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 Shopping for a home is a big undertaking, but add a few hundred (or thousand) miles and you've got a long distance headache. But luckily, with today's technology, home shopping across the miles is much easier. Here are some tips to help you find your new home:
Look online. You'll be able to search for homes in the city you're moving to based on price, size, neighborhood, and many other factors that might make or break a housing decision. Looking online and in the classified section of the city's newspaper should help narrow down some choices. Once you've narrowed your choices down, you'll be able to make an appointment with a realtor to view the properties that meet all of your specifications, saving you valuable time and effort.
When it comes to finding a realtor, if you're moving for work, you may be assigned a relocation specialist whose company will have an agent they usually work with. However, if you're not getting help with your move, you'll need a real estate agent to represent your interest as a buyer; so ask your new employer, or a friend, or a family member that lives in the area for a referral. If you don't know anyone in your new town, ask your local realtor for a referral. Realty is a profession that thrives off networking, so chances are your local realtor can connect you with someone in your new town.
One note of caution: hiring a good real estate agent is important in any situation, but it's particularly important when you're shopping for a home long distance. Your realtor should be a good communicator, keep in touch with you, and be attentive when you discuss your wants and needs. Especially if you're under a time constraint, your realtor should only contact you about the kinds of properties you've expressed interest in.
Lastly, don't trust your agent too much--even with the availability of useful tools like virtual tours, buying a house sight unseen is just not a good idea. Your research and real estate agent may have given you a lot of information on a house, but there are factors like walking through a neighborhood to get a feel for it, and visiting the schools your children will attend, that you should check out first. After you've done your research and found some homes you're interested in, you and your family should plan a weekend where you can go to your new town and tour houses. As a family, you should pay special attention to the neighborhoods, the distance from work, schools, the gym, the mall, museums, etc.
Shopping for a new home and moving to a new city should be exciting, so try not to get so distracted by the destination that you don't enjoy the journey along the way. As long as you do your research, keep the lines of communication open with your realtor and family, and be cautious before making any major decisions, you'll find the perfect new home--whether it's a few states away or on a different continent.
Remember, for all your real estate needs, call Catherine.
Sincerely,
Catherine Bennison - Realtor Associate
Keller Williams LA Harbor Realty
Direct: (310) 707-2162
Cell: (310) 748-7889
Fax: (310) 519-1882
E-Mail: CBennison@KW.com
Website: www.CatherineBennison.com
DRE# 00946724
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