Over the years, I have worked with several clients who are moving to (or out of) the greater Cincinnati area from another state. Some of them also have homes to sell, and are worried about how to manage the process of buying and selling at the same time. Another concern is how to act fast on a home in the current market when, in most cases, they won’t be available to see it in person. Luckily, today’s technology offers many potential solutions to these problems! Here are some things you should remember when moving long distance:

• Get to know your agents, and introduce them to each other. You’ll need everyone to be comfortable communicating throughout the process of listing your home and purchasing a new one, and your honesty and openness with both agents will ensure that they truly understand your needs. Plus, with your agents already in communication, any last minute hiccups or changes can be quickly communicated without you having to be the go-between.

• Ask ALL the questions. Real estate terms, customs and laws vary greatly between states and even regions within states. If you aren’t sure you understand something your agent said, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Let your agents know about any and all concerns you have about a property. Find out what areas of town your agent knows best, what they like to do in their spare time, where their kids go to school or what sports they play, and share as much information about yourself and your family as you can! Agents can be great resources for you beyond real estate, and you’re going to be depending on yours a lot in the near future.

• Do your own research. The internet is a wonderful place, full of free information on property records, individual sellers, historical photos, and more. If you see a home that meets your needs, look at the location on a map, use the street view to take a walk down the street, check out crime statistics and local schools (even if you don’t have children in school, the quality of schools available can directly affect home values). Find the closest grocery store, gas station, gym, park, bourbon bar or cat cafe (whatever you’re into!). Join a Facebook group or two and connect with people in your desired neighborhoods for perspectives that your agent might not be legally or ethically able to provide.

• If you don’t mesh well with your buyer agent, find a better one. Viewing properties over a video call, or with videos created by your agent, can be a little intimidating. You’re about to make a huge decision, and you need to feel comfortable that your agent has your best interests at heart, knows enough about potential issues with a property to gather additional information for you, can give you a clear picture of the local market and the value of any homes you view, and helps you find the right home no matter how many offers it might take. (Note: As of August 17, 2024, agents in Ohio are required to have a signed buyer brokerage agreement before showing any property listed in the MLS. These agreements can be for one property or for a predetermined amount of time. If you desire to cancel that contract, ask the agent directly. If you can’t agree, it’s a good idea to seek legal advice before working with a new agent.)

• Ask if you can send a friend. If you already have a connection in your destination city, ask if they would walk through a property with your agent. Most people love touring homes even when they’re not in the market, and it can be helpful to have a second set of eyes on the home who isn’t a professional — they might ask questions your agent wouldn’t anticipate. Agents love meeting new people, and should understand that having another opinion on the property should make you feel more comfortable whether you make an offer or keep looking. (Note: As of August 17, 2024, you may need to give advance written permission for this person to represent your interests during the showing. Ask your agent for clarification.)

• Don’t waive inspections — do more of them. Your agent probably knows to look out for many signs that a home has some underlying conditions, but they are not usually inspectors. If you can’t tour a home in person, get a professional opinion about every major system in the home. Don’t skimp on separate inspections for the pool, septic, chimney, sewer lines, etc. While you might have had to give up your right to request repairs from the seller to secure a contract, you still have the right to renegotiate the price in most cases, and you definitely will be better off losing $1,000 in inspections than buying a home with serious underlying issues that could cost much more.

• Your listing agent can be the caretaker of your home. If you have to move out of the area before your home is sold, chances are you will need someone to check your mail, take out your trash, make sure the lawn gets mowed, return your internet equipment, and relate information to the new owners at closing (keypad codes, security system information, smart home apps, etc). Your agent can help with a lot of these things, so make sure they have a key, the code for your garage, and the contact information for a neighbor or relative that you can trust to assist as well.

I’m sure there are more factors to consider depending on your situation, but these tips should apply to nearly everyone. Let me know if I’ve missed something in the comments! (Rev. 8-30-2024)