Got 90 days to land in Arlington and be fully settled near National Landing or the Pentagon? You’re juggling a tight schedule, confidentiality, and high-stakes decisions. This guide gives you a clear, week-by-week plan tailored to executives, plus neighborhood shortlists, financing pointers, and logistics that keep your move private and on time. Let’s dive in.
Why executive moves to Arlington are unique
You’re entering a fast, competitive market inside the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area. The right plan helps you move quickly while protecting privacy.
- Speed and discretion matter. Expect compressed timelines, off-market opportunities, and private showings coordinated around your calendar.
- Commute and access are key. Proximity to HQ2/National Landing, the Pentagon, and Metro stations saves time. Short drives to Reagan National Airport help if you travel frequently.
- Lifestyle should fit your routine. You’ll find walkable dining and fitness options, private clubs, and concierge buildings in several hubs.
- Financing can be complex. Jumbo loans, cash offers, or bridge financing are common. Align your lender strategy with employer relocation benefits.
- Security and concierge support help. Use vetted movers, secure document portals, and NDAs to keep your move low profile.
Where to focus your home search
Arlington offers a mix of high-rise condos, townhomes, and single-family neighborhoods, with different tradeoffs for space, privacy, fees, and commute.
National Landing (Crystal City, Pentagon City, Potomac Yard)
You’re close to Amazon HQ2 and walkable amenities. Expect high-rise condos and new mixed-use developments with strong transit access. HOA fees and parking policies vary by building.
Rosslyn, Courthouse, and Clarendon
This corridor balances quick access to downtown DC, I-66, and lively dining. Inventory includes high-rise condos, townhomes, and some rowhouses, with variable parking and outdoor space.
Ballston and Virginia Square
A bit farther north but well connected by Metro and retail. You’ll see newer condo buildings and townhomes. Consider building financials, condo fees, and any leasing restrictions.
Arlington Ridge, Aurora Highlands, and Pentagon Row
These residential pockets offer townhouses and single-family homes with convenient access to the Pentagon and National Landing. Expect more space and privacy with a short commute.
Nearby Alexandria (Old Town, Del Ray, Potomac Yard)
Historic townhomes and a waterfront lifestyle attract executives who want character and a different vibe near National Landing. Weigh parking realities and any HOA rules in historic areas.
Suburban alternatives: McLean, Great Falls, Falls Church
If you want larger homes and lots, these options provide space and privacy with a tradeoff in commute time. You’ll likely rely on a car more often.
Your 90-day roadmap
This 12-week plan compresses search, due diligence, and closing into a tight but achievable cadence. It assumes decisive choices and prepared financing.
Weeks 0–2: Prepare and assemble your team
Focus on confidentiality, financing, and short-term housing so you can move fast.
- Retain a relocation broker with executive experience. Sign engagement and NDA documents if desired.
- Verify employer relocation benefits in writing, including deadlines and covered expenses.
- Assemble your local team: lender, broker, attorney or title company, moving company, and a concierge or settlement manager.
- Begin lender pre-qualification or organize proof of funds for cash.
- Reserve flexible short-term lodging near your likely neighborhoods.
- Build a clear wishlist: commute tolerance, bedrooms, school needs, security, building type, and privacy preferences.
Deliverables by Week 2:
- Broker engagement and NDA (if needed)
- Lender pre-qualification or proof of funds
- Relocation program documentation
- Flexible temporary housing reservation
Weeks 3–4: Recon and shortlist
Use virtual touring to narrow options before you fly in.
- Review a curated shortlist of 5–15 properties, including off-market opportunities and relevant comps.
- Complete virtual tours and collect building dossiers: HOA rules, fees, parking, pet policies, and leasing restrictions.
- Assess commute maps, Metro access, airport transfer times, and locations of key services.
- Confirm zoning or HOA rules if you may rent in the future.
- Arrange discreet preview visits for decision-makers if helpful.
Deliverables by Week 4:
- Ranked A/B/C shortlist with pros/cons and estimated closing timelines
- Virtual tour library and neighborhood briefings
Weeks 5–6: First in-person trip and focused tours
Structure showings for back-to-back comparisons and minimal downtime.
- Schedule 3–6 showings per half-day, grouping by property type and location for efficiency.
- Use evening or weekend windows for privacy and lower building traffic.
- If travel is limited, do live guided video showings.
- For condos or HOAs, obtain reserve studies, budgets, and recent meeting minutes.
- Align valuation and offer strategy with your lender and attorney, including escalation clauses and timeline options.
Deliverables by Week 6:
- Top 1–2 target properties plus a backup
- Offer strategy memo: price range, contingencies, and preferred closing date
Weeks 7–8: Offer, negotiation, and due diligence planning
Move quickly, but keep contingencies and risk in balance.
- Submit offers with confidentiality provisions and limited marketing requests when needed.
- Negotiate price, inspection periods, and seller concessions. Shorten timelines only after risk assessment.
- On acceptance, order inspections (home, pest, radon if warranted), and review HOA/condo documents.
