It may seem challenging to find a real estate agent to help you buy a house in another state before you move. You might not know the area, realtor network, or home-buying process. But you have several methods to make it easier:
🔍 If you want to get full support and some financial perks, go with a free agent finding service like Clever Real Estate.
- These services match you with several top-rated realtors in your new state.
- They consider your specific needs, ensuring a personalized match.
- They also offer cash back for buyers and lower commission rates if you're selling as well — which can save you thousands.
- Expect to receive guidance on local market trends, schools, and neighborhoods.
🔄 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 and 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? Answer 5 short questions to get matched 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 out-of-state agents, consider opting for a free matching service that not only connects you to top-tier agents but also offers perks — like cash back when you buy and lower commission rates when you sell. Here’s what to look for:
- 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: Choose a service that allows you to review multiple agent profiles to select the best match for your specific needs.
- Financial perks: Look for options that offer additional perks, such as cash back when you close on a home and low commission rates if you're selling as well.
- 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 you're 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 the following:
Clever Real Estate is the most buyer-friendly option on this list. Clever hand-selects agents for each customer based on your specific needs. Every agent is rigorously vetted based on years of experience, proven transaction history, and consistently high customer satisfaction.
For buyers, Clever can also offer $250–500 in cash back after closing (in eligible states), helping offset some moving or travel costs when you’re relocating. If you're also selling your current home, Clever pre-negotiates a 1.5% listing fee with top agents — half the typical rate — which can save you thousands.
Ideal Agent focuses on connecting buyers with agents who perform at the top 1% of their markets. It’s a solid option if you want a strong track record and full-service support. For buyers who are also selling, Ideal Agent pre-negotiates a 2% listing fee, though its agent network is smaller and may mean fewer choices in certain markets.
UpNest is a user-friendly platform to compare agent fees and services. Agents “bid” for your business, which can help you find a competitive fit. Savings are possible but not guaranteed — they depend on the individual agents who respond.
HomeLight connects buyers with full-service realtors and includes features like cash-offer programs and buy-before-you-sell options — useful if you need maximum flexibility while relocating. However, it doesn’t provide savings, and customers have complained about receiving an overwhelming amount of outreach from its agent network.
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): MRPs 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
Popular real estate sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin allow you to search for available realtors in the area where you’re planning to move. You can often filter results by specialty, including relocation.
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 who 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.)?
You may also want to look at their professional social media. This can help you understand their marketing skills, experience, customer satisfaction, communication style, and community engagement.
Bottom line: How to find a realtor in another state
Searching online to find a realtor in another state can take a lot of time and effort. The options are overwhelming, and even with extensive research, it can be difficult to pinpoint the realtor with the specific expertise or qualifications you need.
The easiest way to find the right realtor in another state is through a free service like Clever Real Estate. Clever asks you a few questions via this form, then emails you around three profiles of agents with the most relevant experience for your purchase — including relocation expertise. You can compare profiles, interview agents, and request more recommendations if needed.
This simplifies the process because you don't have to vet agents yourself or sift through all the options.
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