Real World Tips For Buying A House Out Of State
I’m no stranger to helping out-of-state buyers find a home. In fact, I’m an Alabama ex-pat myself, hailing from Oslo, Norway. I made the move to Alabama back in 2017 with my husband, who’s an Alabama original. We moved to spend some time with our family and friends here in the south, leading to a new home in the Crestline community of Birmingham, Alabama, and a new career in real estate.
Since then, I’ve helped dozens of people make a home in the Birmingham area, and I’m happy to help you, too! So whether you’re moving out of state for family, a new job, or a new adventure, here are my four essential tips for out-of-state buyers.
Choose a Local Real Estate Agent
This one should be obvious, but let’s dive into it anyway. Before you even begin looking at homes, make sure you’re working with a REALTOR® that knows real estate and gets you, too. They should be an expert in their local market but also be able to meet you where you are by providing you with all the information you need and keeping you updated.
When working with out-of-state buyers, I’ve not only chatted with them over the phone but via video conference, too. I provide a local market analysis showing what homes have typically sold for and provide practical information about neighborhoods. I work to put my buyers at ease, up to date, and I work hard for them every step of the way.
Research Your New Home State
Before you make the move, make sure you know where you’re moving. When researching your new home state, start with the local chamber of commerce or have a chat with your REALTOR® about different resources. During your research, pay special attention to the cost of living, attractions, and culture.
Your research should also focus on potential neighborhoods that you can call home. For example, the City of Birmingham comprises 99 individual neighborhoods, and Birmingham Metro has several different cities, so finding one to call home may be overwhelming. First, start by making a list of what you’d like in a neighborhood. Walkability? Great schools? Local nightlife? Maybe a park? All these attributes can aid in narrowing down your search.
Request Video Walkthroughs
A picture may say a thousand words, but a video really says it all. If you can’t physically see the home in person, ask for a video walkthrough. Your agent can record a video of the home, send it to you, and have a chat about what you think. And if they’re a great REALTOR®, like me, they’ll FaceTime you and do a real-time walkthrough of the home so you can ask questions as you go!
