Out-of-state buyers face a myriad of challenges, from unfamiliarity with the local real estate market to facilitating a move without local resources. 

One of the most common situations that results in the need for a move to a different state is a job change. In this instance, the person moving may have little to no knowledge of the new area, resulting in a number of potential issues. Which town is right for me? How will I choose a neighborhood? How will commute time factor into available properties? The list goes on.

That's where an experienced, capable relocation department comes in, providing the comprehensive services needed to make moving to not just a new town but a whole new state that much easier.

Knowledge is Power

The heart and soul of any successful relocation department boils down to community knowledge. It's the one thing newcomers don't usually have, especially if the area is one they've never even visited prior to making a move.

The simplest of tasks can become overwhelming — but they don't have to be, says Andrew Beiser, Broker, Owner, and Relocation Director for Beiser Realty, LLC in Winneconne, WI. Answering the question, "Where do they really want to be?" is the first step in providing the help these buyers want and need.

"They think they know the area based on their own research, but actually coming here and experiencing the area is completely different," Beiser says. "Our agents know these local communities (again, there's that 'knowledge' factor!) and can provide information you can't just find online."

According to Beiser, the seemingly little details can help match a buyer with not just the right home but the right community to meet their needs and the needs of their family.

 "It's simple things, really," he continues, "just information that a competent agent living and working in that market should know. 'Oh, you're kids are into sports? Oshkosh has an incredible sports program I think you should check out.' for example." 

Being active in the community also allows an agency to make connections with other local businesses that can help everyone involved — help for the out-of-state buyer, exposure for the local business, and appreciation for the relocation specialist. It's a win-win situation, Beiser says.

"We partner with local businesses to offer services that would benefit someone in their move and in their 'settling-in' phase to offer discounts and/or other special benefits," he explains. "Even something as simple as calling in a pizza delivery to surprise the clients while they are unpacking. Think simple, human touches."

Consider developing a more extensive network of local partners, including lenders, inspectors, appraisers, and contractors. Make sure these community partners are experienced in working with out-of-state buyers and understand their unique needs. Highlight how this network can expedite the relocation process and provide reliable recommendations.

Industry Affiliations

While a relocation specialist can help out-of-state buyers navigate their new community, they also need help with the logistics of the move itself, from the sale of their current home to moving all of their belongings to their new destination.

Beiser Realty partners with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE), giving its relocation department access to all the tools needed to make an out-of-state move less stressful. Specifically, Beiser says they partner with RELO Direct®, a full-service relocation management company offering a variety of mobility management services for cost-effective moves. 

"As members of LeadingRE, our relocation department has access to all the tools we could ever need to succeed," he explains, "along with the tight-knit community of sharing among the member companies from across the globe. When you work together, everyone wins!

"Our affiliation with LeadingRE has been our lifesaver," he continues. "Their guidance and resources are second-to-none, plain and simple."

Also, consider agent designations such as the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification offered by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). This training helps agents understand the ins and outs of a military move and broadens the range of clients your agency can assist. 

Technology For the Win

Out-of-state buyers choosing to go it alone when selecting a property is a recipe for disaster, Beiser says, one that's been compounded by continued low inventory across the county.

"It's another huge challenge," he says. "This is nothing new as most of the United States is in an inventory crisis; it's just an inevitability we must overcome right now. It creates many 'sight unseen' offers, which don't always turn out well and are not recommended by our agents."

That's where technology comes in. Live video walkthroughs are available to give the potential buyers the next best thing to actually being there for a showing of a particular property. In addition to virtual showings, Beiser says his relocation team finds the easily created reports available through DeltaNET® invaluable.

"One of my favorite aspects is the Market Watch Reports found on our Delta Media Group® website," Beiser says. "People unfamiliar with our area love those reports!"

In addition to reports, Delta provides relocation agents with the most automated and customizable CRM to meet client needs. Marketing tools such as My Customer for Life and Properties in Motion® help agents stay in touch with out-of-state buyers every step of the way.

Relocation Success

Navigating the challenges out-of-state buyers face requires careful planning, research, and often the assistance of a well-prepared real estate relocation department that can provide tailored solutions to address concerns.

By harnessing the power of community knowledge, local partners, industry affiliations, and technology resources, your relocation department can be the go-to solution in your area.