Selling in the District Has Its Own Rules
DC sellers face issues that suburban buyers often get wrong. Ken has worked them for four decades:
- Vacant or blighted property taxes. The District taxes vacant property at a Class 3 rate of 5% and blighted property at a Class 4 rate of 10% of assessed value – far above the residential rate. If your property is sitting empty, every month can cost real money. Selling, or getting an exemption, stops the bleeding.
- Tenant-occupied homes. If tenants live in the property, DC’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) may require notices – and for buildings with more than one unit, an opportunity for tenants to buy – before a sale. We plan the timeline around it instead of discovering it at closing.
- Inherited homes. DC probate runs through the Superior Court Probate Division, and many estates can use the simplified small-estate process. We can buy once the personal representative has authority to sell – and we can wait while you get there.
- Older rowhouses. Original wiring, roofs, and basements with water issues don’t scare us. You don’t fix anything.
Neighborhoods We Serve in DC
All eight wards, with deep experience east of the river: Congress Heights, Washington Highlands, Bellevue, Shipley Terrace, Douglass, Anacostia, Hillcrest, Deanwood, and Fort Dupont – plus Petworth, Brightwood, Brookland, Michigan Park, and Takoma.
Three Ways to Sell – Compared Side by Side
Most companies give you one option: theirs. Because Ken is a licensed Realtor and a licensed mortgage professional, you get every option in writing so you can choose.
| Sell As-Is for Cash | List on the Open Market | Sell or Keep Your Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repairs | None | Your choice – we advise what pays off | Not applicable |
| Showings | One walkthrough | Yes | None |
| Timeline | You pick the closing date | Typically longer; depends on market | Varies by note |
| Best for | Speed, certainty, homes needing work | Getting top dollar | Owners who sold with seller financing |
You see the numbers for each path, then decide. No pressure, no fee to get the comparison.
How It Works
- Tell us about the property. Call (240) 363-9117 or fill out the short form – about two minutes.
- Ken walks the property with you. One visit, no cleanup needed.
- Get your written options. A cash offer and an estimated listing net, side by side.
- Choose your path and your date. If you choose cash, you pick the closing date at a local title company.
Why Sellers Call Ken
- Licensed Realtor since 1985 – four decades of DC-area closings
- Licensed mortgage professional (NMLS #2189943), so he understands liens, payoffs, and financing problems that stall other buyers
- MBA in Real Estate Development, George Washington University
- Experience with short sales, foreclosures, estates, military and veteran moves, and HUD-approved housing counseling
- Straight answers in writing – including when listing will net you more than a cash sale
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you buy houses in every DC ward?
Yes. We buy and list throughout the District, and we know Southeast and Northeast neighborhoods especially well.
My DC house is vacant. Does that change anything?
It can change your tax bill. Vacant and blighted properties may be taxed at much higher rates. Selling sooner, or applying for an exemption, may help – ask us and we’ll walk you through it.
I have tenants. Can I still sell?
Usually yes, but DC’s tenant purchase law may require notices first. We’ll help you map out the timeline with your attorney.
Do I have to pay commissions on a cash sale?
On a direct cash sale to us, there is no listing commission. If you list instead, standard listing terms apply – and we’ll show you both nets.
Get Your Free Side-by-Side Comparison
Tell us a little about the property. It takes about two minutes, and Ken follows up personally.
Related pages
Ken Bossard is a licensed real estate agent with Samson Properties District of Columbia license #SP98374090 and a licensed mortgage loan originator, NMLS #2189943. When Ken or an affiliated entity offers to buy your property, you will receive written disclosure of his license status no later than when the offer is made. If we intend to assign our purchase contract to another buyer, we will tell you in writing before you sign. A cash offer is not an appraisal; you are always free to list your home or consult your own attorney or agent. Equal Housing Opportunity.