Your offer just got accepted. Now the big question hits: how long until you get the keys in Arlington. You want a clear timeline so you can plan movers, rate locks, and time off without surprises. In this guide, you’ll see what a typical closing looks like in Arlington, what can speed it up or slow it down, and the simple steps that keep you on track. Let’s dive in.
Typical closing timeline in Arlington
Most financed purchases in Arlington close in about 30–45 days from contract ratification when things go smoothly. If you are fully prepared, you can sometimes close in 21–30 days. Closings that stretch beyond 45 days usually involve condo resale packets that arrive late, loans that need more documentation, appraisal issues, title problems, or agreed-on possession windows.
One timing rule matters for every loan: your lender must deliver your Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before you sign. This is a federal requirement and it sets a hard sequence for everyone to follow.
Key steps from contract to keys
Days 0–3: Apply and submit documents
Act fast once you ratify. Submit a full loan application and upload pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, ID, and the signed sales contract right away. Early action helps your lender start underwriting, order the appraisal, and set a realistic rate lock window.
Inspection period: usually 5–10 days
In Northern Virginia, inspection contingency windows are commonly 5–10 calendar days. You will book your general home inspection and, if you choose, specialty inspections like radon or termite/wood-destroying organism. If you request repairs or credits, build in time for negotiations. If the seller agrees to repairs, scheduling licensed contractors can push timelines.
Appraisal: about 1–3 weeks
After your lender orders the appraisal, scheduling and review typically take 7–21 days from order to final lender sign-off. The appraiser visits, completes the report, and the lender reviews it. If value comes in lower than the contract price, you may need to renegotiate, request a reconsideration of value, or bring additional cash, which can add days or weeks.
Condo or HOA documents: 1–21 days
Condo resales are common in Arlington, and association documents can be a pacing item. The seller or their agent usually requests the resale package from the association or management company. Turnaround varies from a few days to 2+ weeks. Lenders and title companies rely on these documents to confirm insurance, fees, rules, and building financials.
Underwriting to clear-to-close: about 1–3 weeks
Once your file is complete, underwriting typically takes 7–21 days to reach clear-to-close. Expect conditional approvals at first. Respond quickly to requests for updated pay stubs, gift documentation, or explanations. Slower responses reopen conditions and extend the timeline.
Title search and commitment: days to two weeks
Your title company starts immediately, searching for liens, judgments, or issues in the chain of title. Most commitments arrive within a few days to a couple of weeks. Any exceptions or liens must be cleared before closing.
Closing, funding, and recording
When you have clear-to-close and your Closing Disclosure has been delivered at least 3 business days prior, you can sign. After signing, the lender funds, and the settlement agent records the deed and deed of trust with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk. Recording often occurs the same day or within 24–72 hours, depending on workflow. Keys release per the contract.
What can delay your closing
Delays are common, but you can plan around them. Here are the big ones to watch:
- Slow or incomplete lender documentation. Late income or asset documents can reopen underwriting and add days to weeks. Prepare everything before ratification.
- Condo or HOA packets. Associations can take 1–2+ weeks to deliver documents. Ask the seller side to order them immediately, and use any available expedite.
- Low appraisal. If the value comes in under contract, you may need to renegotiate, submit a reconsideration, or bring cash. Budget 1–2+ weeks to resolve in tight cases.
- Title issues. Old liens, judgments, or gaps in the chain of title must be cleared before closing. Timing varies by issue and payoff processing.
- Repair scheduling. If the seller will fix items, contractor availability can push your date. Credits can be faster than on-site work.
- Rate locks and volatile markets. If you lock too short and closing slips, you may pay to extend. Choose a lock that aligns with the realistic timeline.
- Seasonal backlogs. In the spring market, appraisers and lenders are busy. Build in a little cushion if you are closing in peak season.
Arlington-specific timing tips
Arlington’s mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes adds a few local wrinkles:
- Condo-heavy market. Expect HOA or condo resale documents to be one of the most common pacing items. Get them ordered right away.
