Remote Homebuying Guide For Relocating To Arlington

Moving to Arlington from out of state and trying to buy without hopping on a plane? You are not alone. With strong job centers, lively urban villages, and tech-forward closing options, Arlington is well set up for remote buyers. In this guide, you will learn how to tour homes virtually, write a strong offer, manage inspections, and close online in Virginia, plus what to know about costs, schools, and wire safety. Let’s dive in.

Why Arlington works for remote buyers

Arlington sits next to Washington, D.C., with quick access to federal and private sector employers and major transit. The National Landing district, tied to Amazon HQ2, continues to add mixed-use development and transit access that attracts long-term demand. You can explore current projects on the National Landing page from Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington’s urban villages offer different housing types and lifestyles, from condo towers near Metro to tree-lined interior neighborhoods. To get a feel for each area, browse the official neighborhood snapshots from Visit Arlington.

• Explore National Landing projects: Arlington Economic Development’s National Landing overview
• Get a quick look at local neighborhoods: Visit Arlington’s neighborhood guide

How remote homebuying works in Virginia

Buying from afar is a series of clear steps. Your local team handles the in-person tasks while you review and sign securely online.

Choose your team early

Hire a local buyer’s agent who is experienced with remote clients. Your agent previews homes, streams live tours, coordinates inspectors, and completes the final walkthrough on your behalf. Line up a lender and title company early so everyone confirms what can be signed electronically.

Get pre-approved with eClose in mind

Ask your lender if they support electronic notes and remote notarization. This can shorten timelines and keep you from traveling at closing.

Tour virtually, verify on the ground

Use live video tours, recorded walkthroughs, and floor plans to shortlist homes. Your agent can measure key spaces, check building rules, and confirm repair quality in person. When you are ready, move fast with verified comps and a plan for contingencies.

Make a competitive offer from afar

Lean on your agent’s comparative market analysis and recent sales. Offers can include inspection and appraisal protections, plus escalation clauses if multiple bids are likely. Your agent handles signatures and delivery so you can meet quick deadlines.

Manage inspections and the appraisal

Schedule a full home inspection and request a detailed report with photos and video. Your agent can attend, ask questions in real time, and verify repairs before closing. Appraisal formats vary by lender, so plan for standard access unless your lender allows a desktop or exterior-only review.

Close online with Remote Online Notarization

Virginia authorizes Remote Online Notarization, which makes a fully remote closing possible when your lender and title company support it. Ask your title provider if they offer RON and which documents, if any, still require wet ink.

• VA RON law: Code of Virginia, electronic and remote notarization
• Local provider example: First Title & Escrow eClose and RON overview

If you cannot attend, consider a Power of Attorney

A Virginia-compliant Power of Attorney can allow a trusted person to sign at closing. Get lender and title approval in advance and plan for any recording requirements.

• VA Uniform Power of Attorney Act: Code of Virginia reference

Costs, taxes, and title in Arlington

Closing costs in Virginia typically include lender fees, title and escrow charges, state recordation and grantor taxes, county recording fees, prorated property taxes, and possible HOA or condo transfer fees. Amounts vary by price and loan type. Ask your lender and title company for an early estimate and confirm whether any documents must be wet-signed.

• State taxes on deeds: Virginia recordation and grantor tax statute
• County tax basics: Arlington County real estate FAQs, assessments and rates

Neighborhood snapshots for remote buyers

Use these quick profiles to match your wish list with likely inventory.

Clarendon

A lively, walkable center with restaurants, retail, and a strong condo and apartment mix near Metro. See an overview on the official neighborhood guide.

• Learn more: Visit Arlington neighborhoods

Ballston

A mixed office and residential hub with newer condos near Ballston–MU Metro and single-family options on the edges.

• Learn more: Visit Arlington neighborhoods

Rosslyn

High-rise skyline on the Potomac with fast D.C. access via Metro and Key Bridge.

