Moving to Washington DC: Home Buyer Guide

If you're moving to Washington DC, you may want to take advantage of seasonal discounts. You can save a lot of money by buying off season. DC has many neighborhoods, some offer better discounts than others throughout the year. It's also a good idea to plan ahead for the move so that it goes smoothly and you settle quickly and easily into your new perfect home!

Are you moving to Washington DC? It’s an amazing city where you’ll find fun-filled events and activities to enjoy all four seasons. Perhaps, you’re moving to DC so that you can work in the nation’s capital, where there’s some of the most prestigious companies and highest salaries. Whether you’re moving for work or pleasure, DC’s a fantastic place to call “home.” Did you know you can find special bargains depending on the time of year? Have you thought about the moving process and making a plan so you can transition easily? Movoto is a real estate company dedicated to helping you find your dream home. Our Real Estate experts know where to look for great prices depending on the season. And we understand the stress of moving. Movoto put together this, “Moving to Washington DC: Home Buyer’s Guide,” to help you prepare.

Evaluate Housing Opportunities When Moving to Washington DC

Each of the 54 neighborhoods inside Washington DC offers a unique lifestyle. Here’s a few points to consider when looking for homes in the District. Winter is a great time for bargains in DC. The “Washingtonian,” reported that 2014 median housing prices dipped down to $370,000-$375,000 in January/February, compared to $430,000/433,000 in May/June. The savings might be just enough to get you into an upscale historical townhome, like those in Georgetown or Capitol Hill. Spend Christmas in your new home and save money too! Summer can be humid in the district, but it’s a great time to grab bargains. “Real Estate Business Intelligence” said DC Metro area fell 4.5% by June 2014, where they attributed a good part of the decline to the sweltering heat. It would be ideal to grab a townhome or condo in Foggy Bottom or West End, where you can enjoy savings without suffering. You’ll be surrounded by water sports on the Potomac, health spas and swimming pools. On the East Coast, housing prices are competitive in spring, late summer and early fall. You can still find some nice deals, so be sure to ask your agent for help.

Make Your Transition Easy with Careful Planning.

Things to Do Before You Move

So you’ve bought your home and arranged for a moving van or service. There’s still a few things to do before you leave.

Prearrange a start date for utilities
Natural Gas, call Washington Gas (703) 750-1000.
Electricity, contact Pepco (202) 833-7500. Pepco is a distributor, so be sure to ask about different provider pricing.
Water and Sewage, call DC Water (202) 354-3600. Ask for a water quality report for your zip code to see if you need bottled water services or filtering systems.
Internet TV and Telephone is regulated by the Public Service Commission of Washington DC. For information about the eight residential options, call the PSC, (202) 626-5100.

The “To Do List” for After You Arrive

Shortly after you move in, you’ll want to take care of just a few more things.

Register Your Car, Get Tags and a DC License – You have to obtain a DC license and register your car within 30 days. You must appear in person. There are fees for you, the car and title. Check out details at the Department of Motor Vehicles, (202) 737-4404, or dial 311.
Register to Vote – You can register to vote as long as you have maintained a residence in the District for at least 30 days before Election Day. And you can’t claim rights to vote in other states or territories. For a full list of requirements and registration, contact the DOC Board of Elections, (202) 727-2525.
Budget for Property Taxes – In Washington DC property taxes are determined by dividing the property's assessed value by $100, then multiplying it by the class rate. Residential property is Class 1 and is currently charged $0.85 per $100 of assessed property value. Homestead and senior deductions, and/or trash credits may be deducted from net fees. Find information at the Office of Tax & Revenue, (202) 727-4829.
Get Rid of Your Bulk Garbage from the Move -- Bulk trash may be removed by appointment through the Department of Public Works’ Bulk Trash Center, (202) 737-4404.

Special Tips That Can Make a Big Difference

Car Owners, Consider a Resident Parking Permit -- DC's Resident Permit Parking (RPP) zones allow permit-holders special access to parking (doesn’t guarantee a space). Find info at DMV, (202) 671-0020. At Movoto we understand how getting homes at discounted prices can add value. That’s why our experts are among the best at knowing what’s available. Call our friendly Customer Care Center at (888) 766-8686 and we’ll connect you to a Movoto Partner Agent who will help you find the perfect home at a great price. And we’ll help make the transition easy!