How Do I Buy a Home in Another State?
Between finding a home and packing to move across state lines, things can get pretty stressful. In fact, the thought of moving alone is sometimes so overwhelming that it’s hard to figure out where to even begin.
Uncertainty about your new surroundings, distance, and money are huge stressors, and they may have you asking yourself one very big question: “How do I buy a home in another state?”
Well, it may not be as easy as in-state buying, but buying a home in another state is possible, and we have some advice to help you along your way!
(Selling your home for the first time? Check out our FAQs!)
Plan a Trip
Not everyone has this luxury, but if you do, it can really pay off. Getting a feel for your new town or city can help you determine where you and your family would fit in best. Some people prefer the city, some people prefer the suburbs, and some like something kind of in-between. The internet can only tell you so much, and it can be very misleading – don’t trust it! Even just a short weekend trip will provide you with a plethora of information.
Hire a Realtor
It’s simple – when you are not physically in your city, you need someone on your side. As a realtor in Alabama, I’ve walked into quite a few homes after viewing their pictures online. The walkthrough is almost always disappointing. Houses tend to be smaller than they appear, and in much worse shape.
By hiring a real estate agent that you trust, you gain insider access to the homes you are interested in. Realtors can take videos, close up pictures, and written notes to relay back to you to help you make the best decision.
When it comes to time to hire a realtor let ARC Realty help! We are members of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World which is a network of the world’s finest real estate firms.
Through this network we can pair you with a knowledgeable and experienced realtor in your new city.
Choose a Lender Wisely
It’s very important to choose a lender wisely, especially if you may be moving again. Shop around with lenders who are easy to access from any location, or who have branches in multiple states. By choosing a lender who is easy to reach, you will save yourself stress further down the line. If something were to go wrong in your contract, you need to be able to talk to your lender immediately. Additionally, you may want to refinance or lower your interest rate after a few years. This will make that process much easier.
Are you looking to move to Birmingham, Alabama, from out of state or to relocate elsewhere?
ARC Realty can help! Start your worldwide property search today!