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District of Columbia Real Estate Contract

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What is a District of Columbia Real Estate Contract?

A real estate contract in the District of Columbia is a contract that is executed between a buyer and seller to transfer ownership of real property. Often called residential purchase agreements or purchase and sale agreements, these contracts are essential for facilitating the purchase of a home.

Common District of Columbia Real Estate Contracts

There are several types of real estate contracts that are used in Washington DC. The most commonly used is the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors Regional Sales Contract. You may also see the following types of contracts used:

  • Real estate assignment contract. Used when purchasing “distressed properties” as an investment. This real estate contract allows the buyer to assign the contract to a second buyer.
  • Lease agreement. Also called a rental agreement, this contract is used when a property owner wants to rent their property to a tenant.

4 Essential Elements of a District of Columbia Real Estate Contract

In order for a DC real estate contract to be legally binding, it must include the following four essential elements:

  1. A valid offer for the purchase of the house with an acceptance of the offer
  2. Sufficient consideration – often a monetary sum in exchange for the property
  3. Legally competent parties
  4. Legal purpose

Real estate contracts should also include any contingencies that may void the contract and required disclosures that must be provided by the seller.

Who Prepares a Real Estate Contract in District of Columbia?

In Washington DC, a real estate contract is most often prepared by the buyer’s real estate agent. This is because the contract is drafted when a buyer decides to make an offer. Most real estate agent’s utilize Washington DC’s approved Regional Sales Contract. If a real estate agent or buyer want to draft their own contract, they will need the help of a licensed attorney.

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Curt B. on ContractsCounsel
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5.0 (3)
Member Since:
March 25, 2023

Curt B.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, California
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, DC, FL, IL, MI
UCLA School of Law

Curt Brown has experience advising clients on a variety of franchising, business litigation, transactional, and securities law matters. Mr. Brown's accolades include: - Super Lawyers Rising Star - California Lawyer of the Year by The Daily Journal - Pro Bono Attorney of the Year the USC Public Interest Law Fund Curt started his legal career in the Los Angeles office of the prestigious firm of Irell & Manella LLP, where his practice focused on a wide variety of complex civil litigation matters, including securities litigation, antitrust, trademark, bankruptcy, and class action defense. Mr. Brown also has experience advising mergers and acquisitions and international companies concerning cyber liability and class action defense. He is admitted in California, Florida, D.C., Washington, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan.

Rhea d. on ContractsCounsel
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5.0 (12)
Member Since:
April 12, 2023

Rhea d.

Attorney
Free Consultation
San Francisco Bay Area, California
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, DC
University of Utah

Rhea de Aenlle is a business-savvy attorney with extensive experience in Privacy & Data Security (CIPP/US, CIPP/E), GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, FERPA, Intellectual Property, and Commercial Contracts. She has over 25 years of legal experience as an in-house counsel, AM Law 100 firm associate, and a solo practice attorney. Rhea works with start-up and midsize technology companies.

Angela H. on ContractsCounsel
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4.3 (1)
Member Since:
May 23, 2023

Angela H.

Attorney/Owner
Free Consultation
Pennsylvania
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC, PA
University of Dayton

Angela Hayden is an accomplished and driven attorney with a diverse professional background that sets her apart. Having served as a former Assistant Public Defender in Allegheny County, Angela acquired invaluable expertise in navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system. Her trial experience spans a wide range of cases, from minor retail theft to complex criminal homicide, demonstrating her ability to deliver successful outcomes for her clients. Prior to her focus on criminal defense, Angela honed her skills in public policy and political consulting through her work with both the Pennsylvania and United States House of Representatives. This experience provided her with a deep understanding of the intricacies of public policy and the ability to offer strategic guidance to clients. Angela's career also took her to a civil defense firm, where she traveled across the country, defending clients in litigation. This experience enhanced her ability to handle complex civil matters and strengthened her litigation skills. In addition to her expertise in criminal defense and civil litigation, Angela has demonstrated her proficiency in employment law, providing guidance and consultation to small businesses and non-profit organizations. Her keen insight into employment law matters ensures that businesses operate within legal boundaries while fostering a positive work environment. Furthermore, Angela is a licensed realtor, well-versed in residential real estate transactions. This additional knowledge allows her to offer comprehensive legal support to clients involved in real estate matters, ensuring their interests are protected throughout the process. Angela holds a degree from Hampton University and obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law. She is pursuing a Master of Business Administration. She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia, demonstrating her commitment to providing exceptional legal services in multiple jurisdictions. With her extensive experience and passion for achieving favorable outcomes for her clients, Angela Hayden is a dedicated advocate ready to guide you through your legal journey.

