FORWARD Resources

Real Estate Guides for Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia

Practical, sourced guides to the taxes, programs and rules that shape a purchase or sale in the Washington region.

The short answerThe FORWARD Resources library is a set of practical guides for buyers, sellers and owners in Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia. Each guide explains one tax, program or rule and cites the government agency that sets it. The library is published by FORWARD at Corcoran McEnearney.

Which jurisdiction are you buying or selling in?

Real estate rules in the Washington region change at every border. Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia each set their own property tax, transfer tax and closing rules. Choose the jurisdiction whose law governs the property.

Washington DCAssessment, recordation and transfer tax, and DC programs for buyers and owners.1 guide MarylandStatewide rules from SDAT, plus county guides starting with Montgomery County.2 guides Northern VirginiaVirginia and local rules for Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Alexandria.1 guide

Latest guides

Closing Taxes in DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia ComparedThe deed taxes in all three jurisdictions, side by side.DC, Maryland and Virginia · Updated November 2026
DC Recordation and Transfer Tax: What Buyers and Sellers Pay at ClosingThe two DC deed taxes, who the law assigns them to, and the 0.725% first-time buyer rate.Washington DC · Updated November 2026
Montgomery County Transfer and Recordation Taxes: What Buyers and Sellers PayState and county transfer taxes, the tiered recordation tax, and the owner-occupant and first-time buyer breaks.Montgomery County, Maryland · Updated November 2026
Virginia Grantor and Recordation Taxes: What Northern Virginia Buyers and Sellers PayState and local recordation taxes, the grantor tax and the two Northern Virginia regional fees.Northern Virginia · Updated November 2026
Maryland Agricultural Use Assessment: How Buyers Keep the Farmland Tax BenefitHow the farmland assessment works, who qualifies, and what a buyer signs at closing to keep it and avoid the agricultural transfer tax.Maryland, statewide · Updated November 2026

Who are FORWARD’s advisors in DC, Maryland and Virginia?

FORWARD at Corcoran McEnearney advises buyers, sellers and owners in Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia. The advisors are Marc Cashin, Ashling McGowan, Niki Lang, Cesar Rivera and Charlotte Lee. Every guide links to the government sources behind its figures.

Questions About a Specific Property?

FORWARD at Corcoran McEnearney advises buyers, sellers and owners across Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Talk to an Advisor

Every guide cites its government sources. Updated November 2026.