How to Buy a House in a Different State

Congratulations! You just landed your dream job. There's only one problem: It's in a completely different state from where you currently live.

Finding a new home can be difficult enough when you're searching down the street. It's even harder when you have to choose between virtual tours or flying out for your search. Thankfully, the internet has made it easier than ever to research an area, learn about different properties, and work with agents and lawyers at a distance to help close on a property.

Why Do People Want to Move to Another State?

There are many reasons why people choose to move aside from job relocation, according to a 2024 report from the National Association of Realtors. Some top reasons include being closer to family, wanting a bigger place, or wanting a property with a more favorable tax rate.

What If You Need To Move Quickly For Work?

If you are required to move quickly, let’s say, for a new job, and don’t have a flexible timeline, consider temporary housing like a short-term rental or sublet. The goal is to start your search on the ground rather than rushing into a real estate transaction sight unseen.

If you’re moving for a job, check to see if your employer offers some type of assistance with relocation costs: Be sure to request this. Relocation packages can include assistance with moving expenses, including the cost of temporary housing.

Even if you're moving for a different reason or do not otherwise have access to relocation assistance, you should still consider all resources at your disposal. For example, if you have friends or family already living in the new location, they may have a lead on a sublet or allow you to save money by staying with them temporarily.

How Do You Choose a Neighborhood When Moving States?

When choosing a neighborhood in another state, research the local real estate market, property taxes, nearby services, and school system. You can explore this information using online resources, like Facebook groups or subreddits. Consider hiring a real estate agent who is familiar with the area.

The right real estate agent can serve as your expert on the local housing market and local real estate laws. Hiring an agent is even more important if you have limited, if any, chances to check out the area before you move.

If you are moving for a job, you can further narrow down your search location based on your future commute.

How Can You Find a Real Estate Agent In Another State?

There are many resources that can connect you with out-of-state real estate professionals. Search online for agents in the area in which you’re looking to move, ask contacts who live in the area for referrals, or search social media groups for people who have recently moved to your new location.

Online reviews could also help guide your search for real estate professionals.

A good agent will be an invaluable resource throughout the home-buying process. Regardless of how you find them, you likely want an agent who knows the local area and will send daily MLS listings and updates on price reductions for properties of interest. You also want to be sure they're willing to use video chat services to offer real-time virtual tours of properties from a distance.

How Do You Look for a Home When Moving States?

Once you've narrowed down your focus to a few neighborhoods, you can start looking at real estate listings. Try searching online for reliable listings that include phone numbers of verified real estate agents.

As you find potential homes in your price range, you can take virtual tours, look at pictures, and check out Google Maps. However, be sure to always cross-check the accuracy of real estate sites. Use street view to get a better look at the houses you are interested in. You will want to get a sense of the neighborhood that may not be present in listing photos.

Is It Tough to Get Mortgage Pre-Approval When Moving States?

You should apply for a mortgage pre-approval letter early in your out-of-state home search. If you already have an account with a national bank chain, ask about their pre-approval requirements, since they may have a presence in your future home state.

Different lenders may have different requirements for pre-approval, but generally you'll submit proof of income and tax forms. The lender will issue you a pre-approval letter for a certain mortgage amount. While this isn't an actual approval, it will be helpful to show potential sellers that you're serious when making an offer.

Can You Purchase a Home Remotely?

Applying for a mortgage and purchasing a house can be done from another state as long as you're prepared. In most states, shopping for a great mortgage rate can be done online, regardless of your location.

Make sure you have all the needed documentation to bring to your chosen mortgage lender or send electronically. Your agent can facilitate most of the paperwork from your new city while you pack up and get ready to move.

There are a number of items to tick off your list, many of which can be done online or by phone. You'll need a title company, insurance provider, home inspector, and appraiser. Odds are your agent or mortgage provider will have local recommendations.

How Do You Handle a Home Inspection in Another State?

Buyers who have the ability to travel should consider attending the home inspection. If that's not possible, your real estate agent can attend on your behalf. Having the professional inspection done will take the burden off of you to identify issues with the property.

We get it: You're in a rush to get a home. But never waive the right to a home inspection, as this will enable you to back out of the purchase if the property has problems that are not immediately apparent. Potential issues can be even harder to notice when purchasing from out of state.

Before the final papers are signed, you'll want to get a home inspector to walk through the property and sign-off that everything is safe and as advertised.

You can specify certain inspection contingencies in the purchase contract. If there are any issues that require fixing, you can negotiate and try to adjust the terms of the sale to address the repairs or try to negotiate to lower the purchase price accordingly.

Can You Close on a Property in Another State?

The closing process can be completed remotely in most states, though it'll require notarized signatures on multiple documents. That will likely involve visiting a local notary or using an online notary service.

The final step in the buying process is setting a closing date. Your lender will send you an itemized statement of closing costs, down payment, and any other charges. The closing itself takes an hour or so and generally involves signing a lot of paperwork.

You'll likely have to wire a significant amount of money, so be sure to double-check the wiring instructions and location. If you have any questions, you can ask your agent or consult a real estate attorney.

How Do You Move States Easily?

Moving is always a stressful event, and buying a home thousands of miles away, possibly without seeing it in person beforehand, can be even more challenging. By starting your packing process early, you can help reduce some of the stress.

Keep in mind that you may need to donate or discard belongings that can't travel with you; sometimes it is more cost-effective to buy new furniture at your destination after you've reassessed your budget.

Try to set time to carefully pack the essentials so that it won't be overly difficult or costly to make a long-distance move. You'll need some extra packing boxes and bubble wrap for fragile cargo. For those special and valuable items, we recommend bringing them with you to ensure their safety.

Finally, don't forget to have your mail forwarded and your vehicle registered to your new address. Cancel or update any of those existing memberships that are tied to your old address.

The Bottom Line

It can be hard to imagine what the end of your homebuying journey will be like, especially if the destination is far away. If it ever gets too stressful, close your eyes, take a breath, and remember that soon enough, you'll be enjoying your new home, wherever in the country you are.