Arriving in Northern Virginia for a new role and need a clear, smart plan to land smoothly in Arlington? You are not alone. The county’s mix of urban condos, townhomes, and well-situated single-family pockets attracts busy executives and government or diplomatic staff who need efficiency, privacy, and a stress-free move. In this guide, you will get a practical 90-day plan, from financing to neighborhood tours to move-in logistics, tailored to Arlington’s market and transit landscape. Let’s dive in.
Why Arlington works for professionals
Arlington sits at the center of the Washington region’s job, transit, and services network. Multiple Metro lines serve core neighborhoods, and you can review routes and station access on the official Metro lines and maps page. Proximity to downtown DC, the Pentagon, and Reagan National Airport is a major draw.
The housing mix ranges from high-rise condos in Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, and National Landing to townhomes and a smaller stock of single-family homes in places like Lyon Village, Arlington Ridge, and Cherrydale. Inventory can be tight, and well-priced homes often see multiple offers. Typical mortgage-financed closings run about 30 to 45 days, with cash purchases closing faster, though appraisal or inspection items can extend timelines.
Arlington Public Schools is a centrally managed district, and many incoming families also consider private or embassy-related options. Enrollment is address-based and requires residency documentation, which you can review through APS enrollment requirements.
Your 90-day Arlington plan
This timeline is built for executives and government or diplomatic professionals who want a structured path to purchase, with optional bridging solutions and corporate housing when needed.
Days 1–7: Intake and arrival
- Confirm employer relocation benefits, security or clearance needs, and housing priorities, including pets, parking, and building access protocols.
- Book temporary housing for your first 30 to 60 days. Options include hotels, serviced apartments, or furnished corporate rentals, which often bundle utilities and housekeeping.
- Gather documents for both financing and leasing: assignment or employment letters, recent pay statements, bank statements, passport or visa details, and any international credit references.
- Set expectations for timing. If you plan to finance, ask your lender about appraisal and underwriting timelines now.
Days 8–21: Financing and search
- Secure a strong mortgage pre-approval or prepare proof of funds if paying cash. In competitive situations, a clear pre-approval positions your offer to be taken seriously.
- Explore options that fit high-cost areas, including jumbo loans and, if eligible, VA loans. You can learn about benefits and eligibility through official VA home loan benefits.
- For foreign income or diplomatic staff, ask lenders about alternative documentation and larger down payment expectations. Confirm how embassy employment letters and foreign payroll will be verified.
- Target neighborhoods by commute and lifestyle. Group tours by corridor to compare walkability and transit access efficiently, and shortlist properties including potential off-market opportunities.
Days 22–45: Offers and inspections
- Use a clear offer strategy. Strong earnest money, an escalation clause, and a flexible closing timeline can help in multiple-offer situations.
- Schedule inspections promptly. For condos and high-rises, evaluate building systems, elevator maintenance, and association reserves or special assessments. Review HOA or condo rules for leasing, parking, and move-in procedures.
- Work with your agent to verify any building security or privacy protocols that matter to your role. For diplomats or senior executives, vendor vetting and controlled access can be part of the plan.
Days 46–75: Closing and bridge solutions
- Finalize underwriting and schedule the appraisal and insurance binder. Ask your lender for a day-by-day closing timeline so you can coordinate movers and temporary housing.
- If you are buying while selling elsewhere, consider bridge loans or a seller rent-back. A rent-back allows the seller to stay for a negotiated period after closing, useful when you need predictable possession dates in a tight timeline.
- If you need extra flexibility, consider corporate housing for 30 to 90 days while you finish inspections and closing. Confirm building move-in windows and elevator booking requirements before setting dates.
Days 76–90: Move-in and onboarding
- Close, complete your walk-through, and document property condition before furniture arrives. Schedule elevator reservations and confirm move deposits where required.
- Transfer or set up utilities and internet. For county services like water and sewer, visit Arlington County water and utilities.
- Complete administrative tasks: set up USPS mail forwarding, update your records with the Virginia DMV, and register to vote if applicable.
- If you plan to park on neighborhood streets, review Arlington’s Residential Permit Parking program. If remodeling is on your list, check county rules and timelines under Arlington County permits.
