#1
Let’s Find Your Perfect Home
Choose a Topic Below for Important Buyer Information
Getting Ready To Invest In Arlington Real Estate
Investing in rental properties in Arlington, Virginia, is not just a smart financial move—it’s an opportunity to build lasting wealth in one of the country’s most vibrant markets. With a median rent of $2,700 as of January 2025, Arlington offers incredible rental demand, driven by its prime location near Washington, D.C., a booming job market, and top-tier amenities that attract high-quality tenants. If you’re serious about creating a sustainable income stream and building equity, Arlington is the place to be.
But real estate success starts with preparation. Before you dive in, ensure your finances are rock solid. Keep your credit score high and avoid major financial changes like new loans or large purchases. Pre-approval is your best friend—it not only tells you what you can afford but also signals to sellers that you’re a serious investor. Partnering with a lender who specializes in investment properties will make this process seamless, setting you up for success from the start.
The next step? Do your homework. Arlington’s neighborhoods vary in rental demand, tenant demographics, and appreciation potential. Understanding these trends can help you zero in on the perfect property for your investment goals. And don’t forget the numbers—metrics like the 40% rule (half your rental income goes to expenses) and the 1% rule (monthly rent equals 1% of the purchase price) can help ensure your property is a cash-flow winner.
Of course, the property itself matters, too. Never skip an inspection—it’s your safeguard against hidden issues that could eat into your profits. And make sure you’re familiar with local laws, zoning rules, and tenant regulations. A good investment doesn’t just look good on paper; it complies with every regulation to keep your operations smooth and stress-free.
Here’s where having the right partner comes in. A seasoned realtor is your secret weapon for navigating Arlington’s competitive market. They provide insider knowledge to pinpoint high-potential properties, negotiate deals that maximize your returns, and connect you with their network of trusted lenders, inspectors, and property managers. A realtor is your ally in doing the heavy lifting, so you can focus on growing your portfolio.
Arlington offers everything an investor dreams of—strong rental income, reliable tenant demand, and appreciation potential. With the right strategy and a dedicated team by your side, you can confidently grow your wealth through real estate. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today and let’s find the perfect property for your investment goals.
Sign up today with RentWise Property Management and let’s work together to make your investment work harder for you!
Other Things To Consider
Get Your Financials in Order
Now is not a good time to make sudden career changes or large purchases. You want to approach your property purchase from a position of financial stability. Large purchases or loans can affect your credit and balance sheet in a way that can limit your buying options. Your credit score will hold a significant impact on the type of property you can buy, your interest rate and overall property price. We can work with one of our preferred lenders to get an updated credit to know exactly where it stands. The lender will research your credit ratings from the three credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. We are happy to recommend seasoned, knowledgeable lenders in the residential, construction, and commercial and investment real estate fields.
Organize Your Finances
When it’s time to make an offer, you’ll want to know you’re fully prepared to close the deal. In order to avoid delays, bidding wars, or conflicts, preparing your financials is crucial.
- Bank accounts
- Recent pay stubs
- Check Your Credit Rating
- Financial statements
- Investments
- Tax returns for two years
- Credit cards
- Auto and other loans
- Copies of leases for investment properties
- 401K statements, life insurance, stocks, bonds, and mutual account information
Pre-Qualified Vs. Pre-Approved
The difference is the verification process lenders use to determine how much you qualify for. With a pre-qualification, lenders rely on self-reported information to offer you a quote. It doesn’t typically require them to verify your credit, employment, or financial documentation. On the other hand, pre-approval involves verifications to approve you for a mortgage loan. Lenders review your credit, verify your employment, and look at financial documentation, like pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns.
A pre-approval is a stronger indication to the seller that the offer is solid and will close.
Get In Touch
Tips For Buying The Perfect Home
Don’t Max Out Your Budget
Just because you’ve been approved for a max amount, doesn't mean you should spend it all on the home's sale price. You will want to set some of that aside for closing costs, taxes and potential home repairs or remodeling.
Get To Know The Area
Make sure the neighborhood works for you and your family - are you close to schools and is shopping conveniently located? Location is important because it’s the one feature that can’t be changed.
Don’t Skip The Inspection
Inspections are worth their weight in gold and will draw attention to problems you may not otherwise see, giving you peace of mind and letting you make more informed decisions about your purchase.
Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved by a lender lets the seller know you are serious and ready to purchase a home and that you are not just window shopping. Check out our list of recommended lenders here.
Make a List of Deal Breakers
Know what you can live with and what you cannot live without and also those things that can be taken care of with a simple remodel. If you need a 4 bedroom home, don't buy one with 2 that requires a massive addition which can break your budget.
Look At The Age Of Appliances & Other Systems
Some of the most expensive features of a home are Appliances, HVAC, Hot Water Heater, Septic/Well, and Roof. You should pay attention to their age and whether they have required service. You may even be able to get the seller to add a home warranty.
Check For HOA Requirements
Most neighborhoods have HOAs that govern what you can and can't do - be sure you know what the rules are for your neighborhood, and the fees associated with having an HOA. They are usually listed as annual fees.
ONE PARTNER FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESATE NEEDS
What Price Range Can I Afford?
Resources For Arlington Home Buyers
The journey to homeownership starts by understanding how much you can afford. One major thing to consider is your down payment, if any. Many consumers believe it's impossible to buy a home without at least 20 percent down. But thanks to various government-sponsored programs, many people can now buy a house with as little as 3.5 percent toward a down payment. Veterans of the U.S. military have zero-down programs available.
Finding a knowledgable Mortgage Loan Officer is key to recieving the most up-to-date information on available lending options. Feel free to check out or vetted list of preffered lenders below - or, if you just want to run some quick rough numbers, check out our free mortgage calculator.
choose a location Areas we serve.
- Arlington
- Georgetown
- Fairfax
- Alexandria
- McLean and Great Falls
- Cleveland Park
- Falls Church
- Ashburn
- Woodbridge
- New York City
- Washington- D.C.v