Whether you’re relocating for work or were drawn by the beautiful mountains, Colorado is a wonderful place to live. However, buying a house here while coming from another state presents some unique challenges. If you’re smart in how you approach the purchase process, you can successfully find your dream home.

Tips for Buying a House Long-Distance

1. Work With an Agent

You may not know the local area well, but a buyer’s agent does. It is their job to monitor the local real estate market and to know each neighborhood intimately. They can tell you about the options within your budget and what to expect from the area. They may tour homes on your behalf and negotiate with the seller.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Don’t get your heart set on a home you can’t afford. To avoid this, talk to the bank and see what financing you can secure before browsing. Once you have a pre-approval letter in hand, then you can have an easier time selecting a neighborhood based on the local cost-of-living and job opportunities. This document can also make it easier to win over sellers who might have multiple bids on their home.

3. Come for the Inspection

You may only be able to schedule so many trips out to visit the property and that’s okay. However, prioritize being there in person for the home inspection. These professionals’ jobs are to go through each area of the house thoroughly—examining the condition of the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, foundation, roof, appliances, and more. As they do so, you’ll also get a clearer picture of what you are buying—and what it will take to fix anything that is wrong. It’s also a convenient way to get more familiar with the house. There’s less need to travel out to the closing. If you work with a national title company, you can handle all the paperwork from your home state.

Cheri Long of Priority Properties, Inc. knows how to work with buyers from out of state. If you’re planning on buying a house in the Denver Metro area, she’ll make the transaction smooth and rewarding. Get started with your home search on their website or by calling (303) 263-2072.