Summary answer: On a $600,000 home in Arlington, expect closing costs of roughly $12,000–$18,000 for the buyer (about 2–3% of purchase price), before accounting for any prepaid items like taxes and insurance. That range is fairly typical for Northern Virginia, but Arlington's higher-than-average property tax rate and its condo-heavy market (which often adds condo association transfer/resale fees) can push your actual number toward the higher end of that range.
I'm Johnny with JQ Real Estate. Let me break down exactly what's in that number so you're not caught off guard at the closing table.
What's actually in Arlington closing costs
| Cost Category | Typical Range on $600K |
|---|---|
| Lender fees (origination, underwriting, appraisal) | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Title insurance & settlement fees | $2,500–$4,000 |
| Recording & transfer taxes | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Prepaid property taxes & insurance (escrow setup) | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Condo/HOA transfer & resale disclosure fees (if applicable) | $300–$800 |
| Home inspection | $400–$600 |
Add it up and you're typically looking at $12,000–$18,000 total — separate from your down payment.
Why Arlington runs slightly higher than other NOVA counties
Arlington's real estate tax rate sits around $1.033–$1.053 per $100 of assessed value for 2026, higher than several neighboring counties. Since your prepaid escrow amount at closing is based on this rate, it adds a bit more to your upfront number compared to a lower-tax county at the same purchase price. If you're buying a condo — which describes a large share of Arlington's $600K price point — you'll also want to budget for the HOA's transfer fee and any resale disclosure packet fee, which varies by building but typically runs a few hundred dollars.
Where buyers get surprised
- Prepaid escrow gets underestimated — buyers often budget for the "fee" side of closing costs but forget the prepaid taxes and insurance that fund your escrow account get collected at the same time
- Condo resale packets aren't optional — if you're buying in a building with an HOA, the seller is required to provide a resale disclosure packet, and the fee for that (usually paid by the seller, but sometimes negotiated) can become a point of discussion in your contract
- Rate locks and points — if you choose to buy down your rate with discount points, that adds directly to your closing costs but lowers your monthly payment long-term
Can any of this be negotiated or covered by the seller?
Yes — in a market where buyers have gained a little more leverage on price flexibility, it's reasonable to ask a seller for a closing cost credit as part of your offer, especially on a home that's sat on the market a bit longer than average. This is less common on the hottest single-family listings, where sellers have less incentive to concede anything, but it's a real lever on slower-moving inventory.
Get an exact number for your deal
These are typical ranges — your actual number depends on your specific lender, loan type, and whether you're buying a condo or single-family home. I can get you a real closing cost estimate once we've identified a specific property. Reach out and let's run the numbers.