6 Ways Realtors Can Help Remote Home Buyers

In today’s red hot real estate market, getting a buyer’s offer accepted is taking more work than ever for Realtors. Combine the current competitive market with out-of-state buyers, and the pressure goes up even further. As people look to relocate to different parts of the country, many Realtors are finding themselves in that exact situation. While it does require a lot of work, getting your out-of-state client’s offer accepted is possible! Keep reading for our tips and tricks on how a Realtor can help a remote home buyer in today’s competitive real estate market.

This tip isn’t groundbreaking, but it may just be the most helpful tip we give. When working with an out-of-state buyer you aren’t just their Realtor, you’re their eyes and ears. Your client won’t be able to go to a showing last minute, so they must thoroughly rely on your expertise. Part of that expertise is knowing exactly what your out-of-state client is looking for in a new home. The more you know about what they are looking for, the easier the home buying process will be.

Getting to know your out-of-state buyer also means learning about more about them. Finding their dream home won’t do any good if it’s in the wrong location or doesn’t work for their family. For example:

• If you know your clients are quiet people who love the outdoors, they probably aren’t going to want to buy a home in the hustle and bustle of a city. If they have pets and children, they may not want to live in a condo without a yard, even if their offer could be accepted right away.
• Listen to what they say they love about their current state (and home), and what they’re looking to improve upon by relocating. This will help you narrow down options for them in their new state.
• When your clients find areas they like, make sure they understand what may work differently than where they currently live. This can include bus pickup for school-aged children, access to grocery delivery for busy professionals, and even differences in public transportation options.

Making sure your remote home buyers feel educated on all aspects of the area they’re moving will not only make their relocation easier, but it shows how much you care and helps you stand out as a Realtor.

2020 brought many changes for Realtors and home buyers, with virtual open houses being one of them. This has been a positive change that has allowed more access to open houses and home showings without having to leave the comfort of their home. While many homes in the current market are going before they are even shown, this is still a fantastic option for remote home buyers who may need to make a quick decision.

We understand homes are going faster than they can be shown in right now, but it’s still important for your client to visit where they’re looking to move. This face-to-face time will help you understand your client better and will allow them to narrow down the areas they want to live in. This visit will also build trust in case your client needs to make an offer without being there to see a home in person. If they have seen and approved of the area, they will be more likely to make an offer from afar, even if they haven’t stepped foot in the home. If possible, make sure they can be there for the home inspection, so they know the ins and outs of the new home.

Another important part of working with clients who are not local is communication. With your client being far away, they may require more reassurance you are working on their behalf to find a home for them. Here’s a few things you can focus on:

• Send photos and videos. If you walk through a potential home for your clients and they can’t virtually view it with you, make sure you send them plenty of pictures and videos so they can see all aspects of the home. Yes, there are photos available online, but this will give them a different perspective.
• Check in regularly. Relocating is stressful no matter the circumstances, and your clients have a lot to do. By checking in with them on a regular basis, you can see how they’re doing and ask if they need anything. This will help your clients feel more at peace and know someone is on their side in their new location.
• Be honest. If you feel a certain home isn’t for your clients, let them know. The same goes for letting them know if they need to move quickly. With so many homes going fast a buyer who is relocating may have to make an offer sight unseen. Your job is to make sure they feel confident in making an offer.

It’s more important than ever that a client’s financing is approved and ready to go when it’s time to move forward on a house.

• Getting pre-approved is important, but we like to take it one step further. Becoming a Churchill Certified Home Buyer allows your client to rest easy knowing their financing is as secure as possible to home sellers. This allows home buyers to feel confident in making an offer without being present and gives them a competitive edge in a seller’s market.
• Finding the right home takes time, especially if your clients are not local to the area and can’t visit each home they like. Therefore, it’s important to be Rate Secured. This program allows your buyers to cap their interest rate for 90 days while they search for their new home. They can also reset their rate and try again with an additional 90-day period if they don’t find a home within the first 90 days.

Working with out-of-state buyers gives you a chance to really shine as a Realtor. How can you make life easier for your clients when they get here or even before?

• Refer moving companies. Take the time to talk to your network and see who the best movers are in each client’s area, giving them one less thing to worry about.
• Send lists of favorite places. Relocating to a new state can be quite a shock to the system. Go above and beyond as a Realtor by making your remote buyers feel at home. Make sure they know the best restaurants, shopping, and activities in the area. It’s also nice to provide the numbers for utilities and the best internet deals in the area. Plugging your client into the community will help them feel at home as soon as they arrive.
• Have a fantastic welcome home kit ready. Moving to a new state isn’t just stressful and exciting, it’s exhausting! The last thing your client wants to worry about is what they will eat for dinner. Find out their favorite things and have them ready when they get to their home. This can include dinner, meal kits for the first week, or stocking the fridge with their favorite drinks and snacks. You can also provide items to help them relax such as Epsom salts for a bath and candles to give their new home a wonderful scent!

As a Realtor, your business is based on referrals and networking. Helping your buyers relocate and find a great home will only help your business grow. At Churchill, we believe who you do business with matters. That’s why we partner with Realtors who understand the importance of putting people over profits and doing what’s best for their clients. If you’re looking to partner with a mortgage company that truly cares about the people they finance, give us a call!