How to Buy a Home in Florida From Out-of-State

One of the most exhilarating and life-altering changes you can make is to pick up and move to another state. Of course, relocating to a brand new place can also be a bit intimidating. However, once you get over your uncertainty and the process is well underway, you can’t help but be excited about the new places you will see and the people you’ll meet.

If your goals involve moving to Florida, you really do have so much to look forward to. Here, you’ll find one of the warmest, most welcoming places in America, all in a climate that often feels like paradise. In this post, we’ll talk about the practical aspects of relocating across the country.

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Ask the Big Questions

Moving around the block can involve a lot of planning and coordination. It goes to a whole new level when relocating to a new state where the tax way of life could be very different. As such, your first step is to create a plan and a checklist to keep you on track. A little background research can give you an idea of what you can expect after your transition. For example:

The great news is that Florida has no state income tax! However, you’ll still want to familiarize yourself with property taxes and any differences in the laws between your existing state and your new home.
Will you stay with your existing employer and transfer or start with a new company after moving?
Do you plan to sell your existing home before relocating? If so, it’s a good idea to determine how much equity you have and what kind of return on investment you can expect. Maximizing your transaction will help open up the possibilities when searching for your new home in Florida.
Do you have school-age children? One of your first steps will be to research what school will be the best fit so you can arrange to be in the correct catchment area.
What does your dream lifestyle look like after you relocate? Do you want to be close to the beach or in a big city? Perhaps a rural destination will check off most of your boxes.

Want to get an idea of what’s available in Florida? The posts below will shed some light on the situation:

Team Up With a Real Estate Agent

Any real estate transaction can have a multitude of moving pieces. Now is the time to connect with a professional real estate team (like The Zimmern Team) to keep you on track with everything. We can help with all aspects of your relocation, from assessing the current market conditions and allowing you to make the most of your sale to finding the right house at the best possible terms.

Buying and selling isn’t just about finances, either. Moving can be a complicated process, and a well-established real estate team typically comes with a network of contractors, cleaners, tradespeople, mortgage brokers, lawyers, and more. Instead of having to make dozens of calls to zero in on a trusted professional, you have everything at your fingertips with a single contact.

The question now is whether to choose one real estate service or two. When moving out of state, some clients will work with a single agent to handle everything. Others will have one professional to sell their existing home while partnering with a local Realtor® in their new state. In either case, our experts are happy to offer their expertise and guidance to make your transition as easy and stress-free as possible.

Should you set your sights on Pensacola when relocating? Learn more in Is Pensacola, Florida a Good Place to Live?

Start Acting Now

Your moving date may seem far off, but there’s no shortage of tasks to complete in the meantime. The earlier you start preparing, the less rushed and overwhelmed you’ll feel as the time approaches.

When in doubt, you can’t go wrong by beginning the decluttering process. A clean, organized house appeals to potential buyers and can help you obtain a higher selling price. Plus, you’ll have fewer items to pack, move, and unpack, which can save on some of your relocation expenses. Be sure to label each box clearly to make it easier to settle into your new home.
Decide whether you want to rent in your new city until you find your forever home or buy a house right away. Both have benefits and challenges depending on your situation. If possible, arranging for a visit ahead of time can help you proceed with confidence.
Gather all information and documents you will need to streamline your transition. This could include birth certificates, medical records, and school transcripts.
Make a list of all utilities that you will need to cancel and restart after your big move.
Keep one box separate for all essentials you will need within the first 24 to 48 hours in your new home. This insider tip will save you a lot of time and stress as you begin to settle in.

Undoubtedly, other items will appear on your to-do list as you go through the relocation process. A full-service real estate team will be there to take a lot of the work off of your shoulders and support you every step of the way. It’s important to be as organized as you can while remaining flexible, as the unexpected can always happen. Trying to maintain a sense of humor can also make the process more enjoyable for everyone. Remember that you are almost at the finish line!

A thriving economy is just one of the reasons why many people are relocating to Florida. Learn more about the opportunities in the posts below:

Settling Into Your New Home

You’ve arrived at your destination, and everything is new and exciting! Getting out to explore your new city and find some new favourite restaurants, parks, and other attractions will be one of the first things on your agenda. First, you’ll likely have a few business items to take care of.

Update your address on your driver’s license and vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida.
Change your voting registration so you can participate in local and national elections.
Setup your utilities, such as Internet, hydro, water, and gas.

Unpacking your belongings and deciding what goes where will take a little more time, and you’ll likely spend some time arranging and rearranging until your new space meets your specifications. A visit to a local decor store or furniture boutique might be in order. Once the logistics are out of the way, getting out and meeting your neighbors might be just what you need to make your new house feel like home.

Are you ready to get the ball rolling on your upcoming relocation to Florida? It doesn’t hurt to begin with a conversation, and our Florida Panhandle real estate agents are happy to help you at every stage of the journey. Connect with us today at (850) 266-7245 or email info@thezimmernteam.com with any questions you may have.