- If you have children, complete school enrollment or onboarding with private schools. Address-based enrollment is standard, and starting early helps keep your timeline on track.
Neighborhood shortlist to tour
Urban, transit-rich cores
- Rosslyn: High-rise condos with fast access to DC and multiple Metro lines. A strong option if you want a short commute and a lock-and-leave building.
- Courthouse and Clarendon: Walkable corridors with dining and retail, a mix of condos and townhomes, and frequent transit service.
- Crystal City and Pentagon City in National Landing: Large stock of newer apartments and condos near DCA, with major employers nearby.
- Ballston and Virginia Square: A blend of residential and office, new development, and convenient transit access.
Quieter residential pockets
- Lyon Village and Cherrydale: Predominantly single-family homes and townhouses, with parks and neighborhood retail nearby.
- Arlington Ridge: Good access to National Landing and DCA, with a more residential feel and a smaller pool of detached homes.
Financing and occupancy tools that help
- Pre-approval strength: Ask lenders to outline appraisal and underwriting timing so your offer can include a realistic, credible closing date.
- VA loans: If you are eligible, these can be a cost-effective choice in Arlington’s high-cost environment. Review eligibility and process on the official VA home loan benefits page.
- Jumbo loans: Common in Arlington. Confirm lender overlays, debt-to-income ranges, and any reserve requirements.
- Foreign income or diplomatic clients: Many lenders will work with embassy letters, alternative credit documentation, or international credit reports. Be prepared for larger down payments.
- Bridge loans or HELOCs: Useful if your purchase depends on selling a current home. Compare carrying costs, payoff timelines, and competitiveness benefits.
- Seller rent-back: Helpful when you need immediate control of a property but the seller needs a short post-closing stay. Clearly document rent, deposits, liability, and cleaning terms in the agreement.
- Corporate housing and serviced apartments: Turnkey solutions for 30 to 90 days with bundled utilities. Ask about building registration rules and minimum lease terms.
Move logistics checklist
- Temporary housing booked, with dates aligned to inspection and closing timelines.
- Lender pre-approval or proof of funds secured, appraisal and underwriting timelines confirmed.
- Neighborhood tours completed, top properties shortlisted.
- Offers submitted with clear terms, escalation and earnest money strategy noted.
- Inspections completed, HOA or condo documents and reserve studies reviewed.
- Bridge or rent-back strategy finalized, agreements signed if used.
- Movers scheduled, short-term storage arranged, elevator reservations filed where required.
- Utilities and internet transferred or set up, account numbers saved.
- USPS forwarding and DMV updates completed, parking permits or building onboarding confirmed.
How we support your Arlington move
You deserve a relocation that feels organized and personal. As a boutique team under the Douglas Elliman platform, we combine hands-on guidance with national reach and polished execution. You get neighborhood intelligence, thoughtful property curation, and discreet, concierge coordination that respects your schedule, privacy, and security needs.
From private, vetted showings and off-market scouting to lender introductions and move-in logistics, we manage the details so you can focus on your mission. If you are ready to create a tailored 90-day plan for Arlington, connect with The Lyndsi + Matt Team to schedule a complimentary consultation.
FAQs
What should I do first when relocating to Arlington?
- Start with a brief intake: confirm employer benefits, document needs, and short-term housing, then secure financing pre-approval to guide your search.
How competitive is the Arlington housing market today?
- Desirable homes, especially near transit, often see multiple offers, so strong pre-approval, clear timelines, and strategic terms can make a difference.
Which Arlington neighborhoods are best for short commutes?
- Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, Pentagon City, and Crystal City offer high-rise options with quick Metro access and proximity to DC and the Pentagon.
How long does a financed purchase usually take to close in Arlington?
- Many mortgage-financed transactions close in about 30 to 45 days, while cash purchases may close faster depending on appraisal or inspection needs.
What is a seller rent-back and when should I consider it?
- A seller rent-back lets the seller remain briefly after closing for a set rent and deposit, useful when you want contract certainty before your move-in date.
What DMV or admin tasks should I plan after closing?
- Set up USPS mail forwarding, update your Virginia DMV records, and review Arlington’s residential parking permits and any building move-in requirements.
