When you need to move to a new area because of an illness, a change in jobs, or a promotion, it can be very stressful to try and find a home as well as coordinate a move from a distance. But, it can be done, and you can find the perfect home in a new city or town. With a little organization, a little help from modern technology, and a partnership with a great real estate agent you can find the right home for you and your family. Here are some expert tips on relocating from a distance that will make your longdistance move as stress-free as possible:
Work With An Experienced Agent
An experienced real estate agent is going to be your best resource when it comes to a long distance move into a new home. Your agent can make sure that your home is in a safe and affordable neighborhood and has the amenities that you want. The agent that you work with will also be your go-to source for information on schools and other vital details you need to know about your new hometown. The first thing that you should do when you find out that you need to make a long distance move is to connect with an experienced real estate agent in the city or town that you are moving to.
Use Modern Technology
Thanks to modern technology it’s possible to tour houses just like you would be able to do in person. Your real estate agent can video chat with you and take you on a walkthrough of homes and neighborhoods. The agent can also send videos of homes and communities if video chat isn’t possible. You will be able to get a feel for the homes that you are considering buying to make sure that you are purchasing a house that your whole family will love.
Get An Inspection
Having an inspection done is always a good idea before buying a home, but it’s essential before purchasing a home long distance. A video walkthrough can give you the sense of the space and feel that a house has, but only a professional inspection will make sure that there are no glaring problems with the home. Even if you can do a home walkthrough in person, you still should have a professional inspection done.
An inspection will give you an early warning if there are any potential problems with the home or things that need to be fixed. When you have a professional inspection done, you won’t have to worry about moving into a money pit that is going to require major repairs like a new roof or a new electrical system. A professional inspection doesn’t cost much and will give you peace of mind, which is priceless.
Stay Organized
When you are relocating, and seeing homes on video tours and walkthroughs it’s easy to become confused about which houses you liked and which houses had different features and amenities. You can avoid that confusion by staying organized. This system, which was recommended by a military spouse who frequently had to move her family long distances, is a great way to keep your house hunting organized:
Get a large three-ring binder and a box of plastic protective sheets and paper tabs. Place the protective sheets in the binder. Divide the binder into three sections and use the tabs to label the sections “YES,” “MAYBE,” and “NO.”For each house that your real estate agent shows you print off photos, a location map, and one-sheet for the home that includes the dimensions and the price. Put all of that information into one of the protective sheets, along with a sheet of paper on which you wrote notes during the video walkthrough. Put the page into the appropriate section. If you loved the house, it goes into the “YES” section. It goes in the “MAYBE” section if you liked it, but you didn’t love it, and it goes in the “NO” section if you don’t want to consider that home. Keeping track of the houses that you didn’t like as well the ones you did like will make your decision easier.
Keep Copies Of Everything
When closing on a new home, you will have to get utilities turned on and many other small tasks. If you’re not local to the house, make sure to keep copies of all documents. This includes financial reports, closing papers, birth certificates, and anything else you have needed. After you find out you are moving, one of the first things that you should do is order several official notarized copies of all of your important documents and your partner’s important documents. Keep them in a binder or a folder and keep that with you, so you always have those essential papers within reach if you need to mail or fax a copy of something to someone.
Have Someone You Trust Visit Homes You Are Considering
This isn’t always possible. But, if you are moving into an area where you have family members or friends that you trust have them accompany your agent on home walkthroughs so that they can give you a firsthand impression of the house that you’re considering buying. Photos and videos are fantastic tools, but they can’t express if a home has a weird smell or an odd vibe. Having someone that you trust go to see the houses that you’re considering is an excellent way to verify that the home is as perfect as it seems in pictures or videos.
Relocating and buying a home from another state or far away is always going to be a little stressful, but if you use these tips and rely on an experienced agent, the move will go a lot more smoothly.
