Moving out is a stressful situation that most of us are familiar with. Add to that a location that is hundreds of miles away and it can be an extremely overwhelming process. Here are five helpful tips that can alleviate the stress of searching for a house long-distance.
Find a Top-Rated REALTOR®
It is hard enough searching for a house locally, so do yourself a favor and find a top-rated REALTOR® who knows the area where you are looking to move. Find a REALTOR® who really knows the ins and outs of the area so that you can make an informed decision. Chances are, you have no clue what any particular neighborhood is like in that new city. You can search all day long online and find a house that looks like a perfect fit, but it may not be as perfect as you want it to be. Having a REALTOR® who has been in the area for many years will give you an edge for the housing market you are researching.
Do Some Digging
Don’t feel like you have to leave it all up to a REALTOR®. You know what you like, so do some of your own research to see what kind of neighborhood matches up with your needs. Using things such as Google maps can allow you to view areas via satellite imaging so you can gain a better visual of the area. If your REALTOR® can set up a home tour, you can also utilize apps such as FaceTime to view potential homes remotely.
Establish Your Needs and Wants
Have a good talk with your loved ones to establish your needs for a home. Focus on what you absolutely have to have (ie. number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of kitchen, etc.) and make a list of the potential deal-breakers too. Think about your willingness to renovate and even look into the schools your children would be attending. There are a lot of considerations that go into home buying, so it may take several sessions to work out the all the details.
Set a Realistic Budget
Keep an open mind about a budget, but still set a specific amount of money you are willing to spend on a house. Housing markets vary greatly from state to state, and you will probably find better deals on houses that are just a little bit further out from the urban cities. Take a look at listings in the area you’re going to move to get a good feel for typical price points. Also consider the cost of gas, groceries, childcare, and other factors in your overall budget.
Plan an In-Person Visit to Your New City
Before making a final decision on a home, be sure to plan a trip to see the area in-person. Plan a time with your REALTOR® so they can show you around different neighborhoods that fit within your budget. If time allows, plan multiple trips to your new city to avoid feelings of regret soon after you move. You want to make sure that the house fits your needs, and that the area makes you and your family feel at home.
