Your step-by-step guide
✈️ Relocating to a New City
Moving to a new city or state is exciting but overwhelming. Here's how to buy a home in a place you don't know well (and do it right).
Why Relocating is Different
When you buy in your current city, you know the neighborhoods, commute times, where to shop, where NOT to live. When relocating, you're starting from zero. That's risky - but totally manageable with the right approach.
Research Hard
Spend weeks learning about neighborhoods online before visiting.
Visit First
Stay for a week, drive around, eat locally, get a feel for the vibe.
Local Help
Work with an agent who LIVES there and knows the ins and outs.
Researching Neighborhoods (Do This First)
Before you ever book a flight, spend serious time researching online. Here's how:
Your Research Checklist
📊 Use Data Websites
- Niche.com - Neighborhood grades, school ratings, demographics
- GreatSchools.org - Even if no kids, good schools = property value
- CrimeReports.com - See crime maps (be realistic, not paranoid)
- Walk Score - Can you walk to coffee, groceries, parks?
🗣️ Talk to Locals
- Join Facebook groups for the city ("Moving to Austin" etc.)
- Reddit city subreddits (brutally honest opinions!)
- Ask your future coworkers where THEY live
🚗 Test Your Commute
- Use Google Maps at rush hour (7-9am, 4-6pm)
- Consider traffic patterns - some cities are brutal
- Public transit options? Parking costs?
Don't Choose Neighborhoods Based on Just Price
That "amazing deal" is cheap for a reason. Maybe it's far from everything, high crime, loud highways, or just plain sketchy. Pay a bit more to be in a solid neighborhood - your quality of life is worth it.
The "House Hunting Visit" Trip
You've narrowed down to 2-3 neighborhoods. Time to visit in person. Plan for at least 4-5 days (a long weekend isn't enough).
Your Daily Schedule
Day 1: Orient Yourself
- Rent a car, drive around your target neighborhoods
- Visit at different times (morning, afternoon, evening)
- Stop at local coffee shops, strike up conversations
- Walk around parks, commercial areas, residential streets
Days 2-4: House Tours
- Schedule showings through your agent (10-15 homes)
- Take video tours on your phone for each one
- Drive by at night (see if neighborhood feels safe)
- Check cell phone signal (seriously, some areas are dead zones)
Day 5: Decision Day
- Revisit your top 2-3 favorites
- Bring a friend for second opinion (fresh eyes help!)
- If you're ready, make an offer before leaving
- If not, that's okay - more trips are normal
💡 Pro Tip: Stay in an Airbnb in your target neighborhood, not a hotel. You'll get a real feel for what living there is actually like (noise, parking, walkability).
The Remote Buying Process
Once you've made an offer, you'll be managing everything from afar. Technology makes this easier than ever.
Key Steps You'll Do Remotely
Inspection (The Most Important Part)
You MUST have an inspection, even if you can't be there in person. Here's how:
- Your agent attends on your behalf (take lots of photos/video)
- Do a FaceTime/Zoom call during inspection (inspector can show you issues live)
- Get a VERY detailed written report with photos
- Consider a second opinion on big issues (structural, roof, foundation)
Appraisal & Financing
This happens automatically. Lender orders appraisal, appraiser visits property, sends report. You just need to respond to lender requests for documents (upload everything digitally).
Closing
Two options:
- Fly back for closing - Sign in person (more traditional)
- Remote Online Notarization (RON) - Sign everything via video call with notary (legal in most states now, super convenient)
Your Agent is Your Eyes and Ears
A good local agent is CRITICAL for remote buying. They'll attend inspections, check on contractor repairs, do final walk-throughs, and answer all your "is this normal here?" questions. Don't cheap out on agent quality.
State-to-State Considerations
Different states = different rules and costs. Don't assume it works the same as where you're from.
💸 Property Taxes Vary WILDLY
Some states have low income tax but high property tax (Texas). Some are the opposite (California). This affects your monthly payment!
📄 Closing Costs & Customs
- Some states use attorneys for closing (NY, NJ), others use title companies (CA, TX)
- Transfer taxes vary by state (some are 0%, some are 2%+)
- Who pays what (buyer vs seller) is different everywhere
- Ask your agent for a "typical closing costs" estimate early
🏠 HOAs & Condo Associations
HOAs in some states (Florida, Arizona) are VERY strict and expensive ($300-500/month). In others, they barely exist. Read HOA docs CAREFULLY before buying. Some restrict rentals, pets, parking, paint colors - everything!
🌡️ Insurance & Natural Disasters
- Flood zones (Florida, Louisiana) = expensive flood insurance required
- Earthquake zones (California) = extra earthquake insurance
- Hurricane areas = wind/storm coverage ($$)
- Get insurance quotes BEFORE making an offer - sometimes it's a deal-breaker
Timing Your Move
The logistics of moving across country while buying a home. Here's the typical timeline:
Start researching neighborhoods, join local Facebook groups, get pre-approved for mortgage
Take house-hunting trip, find agent, see 10-15 homes, make offer on favorite
Under contract, inspection, appraisal, loan processing (all happens remotely)
Sign papers, get keys! Either fly back or do remote signing
Movers pack/deliver (book them 6-8 weeks early!), drive/fly to new home
What if You Need to Start Work Before Closing?
Super common! Options: (1) Rent an Airbnb/apartment month-to-month while you house hunt, (2) Ask employer for temporary housing assistance, (3) Rent back from seller for 30-60 days after they sell to you. Many people buy their house 2-3 months AFTER moving for work.
After You Move In
Bought the house, moved in - now what? Here's how to settle into your new city:
First Week To-Dos
- Change locks (you don't know who has keys)
- Update driver's license/registration (check state deadlines)
- Find: grocery store, gas station, pharmacy, hospital
- Meet your neighbors (bring cookies!)
First Month To-Dos
- Find your people (gym, church, hobby groups)
- Explore different neighborhoods on weekends
- Try local restaurants (use Yelp/Google reviews)
- Learn quirks (local driving customs, slang, traditions)
"It takes about 6 months to feel at home in a new city. Be patient with yourself. It gets easier!"
Planning a Big Move?
Let's connect you with trusted agents in your new city and make this transition smooth.
Get Relocation Help