- Coordinate appraisal, title search, and survey if required.
- Finalize bridge financing or earnest money arrangements as needed.
Deliverables by Week 8:
- Executed purchase agreement or accepted lease
- Inspection and appraisal schedule
- Firm financing plan or cash confirmation
Weeks 9–10: Inspections and underwriting
Keep underwriting and logistics moving in parallel.
- Complete inspections, review findings, and negotiate repairs or credits.
- Provide your lender with updated statements and any condo questionnaires.
- Book movers, storage, and professional cleaners; confirm building access logistics.
- For condos/townhomes, reserve elevators and verify move-in rules.
Deliverables by Week 10:
- Agreed repair plan or credit
- Final lender approval or confirmed closing funds path
Weeks 11–12: Close and execute the move
Finish strong with tight coordination and privacy.
- Conduct final walkthrough; coordinate closing with your attorney or title company.
- Confirm identity documentation and closing funds wiring process.
- Activate utilities, internet, security systems, and any concierge services.
- Arrange airport pickup if needed; register vehicles and update your address and voter registration per Virginia requirements.
- Onboard to your building or neighborhood: introductions, maintenance checks, and key local services.
Deliverables by Week 12:
- Keys in hand and move completed
- Utilities and security active
- Local contacts and a welcome packet
Financing and legal essentials
Make your financing align with speed, certainty, and your benefits package.
Pre-approval vs. proof of funds
If you’re financing, get a lender pre-approval letter to strengthen your offer. If paying cash, have current proof of funds ready for private showings and negotiations.
Jumbo and bridge loans
Expect more documentation and asset verification for jumbo lending. Bridge loans can help you buy before selling your current home. Coordinate timelines with appraisal and underwriting so your closing date is realistic.
Condo and HOA due diligence
Ask your broker for early access to HOA budgets, reserve studies, and recent meeting minutes. Watch for special assessments, tight leasing rules, or pending litigation that can affect value or financing.
Virginia closing and tax considerations
Virginia closings typically use title companies or attorneys. Your tax advisor can guide you on domicile timing, state tax implications, and how employer benefits, gross-ups, and reimbursements affect your situation.
Logistics, confidentiality, and touring strategy
Approach operations with the same discipline you bring to work. It reduces risk and saves time.
Temporary housing options
- Extended-stay hotels or corporate suites: fast, flexible, serviced; higher nightly cost.
- Serviced apartments and corporate housing: furnished with kitchens and office space; cost-effective for multi-week stays.
- Short-term furnished rentals: residential feel; quality and support vary.
- Leasebacks or short rentals: can be negotiated as part of a purchase or lease for smoother timing.
Protect your privacy
- Work with a broker who offers NDAs, off-market access, and invitation-only showings.
- Limit public marketing and photos during your search.
- Use encrypted portals for sensitive documents and confirmations.
Efficient tour cadence
- Block showings by property type and location for side-by-side comparisons.
- Use evening or weekend windows to reduce building traffic.
- Revisit top choices at different times of day to assess light and noise.
- Supplement with live remote walk-throughs for off-site stakeholders.
Service-provider checklist (Weeks 0–2)
- Relocation broker with executive client experience
- Mortgage lender or private banker experienced in jumbo and bridge loans
- Real estate attorney or title company for Virginia closings
- Licensed home inspectors with rapid availability
- Professional movers with secure storage options
- Concierge or settlement manager for setup and local introductions
- Security consultant or vetted handyman for pre-move checks
Documents to have ready
- Government ID and Social Security number
- Recent pay stubs and employment verification letter
- Last two years’ tax returns if required by your lender
- Bank and investment statements with explanations for large transfers
- Employer relocation package details
- Signed broker engagement and NDA if applicable
Next steps
If this timeline fits your goals, your next move is simple: assemble your team and start the shortlist. A senior-led, discreet search helps you move fast, negotiate confidently, and protect your time and privacy. For a confidential consultation and a curated, off-market aware plan tailored to your needs, connect with The Martin & Jeff Group.
FAQs
How long does an Arlington executive relocation typically take?
- With clear priorities and prepared financing, 90 days is achievable. Seller timelines, inspections, and underwriting can speed up or extend the schedule.
Should I rent short term first or buy right away in Arlington?
- If you need certainty and the right listing has not surfaced, secure short-term housing and keep searching. If competition is high and you have strong financing or cash, a quick purchase can work.
How can I keep my Arlington home search confidential?
- Use a broker with off-market networks, NDAs, and private showings. Limit public marketing and rely on proof-of-funds or lender letters rather than public signals.
What transportation factors matter near National Landing and the Pentagon?
- Proximity to Metro stations, walkability to amenities, and short drives to Reagan National Airport are top priorities. Verify parking availability and building rules if you own a car.
What HOA or condo risks should I watch for in Arlington?
- Look for special assessments, weak reserve funds, restrictive leasing rules, or pending litigation. Ask for financials and recent meeting minutes early to gauge building health.
