Article written and provided by our friend, Maddi Arcurio
The global pandemic may have put our lives on hold, but there are some things that just cannot be stopped, and moving is one of those things. Whether it’s to relocate for a new job, find a state where your money goes a bit further, or you just need a change of scenery, moving out of state is an option worth considering.
Right now, hundreds of people are fleeing large cities like New York City and San Francisco in favor of suburban life… Or at least living in a city that’s not too densely populated.
So, what does it take to relocate? Will it be an easy process or should you plan your move long in advance?
To answer your questions, let’s take a look at the four stages of interstate moving.
Stage 1: Initial consultation
The very first part of moving out of state is finding a reliable real estate agent in your target area. Once you find them, you’re going to have a chat, either by phone or video conference. During this conversation, the agent is going to ask you a variety of questions so they can get an idea of what it is you’re looking for. They’ll ask about what are your requirements for the new property, your budget, preferred lifestyle, and other important tidbits.
Stage 2: Identifying potential communities
After learning about what you’re looking for, your agent is going to start looking at various neighborhoods in the area to find houses that fit your criteria. They’ll compile a list of possible properties you’d be interested in and send it your way via email.
Should you find a property that you’re interested in, you’ll arrange to have a virtual walkthrough with your agent. This virtual tour could be pre-recorded or it could be a live walkthrough where you can ask the agent your agent questions as you go about the property.
Stage 3: Remote closing
After a client decides to put an offer on a house and it’s accepted, it’s closing time. Normally documents are reviewed and signed in person, but if the buyer is unable to make it to the closing in person, the documents can be signed electronically.
There are some agents who will mail the closing documents to their client. The client then must arrange for notarization, either virtually or finding a traveling notary. Once the documents are signed and notarized, they will then overnight the documents to the agent.
Stage 4: Preparing to move in
The final stage of moving to a new state is preparing for the actual move. Surely you can do your research to find out how to turn utilities on, when garbage is picked up, or where’s the best place in town to get pizza. However, your real estate agent is also a great source for these things and more.
As an out-of-stater, Google may be your friend, but your real estate agent will be your trusted guide who truly knows the ins and outs of your new city. You can ask your real estate agent to recommend contractors if work needs to be done to the house, landscapers, plumbers and so forth.
Final thoughts
Moving to a new state can be nerve-wracking on a regular day, but trying to move during a pandemic? With so many uncertainties about when the lockdown will be over or if there’ll be a second wave, it’s understandable that there may be some trepidation. Yet, it’s important to remember that you aren’t alone if you’re working with a real estate agent that you can trust.
If you have any questions, drop us a line and we’ll do our very best to answer any questions you may have.
