Hey there! If you’ve ever thought about buying a house in a new state without even stepping foot there, you’re in for quite the adventure. Recently, during an Instagram live, I caught up with Katie and Nick, recent clients who made the big move from the D.C. area to Portland, Oregon. They shared their journey with me—the highs and lows and all the lessons they learned along the way. If you’re considering a long-distance move to Portland yourself, keep reading as I break down the step-by-step process to make it happen.
Step 1: Decide Why You’re Moving and Where You Want to Be
Before you dive into the home-buying process, it’s crucial to get clear on your ‘why’—the real reason you’re moving—and find neighborhoods that align with your lifestyle. Portland’s got its own quirky, laid-back vibe that attracts a lot of folks, but the city offers a wide range of communities—each with its own flavor. For Katie and Nick, Portland was the obvious choice because of its proximity to family and its unique charm. They’d visited a few times before, but when they started thinking about actually living here, everything just clicked.
Step 2: Find a Realtor You Can Trust (Even From Afar)
Buying a house is a big deal, but doing it from across the country? That’s next level. Your realtor will be your boots on the ground, so finding someone you trust is key. Katie and Nick found my team after seeing a post on Reddit raving about us (and you know Reddit’s got the real talk) and decided to to reach out to us. After a zoom meeting where we got to know each other, it was pretty obvious that we just *clicked*. They decided to fly out to Portland for a weekend to meet us and tour some homes. That face-to-face time was priceless—not just for building trust but also for figuring out exactly what they wanted in a home.
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
First things first—get pre-approved for a mortgage. This step can be a little tricky, especially if you’re in the middle of a job change, which is pretty common when you’re relocating. Katie and Nick had to wait for a specific offer letter to verify their income before they could get fully pre-approved. For the most part, you’ll have to have a job already lined up before you can actually buy! If you’re in a similar situation, just know that it’s normal to hit a few bumps here. The key is to plan ahead and keep communication open with your realtor and lender.
Step 4: Start Your Home Search
Once you’ve got your pre-approval squared away, it’s time to start searching for your new home. Online listings are a great starting point, but let’s be real—they don’t always tell the whole story. That’s where your realtor on the ground comes in. We’re here to give you the inside scoop that you won’t get from a few photos and a catchy description. Katie and Nick quickly realized that some homes looked amazing online but didn’t quite match up in person. If you can visit in person, great! If not, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with virtual tours (more on that next).
Step 5: Schedule an In-Person Visit (If Possible)
If you can swing it, try to schedule a visit to Portland to tour your top choices in person. This is your chance to see the neighborhoods, get a feel for the commute, and make sure the homes you’re considering actually meet your expectations. Getting a real sense of the area and the homes in person can make all the difference. But if visiting isn’t an option, don’t sweat it—we’ll make sure you’re fully informed every step of the way.
Quick Heads-up: While Katie and Nick’s experience is packed with helpful tips, every real estate journey is unique. If you’re planning a similar move, I’d be happy to offer advice tailored to your specific situation. Feel free to reach out directly if Portland’s calling your name!
Step 6: Embrace the Power of Virtual Tours
When buying a home remotely, virtual tours are your best friend. We use an app called Marco Polo to send video tours of homes, narrating the flow of the space and pointing out key details. This approach lets you rewatch the tours as much as you need, download them to share with your advisory committee (hi, family!), and get a real feel for the property. For example, my clients discovered a house they loved that didn’t look like much in photos, but the video tour really brought it to life (spoiler: it’s the house they got!).
Step 7: Navigate the Inspection and Negotiation Process
The inspection is a critical part of buying a home, and it’s important to stay involved even if you’re miles away. We often use Zoom to walk through the inspection with our clients, ensuring they’re fully informed and can ask questions in real-time. In Katie and Nick’s case, Katie flew out for the inspection after choosing a house, and seeing it in person was a huge relief. The neighborhood was even better than they’d imagined, and the house looked fantastic in person.
After the inspection, be ready to negotiate any necessary repairs. We were able to secure some significant concessions, including a new roof. Negotiations can be tense, but it’s all part of making sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Step 8: Prepare for the Move
Once you’ve closed on your Portland home, it’s time to get ready for the big move. Budget for the unexpected—like multiple trips for house hunting, inspections, and, of course, the move itself. Katie and Nick found it super helpful to visit their new neighborhood as locals before the move. They stayed in an Airbnb, explored the area, and got a real feel for their new community.
Final Thoughts: Making the Leap
Buying a house remotely, especially out of state, is no small feat. But with the right team, some careful planning, and a lot of trust, it’s entirely possible. Katie and Nick’s story is proof of that. If you’re considering making a move like this, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process, no matter where you are.
In the meantime, if you’re still exploring your options, make sure to follow me on Instagram for more tips, stories, and a peek into what makes Portland so special. Let’s stay connected!
