How Do You Buy a Home When You’re Relocating Out of State?
You can relocate to Georgia (or from Georgia) without chaos, but it takes planning. When you’re moving across state lines, you’re juggling remote home tours, new-job paperwork, and the timing of a sale in your current state. With the right strategy and the right team, you can align everything so you’re not rushed, homeless, or overcommitted.
Below is a practical, step-by-step roadmap for out-of-state buyers and sellers, so you can move with confidence.
Step 1: Build Your “Relocation Team” Early
When you’re buying or selling from another state, you’re not just hiring an agent, you’re choosing your local project managers.
You’ll want:
A trusted local real estate team (like Greg and Jacquee Hart with Hart Realty Partners) who knows the neighborhoods, commute patterns, and local communities.
A responsive lender who understands relocations and remote workers.
A closing attorney/title company that offers remote or hybrid closings when possible.
Ask every professional one key question:
“How do you typically handle out-of-state relocations?”
If they don’t have a clear, detailed answer, keep interviewing.
Step 2: How to Buy Remotely (Without Regretting It Later)
Use Tech Like You’re Already There
Remote buyers today have more tools than ever:
High-quality listing photos, floor plans, and 3D tours
Live video walk-throughs with Greg and Jacquee on FaceTime, Zoom, or YouTube.
Neighborhood drive-through videos (streets, nearby shops, traffic at different times of day)
Industry guidance now encourages sharing as much visual info as possible, photos, video, virtual tours, and floor plans, so remote buyers can make informed decisions. National Association of REALTORS®
Ask for “Reality Check” Angles
When you tour virtually, don’t just accept polished listing shots. Have your agent show you:
Views out each window
Street noise, nearby commercial uses, or busy roads
Ceilings, corners, and mechanicals (HVAC, water heater, electrical panel)
Over-Index on Inspections and Due Diligence
Because you’re not walking the property multiple times in person, build extra protection into your offer:
Strong home inspection with a detailed report, plus photos or video follow-up.
Additional inspections if needed (roof, sewer/septic, structural, termite, etc.).
Longer due diligence period when possible, so you have time to process information from afar.
Step 3: Rent First or Buy Right Away?
A huge question for relocators: Should you rent 6–12 months first or buy immediately?
Reasons to Rent First (6–12 Months)
Many relocation experts lean toward renting first, especially if you’re brand-new to the area. Renting gives you time to:
Learn which areas truly fit your commute, lifestyle, and daily routines.
Experience traffic patterns, amenities, and local areas.
Watch how the local housing market behaves over a few seasons.
Avoid rushing into a big purchase based on photos and assumptions.
If you’re unsure about neighborhoods, schools, or long-term plans, renting can be the “tuition” you pay to get your bearings, not wasted money.
When Buying Immediately Can Make Sense
Buying soon after you arrive can still be smart if:
You already know the area well from past visits or family connections, or research.
Your job and income are very stable.
You’re planning to stay at least 5+ years.
You have a strong financial cushion for maintenance, closing costs, and surprises.
In that case, you might do a short-term rental (1–3 months) while we house-hunt, then time closing to line up with your move-in date.
Step 4: Financing for Relocators (Pre-Approval, Job Letters, Timing)
Get Fully Pre-Approved Before You Shop
When you’re competing with local buyers, a full pre-approval (not just a pre-qualification) is crucial. It shows sellers you’re serious and helps you understand your payment at today’s rates.
Your lender will look at:
Income and employment history
Debt-to-income ratio
Credit profile
Cash for down payment and closing costs
Job Transfer, Remote Work & Offer Letters
Lenders love stability. If you’re changing states, they may ask for extra documentation, such as: Freddie Mac Guide+3ARC Relocation+3Pennymac+3
A job transfer or relocation letter from your employer
A remote-work verification letter that states your job is permanent and your income is stable
A signed offer letter with salary, start date, and role if you’re taking a new position
Before you accept a new job or switch to remote status, talk to your lender first. Small changes in pay type (salary vs. commission, W-2 vs. 1099) can affect your approval.
Step 5: Timing the Sale in Your Current State
If you’re selling in one state and buying in Georgia (or vice versa), timing is everything. Here are your main options:
1. Sell First, Then Buy
You close on your current home, stash your proceeds, and then buy in the new state.
You may need short-term housing (hotel, Airbnb, or rental) for a few weeks or months.
This approach is often less stressful financially because your next purchase isn’t contingent on selling.
2. Buy First, Then Sell
Works best if you can qualify for both mortgages temporarily.
Gives you more control over your move-in date.
Risk: carrying two properties if your old home takes longer to sell.
3. Use a Contract or Financing Strategy to Bridge the Gap
Depending on your situation, you might:
Make your purchase contingent on the sale of your current home.
Negotiate a rent-back agreement so you can stay in your sold home for a short period while you close on the new one.
Explore bridge-loan or HELOC options with your lender.
This is where having two good agents, one where you are now and one where you’re headed, makes a huge difference. Greg and Jacquee can coordinate with your listing agent in your current state to sync timelines as closely as possible.
Step 6: A Simple Timeline for Out-of-State Buyers & Sellers
Here’s a high-level sequence you can follow:
3–6 months before move
Talk with Greg and Jacquee Hart about your goals and timeline.
Interview lenders and get fully pre-approved.
Decide: rent first or try to buy right away.
2–4 months before move
Begin virtual neighborhood tours and listing previews.
Start prepping your current home for sale (repairs, decluttering, photos).
Work with HR on any relocation or remote-work letters your lender might need.
1–3 months before move
List your current home (if selling).
Begin serious home shopping in the new state, with virtual tours, detailed video walk-throughs, and offers.
Schedule inspections and negotiate repairs or credits.
Closing window
Coordinate closing dates so you’re not rushed.
Complete hybrid or remote closing documents.
Arrange movers, utilities, and insurance in the new state.
Final Takeaway: Relocating Is Complex, But It Doesn’t Have to Be Chaotic
Relocating out of state means you’re managing two markets, two timelines, and a lot of unknowns. But with the right plan:
Technology lets you tour, offer, and even close remotely.
Renting first can give you breathing room to learn the area.
Smart financing prep and job documentation can smooth underwriting.
Coordinated agents can help you line up your sale and purchase with as little overlap (or gap) as possible.
You don’t have to figure this out alone, that’s what a trusted local team is for.
Let’s Talk About Your Relocation Plan
Let’s talk about your unique situation. We’re Greg and Jacquee Hart with Hart Realty Partners, your trusted real estate advisors helping clients buy, sell, and invest across North Metro Atlanta. Whether you prefer a call, text, DM, or email, reach out in the way that works best for you, and let’s create a strategy tailored to your goals.
