Purchasing a home from out of state can just add complication to an already complicated and stressful process. Unfortunately, sometimes this is your only option if you’re presented with a situation like you or your spouse relocating for work or family.

The reasons that purchasing your home in a different state than you reside in are:

• You may not be familiar with the area
• You cannot scope out the neighborhood completely
• Being present for inspections and walkthroughs can be difficult
• Open house attendance is almost impossible
• It’s hard to get a real feel for the city you are considering

Buying a home from out of state is not impossible, however. If you approach the process in the right way and utilize the correct resources, you can successfully pull it off. Let’s take a look below at some tips that may prove useful during the process.

Choose Your Agent Wisely

Choosing the right real estate agent is always important, but it can be even more crucial when you are trying to purchase a home out of state and you aren’t familiar with the area or able to be physically present as often as you’d like. Be sure to select a realtor that you are comfortable with, that seems to understand your priorities, that has good reviews, who has knowledge of the area’s market and who communicates well and regularly with you.

Research Everything

While you should have a good realtor in your pocket to help you research and determine the best fit for your needs, you’ll also want to do plenty of your own research during this time as well. Utilize the internet and read reviews, look at statistics, and read up on local news. You should also speak with shop owners and neighbors when you are in town to get a scope on the area you are considering.

Join a Local Social Media Group

On social media you can find groups set up for particular neighborhoods, states, and cities; in these groups, you’ll find residents discussing current events, problems, etc. and you can really get a good feel for the vibe of the area you are considering. It’s also a good chance to open dialogue with residents to gauge their true feelings on the neighborhood.

Watch for Scams

Scams can be abundant when it comes to out of state shoppers. Be extra wary of every interaction you have, especially since you aren’t physically there. A lot of scam situations can be avoided if you go into the process with an experienced and licensed realtor.

Pay Attention to Details

Watch how things are worded, take heed in the way a listing is presented, and listen to the way people are speaking to you about a listing; listening carefully and paying attention to things that feel like red flags can help you avoid potentially bad situations.

Speak to a Relocation Specialist

A CRP, or certified relocation specialist, is someone who specializes in helping individuals make long distance moves. These agents can help you secure the right realtor, put you in touch with a local mortgage company, help find a good moving company, and navigate which area might work best for you. These services are typically free since the CRP’s make their money off referrals.

Prioritize Your In-Person Visits

Understandably, you won’t be able to be there in person usually for every thing that goes on with your home purchase; however, there are certain things you should be present for such as the inspection and the closing. These days are imperative to your home purchase, and in case you have questions or if there are problems, it’s best you are present to make decisions.