Buyer resources for DC, Maryland and Virginia.
The official records and tools a buyer uses, from tax and deed records to flood maps and school boundaries, with our own guides and tools.
Showing Washington, DC.
Where to start
Find a home
Homes for sale across the region, our featured listings, and homes sold without a public listing.
Search homesFeatured propertiesOff-marketKnow the rules
The buyer agreement, the contract, contingencies, review periods, settlement and taxes, jurisdiction by jurisdiction.
Read the Buyer GuideKeep your purchase on track
Your payment, loan documents, loan offers, home tours and contract dates, saved in your browser.
Open the Buyer PlannerEstimate the payment
The monthly cost of carrying a home: the loan, taxes, insurance and any association fee.
Open the mortgage calculatorRent vs. buy and refinanceChoose a neighborhood
Guides to sixteen neighborhoods across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Explore neighborhoodsMoving to the region
For federal appointments, diplomatic and military postings and corporate transfers.
Plan your moveTell us what you want
Where you are looking, your budget, the kind of home and your timing, in a short brief.
Start your briefAdvice before you commit
A second view on a home’s value, an offer or a plan, before you decide.
Ask for advice
Look up a property
Tax and assessment
- Washington, DC
- Real Property Search, MyTax DCThe assessment and the tax on a property, by address or by square, suffix and lot.
Recorded deeds
- Washington, DC
- Recorder of DeedsSearch recorded documents, with images back to 1921.
Permit history
- Washington, DC
- Scout, Department of BuildingsPermits, inspections and certificates of occupancy by address.
Zoning
- Washington, DC
- DC Zoning Map, Office of ZoningThe official zoning map, with zoning cases and historic maps.
Historic districts
- Washington, DC
- Historic districts, Office of PlanningThe city’s historic districts, each with its own map.Permits and design reviewHow work on a historic property is reviewed with its building permit.
Flood zone
- Federal
- FEMA Flood Map Service CenterThe flood map in effect for an address.
- Washington, DC
- DC Flood RiskThe flood zone, base flood elevation and elevation certificates, by address.
Check the location
Schools
- Washington, DC
- DCPS in-boundary schoolsThe assigned elementary, middle and high school for an address.
Commute and broadband
- The region
- WMATA Trip PlannerMetrorail and Metrobus journeys from an address.FCC National Broadband MapThe internet providers that serve an address.
Crime maps
- Washington, DC
- Crime Cards, Metropolitan PoliceReported crime near an address, to midnight the day before.
Around the region
- The National MallSmithsonian museumsThe Smithsonian’s museums and the National Zoo.
- The National MallNational Gallery of ArtThe national art museum.
- Capitol HillLibrary of CongressThe nation’s library, open to visitors.
- GeorgetownDumbarton OaksHarvard’s research library and museum, with formal gardens.
- Forest HillsHillwood Estate, Museum and GardensMarjorie Merriweather Post’s estate and collection.
- NorthwestRock Creek ParkA national park through Northwest Washington.
- The National MallNational Mall and Memorial ParksThe monuments and memorials.
- NortheastU.S. National ArboretumThe Department of Agriculture’s arboretum and gardens.
- GeorgetownGeorgetown Waterfront ParkA park along the Potomac.
- Foggy BottomThe Kennedy CenterThe national center for the performing arts.
- Penn QuarterFord’s TheatreA working theater and museum on the site of Lincoln’s assassination.
- SouthwestArena StageA theater on the Southwest waterfront.
- Capitol HillEastern MarketCapitol Hill’s public market.
- NortheastUnion MarketA market hall of food stalls and shops.
- SouthwestThe WharfRestaurants, music venues and piers on the Washington Channel.
Check the house
Lead water pipes
- Washington, DC
- DC Water service line mapThe material of an address’s water service line.
Radon
- Federal
- EPA radon zones by stateThe radon zone of each county.
- Washington, DC
- DOEE radon programFree test kits for residents.
The rules: Buyer Guide, Contingencies and reviews
Help with financing
Homebuyer programs
- Washington, DC
- Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)Interest-free help with the down payment and closing costs, by income, household size and assets.DC Open DoorsDown payment help for first-time and repeat buyers, whether or not they live in DC.
Counseling and loan limits
- Federal
- HUD-approved housing counselorsFind a counselor by ZIP code or state.FHFA conforming loan limitsThe loan limit for each county, set each year.
The rules: Buyer Guide, Financing and preapproval
Utilities
Electric
- Washington, DC
- PepcoStart, stop or move electric service.
Gas
- Washington, DC
- Washington GasStart gas service, with two business days’ notice.
Water
- Washington, DC
- DC WaterStart or stop water service. On a purchase, the title company handles the change of owner.