A Guide to Buying a House in Another State

So you’ve found a house that you love, but it's in a different state. Though the process for buying it will be a bit different than if you were buying in-state, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn how you can buy an out-of-state home without too much of a hassle.

Research Early and Often

Whether you’ve decided on a specific town or just have a few areas of interest, there’s no better time than now to learn more about where you’d like to buy. Visit local realtors' sites, check social media, and browse other online listings to get an idea of the area's real estate prices and amenities. While shopping for a home remotely, you should also consider virtual tours through videos or 3D walkthroughs.

Assemble Your Team

Find a real estate agent who knows the area and has experience you can trust since they’ll be doing much of the in-person vetting for you. You’ll also want to consider contacting a relocation specialist. They take care of the logistics of making a smooth transition, such as finding a moving company, making travel arrangements, recommending schools, and more. Finally, if you prefer a new home rather than an existing structure, make sure you check each home builder's online reviews and testimonials before choosing who to work with.

Check Your Credit Report and Other Financing Concerns

Regardless of where you're moving, you'll need to have your finances in order. Check your credit report and try to pay off any outstanding bills and resolve issues to help boost your credit score. To secure financing from a lender, you'll need to provide proof of employment and a home value appraisal for the property you choose. Now is also a good time to look into insurance companies to compare homeowner insurance premiums.

Schedule a Few Visits

If possible, visit the area you’re moving to and get a feel for the different neighborhoods, restaurants, and shopping options. Figure out what you like and don’t like about the local scene. As for the home itself, you should at least be there for a walkthrough and the home inspection to have a clear idea of potential maintenance issues.

Prepare to Close

You don’t necessarily need to be there for each phase of closing on your new home, so it’s not a problem if you can’t be there in person. Working with a reputable realtor means you won’t have to worry about issues with essential documents. Electronic signature platforms like DocuSign and HelloSign make it easy to sign paperwork remotely and save time.

Buying a house in another state can be stressful, but working with experienced professionals will help put your mind at ease. Robertson Homes has been building and selling beautiful properties to buyers in Metro Detroit since 1945. We offer video appointments and virtual tours to help make home hunting even easier, and we pride ourselves on making sure everyone we work with finds a home they love. View our current listings and available communities to start looking for your dream home today!