How to Find Cash Home Buyers in D.C. for a Hassle-Free Home Sale

Inside the Washington, D.C., cash home buyers market

Washington, D.C.’s cash home-buying market includes different types of buyers, each with distinct motivations:

• New residents: With a 0.4% annual growth rate, Washington, D.C., continues to attract professionals in government, technology, finance, healthcare, and more. The city’s central location also appeals to newcomers, some of whom are paying in cash for a smoother transition.
• Baby Boomers: In December 2024, 28% of U.S. home sales were all-cash transactions. Among Older Boomers, 51% purchased homes with cash, while 53% of Silent Generation buyers did the same (in 2023), reflecting their financial strength.
• Property investors: This group includes institutional investors, house flippers, buy-and-hold investors, wholesale buyers, and iBuyers — each looking to capitalize on opportunities in D.C.’s real estate market.
• iBuyers: These companies often offer prices closer to market value than traditional investors but charge service fees and have specific buying criteria, which may limit some sellers’ eligibility.

Pros of working with a Washington, D.C., cash home buyer

Selling your home for cash is often a simpler and faster alternative to a traditional sale. Here’s how working with cash home buyers in D.C. could benefit you:

How to request a cash offer in Washington, D.C.

For a simple way to receive a cash offer on your home, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform connects you with the largest network of pre-approved and vetted investors in the U.S.

By answering a few standard questions about your D.C. property, you can receive a no-obligation cash offer in as few as 24 hours. If you accept, the sale can close in as little as 10 days, with the flexibility to move out up to 30 days post-closing. No repairs, staging, or open houses are required.

While cash offers are generally lower than those on the open market, traditional home sales often come with expenses totaling 9% to 10% of the sale price. Depending on your needs, selling for cash could ultimately save you time and money.

How much are D.C. cash home buyers willing to pay?

Cash investors and home-buying companies typically purchase properties below market value in exchange for a faster, more convenient sale. For example, property flippers follow the 70% rule, meaning they pay up to 70% of a home’s after-repair value (ARV), factoring in repair costs.

Market conditions also influence cash offers. In a competitive market, cash buyers may pay 80% to 85% of a property’s ARV. However, if the market slows, cash offers tend to decrease.

While much uncertainty surrounds the Washington, D.C., housing market, all signs indicate that the market remains stable. Though recent months have seen a slight cooling, this is typical seasonal behavior. Limited inventory and high prices have created a competitive environment.

What’s the process of selling to a Washington, D.C., cash home buyer?

If you want a quick, complication-free sale, selling your home for cash may be the best solution. Here’s an outline of the process of selling to cash home buyers in D.C.

Complete the Washington, D.C., Disclosure Statement

• What it is: In Washington, D.C., sellers must inform buyers of property details and defects by filling out the Real Property Seller’s Disclosure Statement.
• Why it matters: Even in a cash sale, disclosure laws protect both parties by ensuring transparency and reducing potential legal issues.
• How cash buyers help: Many “We Buy Houses” companies in Washington, D.C., complete disclosure paperwork for sellers. While disclosures are usually formalities in as-is sales, preparing them ahead of time can speed up the process.

The buyer runs a title search on the property

• What it involves: In Washington, D.C., cash buyers typically perform a title search to confirm ownership and identify potential issues like liens, undisclosed heirs, or boundary disputes.
• Why it’s important: Addressing title problems early prevents unexpected delays and ensures a smoother transaction.

The seller pays any associated fees

• Typical costs: While cash sales generally involve fewer closing costs, sellers may still need to cover expenses like transfer taxes, title insurance, escrow fees, and attorney fees.
• Washington, D.C.’s transfer tax: In Washington, D.C., sellers typically pay two types of transfer taxes: the deed recordation tax and the deed transfer tax, both based on the property’s value at the time of the sale. The tax rate is 1.1% for properties under $400,000 and 1.45% for properties above $400,000, applied to the full sale amount.
• Minimizing fees: Some D.C. “We Buy Houses” companies cover these costs, but their offers tend to be lower in exchange for speed and convenience.

Deciding to sell to Washington, D.C., cash home buyers

Today’s market makes selling to cash home buyers in D.C. a practical choice for homeowners seeking a quick and easy transaction.

Whether you decide to assess buyers on your own, collaborate with a real estate agent, or consider an offer through Simple Sale, HomeLight provides access to top professionals and resources. We leverage Washington, D.C.’s dynamic investor market to streamline the selling process and help you achieve a fast, efficient, and profitable home sale.

Editor’s note: As a friendly reminder, this blog post is meant for educational purposes, not legal or tax advice. HomeLight always encourages you to consult your own advisor.

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