Nothing to worry about if you're considering buying a house in a different state. It's possible to purchase a home in another state whenever you want. Just follow the tips and steps below.

 

Reasons to Consider Buying Property Out-of-State

Living in expensive cities like San Francisco or New York City can make buying a house challenging. Looking at areas with steady property markets and fairer prices could be a good move. But if real estate prices are falling where you are, renting and investing in property elsewhere could be a better option.

Sometimes, you might realize that you get more out of your money investing elsewhere instead of at home. That's why lots of people buy property in different places. Things like buying price, how much the property grows in value, mortgage costs, taxes, rules about housing, rental market situations, and other stuff might be better in another state. All these things can affect how much you could earn from a property.

 

Steps to Buy a House Out of State

Remember, the process might vary slightly for each person looking to buy a home, but these suggestions will generally help you whether you're after a single-family home, an apartment, or any other type of property in a new area.

1. Make a Plan

When buying a house in another state, start by sorting out your finances and plan according to your needs. Decide what you want to do with your current home—rent, keep, or sell it. Think about where you want to live: mountains or beach? Consider priorities like good schools, great views, or hiking spots.

Calculate what you can afford for a home and monthly mortgage, considering future income changes. Also, save for a down payment, get homeowners insurance, and weigh in on HOA fees if applicable.

2. Check Out the Area and Living Costs

To pick the best place to live, check out living expenses in different parts of the country. Look at home prices, food, transportation, utilities, taxes, healthcare, and regular costs. Big cities such as New York and Los Angeles are pricier than countryside areas. Places with lovely views or near parks can also be more costly. When deciding where to live, consider housing costs and how they might affect your day-to-day spending.

3. Find a Real Estate Agent 

When finding a house in a new state, getting a local real estate agent in that city is essential. These agents know the area well, which is super helpful. To begin, ask for suggestions from friends and family, and check out local listings and online reviews. Try connecting with a few agents to find the best fit for you. Once you pick one, they'll be your go-to person, helping you see and understand things from afar.

4. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is essential before looking for a house. This tells sellers that you're serious about buying. Talk to your lender and determine how much of a mortgage and monthly payment you can manage based on your budget. Check out various mortgage lenders in your new area to compare rates because they all have different deals. Shopping around helps you find the best mortgage options for you.

5. Ask for Online House Tours From Your Agent

Once you find an agent you like and work well with, ask them to assist you in finding and virtually checking out different homes. These agents know the real estate scene and can talk to other agents, browse online listings, and even arrange virtual tours.

They'll help you see properties firsthand through online tours or by taking videos and pictures. Plus, with smartphones, your agent can easily video call you and show you a 3D view of a place in real time.

6. Visit the City and Check Out Houses

Nothing beats visiting a place in person when you're considering buying it. That means going there yourself to understand what the property and the neighborhood are like. It could involve driving around to check out different areas and homes you've seen online.

You should also visit at different times of the day or night to see things like traffic, places to eat or have fun, and how easy it is to walk around. Remember to find the closest grocery stores, pharmacies, and shops so you can see how convenient they are to get to.

7. Make an Offer on a House

When you've picked a house you like, it's time to make an offer. Determine what price works for you, and consider the closing timeline and any special conditions. Different areas have different rules. You might add inspection clauses in slower markets, but in faster ones, you might need to adjust. Your agent can help you understand what's usual in your area.

8. Obtain a Home Inspection and Appraisal

Getting a home inspection is essential. It helps discover any property problems, whether existing or potential. You can ask the seller to fix any issues you find. Additionally, a home appraisal determines the property's value, ensuring your lender doesn't lend more than it's worth. Doing inspections and appraisals before buying a home is the way to go.

9. Close the Deal on Your New Home

When buying a house, you'll pick a date to finalize the sale when the ownership switches from the seller to you. To make it happen, you'll team up with a title company and mortgage lender to handle all the necessary legal stuff.

From when your offer gets accepted until the closing day, staying in touch with your realtor, mortgage broker, title company, and others is crucial to ensure everything's on track. The good news is that you don't even have to be physically present in some places on closing day—you can do it remotely.

10. Make a List of Things to Do Before Moving in

Remember to create a checklist of things to do before moving to a new state. You should hire movers, tell the post office your new address, contact utility companies, and register to vote. Remember to contact the cable company, internet company, and furniture delivery stores too.

 

The Bottom Line

Buying a house in another state requires more effort but isn't dramatically more complicated than buying locally. It requires extra planning, especially if you're far away and need a local realtor to help. Still, like buying a house where you live now, it mainly involves researching, budgeting, and preparing for the purchase.