Buying a Home in Another State? 6 Tips for Long Distance House Hunting
A cross-country move can be adventurous, while at the same time it can be a bit stressful. You have to find a home, a moving company, possibly new schools; though you’re also getting so much “new” to look forward to. So don’t let stress get the best of you. Before moving to another state, calm your nerves with help from long distance preparation.
Tips for buying a house out of state
1. Learn about the cost of living
Maybe it’s a new job opportunity that has you buying a house in another state. You’re offered a much higher salary, so all seems doable and incredibly exciting. But wait. Where is this move taking you, and what does the cost of living look like?
For those of you who may not already know this, cost of living takes your salary, utilities, healthcare, housing, food, and entertainment, etc. into consideration when determining how much money is needed to live in a given city.
Related: Saving money by downsizing your home
According to Smartasset.com, if you’re a family of four moving from Omaha to Denver, you can expect a 6% increase in the cost of living and an 11% increase in taxes.* Or maybe you’re an individual considering a move to the booming markets of Seattle or Boston.
Your location options are endless, so it may be a better idea to send you to a cost of living calculator like the one shared on CNNMoney.
*Tax determination in this example considers federal, state, and local taxes.
2. Research neighborhoods
Maybe it’s a new climate, time zone, or landscape you’re looking to move to. You want to trade in that high rise condo for a quaint abode with a mountainous view. But wait. What does your budget look like? Can you afford two homes? Will you sell your first home before buying a home out of state? If you're renting, will you be able to sublet your apartment or condo before the move?
Looking to sell before you buy? — check out our four strategies on how to avoid two mortgages.
As you think through the answers to the above questions, you also need to prioritize what’s most important to you: the scenery, having a spare bedroom, the shortest commute to work, etc. Do you have kids? You may want to find a neighborhood near the highest-ranked school districts. No matter your situation, the best way to handle buying a home in another state is to prioritize what’s most important to you in a house and neighborhood. Then take that list and start your research to see what makes sense. Just don’t forget about your budget. Can you afford the lifestyle you desire, or do you need to make edits to your list of priorities? Are you looking to buy right away, or rent for a bit?
An easy way to complete your research is by interacting with local social media groups. Most metropolitans have Facebook “homes for sale” groups. They also have local parent groups. Both are easy-to-use options where you can communicate with the locals to better understand neighborhoods and the cost of living.
Quick guide: Is now a good time to buy a home?
3. Create a moving checklist
Don’t forget to keep organized throughout the chaos that is cross-country moving. After all, you’re not just buying a home in another state, but also searching for new doctors, health clubs, insurance providers, etc. You’ll have to register your vehicle, set up new utilities, and of course, you’ll have to cancel all of those things once you embark on the journey to your new hometown.
The best way to stay on top of things: a moving checklist. You can easily create and stay on top of deadlines. And, you’re sure not to forget any necessary tasks.
You could also think about hiring a relocation specialist. These folks are invaluable resources when it comes to moving, regardless of where you're at in the process. Best of all, you won't be charged a dime.
4. Hire the right moving company
Know that moving to another state may mean weeks for your stuff to be delivered. So you want to get moving on your moving company right away. Get an in-home estimate to determine costs and to gain a better understanding of delivery dates. If you can be flexible when it comes to arrival date, you may be able to save some money.
You’ll also want to allow yourself enough time to purge unnecessary clutter and to organize the essential items. Most of your moving price is based on the weight of your belongings and the space they take up in the truck. So don’t take everything with you and plan to sort through it once you get to your destination — it’s not worth the extra fees!
To better prepare yourself on what else you should know when interviewing moving companies, take a look at this FAQ resource from Allied Movers.
Just don’t forget to consider any cost savings that moving on your own may offer. If you don’t have too much stuff, there’s always the option to rent a moving truck (like U Haul, Budget, or Penske).
5. Work with a local real estate agent
Finding a buyer's agent in another state can be difficult, but it's an important step in the moving process. The buyer's agents will form a fiduciary relationship with the buyer and negotiate on the buyer's behalf.
You’re going to want to interview a few agents, and you’re going to want to seek out referrals or customer reviews. A great way to find the best fit is by asking the right questions. Once you find the right agent, you can make significant progress in your home search.
Even before you’re in town and able to see houses your agent can email new listings and price reductions directly from MLS. Many of these listings will contain a virtual tour and additional photographs. You can also take advantage of Google Street View. It’s a convenient way to scan neighborhoods of houses you may be interested in so you can get a picture of what everything looks like. You’re able to see neighboring homes, shopping centers, and local highways which can be very helpful when considering your work commute.
A reputable agent should be more than willing to walk you through how to buy a house in a different state. They're here for you, and when the time comes, they’re going to help you through the offer and negotiating stages, so you have the highest chances of making that dream house your next home.
6. Get mortgage pre-approval
What’s as important as hiring a local real estate agent? That’s right; it’s checking your credit score and seeking mortgage pre-approval. And it can — and should — be done before you have a house picked out. You need to ensure you have a healthy credit score to obtain the most competitive interest rates. It’s the easiest way to make sure you’re receiving the most significant savings. How? It’s simple. The better your credit, the lower your interest rate, and the less you spend on paying your mortgage back.
Estimate your mortgage payments. Try our monthly mortgage payment calculator.
And don’t forget, that mortgage pre-approval letter is going to provide you a pretty clear estimate of how much house you can afford. Better yet, it’s going to make that offer on your dream home stand out amongst the competition.
Once you’re ready for that mortgage pre-approval step, be sure to reach out to one of our mortgage consultants. We have access to every loan in the industry, making us one of the premier out of state mortgage lenders. Give us a call on your schedule, including nights and weekends: (800) 910-4055.
