7 Steps to Buy a House Out of State

Whether you’re relocating for a new job, moving closer to family, or seeking a fresh start in a different state, buying a home from afar is easier than ever. Thanks to technology, you can explore neighborhoods, tour homes virtually, and connect with real estate agents—all without leaving your current location.

Before diving into the home search, get pre-approved for a mortgage. A mortgage pre-approval helps you set a clear budget, check your credit score, and show sellers you’re serious when making an offer.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the 7 key steps to buying a house out of state with confidence.

1. Assess Your Moving Situation

The first step toward moving out of state is to assess your situation. What’s your timeframe, and what resources are you working with? For example, if you’re moving for a new job, your employer may reimburse certain moving expenses. In some cases, they may even help you arrange for movers or other services.

It is also important to understand the reason behind your move. Knowing why you are relocating will help you choose the best community and home for your needs.

Why do you want to move to a new state?

The majority of Americans move out of state due to a job change. According to data from United Van Lines, 40% of movers relocated for a new job last year, while about a quarter moved to be closer to family.

Other reasons you might consider moving out of state include:

• To start a family
• To enjoy an area’s specific culture or values
• To explore a hobby or interest
• For a change of climate/weather
• For better home prices or housing availability

Whatever the reason, use it to help guide your move and focus on the perfect community for your home purchase.

When do you want to move?

Determine your timetable next. According to Bellhops, 90% of people move within a month of deciding to do so. Decide if you want to move quickly or take a slower approach, and discuss this with your family to set a realistic timeline.

Keep in mind that buying a house can take several weeks or months, depending on the market and other factors. The timeline also depends on whether you are looking for a move-in ready home or need time to work with your mortgage lender. Some mortgage lenders process loans faster than others.

2. Get Pre-Approved

Getting pre-approved for your mortgage is an essential first step in the house-hunting process. Pre-approvals give you an idea of how much you can borrow and show home sellers that you are a serious buyer.

As important as mortgage pre-approval is, don’t forget your budget. The amount you want to afford may differ from the maximum pre-approved loan. Sticking to an accurate budget will help you enjoy many stress-free years in your new home.

3. Research Your New Home State

Now it’s time to do some research. Before starting your house hunt, gather information about your new state and community. Start with the city’s chamber of commerce website, local newspapers, neighborhood forums, and Facebook groups.

Homebuyer.com has collected research as well:

• Here are some of the cheapest states to buy a house.
• Here are the most affordable cities to buy a house.

Here are a few things you’ll want to learn about your new community:

Job prospects and opportunities

Unless you’ve already secured employment, you should study the job market in your new city. How in-demand is your career or specialty? What about the job market for your spouse or partner?

Visit job sites like Monster.com and Indeed.com to explore opportunities in the area. If you’re on LinkedIn, consider connecting with local business leaders to learn about future job opportunities.

Cost of living

Understanding the cost of living in your new community will help you plan your budget. Move.org has a helpful list of average prices in many U.S. cities, and Best Places offers a calculator to compare your new town against your current one.

For specific data on local salaries, use Glassdoor to research companies in the area. This information can also assist in salary negotiations.

Lastly, research the housing market in the area to understand home prices. A mortgage lender can provide an accurate estimate of your monthly mortgage payment.

Attractions and culture

Researching the culture and attractions in your new community will help you understand what life there will be like. Look into amenities for kids, families, or couples, and explore hobbies or interests you can pursue.

Some things to research include:

• Events and festivals
• Museums
• Parks and playgrounds
• Nightlife
• Recreational centers and facilities
• Sports teams

If possible, consider taking a day or weekend trip to explore these things firsthand. It will help you assess whether the area suits your needs.

Here are some of the best cities to live in for young adults.

4. Plan to Move to a New State

Now, it’s time to start planning. Use your mortgage pre-approval to work out your budget, create a list of housing must-haves, and focus on specific neighborhoods for your search.

Know what’s affordable

Moving involves many costs, in addition to buying a house. Take some time to account for all of these costs to make sure you have enough saved.

Consider the cost of:

• Movers, vans, boxes, and packing materials
• Travel to and from your new city before and during the move
• Down payment and closing costs
• Décor or furniture for your new home
• Any relocation assistance or reimbursement from your employer

This will give you an idea of the total costs involved in buying a home in a different state. Be sure to keep some cash in savings for unexpected expenses.

List your home preferences

Begin thinking about what you want in a home. Use your reason for moving to help determine your must-haves and nice-to-haves.

Consider details like:

• The size and number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Lot or yard requirements
• Preferred home style
• Whether you want a one- or two-story home
• Additional features, such as a garage, patio, pool, or fireplace

Think about your future needs when making this list. If you plan to have children or adopt a pet in the future, consider their needs as well.

Imagine your ideal neighborhood

Next, find the best neighborhood for you in your new city. Look for an area that offers the housing types you like and provides easy access to amenities and services that meet your needs.

Think about factors such as:

• Parks and green spaces
• Roads, accessibility, and commute times
• Local school ratings and programs
• Walkability
• Neighborhood amenities like pools, shops, and dog parks (here’s more about buying in a pet-friendly neighborhood)
• HOA rules and zoning laws
• Crime rates

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few neighborhoods, use Google Street View to explore the area and get a feel for what it’s like.

Technology simplifies many steps in the process, making it easier to buy a home in another state.

5. Visit the City 

If possible, visit your new city in person. Doing so will help you assess the neighborhoods, culture, and amenities your new town offers.

While you’re there, tour a few homes—even if you’re not ready to buy. It will give you an idea of the available home styles and might refine your must-haves list.

6. Choose a Local Real Estate Agent

Since you’re buying from afar, you’ll need a local real estate agent to assist. Choose someone who specializes in your target city or neighborhood and is tech-savvy enough to provide virtual tours and video calls throughout the process.

Consider interviewing multiple agents and getting recommendations from people you know in the area. Your mortgage lender can also recommend a good agent.

Learn about local real estate laws

Real estate laws vary by state and city. These rules can include zoning laws, disclosures, inspections, and property lines, all of which can affect your purchase.

Consult a real estate attorney to understand the laws and fees associated with your new home. The attorney can walk you through the legal requirements and responsibilities. You can also check with the city’s housing or planning department for details on ordinances that could affect your purchase.

7. Buy Your New Home

Once you’ve been pre-approved, researched the area, and finalized your budget and must-have list, it’s time to find your dream home.

Use virtual home tours, 3D walkthroughs, and Google Street View to help assess properties from a distance. Lean on your agent to conduct live video calls during tours of your top properties, allowing you to see the homes in real-time.

After selecting a home, work with your agent to make an offer, negotiate, and finalize the contract. Then, schedule your inspection, pack, and arrange movers if needed.