Buying a home in another state? Here’s how to do it from anywhere
Buying a home is already a big decision. Buying a home hundreds- or thousands- of miles away can feel like an entirely different undertaking.
Maybe you're relocating for a job. Maybe you want to be closer to family. Maybe you're leaving California for a lower cost of living- or you're doing the opposite and planning a move to the Greater Sacramento area.
Whatever is prompting the move, here's the good news:
Buying a home in another state is absolutely doable, and you don't have to figure out the process- or find the right people- on your own.
I'm Allie Billings, a Greater Sacramento real estate agent and Folsom native. I specialize in helping people navigate relocations, and through my national real estate network, I can also connect you with an experienced local agent virtually anywhere you're planning to move in the United States.
So whether you're moving to California, from California, or from one completely different state to another, here's what you should know before buying a house out of state.
Can You Buy a House in Another State Before You Move?
Yes.
In fact, much of the home-buying process can now be handled remotely. Depending on the property, lender, state and closing requirements, buyers may be able to search for homes, complete live video tours, sign documents electronically, participate in inspections remotely and potentially complete closing without being physically present for every step.
The bigger challenge usually isn't whether you can buy remotely.
It's making sure you have the right people on the ground representing you when you can't be there yourself.
That's where I recommend starting.
Step 1: Find the right real estate agent in the state you're moving to
When you're buying locally, you can drive through neighborhoods, attend open houses and get a feel for different areas yourself.
When you're buying a home in another state, you're much more dependent on your local agent.
And I wouldn't choose one simply because they happened to answer an inquiry on a listing.
You want someone who truly understands the market you're moving into and who is willing to be your eyes and ears on the ground.
That means an agent who will tell you things that listing photos can't.
How does the street actually feel? How close are the neighboring houses? Is that "large backyard" actually large? What's behind the property? What does traffic look like getting in and out of the neighborhood? What are you not seeing in the listing?
Current out-of-state buying guides similarly emphasize working with a knowledgeable local agent because buyers are relying more heavily on that person's local expertise and ability to evaluate properties on their behalf.
And this is where I can help- even if you aren't moving to Sacramento.
I have a national network of real estate professionals, so if you tell me where you're moving, I can help connect you with an experienced agent in that market.
Instead of Googling "best Realtor in ___" and hoping for the best, you can start with me. I'll learn a little about your move and what you're looking for and help make the connection.
And if you're moving to Folsom, Gold River, El Dorado Hills, Fair Oaks or the Greater Sacramento area, you're already in the right place- I can personally help you through the entire process.
Step 2: Get pre-approved for your out-of-state home purchase
Before falling in love with homes online, talk with a lender!!
Your lender needs to understand where you're purchasing, because lending requirements and costs can vary depending on your situation and destination.
A strong pre-approval also gives your real estate agent a realistic price range to work within before you're spending hours scrolling through homes that may not fit your actual budget.
If you're relocating for employment, make sure you discuss your job transition with your lender early as well.
You don't want to discover halfway through the transaction that a change in employment, income structure or start date affects your financing.
Step 3: Research the area before you research the houses
This one is HUGE.
One of the easiest mistakes to make when relocating is finding a beautiful house online and then trying to convince yourself the location works.
Reverse that.
Choose the lifestyle first. Then choose the neighborhood. Then choose the house.
Think about your everyday life.
Where will you work? How long are you comfortable commuting? What amenities matter to you? Do you want walkability or more land? How important is proximity to an airport? Parks? Trails? Restaurants? Shopping? Family?
If schools matter to your household, research those independently through official district and state resources rather than relying solely on real estate marketing.
This location-first approach is also recommended in current guidance for out-of-state buyers because understanding your destination can be harder when you don't have firsthand familiarity with it.
A gorgeous kitchen won't make up for realizing two months later that you chose the wrong location for your daily life.
Step 4: Tour homes remotely- but don't settle for a five-minute FaceTime
This is where having a proactive agent makes an enormous difference.
Virtual showings should give you more information than the professionally edited listing photos.
When I'm helping relocation buyers remotely, I want them to see the things they would naturally investigate if they were standing beside me.
