Shopping For A Home In Another State: Four Tips For Long-Distance Home Buyers
Posted on: 31 March 2021
Whether you are looking to relocate for a job or you simply want a change of scenery, shopping for a home in another state can bring with it a few challenges. Fortunately, there are a few strategies you can use to help find the home you want even if you can't travel to the other state frequently during the shopping and buying processes. Here are some tips you can use as you begin your out-of-state house hunt.
Hire A Buyer's Agent
A buyer's agent is a person assigned to act in the best interests of a home buyer during a real estate search and purchase. This person acts on your behalf when viewing homes and negotiating prices. If you don't feel comfortable handling all of the details from afar, hiring a buyer's agent can help you feel more confident about the process as a whole.
Explore The Neighborhood Online
When your agent notifies you that there is a property you might be interested in, take time to investigate the neighborhood as well as the property. Look at street-view pictures of the area online, and look up local businesses on review websites. Sometimes, reviewers will provide more than just information about the businesses, such as if the neighborhood seems safe or if there has been an outbreak of crime. All of these details can help you determine if a home and neighborhood are right for you.
Ask For A Live Tour
With video calling technology, it's easier than ever to tour a home without ever stepping foot in it. Ask your agent to initiate a video call when visiting a home you might be interested in, and have them take you on a live tour of the home. By doing this during a call instead of simply asking for pictures, you can direct the tour to focus on details you find important. You can request close-up shots of the flooring and closets, and you can even have the agent count the number of steps from the bedroom to the living room to help gauge just how spacious a home may be. After the call is complete, ask for a follow-up email with pictures you can use for future reference when deciding whether or not to buy.
Keep Your Weekends Free
When your agent finds a home you think you want to purchase, you'll want to take a final in-person tour of the property. Keep your weekends as free as possible, and be prepared to book plane tickets at the last minute. Your agent can schedule a viewing on a weekend so you can fly in, visit the property, and then fly back home in just a day or two. Of course, you may want to allow yourself an extra day so you can visit a few other properties or take a closer look at the neighborhood as well.
Don't feel overwhelmed by the process of buying a new home when you live out of state. With the help of a buyer's agent and a bit of research, you can find the perfect home for you and your family in a new state.
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