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By ATG Title — Maryland & DMV Closing Practice Updated: May 2026 · 8-min read Key Takeaways Maryland does not require an attorney to conduct real estate closings. Licensed title companies and settlement agents — including ATG Title — can legally handle Maryland residential and commercial closings without an attorney present. Lender’s title insurance in Maryland […]

By Alltech National Title — Northern Virginia & Maryland Practice  Published: 2026-05-07 · 7-min read Key Takeaways Maryland deeds are recorded in the circuit court of the county where the property is located — Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Frederick County each have their own circuit court clerk. Recording in Maryland requires the deed

By Alltech National Title — Northern Virginia & Maryland Practice  Published: 2026-05-07 · 7-min read Key Takeaways Maryland imposes both a state transfer tax (0.5% of the sale price) and a county transfer tax (rate varies by county) — both apply to most residential purchases. First-time homebuyers in Maryland may qualify for a transfer tax

By Alltech National Title — Northern Virginia & Maryland Practice  Published: 2026-05-07 · 8-min read Key Takeaways Maryland is an attorney-close state — a licensed attorney must be present at the settlement table and prepare the closing documents. Most title companies in Maryland retain an attorney in-house or partner with one; buyers and sellers don’t

By Alltech National Title — Northern Virginia Practice  Published: 2026-05-07 · 18-min read Key Takeaways The DMV real estate market spans three jurisdictions with different closing rules, attorney requirements, and tax structures — knowing the differences protects your deal. Virginia is a non-attorney settlement state; Maryland requires a licensed attorney at the settlement table; DC

By Alltech National Title — Northern Virginia Practice  Published: 2026-05-07 · 8-min read Key Takeaways Wire fraud is the fastest-growing financial crime in real estate — impersonating title companies and attorneys to redirect wire transfers of earnest money and closing proceeds. Verify all wire instructions by calling your title company at a known phone number

By Alltech National Title — Northern Virginia Practice  Published: 2026-05-07 · 9-min read Key Takeaways Virginia is a non-attorney state — licensed title companies and settlement agents can conduct closings; no attorney is required at the settlement table. Lender’s title insurance in Virginia is based on the loan amount; the buyer typically pays the premium

By Alltech National Title — Northern Virginia Practice  Published: 2026-05-07 · 8-min read Key Takeaways In Northern Virginia, deeds and deeds of trust are recorded in the circuit court clerk’s office of the county where the property is located — each county has its own recording office. Fairfax County is Northern Virginia’s largest recording jurisdiction;

By Alltech National Title — Northern Virginia Practice  Published: 2026-05-07 · 9-min read Key Takeaways Virginia is a non-attorney state — title companies can conduct settlements; Maryland requires an attorney to close; DC follows a non-attorney model similar to Virginia. Transfer tax structures differ significantly: Virginia uses a grantor’s tax + recordation tax split; Maryland

Key Takeaways Real estate wire fraud almost always works the same way: criminals hijack the email of a real estate agent, lender, or title agent, then send a fake wire instruction email to the buyer just before closing. Always verify wire instructions by phone, using a number you look up yourself — not the number