Long Distance House Hunting

There are several reasons you might need to move. There may be a sick parent you may have to care for, a job transition, a health issue or you may not be able to afford where you live. In addition to all the anxieties you are facing with the decision to move, one of the hardest parts is finding a new home in the area you are moving to. To move to a new city, you will need a plan. What steps will you need to take so you can efficiently move long distance?

Homework

Many factors will make up your decision on where you will live. Obvious ones like how close your home will be to where you are working, where the schools are, and how close you are to grocery stores and gas stations. You should also research other things crime rates, churches, school rankings, weather and even pollution. The internet can give you a lot of information, but they can’t give you the feel for the area. The best thing to do is contact a local real estate agent with a list of questions. They are always very familiar with the area and will know the best neighborhoods for your needs.

Travel Budget

As much as the internet and even a local real estate agent can tell you, it isn’t everything. You will probably need to visit the area at least a few times. Create a budget that will allow you to visit for a weekend or more, so you can get to know the area. With the help of a real estate agent, they can set you up appointments for you while you are in the area. They can help you find the right builders that will work for you. While you might only have a few planned visits to the area, you should also have a budget for unplanned visits, when someone needs to have you present.

Your List of Must Have’s

When you are trying to buy from afar, it is best to plan the things you must have, things you might have and would love to have. For instance, it might be nice to have three garages, and two sinks, but it might be a requirement for you to have four bedrooms. Make sure you and your family are all on the same page, so you aren’t wasting time looking for homes that aren’t in your price range, or don’t have the number of rooms you need for your family. The more prepared you are, the more efficient you are when it comes to finding the home for you.

Ease the transition

Every decision you make will have some uncertainty. Buying a home will be one of the most significant choices you form and can be full of anxiety. If you aren’t comfortable buying a home sight unseen, there are a few things you can do. One is to have your agent put a clause in the contract where you need to be at least able to view the property before you complete the sale. If you haven’t been able to find a home that works for you, you can always rent a place short term, so you can look when you move to the area.

There is a lot of pressure when looking for a home long distance. However, if you prepare, it will make the process a lot easier. 

https://www.zillow.com/blog/tips-long-distance-house-hunting-209421/