Relocating to Raleigh > Buying From Out of State

Buying a Home in the Triangle From Out of State

Many of our relocating buyers go under contract before they ever move here, and some before they visit. It works well when you have a plan, a local agent who will be your eyes and ears, and a clear understanding of how North Carolina contracts work, which differs from many states.

Plan My Move With ScottTry the Town Matchmaker

Step 1: Get Preapproved, With Your Move in Mind

Tell your lender you are relocating. They will want to know whether you are selling a home, whether your income is changing with a new job, and when you start. A new job offer letter can often be used for qualifying. Our lending partner works with relocating buyers regularly.

Step 2: Narrow the Map

Pick two or three areas based on work, budget and the type of home you want. Our Town Matchmaker, town comparison and commute guide are good starting points. We will set up a home search that sends you new listings the moment they hit the market.

Step 3: Tour Homes Virtually

When a home looks promising, we can tour it for you on live video. We open closets, run the water, look at the roof and the crawlspace access, and step outside to show you the yard, the street and the neighbors' view. We will also tell you what photos do not show, like road noise, slopes, drainage, power lines and nearby construction.

Step 4: Plan One Focused Trip

Many buyers narrow the list virtually and then fly in for a weekend to see the top choices in person, drive the commute and get a feel for the area. If you cannot travel, buying sight-unseen is possible, but we will be honest with you about the risks of any specific home.

Step 5: Understand the North Carolina Offer

North Carolina uses a standard offer form with a due diligence period. During that period you inspect the home, get your appraisal and loan approval, and decide whether to move forward. Two separate payments are negotiated in your offer:

• Due diligence fee, paid directly to the seller. It is generally not refunded if you decide to walk away, but it is credited to your purchase price at closing.
• Earnest money deposit, held in escrow. It is generally refundable if you terminate properly before the due diligence period ends.

Neither payment is required by law, and both amounts are negotiable. The signed contract controls, so read it carefully and ask your attorney about anything unclear. Our blog post on making a competitive offer without extra risk explains the trade-offs in more detail, and how much cash you need to buy walks through every up-front cost.

Step 6: Inspections From a Distance

We schedule the home inspection and any specialty inspections, such as termite, radon, septic, well, HVAC or structural, and attend in person if you cannot. You get the reports and photos, and we walk through them with you on a call. Repairs are negotiated before your due diligence period ends.

Step 7: Closing With an Attorney

In North Carolina, a real estate attorney handles the closing. You choose the attorney. They search the title, prepare documents and disburse funds. Many relocating buyers sign some or all documents remotely or by mail, depending on the attorney and lender.

Timing Your Sale Back Home

If you need to sell your current home, you have a few choices: sell first and rent short-term here, buy first using savings or a bridge loan, or try to line up both closings close together. Each has trade-offs, and the right one depends on your finances and your employer's relocation benefits. See rent first or buy right away. We can coordinate with your listing agent back home through the Keller Williams referral network, or recommend a trusted agent.

Relocation FAQ

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General information only, not legal or financial advice. Confirm terms with your attorney and lender.