• Learn more: Visit Arlington neighborhoods

National Landing

A large mixed-use district that includes Crystal City and Pentagon City, shaped by ongoing investment tied to Amazon HQ2.

• See what is underway: AED National Landing overview

Policy note on housing supply

Arlington’s “Expanded Housing Options” policy for duplexes and similar homes has seen legal developments in 2025. Watch local reporting for updates since policy changes can affect future inventory.

• Read more: Washington Post coverage of the appeals court ruling

Families and relocation logistics

Schools and enrollment

Arlington Public Schools uses residency-based assignment and also offers programs with separate processes. Verify boundaries, programs, and documentation directly with APS before you buy.

• Start here: APS registration and handbook

Licenses, vehicles, and mail

New Virginia residents have deadlines for obtaining a driver’s license and registering vehicles. Update your address, insurance, and banking, and confirm any county permits or parking rules for your new address.

• New resident overview: Virginia new resident guide

Avoid wire fraud during closing

Wire fraud is a real risk in real estate. Protect your funds with a few simple habits.

• Always verify wire instructions by calling your title company at a known, trusted phone number.
• Do not rely on wiring details sent only by email.
• Use secure portals and enable two-factor authentication on your email.
• Confirm the wire the same business day and call your bank immediately if something seems off.

Learn more: NAR wire fraud guidance

Quick remote buyer checklist

• Confirm that your lender and title company support RON and eClose options, and ask which documents need wet ink. Read the Virginia RON statute.
• Get an itemized closing estimate early, including state taxes, county fees, and tax proration. Review Arlington’s real estate FAQs and the Virginia recordation and grantor tax law.
• Arrange a professional inspection with a detailed photo and video report, and plan for your agent to complete the final walkthrough in person.
• If you need a signer on your behalf, have a Virginia-compliant POA prepared and approved. See the Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
• Verify wire instructions by phone and use a secure portal. Follow NAR fraud prevention steps.
• Research neighborhoods and planned development to align your search with commute and lifestyle needs. Start with Visit Arlington’s neighborhood guide and AED’s National Landing overview.
• If schools matter to your move, confirm boundaries and registration requirements with APS.

Put a local pro on your side

Remote buyers win with clear communication, strong local advocacy, and a closing team that embraces secure e-signing. If you want an agent who previews homes in person, streams honest walkthroughs, negotiates hard for you, and coordinates a seamless online closing, reach out to Lauren Longshore. You will get boutique, high-touch service backed by modern tools and deep Arlington expertise.

FAQs

Can I buy a home in Arlington without traveling here?

• Yes. Virginia authorizes Remote Online Notarization, and when your lender and title company support eClose, you can tour virtually, sign electronically, and close from anywhere. See the VA RON statute.

What is Remote Online Notarization in Virginia?

• RON allows a commissioned notary to verify identity and witness your signature over secure audio and video, which enables fully remote closings when accepted by your lender and title company. Review the Code of Virginia on electronic notarization.

What closing costs should I expect in Arlington?

• Plan for lender fees, title and escrow, state recordation and grantor taxes, county recording fees, prorated property taxes, and possible HOA or condo transfer fees. See Virginia’s recordation tax law and Arlington’s real estate FAQs then ask your title company for an itemized estimate.

How do I handle the final walkthrough if I am out of state?

• Have your agent complete the walkthrough in person with live video and a checklist, or use a Virginia-compliant Power of Attorney so a trusted person can attend and sign on your behalf under the Uniform Power of Attorney Act.

Are there policy changes that could affect Arlington housing options?

• Yes. Arlington’s Expanded Housing Options policy and related litigation evolved in 2025, which can influence future inventory and housing types. See Washington Post reporting on the appeals court ruling.

What should families know about schools before buying?

• Arlington Public Schools use residency-based assignment with some programs requiring separate steps. Always verify current boundaries and documentation directly with APS.