House shopping when you live far from your new community is not easy, but technology makes it much simpler to tackle this big task. While nothing beats in-person visits, if you live across the country, or even in an international destination, you may not have that option. Here’s a look at how you can make a long-distance house shopping experience work.
Find the Right Agent
You’re going to need a tech-savvy agent who is willing to be in constant communication. The agent is going to need to use technology to help you see houses, be able to get documents back and forth successfully and know how to move quickly when you’re ready to make the purchase.
Start Online
Start your search online to narrow down what it is you do and don’t want. Different areas of the country have different types of homes, so you may find the basement you’re hoping for just isn’t standard for homes in your new community. Once you have narrowed down what you’re looking for, use the Internet to learn more about the communities.
Schedule Showings
Yes, you can have showings long-distance. Using real-time video tools like FaceTime or Skype, your agent can walk you through the home. This is why the agent you choose is so critical, because you’re going to need this type of partnership to find the right home. These real-time video tours will allow you to see the home's condition. The right agent will do a thorough search of the property and tell you about potential problems they may find.
Research Neighborhoods Carefully
One thing your agent won’t be able to do is give you specific details about neighborhoods, other than facts like its schools and commute times. Research neighborhoods carefully online to learn all you can about them, and find one that seems like a good fit for your needs. If you can, make a survey trip to your new community to narrow down the neighborhoods with the right vibe for you.
Never Skip the Inspection
When you’re buying a home long distance, you’ll need that inspection, even if it isn’t required. The inspection gives you details about the home that will be critical to your decision-making process.
Buying a home when you don’t live near the community is much easier today than it ever has been due to the increased amount of technology available to modern home buyers. Use this technology well, and soon you’ll find a home that’s a great fit.
About the Author
Wendy Wiegand
As a premier real estate agent in Carlsbad, I’m here to provide you with all the resources and information you need to buy or sell real estate. I work with buyers and sellers in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, San Marcos, Vista and the surrounding areas and I’ve had extensive training in the latest real estate marketing strategies. I’m confident that I can offer you knowledge and tools most other agents can’t.
I believe in service, both to my clients and our community. When working with clients, you can be assured I am focused on providing the most comprehensive and dedicated effort so that you can achieve the best results possible when buying or selling real estate. I am also deeply involved in serving our community, as you and I all call it home. I have been a member of Rotary since 2003, have been an active member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce since 2006, and serve on the board of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation. Perhaps my even deeper service to my clients and our community is Wiegand Realty’s participation in Business for a Cause.
Contact me so I can keep you updated on the latest real estate activities in our community and answer any questions you may have.
Thanks and I look forward to assisting in all of your real estate needs!
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