If you’re planning a big move to a new place, you’re probably wondering about the best way to gather all the important information before making big decisions like purchasing a home. Each person’s situation and timeline will affect how to go about planning town visits, but after working with dozens of relocation clients, these are the best practices for planning future town visits.
How Many Visits Should I Make Before Moving?
If possible, you should make at least two visits to your future town before you move. The first visit should be 6+ months out from your move. The main goal for this visit is simply to get to know the area and people. You may even visit as a means to narrow down your ideal location. If you decide that this isn’t the town for you on your first town visit- consider this town visit a SUCCESS! Discovering that you don’t want to live somewhere before you move is a HUGE accomplishment that many don’t discover until it’s too late.
Don’t get hung up on touring homes during this visit. Odds are you won’t be purchasing any of them, and it will take away from time you should be spending getting to know the area.
How To Plan your First Town Visit
A lot of research can be done online and on social media to craft your itinerary, but most people forget about a key person who is available to get you plugged into your new community like a local: an experienced and friendly relocation specialist.
If you are considering moving to a town, you should already be speaking with a real estate agent who specializes in relocation. It doesn’t cost you anything to begin speaking with a REALTOR®, and not only are they plugged into your future community, their career is built around helping people move to town. If you haven’t gotten connected with a real estate agent who specializes in relocation in your future town, click below to have Laura personally interview and recommend the best relocation agents in your future town!
Research your Future Town
Before your visit, conduct thorough research about the town. Familiarize yourself with its history, culture, demographics, and community events. Explore local websites, social media groups, and forums to gather insights from current residents. This will help you form a basic understanding of the town’s character and identify key areas of interest.
Connect with Locals
Reach out to residents or join community groups online to connect with locals before your visit. Engaging with the community can provide insider tips, recommendations, and even potential friendships. Seek advice on must-visit places and upcoming events, as well as insights into the town’s unique offerings.
Plan Your Visit Itinerary
To make the most of your town visit, create an itinerary that includes key places of interest. While everyone’s preferences vary, consider including the following important places to explore:
- Town Center: Start your visit by exploring the heart of the town. Wander through the main streets, discovering local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Immerse yourself in the town’s atmosphere and observe the daily life of its residents.
- Parks and Recreational Areas: Take some time to enjoy nature and explore local parks or recreational areas. These spots can give you a sense of the town’s outdoor offerings and provide opportunities for relaxation or physical activity.
- Local Museums and Historical Sites: Discover the town’s history and culture by visiting its museums and historical sites. Learn about the town’s heritage, significant events, and notable figures. This can deepen your connection to the community and enhance your appreciation for its past.
- Schools and Educational Facilities: If you have children, visiting schools and educational facilities is essential. Explore local schools, meet with administrators, and get a feel for the education options available. It’s important to ensure that the town meets your family’s educational needs.
- Community Centers and Libraries: Community centers and libraries are often hubs of activity in towns. Pay a visit to these places to understand the resources, programs, and events available for residents. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with locals and learn more about community initiatives.
- Local Services: Take note of important local services such as hospitals, police stations, fire departments, and grocery stores. Familiarize yourself with their locations, ensuring you have easy access to essential amenities.
Engage with Local Businesses
During your town visit, support local businesses by visiting their shops, cafes, or restaurants. Engaging with local entrepreneurs not only contributes to the local economy but also provides an opportunity to experience the unique flavors and offerings of your future home. Be open to recommendations from locals or do some research beforehand to identify noteworthy establishments.
Attend Community Events
Check for upcoming community events, festivals, or markets taking place during your visit. Participating in these events will give you a taste of the town’s culture, traditions, and community spirit. It’s an excellent way to interact with locals and build a sense of belonging.
Plan a Home Shopping Visit
If possible, try to have two separate town visits. Your final town visit should be specifically set aside for home shopping.
Finding a home to purchase in a town you’re not super familiar with can be a challenge. It is essential that you work with an agent who is experienced in helping people relocate to the area. You will have more to learn about the areas, amenities, home values, and regulations. You don’t know what you don’t know and you need someone prepared to educate you.
Click HERE to get connected with a vetted and recommended relocation agent!
Ideally, you should be working with your agent for a few weeks leading up to your final visit. Begin looking at homes online to get an idea of what the available inventory will look like, how much home you can afford, and which neighborhoods you like the most. A good relocation agent will have an open dialogue with you about the homes you’re viewing. This will help you be more prepared to make a purchasing decision on your final town visit.
Work with your agent to create a loose itinerary of home viewings. Expect to spend a good amount of time with your agent viewing homes. If you are only in town for a show period of time, you will both need to be available to see everything that interests you.
If you find a home that checks all your boxes, be prepared to write an offer. In today’s fast paced real estate market, moving quickly is essential to winning offers. This includes being pre-approved and having a solid agency relationship with your real estate agent.
What if I Don’t Find a Home During my Visit?
Best case scenario, you get to tour a home in person before deciding to purchase. Unfortunately, it doesn’t alway happen.
If you find yourself unable to make a town visit and still need to purchase a home, know that you’re not alone. 24% of all homebuyers are buying homes sight unseen according to a study done by Lendingtree.
It’s easier today than ever to purchase a home completely online, and working with a real estate agent you trust makes this process even easier.
Discuss with your agent what your options are if you end up purchasing a home sight unseen over the internet. In some states, it’s possible to write an offer, go under contract, and then have an inspection period in which you can travel to town and view the home. If you see the home and change your mind, you can terminate the offer with no penalty. Not every state’s contracts allow for this option, so discuss with your agent.
Even if you aren’t able to tour your future home in person, your previous town visits should have given you a better understanding of area. Browse available listings using a map, and avoid areas you decided you didn’t like while visiting town. Don’t forget to use Google Street View to get an idea of what the neighboring homes look like as well.
When you buy a home over the internet, you’re essentially trusting your real estate agent to act in your place. When they do video tours, you’re trusting them to point out every area of concern, tell you about traffic noise, and odd smells in the home.
Don’t trust this VERY IMPORTANT roll to any agent you can find online. Look for an agent who specifically helps people relocate to the area.
How to Plan a New Town Visit Before you Move
