Long-distance moves can be a challenge. It’s even more challenging when you’re trying to buy a home that’s far away. While moving out of state can be a hassle, there are ways to make the process simpler. Here are the basic steps to buying a house in another state:
If you have time and means, it’s ideal to visit your new city in person. Exploring neighborhoods and going on a few home tours will help you determine what’s available. The more you can experience in person, the better.
Get a pre-approval letter from a lender first. Not only can a pre-approval give you a clear idea of how much house you can afford, it will show potential home sellers that you’re serious about your offer. Factor your budget into your financing as well, since it’s common to be approved for more than you need to pay for.
Hire a local real estate agent who can give you information remotely. Find somebody who’s tech savvy and can give video tours of homes and communicate flawlessly even across time zones. Consider shopping around for an agent, too—interviewing multiple candidates and getting personal recommendations is a great way to find the best agent.
Every state and city has its own real estate laws. There are specific rules related to zoning, inspections, property lines, deeds, disclosures and more to be aware of. Because these laws can affect your purchase process, it’s a good idea to talk to a local real estate attorney to make sure you know what to expect.
Buying a home is a complicated process and adding extra distance can make it more so. However, as long as you take these steps prior to making your purchase, you’ll have a much smoother buying experience.
Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with The Goss Real Estate Group for many years. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close.
As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley.
Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.
