Moving to Tacoma? Here's What Buying a Home From Another State Really Looks Like
One of the questions I get asked most often is, "Can I really buy a home in Tacoma without being there in person?"
The long of the short is — Yes!
In fact, I've helped many people relocate to Tacoma from places like California, Texas, Colorado and Wyoming without them needing to fly back every time a new home hit the market.
Thanks to FaceTime, Zoom and a little planning, buying a home remotely is much more common than most people realize. Whether you're relocating to Tacoma for work, moving closer to family or simply looking for a different lifestyle, Kelsey and I have dialed in the processes and are happy to help! Here's what the process actually looks like.
Step 1: Let's Talk About Your Move
Every relocation starts with a conversation.
We'll schedule a phone call or Zoom meeting to talk through your goals, timeline and what you're looking for in a home.
Some of the things we'll discuss include:
Why you're moving to Tacoma
Your budget
The type of home you're looking for
Commute considerations
Whether walkability, a larger lot, waterfront access or newer construction is important to you
Your ideal timeline
If you're financing your purchase, I'll also connect you with a few trusted local lenders so you can get pre-approved before your home search begins.
Step 2: Learning the Tacoma Area
One of the biggest challenges when relocating to Tacoma is learning the different neighborhoods. Instead of simply sending listings, we help clients understand how different areas fit the lifestyle they're looking for.
Some buyers are looking for a neighborhood business district they can walk to, others want more land, easier freeway access, or to be close to the waterfront. Every buyer has different priorities, and we'll build your search around what's most important to you.
Step 3: Touring Homes Virtually
Once you have your pre-approval and are ready to start shopping, we setup a group chat with you and our team. When you’ve identified properties that might interest you, we research the properties and email you notes/information etc so you can put it through the funnel and decide if you still want to do a virtual tour! If it’s a yes, my team and I schedule private showings and walk through each property with you over FaceTime.
When we arrive at the property, we take a video and send it to you before calling you on FaceTime to virtually walk you through. We don't just show you the pretty parts; we'll point out the things we would want someone to show us if we were buying a house from another state:
Room sizes and layout
Storage spaces and closets
Natural light throughout the day
Condition of finishes
Older home quirks
Views from the windows
The surrounding street
Anything else that might not come through in professional listing photos!
After our walkthrough, we can also send you another or additional videos so you can watch it again later, compare homes and share it with family members if you'd like.
If you have a trusted friend or family member nearby, they're always welcome to attend the showing as well.
Step 4: Writing a Competitive Offer
When you're ready to move forward, we'll discuss pricing, strategy and current market conditions. We email a list of “comparable properties,” to gauge how the home you’re interested in is priced and decide how you want to move forward. Every home and every seller is different, so we don't use the same approach every time. Additionally, we will chat you through and explain each document, answer your questions and help you make informed decisions throughout the process so you feel confident every step of the way.
Can You Really Buy a Home Without Seeing It First?
Absolutely! Some of our relocation clients have only visited Tacoma once before buying; Others have never stepped inside their home until after closing.
The key is communication.
Our goal is that when you finally walk through the front door in person, it feels exactly like you expected because we've taken the time to look beyond the listing photos and talk through every detail together.
Why So Many People Are Moving to Tacoma
We’ve worked with clients relocating from all over the country, and while everyone's reasons are different, a few themes come up again and again.
People are looking for a strong sense of community, access to parks and the outdoors, unique neighborhoods with character, and a city that offers plenty to do without feeling as large or expensive as Seattle. For many buyers, Tacoma offers the opportunity to build a lifestyle that fits the next chapter of their lives.
Thinking About Relocating to Tacoma?
If you're considering moving to Tacoma or anywhere in Pierce County, we would love to help make the process feel a little less overwhelming.
Whether you're still deciding if Tacoma is the right fit or you're ready to start touring homes, we’re happy to answer questions, share what we've learned from helping other relocation clients, and guide you through every step of buying a home from another state.
Related Articles
If you're planning a move to Tacoma, you may also enjoy:
Moving from Colorado to Tacoma: One family's journey to homeownership.
Moving from Austin to Tacoma: Why one homebuyer chose walkability, community and character.
Moving from San Francisco to Tacoma: Why one family chose the West Slope.
What to Do During Your First Week After Buying a Home in Washington.