Benjamin S. on ContractsCounsel
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Member Since:
April 9, 2023

Benjamin S.

General Counsel
Free Consultation
Washington, DC
21 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC
Florida State University

Benjamin Snipes (JD/MBA/LLM) has 20 years of experience advising clients and drafting contracts in business and commercial matters.

Sonya A. on ContractsCounsel
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Member Since:
April 14, 2023

Sonya A.

Principal
Free Consultation
Washington
23 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CT, DC
Howard University School of Law

Experienced Attorney with a demonstrated history of working in the law practice industry. Skilled in Preparation of Wills, Trial Practice, Estate Administration, Trusts, and Estate Planning. Strong legal professional with a Juris Doctorate focused in Law from Howard University School of Law.

Mark M. on ContractsCounsel
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Member Since:
June 30, 2023

Mark M.

Senior Attorney
Free Consultation
Reston VA
36 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC
Georgetown University Law Center

I have 20-plus years of experience as a corporate general counsel, for public and private corporations, domestic and international. I have acted as corporate secretary for a publicly-held corporation and have substantial experience in corporate finance, M&A, corporate governance, incorporations, corporate maintenance, complex transactions, corporate termination and restructuring, as well as numerous aspects of regulatory and financial due diligence. In my various corporate roles, I have routinely drafted complex corporate contracts and deal-related documents such as stock purchase agreements, option and warrant agreements, MSAs, SOWs, term sheets, joint venture agreements, tender agreements purchase and sale agreements, technology licensing agreements, vendor agreements, service agreements, IP and technology security agreements, NDAs, etc. and have managed from both a legal and business perspective many projects in the financial, technology, energy and venture capital fields.

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Real Estate

Real Estate Contract

New York

Asked on Dec 26, 2021

Can you purchase or refinance under a land contract?

I’ve been living here for 2 years. Currently have been working with my credit union and they are having a terrible time trying to understand the legalities of my land contract first off, and secondly they just don’t seem to know what they are doing. It’s been over 8 months, 4 different loan officers and I’m once again waiting for someone else to help finish this thing out. It’s only $60,000 with a $120,000 appraisal. So, as of now I am stuck paying 2.5x monthly under this land contract than I was promised would be an easy mortgage process. So any guidance in the right direction would be very helpful. It’s a New York home. 20 yr fixed, no balloon, with a (brace yourself) 12% apr. HELP ME PLEASE! One month I’m being told to authorize a credit check for a first time homebuyer grant method of mortgaging this property. The next it’s authorizing it for a refinance. I do have earnest money deposits for over $3,000 and another $3000 paid towards principal under this land contract also.

Jane C.

Answered Jan 11, 2022

I suggest you speak with a New York real estate attorney. That attorney needs to review the documents related to the transaction.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Real Estate

Real Estate Contract

Illinois

Asked on Mar 27, 2022

what is better to buy land or rent for construction in US?

we are a construction company from Ukraine, we are planning to build a cottage town in the USA

T. Phillip B.

Answered Apr 5, 2022

I suppose it doesn't matter if you have the lease giving you permission and the lease is long enough to justify the building expense when you won't own it. But I'd buy the land so you could eventually sell the property with the building on it.

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Real Estate

Real Estate Contract

Georgia

Asked on Mar 24, 2022

How many years does a quick claim become effective?s

Number of years for quick claim to be effect ive

Meghan T.

Answered Mar 29, 2022

A quit claim deed is effective upon execution so long as the deed is dated as of the date of signature. Execution means that the deed is signed, in front of a witness and a notary. The witness and notary must also sign the deed. Finally, the deed must be recorded. This means that the deed must be submitted to the Superior Court recording office of the County in which the property sits. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Meghan K Thomas

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Real Estate

Real Estate Contract

Georgia

Asked on Mar 18, 2022

WHAT ARE YOUR FEES TO PERFORM QUIT CLAIM DEED COMPLETE BUTTS COUNTY GEORGIA 30233

SON AND EX

Meghan T.

Answered Mar 29, 2022

Hi. The cost for my practice to prepare a Quit Claim Deed is $99. The Cost for me to handle the closing is $250 plus recording fees. These costs apply for any county within the state of Georgia. Let me know if you have any more questions. Meghan K Thomas

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