Washington DC imposes both a recordation tax and a transfer tax. On a standard residential sale, the buyer pays 1.1% recordation tax and the seller pays 1.1% transfer tax (each) on the sale price — for a combined rate of 2.2%, split between parties by custom. First-time homebuyers may qualify for a reduced recordation tax rate of 0.725% on owner-occupied purchases under a certain threshold. ATG provides a detailed closing cost estimate at the time of file opening.

DC is not an attorney-required state for residential closings — a licensed title company like ATG can handle the full settlement without buyer or seller attorneys present, though attorneys are welcome and common on commercial deals. ATG's settlement officers are trained and experienced in DC closing requirements and handle all required documentation.

TOPA — the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act — gives DC tenants and tenant associations the right of first refusal when a rental property is sold. On DC condo and multifamily transactions, ATG verifies that proper TOPA notices were issued and the required waiver or right-of-first-refusal period has been satisfied before closing, protecting both buyer and seller from post-closing challenges.

Standard residential title searches in DC are completed in 2–4 business days. Commercial title searches and transactions involving older properties, complex ownership chains, or mixed-use buildings may take 5–7 business days. ATG communicates any issues found during title examination immediately so they can be resolved before the scheduled closing date.