Finding your dream home can be a challenge, especially when you’re searching long-distance. Fortunately, it is possible to secure your ideal property in a new locale. All it takes is some expert guidance, the right tools, and a few simple tips.
If you’re embarking on a long-distance home hunt, here are a few tips for doing it right…
Do a deep dive
Identifying the right neighbourhood in an unfamiliar city can be tricky. From a community’s amenities to its general character to its cost-of-living, there are many factors to consider when you’re making a decision.
The good news is, you have a powerful tool at your disposal. The internet is chock full of resources that can be helpful when you’re planning to relocate—from neighbourhood guides and maps, to local news sites and community blogs.
Find a local expert
If you don’t know the city you’ll be moving to well, it’s important to work with someone who does. Whether you’ve narrowed down the search to a couple of neighbourhoods or you’re still unsure about where to start, an agent with local expertise can help. A good Realtor in your local market should be able to provide you with a quality referral.
From school districts to commute times to price points, there’s so much to know about any given community. The right real estate professional will provide you with the highlights and potential drawbacks of any area you’re considering—and help you find the perfect match.
Receive notifications
When it comes to making an offer on your ideal home, time is often of the essence. That’s why you deserve to know as soon as a property that matches your criteria becomes available.
Luckily, many online home-search tools have a notification function. Your agent can help you get set up to receive alerts when a listing with potential comes on the market. They can also mine databases you don’t have access to in order to expand your search!
Visit in-person
You can learn a lot about a community by doing your homework and trusting in a great local agent. That said, there’s nothing quite like pounding the pavement to help you get familiar with a new corner of the world.
Before you settle on a community, try to visit in-person. If possible, go during the week to get a strong sense of what day-to-day life is like. This is also when most banks and other service providers are most likely to be open.
Harness technology
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown buyers, sellers, and agents that successful real estate transactions can be carried out digitally. We’re fortunate to live in an age where we can communicate and even view properties with a few clicks of a mouse.
While emails and digital listings are helpful in a long-distance search, they’re just the beginning. From video-conferencing apps (like Zoom) to platforms that provide incredible virtual tours (like Matterport), the possibilities are endless.
Look for a mover
Once you’ve secured your ideal place to call home, it’s time to figure out how you’ll get your stuff from point A to point B. All moving companies are not created equal, but doing some research can help ensure that your transition is a smooth one.
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to find a reputable mover in your price range. That means pricing out the journey based on how much stuff you have and the distance it has to travel, reviewing as many Google reviews as you can, and speaking to a trusted Realtor for a referral. Check the Harvey Kalles Select page for our recommended movers.
A long-distance home hunt can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by finding a great local agent, making use of the tools available to you, and embracing a positive attitude as you set out on your search!
Are you ready to buy your dream home? Start your search today by finding an agent who can help you at every step!
