QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE TOO EMBARRASSED House hunting from long distances

Moving is stressful no matter the circumstances so when you add distance to the mix, it can truly do your head in. However, it is sometimes unavoidable and you can find yourself buying from across the ditch or another part of the country. Have no fear, with technology and the right strategy you can pick the perfect neighbourhood and property for your family.

Make a list

Sit down with your partner and think about ranking your priorities. You should consider what are non-negotiables such as quality schools, low crime, distance to beaches or recreation, etc. This will hopefully narrow down areas of your new city that meet with your tastes and gives your realtor a starting point. Give these ten things some consideration to begin the conversation:

• Distance to work

• Proximity to parks, beaches, mountains

• Distance to shoppes and a grocery store

• Crime rates

• Quality of schools

• Property tax rates

• Budget (and exchange rates when necessary)

• Amenities (this would include air con, a garage, appliances included, etc.)

• Size of the garden

Know your timelines

This is probably the biggest challenge of a long distance move. Time is usually of the essence to sell your current place, get kids into school, arrange for movers and more. You can count on one thing, it will probably take longer than you think. Know too that realistically one person may have to make the move earlier than everyone else so you might want to build extra childcare costs into your moving budget.

Carefully select your realtor

Scouring online reviews can help you craft a short list of potential realtors to work with. Ask for recent sales statistics and book a Skype or Facetime interview. (Do interview more than one!) Search for home values online before you meet your agent in person so you’re in a strong position to decide and negotiate on your new home. Groups like university alumni associations, professional associations and extended family are all good places to get recommendations. Want

Start your search for an ideal agent here before you start your home search.

Get your finances sorted

Get financing before you start to look. This makes you more agile as a buyer as you can move faster. That way if you find “the one” you can make an offer quicker. If you are moving internationally, do an internet search and ask your realtor about any foreign buyer restrictions.

Don’t be afraid to wait

If all of this sounds too daunting then you may want to wait until you arrive. Don’t overlook the option of placing your belongings in storage and getting a rental, extended stay hotel or Airbnb. Also, large real estate agencies like Barfoot have rental listings and property management services that can get you easily sorted with a place to stay. Later, we are happy to help you to find your new home to purchase!