Congratulations! You’re ready to move a ways away and need to know how to view homes from afar. Good news – I have tips to help with this very common real estate challenge. I suggest getting connected with a real estate agent who knows your destination market and leveraging technology. In my opinion – whether you look first for an agent or start looking online first is your choice. My only suggestion, if you look first – don’t go with the “get more information” options offered through these sites. Often you’re simply becoming a lead passed along to agents who may or may not know the area.
Find a Local Agent
You want someone working for you who knows the new area you’ll be calling home. As 21% of home sellers are moving to be closer to family/friends, see if your contacts have an agent connection. If you’re moving to unfamiliar territory with no local connections, consider asking in local Facebook groups (prepare to be bombarded). With an agent selected – they’ll have suggestions, offer listings based on your criteria and get your search started. Additionally, make sure the distance limitations are clear and that they may need to have more technology oriented solutions available to support your search.
Let Your Fingers do the Walking
The obvious piece of advice when house hunting from afar is to look online. Homes will occasionally have their own websites, the local MLS has listings along with Zillow, Realtor.com and the like. I always think of these listing sites as a good way to start your search. You’ll get basic data, a sampling of pictures, occasional virtual tours and if you’re lucky a floor plan. Some agents are better than others at being descriptive in their listing text while others excel at the use of the English language. I would also strongly suggest looking at YouTube. Hopefully some agents in your new neighborhood have put up videos to show you around. Builders also can be good about this when trying to highlight their new build communities.
Enlist Your REALTOR
With a list of properties you’re interested in seeing, ask if they could schedule time to see listings on your behalf. Armed with your list of requests/asks and the ability to go onsite – this can start to help weed out properties. When there’s a chance you need to see something sooner or urgently (hot market/new listing) see about a FaceTime tour or getting your agent to video the listing. I have used this approach with a few clients and it seems to be a good bridge between listings and a visit. If you have friends/family in the area, see if they can accompany your Realtor on your behalf.
Knowing How to View Homes from Afar
It takes some creativity to know how to view homes from afar – but it absolutely can be done. Using available listings, your local family/friends, a real estate agent and technology – you should feel comfortable in your search. Obviously, none of this is a substitute for a visit – however, if a visit cannot be arranged – there are options available to you. I would also encourage that if a trip, even a whirlwind one, can be planned – make the effort. At the end of the day, absolutely nothing is forever. Houses can be sold, rentals changed and if a location isn’t entirely right for you – a new one can be found. When we packed up and moved to an entirely new area – I reminded myself of these very points.
If you are looking to move to the Jacksonville area (St. Johns and St. Augustine included) and need help – I would welcome the opportunity to be of assistance. We had the good fortune of having family here to be our eyes on the ground – but know not everyone does. If I can help show you around – even virtually – it would be my pleasure! Feel free to reach out via my contact page and let’s get looking.