While moving to a different state can often be a fresh new start, purchasing a home in a destination where you don't currently live can be stressful. You may not have the luxury of touring open houses, viewing homes that have just been listed, or driving by the neighborhood at different times of day. If you can visit the area and spend some time driving around and touring homes, that is ideal. If you're not able to easily visit the new city, finding some great resources to help you along the way will make the process less stressful.

Here are a few tips on purchasing a home in a different state:

Find a great real estate agent  – When relocating to a different state, it is extremely important that your real estate agent be someone that you trust to guide you through the process. Spend time vetting agents and ask for recommendations from anyone you know in the area to make sure you find someone who fits your needs.

Do ample research on the area  – While it's important to research any new area you move to, doing extensive research before moving to a new state is crucial. Your real estate agent should be able to help guide you to the right areas, but asking friends, family, new co-workers, and your social media sphere are great ways to gain insight about different neighborhoods.

Get a second opinion on the house  – Sometimes moving to a new state can mean that you aren't able to physically see the home yourself. If this is the case, try to find someone you trust to go see the house and give you their honest opinion. If this isn't possible, make sure that your real estate agent is able to take you on a tour via video or Facetime through the house and ask as many questions as possible.

Make it to the inspection  – If you can make it to the home inspection, you should be there. While photos on the inspection report are helpful, nothing compares to seeing the home in person and any problems that arise. Being at the home will allow you to more fully evaluate any concerns and create a plan to fix them.

Hire a specialist  – If you are having trouble finding a great real estate agent or gathering the information you need, consider hiring a relocation specialist. A specialist will be able to not only help you find a real estate agent, but they can also give you information about the area and help provide additional services such as movers, home inspectors, and more.

For more tips on purchasing a home out of state  click here.

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