Finance

Do You Want to Move Out of State? Here’s What You Need to Know

 

As the pandemic continues to affect every aspect of our lives, people have begun to relocate because of financial stress and the need to be closer to family. However, moving has become a more difficult process, with homeowners having to figure out how to move efficiently and safely. Aside from that, getting your mortgage and finding your perfect house is also more difficult under the current circumstances.

There are many things you have to consider before moving out-of-state. However, if you’re already decided, these tips will help make your life easier and moving day less stressful than it should be.

Have a Plan

Don’t just jump into it. One of the first things you need to consider when deciding to relocate is why you need to relocate. Whether it’s to get closer to family, your new job, or live in a more affordable state, knowing why you want to move is a good first step. Once you’ve found your “why,” consider whether and your family can afford to move. Think about the costs of getting a mortgage, buying a house, hiring a moving van, and other expenses you may have to complete the moving process.

It also helps to consult with a friend, a family member, or a professional regarding the home buying process. Once you’re decided, prepare the documents you might need to get your mortgage pre-approved.

Do Your Research

The next step is to choose the state you’d like to relocate to. Once you’ve decided, it’s time to do your research. Look up the local COVID-19 ordinances and see if “stay at home” or “shelter in place” orders are in place. Keep in mind that if you’re moving to areas that are considered hot spots like New York, Florida, or New Jersey, you might have a harder time moving in. It also helps to do some early research on state laws, requirements, and taxes. You can look up the state or city’s website to give you a good idea of what services and facilities are available in your area.

Doing your research ahead of time can keep you from running into otherwise avoidable problems.

Build Credit

Before you get your mortgage pre-approved, you must have a good credit score. If you pay your bills on time, pay off your debt, and keep your unused credit cards open, you’re likely to have a better credit score than those who don’t. It also takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months for you to build a good credit score from 0, so make sure to allow yourself the proper time to raise your credit score before you get pre-approved.

Get Your Mortgage Pre-approved

Getting a pre-approval from an out-of-state lender can prove difficult, especially if you’re buying a house for the first time. You might need to have larger down payments ready, show proof of additional income and other documents to prove that you’re financially able to go through with your relocation. In some cases, your local lenders might not lend you money for an out-of-state home. Finding a lender in the state you’ll be moving to can also prove to be quite difficult, so consider applying for a loan through national banks like Bank of America or Wells Fargo.

It’s also important to choose a mortgage that you think is best for you. Lenders will criticize every aspect of your financial history, like your credit history, credit score, income, employment. With this in mind, it’s best to choose a mortgage plan that you’re sure you can manage. Using a mortgage calculator can help you get started and give you an estimate of how much your monthly payments might be.

If you’re not sure how to go about the pre-approval process and choosing the appropriate mortgage plan, you can contact a financial consultant who can help you look through your options.

Choose a Trusted Realtor

One of the most important steps to making sure that you get a good realtor. They can answer any questions you may have during the buying process and give you advice based on what kind of property you want. Consider choosing a buyer’s agent, as their main job is to represent your interests compared to a listing agent who represents the seller’s interest.

The best way to find a realtor is to look through your network for referrals from your family, friends, or colleagues. Otherwise, you’ll have to do a bit of research to find a capable realtor who understands what you want.

Find Your Home

Once you’ve found your realtor, it’s time to find your new home. When searching for a home, consider the neighborhood it’s located in. Look up the amenities, activities, crime rates, and other important information that will help you find your ideal location. If you’ve centered on a specific neighborhood, you can browse through homes you think would be a good fit for you and your budget.

Since we’re still in the middle of a pandemic, many listings might not allow in-person viewing. Try to get as close as you can to in-person viewing by as many photos and videos of the homes you are interested in. If they do allow in-person viewing and you can’t make it to the state at the moment, ask a nearby relative to attend open houses and ask for their input. Some sellers may even offer virtual walk-throughs, which you can take advantage of.

When it comes to choosing your home, don’t rush. This is likely to be one of your largest investments, so don’t make it one that you’ll regret.

Contact a Relocation Specialist

Relocation specialists can help you save time, money, and energy during the moving process. They help you deal with most aspects concerning your move, like connecting you with movers, home inspection companies, or even school system experts in your new neighborhood. You won’t have to do the heavy lifting or worry about your things getting lost on the way to your new home. It’s also important to make sure that your relocation team is following the proper COVID-19 safety precautions.

 

Unless you want a frustrating first night in your new home, contact your new neighborhood’s utility company 2 to 3 weeks before your big move. This is to make sure that your utilities are turned on when you arrive. After all, there’s nothing more frustrating than driving hours to your new home only to find out that you won’t have electricity and water for the next few days.

Buying your first out-of-state home can be a lengthy process that requires a lot of research, planning, and creativity. But with the right amount of information and a competent team by your side, you’ll be enjoying your new home in no time.