If you're selling your home in Washington, DC without hiring a real estate agent, you're responsible for the sales contract. Typically, you'll have to choose a contract template, fill it out correctly, and follow Washington, DC law.
Here's an example of a real estate contract template for Washington, DC.
You can draft the contract yourself using a standard template — ideally, one approved by a local real estate association or legal organization.
However, because home sale contracts are legally binding and often complex, many sellers bring in a real estate attorney or a transaction coordinator for help. Washington, DC doesn't require it, but having a legal professional review your paperwork can protect you from costly mistakes.
A recent survey found that 36% of people who sold without a traditional agent made legal errors, and 40% didn’t fully understand the contract they signed.[1]
In a typical agent-assisted sale, your realtor would guide you through this part of the process. But if you’re selling for sale by owner (FSBO) and still want expert support, working with a discount real estate broker in Washington DC could offer the best of both worlds — professional guidance without full-service pricing.🚨 EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is for informational purposes only. It isn't intended to convey legal advice. We recommend you talk to a real estate agent or real estate attorney when selling a home in Washington, DC.
Sample real estate contract for selling a house in Washington, DC
Before you use this Washington, DC real estate contract template for your sale, it’s smart to have a real estate attorney, a transaction coordinator, or an experienced agent look it over. They can help confirm that the contract is current and follows Washington, DC law and any local requirements.
Templates created by realtor associations, state commissions, or legal organizations often come with the same advice: consult a legal professional to ensure your contract protects your interests and holds up if something goes wrong.
What's included in a Washington, DC real estate contract
For your home sale contract to be valid in Washington, DC, it must follow state contract laws and meet federal requirements like the Fair Housing Act. That’s why having a real estate attorney, transaction coordinator, or real estate agent review your contract before you sign is important.
Most home sale contracts include the following key sections:
| Contract section | Description |
|---|---|
| 🧑🤝🧑 Names of buyer and seller | Full legal names of everyone involved |
| 📍 Property details | Address, lot size, boundaries, and other relevant information |
| 💰 Financial terms | Price, financing, earnest money, and closing costs, plus concerns like HOA fees and prorated property taxes |
| 📄 Disclosures | Attach seller disclosure form for Washington DC, which covers known issues with the property |
| ⚠️ Contingencies | In Washington, DC, the most common contingency clauses cover inspections, financing, and appraisals |
| ❗Default | What happens when the parties don't meet the contract terms |
| 🗓️ Closing details | Date, location, and deadlines |
| ✍️ Signatures | Buyer and seller must sign for the contract to be valid |
Mistakes to avoid when drawing up a real estate contract
While you can legally sell a home without an agent, 36% of people who sold without a traditional agent say they made legal errors. A poorly written or incomplete contract can lead to delays, disputes, or legal consequences.[1]
Here are some common mistakes sellers make regarding contracts:
❌ Sellers leave out key information
Contracts missing important clauses like contingencies or default provisions can create confusion and leave sellers unprotected.
❌ Sellers use outdated templates
Many sellers download free templates from the internet without realizing they’re not state-specific or haven’t been updated to match current laws.
❌ Sellers forget mandatory disclosures
In Washington DC, you’re legally required to provide a detailed seller disclosure form. Missing or incomplete disclosures can give the buyer legal grounds to cancel the sale or sue later.Where to get help drafting a Washington, DC real estate contract
Creating a legally sound Washington, DC real estate contract on your own can be challenging, especially if you’ve never done it before. About 10% of home sellers who went without a realtor said the paperwork was the hardest part of the process.[2]
👉 See all the paperwork for selling without a realtor in Washington, DC
Getting help with your contract from a professional is a good idea. A real estate attorney, transaction coordinator, or experienced agent can guide you through the contract and help you avoid common mistakes.
Connect with affordable support if you need it via the following resources.
Low commission realtors in Washington, DC
Low commission realtors in Washington, DC offer full-service support for a lower listing fee — often around 1.5%, compared to the typical 2.5%–3%.
Many sellers skip hiring an agent to save money on commission. But working with a low commission realtor can save you just as much or more while still giving you expert guidance through the contracting process, pricing, and negotiations.
Data shows sellers who don’t use an agent make about 13% less on average on their sale than those who do.[2]
💸 Save on commission and get expert support. Connect with a full-service, low commission agent in Washington, DC who'll charge just a 1.5% listing fee — and may help you sell your house for more. Get matched with an agent now!
Transaction coordinators in Washington, DC
If you sell without a real estate agent, a Washington, DC transaction coordinator can step in to help with the paperwork. They can make sure your contract is filled out correctly, deadlines are met, and the process stays on track.
👉 Real Estate Witch can connect you with a transaction coordinator for a flat $3,000 fee — no hourly billing, no surprises. Learn more and see if it's the right fit.
Flat fee MLS companies in Washington, DC
Flat fee MLS companies in Washington, DC can list your home on the local multiple listing service without charging full agent commission. Costs typically range from $100–$300.
Some plans offer help with contract paperwork. Plans that do include contract support tend to be on the higher end or charge extra, while lower-cost options may skip it entirely.
If you go the flat fee MLS route, compare packages closely.
Real estate attorneys in Washington, DC
A real estate attorney in Washington, DC can help you draft or review your contract, explain your legal obligations, and guide you through other complex parts of the sale.
In Washington, DC, attorney fees typically range from $200–$400 per hour.
Washington, DC doesn’t require an attorney by law. However, hiring one can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re dealing with unusual contract terms or selling a property with legal complications.
FAQ
If you sell your home without an agent, you’re generally responsible for preparing the sale contract yourself. Most sellers in Washington, DC start with a standard template and fill in the details.
You can find real estate contract templates from trusted sources like the DC Association of Realtors or third-party providers such as eForms. Just be sure to have a legal or real estate professional review any template you plan to use. Not all templates you'll find online are up to date or compliant with local law.
The safest option is to start with a contract template from a trusted local source, like the DC Association of Realtors or Washington, DC's real estate commission.
You’ll need to fill in the key terms you’ve agreed on with the buyer, including price, contingencies, closing date, and more.
Because this is a legally binding agreement, having a real estate attorney, transaction coordinator, or agent help you draft or review the contract before signing is wise.
Why you can trust us
Real Estate Witch’s mission is to provide accurate, actionable, and practical information you can use to make better decisions on your real estate journey.
We’ve built this article on a foundation of data from multiple reliable sources, including studies and surveys conducted by the Real Estate Witch team, the National Association of Realtors, and other independent groups. We also used AI to assist with research and analysis of laws and data. Our team fact-checked and edited the text, as we do for all of our content.
We update this article at least once a year.
