Homes in the District of Columbia are spending just around 56 days on the market. Plus, the median home sale prices shot up to $700,000! Wonder how? It’s simple一with a strong job market and increased infrastructural development, the state is drawing in buyers fast!
Now that summer is here, sellers hold the keys to a sizzling market. This could be the best time to sell your house in DC一smooth, like a sunset cruise down Rock Creek Parkway.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Prepare your home for sale with enhanced curb appeal, neutral decor, tropical landscaping, and clean outdoor spaces.
- Decide how you want to sell, whether it’s with a local Washington DC Flat Fee MLS service, a discount broker, or a full-service Realtor.
- Houzeo, Washington DC’s #1 home selling website, can save you thousands in agent fees. Your home will also be on the MLS within 48 hours.
- Before you price your home in Washington DC, check the current median home price, recent sales, and mortgage rates.
- Conduct showings to attract buyers. Also, review offers quickly and negotiate smartly.
- Finally, schedule utility transfers, pay your closing costs, and prepare to move out.
How to Sell a House in Washington DC in 7 Easy Steps
Home sales in Washington DC are not as complicated as you might think. You just need to follow these simple steps to sell your home fast:
Step 1: Prep Your Home for Sale
First impressions matter, especially in DC’s competitive market with historic row houses and skyline views of the Capitol. So, focus on the curb appeal of your home to make it look more presentable. Here are 3 tips to make homes for sale in Washington DC the talk of the town:
- Redo the Landscaping: Redesign your front and back yards to showcase DC’s classic charm. Plant flowers like hydrangeas, black-eyed Susans, and cherry blossoms to create a welcoming space.
- Repaint the House: A new layer of paint can work wonders. Use colors like classic whites, slate blues, or earthy neutrals that complement DC’s urban elegance.
- Highlight Outdoor Spaces: Home buyers in Virginia are generally drawn to outdoor living. So, whether your outdoor space is a patio, front porch, or backyard, ensure that it is inviting.
Step 2: Stage Your Home and Click Photos
A well-staged home sells faster than a cold brew on a humid DC afternoon. You can stick with traditional staging or give virtual home staging a shot. It can pull buyers like a summer evening stroll along The Wharf. Here’s how you can make your house shine:
- De-clutter and Clean the House: Empty the garage, clean the roof, and pressure-wash the driveway to have an appealing look.
- Showcase Practical Features: DC buyers often look for energy-efficient and storm-ready upgrades like impact windows, smart tech, and efficient appliances. Highlight these in your listing, if any.
- Focus on Spacious Living Spaces: Buyers prefer large windows, natural lighting, and airy rooms. Emphasize these features in your staging and consider the usage of bright colors to make it look spacious.
- Include a Home Tour Video: Home listings with videos get 403% more views than those without it. So, make a video that shows your property in the best light!
Step 3: Decide How to List Your House
If you’re wondering how to sell a house in Washington, DC, you have multiple options! Here are 4 options most sellers go for:
- Full-Service Realtors-Up to 6%: These Realtors provide services from list to close. However, they charge a hefty 5% to 6% real estate commission in Washington DC.
- Flat Fee MLS- $249: If you want to sell your home yourself, you can list on MLS in Washington DC, for a flat fee. With Houzeo, your home can be on the MLS for just $249.
- Discount Real Estate Brokers: These brokers charge a lower fee than traditional agents and offer services like contract reviews and negotiation assistance. Discount real estate brokers in Washington DC, charge between 0.5% and 2% as commission.
- Cash Buyers: They help you sell your home fast for cash. With cash buyers, you can get competitive all-cash offers and close on your terms.
- For Sale By Owner: You can sell your home FSBO without hiring an agent. This gives you full control over the process and helps you save thousands on agent commissions.
Step 4: Price Your Home Competitively
When a property is priced inaccurately, it tends to stay on the market longer than it should. For instance, in May 2025, 28.9% of homes in Washington DC, sold only after price drops. But worry not! Here’s how to price your home just right:
- Check Local Housing Market Trends: Study the DC Housing Market trends in cities like Capitol Hill and Petworth to set a competitive price. Price your home too high, and it’ll stick around longer than traffic on the Beltway during rush hour.
- Use Online Home Valuation Tools: Use a free home value estimator to calculate your home’s Fair Market Value.
- Get a CMA: A Comparative Market Analysis helps you understand your home’s worth based on its features and location. Opt for one to help you set the right price.
Step 5: Handle Showings and Manage Offers
Once your listing is active, buyers searching for Washington DC houses for sale will submit showing requests. Here’s what you should do next:
- Actively Manage Showings: Promptly accept and confirm any showing requests to create a good impression. Don’t cancel scheduled showings at the last moment, and communicate clearly about clashes.
- Host an Open House: Even a luxuriously-staged home can go unnoticed, like a hidden brick on a historic street in Georgetown. Consult your agent and announce an open house to attract buyers actively.
- Review and Counter Offers: If you only get one offer, you might have to reduce your asking price. But if you’ve got multiple offers, it’s time to negotiate and find the best one.
Step 6: Ensure Your Home Is Inspection-Ready
Usually, buyers will schedule a home inspection to check for any issues, while the lender orders a home appraisal to figure out the market value. So, fix up any small repairs ahead of time—no one likes nasty surprises!
Being ready for both keeps things smooth and your home’s value strong. It’s all about making sure the buyer feels good and the lender feels confident, so your sale stays on track.
👉 All Set to Sell Your Home? List on the MLS Now!
Step 7: Prepare for Closing Day
Closing day can be emotional, but don’t overlook the formalities. Follow these steps, and you’ll cross the finish line as smoothly as a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Gather All Documents: Before you sell a home in Washington DC, keep the paperwork for selling a house by owner ready. This includes the affidavit of title, deed, purchase agreement, tax records, settlement statement, 1099-S tax form, etc.
- Transfer Ownership: You have to sign the escrow paperwork, title deed, and other documents to transfer ownership to the buyer. Once done, you’ll receive the funds, and the buyer’s name will get registered in the public record.
- Closing Costs: The cost of selling a house in Washington DC, includes taxes on selling a house, like Transfer Tax and Property Tax. Also, closing costs for sellers in DC consist of HOA, real estate attorney, and home warranty fees.
Quick Summary📝
Still wondering how to sell a house in Washington DC? Having the right strategy is key to selling a home in the nation’s capital. Start by preparing your home for sale and taking high-quality photos. Then, decide how to list your home.
Remember to price your home after checking the local trends. When your listing is live, you start getting showing requests. The buyer will conduct your home’s inspection before you can finally close the deal.
Don’t forget—selling your home in Virginia can be exciting, rewarding, and well worth the planning, just like a summer evening stroll along the National Mall!
» Houzeo Reviews: Read what people say about Houzeo—Washington DC’s best home selling website.
