All About Greenville SC Real Estate

Meeting the Challenge of Long Distance House Hunting

Having to relocate to another region or state can sometimes cause anxiety and stress because of the uncertainties associated with a move to an unfamiliar location. Intensive research, careful planning, and organization can alleviate some of the perceived problems associated with relocating to another area or state. House hunting has its own unique challenges regardless of the circumstances, but it is possible to meet these challenges head-on by keeping several important factors in mind. There is an abundant amount of information available online today that makes beginning the search so much easier than it was in the past. The Internet enables home shoppers to do homework in advance without having to personally visit the intended destination at the very beginning of the search.

It is critical to have a local person on the ground who is familiar with the city and the neighborhoods. This person should be able to answer any and all questions and offer advice.

Find an Experienced Realtor

Contact the Department of Real Estate in the chosen state, as well as the local Board of Realtors in the city or region. Review the list of recommended licensed realtors and choose at least three to research and then interview before making a final decision. Many realtors have their own website that provides a comprehensive profile of their qualifications and experience. Choosing the right realtor can make a big difference for successful house hunting. An experienced, knowledgeable realtor who is extremely familiar with the area is one of the greatest assets long distance relocation. The realtor must be a person who can be relied upon to find the perfect property based upon specific criteria. Until it is feasible to make a visit in person, the realtor must view all properties from the buyer's perspective. The prospective buyer must provide the realtor with a detailed list of exactly the things that must be included in a home. It is equally important to include a list of unwanted things in a home. While a fireplace might be on the "wanted" list, a home without stairs could be on the list of "unwanted" things. If these features are important, the realtor should know about them in advance. Make sure the realtor searches only properties within a specified price range. Pre-qualifying for a mortgage loan is recommended before embarking on a house hunt.

Research Neighborhoods Within the Area

Moving to an unfamiliar city can be scary and intimidating for anyone relocating from a long distance. It is important to know the crime rates in the area and specific neighborhoods. Anyone with children should research the school district to determine the quality of the schools and how they rank statewide. It is important to locate a list of churches in the preferred areas as well as shopping options. If commuting to a job is necessary, the buyer should research public transportation as an option. The more information a buyer can obtain before making the decision to buy, the stronger the possibility of a successful long distance move.

Plan a Visit

Even though a realtor is a vital part of a successful long distance move, it is essential to plan trips to view properties in person. Arrange a weekend trip to view some of the properties the realtor recommends. It may be necessary to make more than one trip before deciding on a specific house. Even though viewing listings online is helpful, buyers need to make a visit to confirm that the property meets their specifications. Because these trips can be expensive, it is a good idea to have a travel budget in place for these visits.