Buying Out of State? You Need These Tips.
Buying a home can be challenging. But purchasing a home out of state? It can feel nearly impossible. But when seeing a home in person isn’t in the cards, you must decide from afar.
But lucky for you, buying a home out of state isn’t impossible. You just need a few tips & tricks, plus a real estate agent who’s got your back. Here are four essential tips for buying a home out of state.
Find a Local REALTOR®
The first objective is to find a local REALTOR®. But you shouldn’t look for just any local agent. Make sure you find someone who knows their stuff and is the right fit for you. Don’t hesitate to ask the agent to chat via phone or video conference. After all, buying a home is a deeply personal experience. You should get a feel for their expertise and personality as well!
You should want an agent who will make the real estate process as smooth as possible. After all, you don’t want to make an already difficult process more challenging. For example, I always offer to do a house walkthrough via FaceTime for my clients or provide a detailed video. It makes the process that much easier and provides peace of mind!
Create a Plan
Once you have your REALTOR®, it’s time to make a plan. Think strategically about what you want to do with your current home, how to prepare financially, and the steps to take for your move out of state.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
What’s essential in a new home?
Will you sell your current home or rent it out?
How much home can you afford?
Can you afford moving expenses?
What type of area do you want to live in?
How does your lifestyle affect the neighborhood that’s right for you?
Asking yourself these essential questions is a great way to lay the foundation for your plan! And don’t forget - your REALTOR® is here to help too!
Get Mortgage Pre-Approval
Getting pre-approval is essential to the home-buying process. It guarantees how much home you can afford and is a valuable tool for your real estate agent and you! But getting mortgage pre-approval when moving out of state can be tricky. Do you plan on selling your home or keeping it? Will your home sell before you purchase a new one? And if you’re moving for a job, you may have to show extra paperwork to your mortgage broker.
When you’ve chosen a lender, make sure that they’re aware of your situation. Be honest about why you’re moving out of state, what job you’ll have waiting for you, and whether you plan on keeping your current home if you own one.
