Plain-language answers to real homebuyer questions across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia — written each week by Karen Todd, Esq.
It’s one of the most common questions I hear from clients: Should I hold title in an LLC or a trust? The answer isn’t about finding a secret advantage; it’s about matching the legal 'container' for your property to your life's purpose for it.
You've sent the biggest wire transfer of your life. But what happens next? A real estate attorney explains the secure, careful path your money takes through escrow, settlement, and recording before it ever reaches the seller.
You’ve found the perfect brick colonial in Bethesda, a sleek condo in the Wharf, or a quiet rambler in Arlington. The inspection went well, your financing is in order, and you’re dreaming of where to put the sofa. Then, a worry surfaces: what if the current owners are behind on their property taxes? It’s a common fear. Could you, the new owner, be on the hook for someone else’s debt? The short answer is a reassuring one. The entire settlement process is a finely tuned machine designed to detect and resolve exactly this kind of issue, ensuring you don’t inherit the seller’s financial obligations. Let’s walk through how it works.
It’s easy to get lost in the list of closing costs. But for first-time buyers in Washington, D.C., one of the largest costs—the recordation tax—comes with a powerful, built-in discount that can save you thousands of dollars in cash you need for settlement day.
A client once slid a document across my desk, pointed to a single number, and asked, “What is this?” That number was his estimated closing costs. It was a big number, and his confusion was completely understandable. We’re all used to seeing a price tag and paying that price. But buying a home isn't like buying a sweater. The price you and the seller agree upon is just the beginning of the story.
You've signed the contract on your new DMV home. So, what happens now? A real estate attorney explains the typical 30- to 45-day closing timeline and the parallel processes that have to happen before you get the keys.
At closing, you’ll receive a thick stack of papers and a set of keys. But which one represents your ownership? You might be surprised. A D.C. real estate attorney explains the crucial difference between a property’s title and its deed.
It’s the nightmare scenario for any homeowner: a letter arrives that questions your right to your own property. Your heart sinks. But there's a powerful protection you purchased at closing, waiting for this very moment. Here’s what it is, and who to call.
It’s one of the most common documents in a real estate closing, but also one of the most misunderstood. A house location survey isn’t just a map of your new property; it’s a crucial piece of protection, though perhaps not for the reason you think.