If you’re thinking of moving to a faraway area, such as another town or city, it’s all-too-easy to be worried. You might be thinking, “What if we end up in a neighborhood we don’t like?”; “How can we see enough listings on a tight schedule?”; “What if we feel rushed and make the wrong buying decision?”
The good news is, there is plenty you can do to buy an out-of-town home successfully. Here are just a few tips:
• Make an exploratory trip to the area. Drive around and visit targeted neighborhoods. Spend as much time as possible so you get a feel for what it’s going to be like to live there.
• Create a profile of the type of home you’re looking for, including the characteristics of the neighborhood. Ideally, narrow your focus to three or four desired neighborhoods.
• Find out how much homes that meet your profile, are selling for currently. Are they within your budget? If so, shop within that price range. If not, you may need to adjust your expectations. (Don’t worry. You can still find a great home!)
• When planning a home viewing day, schedule only those listings that meet your profile. That will increase the chances of seeing a home on which you’ll want to make an offer.
• Pace yourself. Travelling a distance and seeing multiple homes can be tiring. So, be sure to take care of yourself. If you’re bringing along kids, schedule plenty of breaks. (This is a good opportunity to explore parks and playgrounds in neighborhoods you’re targeting.)
Following these tips will not only reduce the stress of shopping for an out-of-town property but also increase the probability you’ll find the ideal home.
