Updated December 27, 2023
A Washington D.C. real estate power of attorney lets someone else sell, lease, or encumber real property on your behalf. This is common in real estate closings where the buyer or seller allows their attorney to handle the signing of legal documents. The form, like a Durable Power of Attorney, must be signed in the presence of a notary public. Afterward, the form is commonly void after the authorized transaction is complete or upon a Revocation Form being signed by the principal.
Laws
- Statute – § 21–2602.04
- Signing Requirements (§ 21–2601.05) – Principal must sign before a notary public.
- Recording (§ 21-2603.03) – A power of attorney granting authority over real estate transactions should be recorded along with a deed or sometime prior to recording a deed.
- Additional Statement (§ 21-2603.03) – Upon recording, a recording clerk will require a power of attorney to bear a statement on top of the first page, describing the property or properties subject to the grants of power.