5 Tips for Buying a Home Out of State

If you’re like many people looking for a home for sale in Scottsdale, you’re from another state and we definitely don’t blame you. Scottsdale is an excellent place to live! But what can you do to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal on a home you’ll love? Check out these five tips for buying a home out of state before you dive in with both feet.

 

5 Tips for Buying a Home Out of State

First things first: You’ll want to work with a real estate agent you trust to find you the best possible home. With that said, here are five great tips for buying a home out of state:

 

Here’s a closer look at each.

 

Tip #1 for Buying a Home Out of State: Do your homework and extra credit

Before you buy any home – even if it’s in a neighboring town – you should do plenty of homework. Check up on things like the home’s cost, what amenities are close to it, whether the commute would be reasonable, and whether there are hospitals, shopping centers, and schools around it.

 

Pro Tip: Even if you don’t have children or aren’t concerned with the quality of a school district, you should know how well the nearest district does in state and federal ratings. That’s because if you decide to sell in the future, those things may matter to your prospective buyers.

 

Tip #2 for Buying a Home Out of State: Ask all the questions

Don’t be afraid to ask your real estate agent everything you can think of. Buying a home in your current state is likely at least a little different from buying one in Arizona, so your agent will welcome your questions. For example, you can ask questions about earnest money deposits (including how much yours should be when you find your dream home), how long closing will take, and whether you should waive certain contingencies.

Related: Should you wait until summer to sell your home?

Tip #3 for Buying a Home Out of State: Make an in-person trip – or get a second opinion

If traveling to the location is possible, make the trip. You’ll likely feel more comfortable putting in an offer on a home you’ve seen than one you haven’t. However, if it’s not possible, you can still make do. Ask someone you know to visit the home and check it out for you; if you’re relocating for work, ask someone from the company to swing by. At the very least, you’ll want your real estate agent to video chat with you to show you the home.

Tip #4 for Buying a Home Out of State: Try to show up for the home inspection

Again, if traveling to your new home’s location is possible, it’s a good idea to try to show up for the home inspection. That way, you’ll be able to stroll around with the inspector and ask questions in real time. However, if it’s not possible, you can ask your agent to go for you – or someone from your company, a friend, or a family member who’s nearby.

Related: How to make a small bathroom more impressive to sell your home

Tip #5 for Buying a Home Out of State: Give your agent the documents they need for closing

It’s okay if you’re not in Scottsdale – or even in Arizona – on closing day. Remote closings are more common now than ever before. Make sure you provide your real estate agent with all the documentation they need before closing day, though – that way, there won’t be any hiccups in your transaction that could delay you when you buy your new house.