- Inspection norms. General home inspections are standard, and radon and termite/WDO tests are common in the region. Schedule early to avoid bottlenecks.
- Competitive submarkets. In multiple-offer situations, you may see shorter inspection windows or faster closings. Understand the trade-offs before compressing your timeline.
- Recording patterns. After funding, recording with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk often happens the same day or within 24–72 hours. Plan key exchange and move-ins around that window.
How to speed up your closing
For buyers
- Get full pre-approval, not just prequalification. Provide income, assets, and ID early so underwriting can move fast.
- Choose a responsive local lender. Ask for expected turn times and a clear communication plan.
- Book inspections immediately. Line up radon and termite/WDO tests at the same time if you want them.
- If buying a condo, coordinate the resale packet. Ask the seller side to order it right after ratification and follow up if it stalls.
- Align your rate lock to reality. If you expect 30–45 days, lock to cover it and discuss extension costs.
- Respond fast to lender conditions. Same-day replies keep you from slipping past your target date.
For sellers
- Have disclosures and condo contacts ready. If you are selling a condo, order the packet early if your contract allows.
- Resolve obvious title items up front. Clear unpaid assessments or open permits where possible.
- Consider credits instead of repairs. Credits can keep the date intact when contractor timing is tight.
Sample timelines you can expect
Streamlined 30-day closing
- Day 0: Contract ratified.
- Days 0–2: Full loan application and documents submitted.
- Days 1–7: Inspections completed and decisions on repairs.
- Days 3–10: Lender orders appraisal; site visit around days 7–10.
- Days 10–17: Underwriting review and condition clearing.
- Days 18–24: Clear-to-close; Closing Disclosure issued, 3-business-day clock starts.
- Days 25–30: Settlement, funding, recording, and keys per contract.
Common 45-day closing
- Day 0: Ratification.
- Days 0–3: Loan application submitted.
- Days 1–10: Inspections and repair negotiations.
- Days 3–14: Condo or HOA packet requested, may take 7–21 days.
- Days 7–21: Appraisal completed and reviewed; lender also reviews HOA docs.
- Days 14–30: Underwriting conditions resolved.
- Days 31–42: Clear-to-close; Closing Disclosure delivered, 3-business-day wait.
- Days 43–45+: Settlement and recording.
Can you move your closing up
Sometimes. If your lender is ready, the title work is clear, the condo packet has arrived, and you have met the 3-business-day Closing Disclosure rule, you can often bring the date forward. This requires quick responses from everyone and no outstanding conditions.
Plan your move with confidence
If you plan for 30–45 days from contract to closing in Arlington, you will be in line with most deals. The biggest variables are condo documents, appraisal, and fast responses to your lender. Set a realistic rate lock, answer lender requests quickly, and keep a close eye on HOA documents if you are buying a condo.
When you want a clear path from contract to keys, and a trusted advisor who can coordinate the moving parts, reach out to Dallen Russell. Book a free consultation and get a tailored timeline for your purchase.
FAQs
How long does closing usually take in Arlington
- Most financed purchases close in about 30–45 days, and a well-prepared buyer can sometimes close in 21–30 days.
What is the inspection timeline in Northern Virginia
- Inspection contingencies are commonly 5–10 calendar days, with optional radon and termite/WDO tests often scheduled during the same window.
Who orders the condo or HOA resale packet
- The seller or their agent typically orders it from the association or management company, and delivery can range from a few days to 2+ weeks.
What if the appraisal comes in low
- You can renegotiate, bring additional cash, or request a reconsideration of value, and each option may add days to weeks to your timeline.
What is the 3-business-day rule before closing
- Your lender must deliver your Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before you sign, which creates a hard timing block for scheduling settlement.
When are documents recorded and keys released in Arlington
- After funding, the settlement agent records with the Arlington County Circuit Court, often the same day or within 24–72 hours, and keys release per your contract.
