When you’re planning to relocate to a new city, one of the most difficult things you face is finding a place to live. When you aren’t familiar with how the city operates and the nuances of the neighborhoods, it can be difficult to evaluate which areas might work for you and your family. Luckily, we’ve been in your shoes and know how you feel. Let us help you find your next home. First, check out this post about how to search for a home effectively online when you can’t see homes in person. Then, check out our Guide to Relocating to Austin for more tips.
Austin Housing Market is Hot
Frankly, if you don’t know the market and you are not near enough to regularly tour homes, you might miss out on some properties that may be ideal for your family. Currently, as of this writing, the Austin housing market is “hot” and I’m not talking about the weather. The most desirable properties move quickly, often for full price – sometimes more. This is not a market for the leisurely house hunter.
House Hunting Trips are Essential
Internet searching is a useful tool, but nothing can replace your reactions to sights and sounds and smells of a home. With a knowledgeable Realtor you can see several homes and gather a lot of information in just a few days. Unfortunately, inventory can change dramatically between trips. Homes you may have found appealing on the internet may be sold by the time you arrive for your house hunting expedition. Some relocation buyers, once they feel sufficiently educated about the area and the market, are comfortable making offers based upon online information, videos and photographs. Of course, we strongly recommend that inspection contingencies be included in any offer, and strongly discourage closing sight unseen.
Timing Can Be Tricky
Many people need to sell their current home in order to buy another. Long distance relocation complicates the matter, but with proper co-ordination and thoughtful communication it can be done smoothly. Finding the right home that will co-ordinate with the sale of your existing home can be tricky. Some sellers may not be willing to wait for your closing, or they cannot or will not close as quickly as you need or want. Some homes may not be worth your consideration because of timing issues. If timing is paramount, short sales, foreclosures and even some REOs may be out of the question because of intransigent sellers.
Tip: Discuss Timing Issues with Your Realtor and Lender Early
Discuss with your Realtor and lender early in the process about timing issues. Agree on a plan and timeline before making offers. Unpleasant surprises often kill deals that would otherwise close escrow.
More Relocating to Austin Tips
Check our our series of posts about Relocating to Austin and then head over to our Guide to Relocating to Austin for more tips and tricks. We’ve all made the move to Austin and know how to make your move as seamless as possible. Call us at (512) 827-8323 or email us at info@11OaksRealty.com to get started.
Leave a Reply