What to Do Before Buying a Home Out of State

Long-distance moves can be a challenge. It’s even more challenging when you’re trying to buy a home that’s far away. While moving out of state can be a hassle, there are ways to make the process simpler. Here are the basic steps to buying a house in another state:

Visit If Possible

If you have time and means, it’s ideal to visit your new city in person. Exploring neighborhoods and going on a few home tours will help you determine what’s available. The more you can experience in person, the better.

Secure Your Financing

Get a pre-approval letter from a lender first. Not only can a pre-approval give you a clear idea of how much house you can afford, it will show potential home sellers that you’re serious about your offer. Factor your budget into your financing as well, since it’s common to be approved for more than you need to pay for.

Find a Local Agent

Hire a local real estate agent who can give you information remotely. Find somebody who’s tech savvy and can give video tours of homes and communicate flawlessly even across time zones. Consider shopping around for an agent, too—interviewing multiple candidates and getting personal recommendations is a great way to find the best agent.

Research Local Real Estate Laws

Every state and city has its own real estate laws. There are specific rules related to zoning, inspections, property lines, deeds, disclosures and more to be aware of. Because these laws can affect your purchase process, it’s a good idea to talk to a local real estate attorney to make sure you know what to expect.

Buying a home is a complicated process and adding extra distance can make it more so. However, as long as you take these steps prior to making your purchase, you’ll have a much smoother buying experience.