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Whether you’re relocating to another state for work or always dreamed of moving when you retired, you’re going to need somewhere to live. If you know you want to own a home rather than rent, you’ll need to buy one before you move.

But to buy a home in another state requires some effort, but you can simplify the process if you know all the right steps.

Know Your Timeline

Your first step to buy a home in another state should be figuring out a timeline for purchasing the property. Consider:

• When you plan to move.
• If and when you can make any trips to the state to view homes for sale.
• When you need to have finalized the purchase of your new home.
• How much time you’ll need to sell your current home.

A REALTOR® in your area can help you come up with a timeline, sell your home and possibly refer you to a qualified REALTOR® in your new home state.

Obtain a Loan

Obtaining a mortgage or loan to buy a home in another state may not be as easy as it would be were you to buy in your home state. Start by getting pre-qualified for a mortgage. You can typically apply for pre-approval online, but some lenders may need to know the reason for you move.

Remember: Big financial changes can affect your approval. If you plan to buy a car or finance large items like furniture, try to wait until after you have closed on your house.

Do Your Research

An out-of-state buyer may be at a disadvantage because the buyer may not know the best neighborhoods, the real estate agents in town or the state laws. If you have friends or family in the other state, ask them for information on the local neighborhoods. You can also research information on housing, population, crime, entertainment and more online. The more research you do, the more you’ll know before you buy a home in another state.

Find a Good Buyers Agent

The best thing you can do when considering a home purchase in another state is to hire a buyers agent to represent you. Buyers agents are usually referred by family, friends or co-workers of the prospective purchaser. If you cant get this kind of referral, you can also find local a REALTOR® online to help you buy a home in another state.

Tour Homes Virtually

You may not have time to travel between your home and another state as often as you would like to see a property, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tour homes. Online listings usually include several photos or videos showing you every aspect of the house. Start by visiting homes you or your REALTOR® find online to narrow down your choices before you buy a home in another state.

Understand the Closing Process

If the buyer doesnt have anyone who can do it for her/him, the next step would be to hop on a plane and fly out to see the property in question. From this point on, the purchase of a home requires the same preparation as buying a house in the buyers home state:

• Organize the paperwork
• Secure insurance coverage.
• Get a final approval on a mortgage.

Your REALTOR® can walk you through this process. During the closing, any funds can be wired to the closing attorney in the destination state.

Updated from an earlier version by Cina Coren.