That can include the street, neighboring properties, closets, storage, flooring, ceilings, windows, views, exterior condition, yard, garage and anything else that doesn't translate well through listing photography.
If something feels off, I want you to know about it before writing an offer- not after.
Virtual tours have become an important tool for long-distance home buyers because they allow buyers to narrow their options without repeatedly traveling to the destination market.
Step 5: Understand how offers work in your new state
Don't assume the real estate process you're familiar with works exactly the same way everywhere.
Contracts, customary timelines, escrow procedures, attorneys, title practices, inspections and closing processes can differ depending on where you're buying.
This is another reason having a strong local real estate agent matters so much.
Your agent should explain what is customary in that particular market and help you understand your options before you sign anything.
Step 6: Take the inspection seriously- especially if you're buying sight unseen
If you're buying a house in another state and can't attend the home inspection, your local team becomes even more important.
Your inspector should provide a detailed report, and I recommend having your agent attend whenever possible.
Ask questions.
Ask for photos.
Ask for additional video.
If the inspector identifies something you don't understand, have your agent physically walk over to it and show it to you.
Current guidance for remote buyers similarly recommends detailed inspection documentation and, when possible, having the buyer's agent attend and provide additional video or context.
You may be remote, but you should never feel disconnected from what's happening with the house.
Step 7: Build your local team before you arrive
This is one of the less glamorous- but incredibly helpful- parts of relocating.
You're not just going to need a house.
You may need an inspector, insurance professional, lender, title or escrow contacts, contractors, cleaners, movers, landscapers and other local service providers.
A well-connected local real estate agent should be able to help point you toward resources in their market.
That way, you're not starting from zero every time something comes up.
Step 8: Prepare for a remote closing
Depending on your state, lender and title/closing requirements, you may be able to complete much or all of your closing remotely.
Electronic signatures are commonly used throughout real estate transactions, while the exact requirements for final closing documents and notarization vary by jurisdiction and transaction.
Your agent, lender and closing professional should establish this process well before closing day so you're not scrambling to figure out logistics at the last minute.
What If I need to sell my current home before buying in another state?
This is where an interstate move can become more complicated.
You're no longer coordinating one transaction.
You're coordinating two transactions, two markets and potentially two different real estate teams.
Timing becomes incredibly important.
Depending on your finances and the individual transactions, your options could include selling first, buying first, making your purchase contingent on selling your existing home, negotiating possession arrangements, or using temporary housing between transactions.
There isn't one strategy that's right for every household.
The important part is getting both agents communicating before either transaction gets too far along.
And this is another advantage of starting your move with me.
If you're selling a home here in the Greater Sacramento area and moving to another state, I can handle your local sale while helping connect you with an agent where you're going- so the two sides aren't operating in completely separate worlds.
How do I find a good realtor in another state?
You could start searching online and interviewing agents yourself.
But if you already know an agent you trust, ask them first.
Real estate agents frequently build relationships and professional networks outside their own markets.
That's exactly what I offer my clients.
You don't have to be moving to Sacramento to reach out to me.
Tell me:
Where are you moving from?
Where are you moving to?
When are you hoping to move?
Are you buying, selling- or both?
From there, I can help determine the next step and, when appropriate, connect you with an experienced real estate professional in the market you're moving to.
Buying a home in another state doesn't have to mean doing it alone
There are a lot of moving pieces involved in relocating.
The house is only one of them.
You're changing routines, neighborhoods, schools, commutes, service providers and sometimes your entire support system at the same time.
Having the right real estate team on both ends can make an enormous difference.
Whether you're moving to Northern California, leaving California for another state, or making a move somewhere else in the country entirely, you can start with me.
I'll help you figure out who you need, what your next step should be and connect you with someone in my national network who knows the market you're moving into.
Ready to start planning an out-of-state move?
Tell me where you're moving from and where you're headed, and I'll take it from there.
Allie Billings, REALTOR®
eXp Realty
DRE #02240358
Greater Sacramento Area | Folsom | Gold River | El Dorado Hills
Local expertise. National connections.
