia

No DC wholesaling-specific statute was found as of October 2026. Under DC's general brokerage law, selling or marketing real estate for others needs a license.

Wherever you live, ask every buyer one question: “Are you buying this house yourself, or will you assign the contract?” A wholesaler can still be a fine option if they are upfront about it. Read our guide to wholesaling for sellers before you sign.

Closing costs and taxes

DC charges a deed transfer tax of 1.1% on homes sold under $400,000 and 1.45% at $400,000 or more, plus a matching recordation tax. By law the seller owes the transfer tax, and the buyer customarily pays the recordation tax.

Many cash buyers offer to pay closing costs. Get that in the contract, and ask which costs it covers. Capital gains rules are federal and state; a tax professional can tell you what you will owe.

Do you have to disclose problems?

Sellers must give a Seller's Disclosure Statement under the DC Residential Real Property Seller Disclosure Act (D.C. Code 42-1301 et seq.). Some transfers, such as certain fiduciary and court-ordered sales, are exempt.

If you are behind on payments

DC allows both court and non-judicial foreclosure. Owner-occupants have a right to mediation before a non-judicial sale, which has pushed many lenders to file in court.

Selling before a foreclosure sale can protect your equity and your credit, but watch for foreclosure rescue scams. Never sign your deed over to anyone outside of a formal closing. A free HUD-approved housing counselor can walk you through every option. More in our foreclosure guide.