Finding a real estate agent to help you buy a house in another state before you move can be challenging. You might not know the area, realtor network, or homebuying process. But with some research and planning, it’s possible. Here are your top choices:
🔍 If you want full support and to save money on commissions, go with a free agent finding service like Real Estate Witch.
- These services match you with several top-rated realtors in your new state at a pre-negotiated commission rate.
- They consider your specific needs, ensuring a personalized match that can also help you save on commissions.
- Expect to receive guidance on local market trends, schools, and neighborhoods. Learn more about agent finding services.
🔄 For those selling a home to buy a new one, consider a relocation specialist.
- These agents are trained to handle your situation and provide tailored support for dual transactions.
- They coordinate between selling your old home and finding a new one, providing a seamless transition.
- This option is ideal for managing timelines and negotiations across two different states.
🛠️ For a more hands-on approach, conduct a DIY online search.
- Do your own research on websites like Zillow, Realtor.com.
- You can filter for agents with specific relocation expertise and those with strong reviews from clients in similar situations.
- You get direct oversight of the agent selection process, but it requires more effort and knowledge of real estate practices.
» Just want some help finding a great agent in another state? Contact us to get matched up with the best realtors in your new location.
Best options to find a realtor in another state
1. Use a free service to find a realtor
When selecting a service to find a real estate agent for an out-of-state purchase, consider opting for a free matching service that not only connects you to top-tier agents but also negotiates lower commission rates on your behalf. Here’s what to look for:
- Commission savings: Select a service like Clever Real Estate or Ideal Agent, which pre-negotiates reduced rates with agents. These companies can significantly lower the cost of buying a home by reducing the commission you pay.
- Agent vetting process: Ensure the service rigorously screens agents. The best companies review a realtor's professional history, customer feedback, and past sales performance. This screening helps match you with the most competent agents from respected brokerages nationwide.
- Flexibility and perks: Choose a service that allows you to review multiple agent profiles to select the best match for your specific needs. Look for options that offer additional perks, such as cash back for buying a home, which can provide further financial benefits.
- Company reviews: Investigate the service's reputation by checking for extensive positive reviews and testimonials. Services with numerous five-star reviews are more likely to provide a satisfactory customer experience.
Finally, you should always opt for a service that allows you to walk away without obligation. This flexibility ensures that you aren't locked into working with someone unless completely satisfied with their approach and credentials.
🏆 The best agent finding services
Popular free services that can help you buy a house in another state include:
- Clever Real Estate: Connects buyers and sellers with top-rated agents at a half-standard 1.5% listing fee, offering significant commission savings and cash back for buyers
- HomeLight: Helps you find and compare full-service realtors with added features like cash offers and buy-before-you-sell options, though it lacks commission savings and may involve high contact frequency from agents.
- Ideal Agent: Reduced 2% commission rate for full-service support by connecting sellers with top-performing agents from well-known brokerages, but with limited network size.
- UpNest: User-friendly platform to compare real estate agents' fees and services, offering potential savings through competitive bidding, but without guaranteed lower fees.
2. Use a relocation specialist
A relocation specialist assists with selling your home, finding a new one, enrolling in schools, accessing local services, and connecting with movers, often helping employees transition to new areas for work.
If relocating to a new state, a relocation specialist offers more comprehensive support than a traditional buyer's agent, though they may lack the local expertise of an agent based in your new area.
The two types of relocation certifications include:
- Certified Relocation Professional (CRP): A CRP is an employee of a relocation management company who helps people and their families buy a home in another state and manage the logistics of a corporate move.
- Military Relocation Professional (MRP): MRP's are real estate agents who, after completing specific certification courses, specialize in aiding current and former military personnel and their families in finding homes and relocating across states.
Many services can connect you with realtors experienced in relocation, and your employer might also offer recommendations or have partnerships with qualified relocation specialists.
3. Search for a realtor in another state online
Tons of online resources that can help you figure out how to find a realtor in another state. Here are some good places to start.
Real estate websites
Popular real estate sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin can show you available realtors in the area where you’re planning to move. But you have to vet agents on your own, without the help of a service. Things to look for include:
- Past sales: How many homes has the agent sold within the past year or so? And are they typically a listing agent or a buyer’s agent? You'll want to match up with an agent that handles home sales just like yours.
- Client reviews: Does the agent have generally positive reviews? Most real estate agents get glowing online reviews from happy clients, so try to look for any common complaints or red flags.
- Credentials: Do they have any special certifications or expertise, such as a CRP or MRP certification? Experience handling your type of transaction (first-time homebuying, military or corporate moves, etc.)?
Social media
Many realtors have Facebook and Instagram pages specifically for real estate. Check out their social media to understand their style, experience, and customer reviews.
This strategy can also provide insight into their marketing skills and how effectively they might promote your property, as well as offer a glimpse into their communication style and community engagement.
📉 Consider the downsides to searching online
Searching through websites, social media, and customer reviews to find a realtor in another state can take much time and effort. Even with extensive research, there's no guarantee you'll find the ideal realtor. It’s tough to check out many realtors without enough resources, and sometimes online reviews can mislead you.
Also, finding a realtor who matches your needs can be hard if you have to go through profile after profile, checking for that specific expertise or qualification you need.
Ultimately, opting for a free matching service like Real Estate Witch, which connects you with agents tailored to your specific needs, simplifies the process and increases your chances of finding the perfect realtor in another state. Ready to get started? Just fill out a quick form with Real Estate Witch to be matched with a top agent today!
Related reading
The Best Questions to Ask a Realtor: Before hiring a realtor, interview them to determine if they're legitimate. We talked to experts to uncover the best questions to ask your realtor before you commit to working with them.
Do I Need a Real Estate Agent? Though you’re not required to work with an agent, most buyers and sellers find them valuable. Here's why.
What is a Buyer's Agent? Here's everything you need to know about working with a buyer's agent, including the pros and cons.