Buying a home in another state can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to begin your search. How do you know where you want to live if you’ve never been there before? Luckily, there are some excellent ways you can make the process easier through careful research. Here are the main things you’ll want to research about your new home location:
Cost of Living
It’s crucial to understand the cost of living in a new community before you get too deep into a home search. While the home itself might be easily affordable, other factors like utilities, taxes and mortgage rates in the area might make it a more expensive place to live than where you are now. Even if it’s comparable, the best thing you can do is research these costs ahead of your job search so that you know what to expect.
Job Prospects
If you don’t have a new job prompting you to move to a new state, finding employment is likely at the top of your to-do list. Studying your new city and area’s industry activity and job market as early as possible will help you get a competitive edge. Some things to ask yourself during your research might be: how in-demand is your current specialty in this area? What about those of your family members or housemates?
Use the internet to search job boards in your new community before moving. This will help you get a better sense of what the market is like and how easy it will be to find new opportunities for employment.
Attractions & Culture
While not as critical to your financial situation, the culture and attractions in your new city will affect your quality of life. Find out what recreational activities are available and what points of interest might be near your new home. If you have a hobby or specific interest, research opportunities to engage in it in your new community. Research things like regular events, museums, parks, recreational facilities, nightlife, sports teams and performance venues. The more you know about the cultural aspects of a new place the better you’ll know if it’s the right place to live.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
