How My Out-of-State Buyers Found the One After Their First Trip Came Up Empty
How My Out-of-State Buyers Found the One After Their First Trip Came Up Empty
Buying a home is a lot. Buying a home in a state you don't live in yet? That's a whole different level.
I just wrapped up a search with a family relocating from Nebraska, and it took two towns, a lot of driving, and more videos than I can count. But we found the house. If you're thinking about moving to Illinois from out of state, I want you to see how this actually played out, because it might look a lot like your search.
How We Started the Search From Nebraska
These buyers found me online, and we connected right away over our dogs. I have six. They have four, plus cats. So I knew pretty quickly that the yard and the space for their animals were going to matter just as much as the house.
They were moving for a job transfer and needed to live within a certain area for his new job. Since they were still in Nebraska, I found eight homes that looked like they could work, walked through each one, and sent them videos. That way they could get a real feel for the homes before spending the time and money on a trip here.
When the First Trip Doesn't Work Out
AThey liked a few enough to come into town the following week. By the time they got here, some of those homes were already under contract. That happens more than people think when you're buying from a distance.
We toured around six homes that Wednesday, and honestly, nothing felt right.
So the next morning, I called five of the top agents in that city and asked if they had anything coming on the market soon. Most of them called back quickly, and we got into three more homes before they were even listed. None of them were the one either.
They headed home to Nebraska a little discouraged, and I don't blame them. That's a long trip to come home empty-handed.
Starting Over in a New Town
After they had some time to think, they called me and said, "Let's try a different town."
The catch was that this town was about two hours from me and outside the area where I normally work. I was upfront with them. I can sell anywhere in Illinois, but I didn't know that city well.
Their answer was, "We want you."
So we started over. I set up showings for seven homes and spent an entire Sunday driving out there, going through every house, filming everything, and sending it back to them. My mom came along as my partner in crime for the day, which helped a lot on a sun-up-to-sundown kind of day.
I also filmed around the community so they could get a feel for the area, and she did her own research on the things that mattered most to her family. That combination helped them feel confident about the town, not just the house.
How We Beat Multiple Offers
And we found the one. Of course, it was brand new on the market with multiple offers.
Instead of throwing their whole budget at it, we focused on putting together the strongest overall offer. That meant seller-friendly terms, paying attention to the details that mattered to the sellers, and a plan that kept them competitive without overextending.
This area also used a different contract than the one I usually work with, so I learned a new one along the way. The listing agent was patient and easy to work with, which made a big difference.
They closed on their Nebraska home and their new Illinois home just days apart, and now they're settling into a house with everything they hoped for, for themselves and their animals. They're even planning a catio so the cats can safely enjoy the outdoors.
What I'd Tell Anyone Relocating to Illinois
If you're buying from out of state, here's what this search taught me (and them):
You don't have to be here to start. Video walkthroughs let you narrow your list before you ever book a trip.
Homes can go fast before you arrive. Have a backup list ready so one trip still covers plenty of ground.
Ask about coming-soon homes. Sometimes the right house isn't listed yet, and a few phone calls can get you in early.
Stay open on location. If the first town doesn't work, a nearby one might be exactly what you were looking for.
Get to know the community, not just the house. Ask for videos of the area and do your own research on what matters to your family.
The highest price isn't the only way to win. Strong terms and a thoughtful offer can matter just as much.
Thinking About Moving Here?
If you're relocating to Morris, Grundy County, or anywhere nearby and can't be here yet, that's okay. I'd love to help you build a plan that fits your budget and your goals, and I'm happy to be your eyes on the ground until we find the right home. Reach out anytime or give me call or text at 815-693-5757 and let's talk through where you're headed.
You can also grab my free buyer's guide HERE.
– Christy Schmaedeke 🐾
