Have you exhausted your options for in-state properties and come to the realization your dream property doesn’t exist in your neighborhood? If so, it may be time to pack-up your belongings and leave your hometime in your vehicle’s rear view mirror. 

While nerve-wracking, moving to a different state presents an incomparable opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone, expand your mindset, build independence, and challenge your current way of thinking. Living in a new place also enables you to broaden connections by meeting people you wouldn’t otherwise. 

If you’re ready to capitalize on the benefits of an out-of-state move, it’s imperative to familiarize yourself with the difficulties of relocation. Obstacles may include selling your current house, finding the best real estate agent possible, and closing the deal on a property that complements your high-energy lifestyle. You might even encounter hurdles when learning pertinent information about your new state and selecting a long-distance moving company.

In addition to overcoming the hurdles above, you should prevent yourself from falling prey to common mistakes when moving to a different state. For example, some people fail to create a proper checklist, which is essential in maintaining clarity and organization throughout the relocation process. Another critical error is not leaving yourself enough time to move. Blazing through the moving process may free up your schedule for hobbies and renovation projects but can spell disaster if the homeowner cuts corners in the research phase of home-buying. 

The following tips will equip you to handle any relocation with ease. 

Local vs. long-distance moves: Understand the difference.  

If you don’t have much experience with home buying, it’s helpful to understand the distinction between local and long-distance moves. These relocation types differ in cost and require unique considerations. 

A long-distance move typically costs more than a local one, especially when factoring in a significant distance. Moving companies tend to charge hourly rates for local relocations and flat rates for long-distance ones. Another difference between these two moves is the need for auto transportation services. 

For those families hopping from coast-to-coast, Guardian Auto Transport will relocate your vehicle, so you don’t have to endure hours of road trip antics. 

Allow adequate time

As mentioned, not leaving yourself enough time is a fatal mistake. A long-distance move can be financially, physically, and emotionally draining. That said, expanding your timeframe will guarantee that you have ample energy to take on every aspect of the move--from the minor to the major. 

To maximize your time, start by making a checklist to determine the amount of time each pre-move checklist item (such as budget drafting, ordering packing supplies, and booking a moving company) will take to accomplish. 

Use a buyer’s agent 

Contracting with a buyer’s agent is paramount when looking at prospective homes. Unlike a traditional agent, a buyer’s agent is legally obligated to represent your best interests amid the home-buying process. Hiring a buyer’s agent will make sure that someone is on your side during the length of the buying process.

Seek out a referral     

Instead of blindly choosing a buyer’s agent, harness the power of word-of-mouth. Obtaining a referral will drastically increase your chances of having a successful home-buying experience. You may want to contact a real estate agent who you trust--or have worked with in the past--since he or she will have access to a database with information about other agents’ statistics and success rates. 

Take virtual tours

When shopping for a home out of state, you probably won’t be able to visit every listing in person. Opting for virtual tours is an ideal way to hone your search and narrow down options. Digitally viewing a house’s interior, exterior, and yard space will give you valuable insight into whether or not to take a closer look.

Try to visit in person 

Once you have a specific home in mind, it’s worth making the trip to see it yourself. In-person tours will help you settle any doubts and assess whether a particular property is truly the right one for you. Despite the pros of taking a virtual tour, there’s nothing like exploring your soon-to-be forever home in person. 

Request an inspection

If an inspection isn’t stipulated in your sales contract, you’ll need to order one on your own. This critical step involves hiring a professional to examine the house’s foundation, plumbing, wiring, and roof. Although an inspection usually costs a few hundred dollars, it’s vital to ensure that you invest wisely. 

In summary 

Unlike the local home-buying process, purchasing a property out of state can feel like an uphill battle, as you troubleshoot technical difficulties and grow accustomed to the constant ringing and buzzing of your cell phone, flooded with messages from your realtor. That said, it’s your responsibility as an out-of-state buyer to prepare accordingly and mitigate risk whenever possible.