Closing costs in DC, Maryland, and Virginia can vary significantly. This guide breaks down what buyers and sellers should expect to pay at the settlement table in the DMV.
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Get a Title Quote →Closing Costs Catch People Off Guard
You've got your down payment. You've been pre-approved. You think you know what you're spending.
Then you get your Closing Disclosure and there's $12,000 in costs you weren't fully prepared for.
This happens every week in the DMV. Closing costs in DC, Maryland, and Virginia vary significantly — both in amount and in who typically pays what. Here's the breakdown you need.
| Virginia | Maryland | DC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buyer closing costs | 2–3% | 3–5% | 3.5–5%+ |
| Seller closing costs | 1–3% | 1–2% | 1.5–2.5% |
| Transfer tax burden | Seller (Grantor's tax) | Split buyer/seller | Split buyer/seller |
| First-time buyer exemption? | ❌ No | ✅ Partial state tax | ✅ Recordation tax exempt |
| Highest cost item | Lender fees | Transfer + recordation taxes | Transfer taxes (1.1–1.45% each side) |
Virginia Closing Costs
For buyers in Virginia, typical closing costs run 2–3% of the purchase price. On a $600,000 home, that's $12,000–$18,000.
For sellers in Virginia, closing costs typically run 1–3% for title/transfer costs (plus real estate commission).
Maryland Closing Costs
Maryland is known for having some of the highest transfer taxes in the region.
DC Closing Costs
DC has the highest transfer taxes in the DMV — and they apply to both buyer and seller.
Negotiating Seller Concessions
In all three jurisdictions, buyers can negotiate seller concessions — a credit at closing that offsets closing costs.
This is especially common when:
How to Prepare
The DMV is an expensive market to buy in. Understanding your closing costs before you make an offer makes the whole process less stressful — and helps you negotiate smarter.
DMV title services: Vienna, VA | Springfield, VA | Bethesda, MD
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