Buying a home and moving houses is a big endeavor. It takes a lot of planning, packing, logistics, and expenses—if you’re hiring help.

Adding the element of crossing state lines to your purchase and move might introduce some complexities you weren’t expecting.

Whether you’re buying a second home or moving permanently for work or a lifestyle change, here’s what you need to know about moving to another state.

How to Plan a Move to Another State

Depending on your unique circumstances, the planning phase might look a little bit different, however, for the most part, planning your move to another state looks a bit like this:

• Research the State and Area – Before making your move, you’ll want to learn more about the area. Cost of living, economy, housing options, climate, environment, community, and lifestyle are just a few of the things you should find out.
• Create a Budget – Your moving budget should encompass everything from mortgage costs, moving expenses, set-up and settling-in costs, repairs, etc. Make sure to add some flexibility to account for any unexpected obstacles.
• Plan a Visit – While the use of virtual tours and FaceTime make it easier than ever to buy a home without seeing it in real life, it’s always a good idea to plan to visit the area you’re thinking about moving to.
• Find an Agent – Before your visit, contact some local real estate agents to find one you’d like to work with.

Do you have questions about buying a home from afar in Park City? Here are some of our top home-buying posts:

• Can You Buy a Home Out of State in Utah?
• How to Buy a Second Home in Park City Remotely
• Is it Better to Buy or Rent in Park City?
• What’s the Best Way to Finance a Vacation Home in Park City
• Does Deer Valley Have Unique Architecture?
• Why Buy a Luxury Condo in Park City

Benefits of Buying a Home with a Local Real Estate Agent

You likely already have a relationship with a trusted real estate professional in your area. However, when it comes to buying a home in a different state, it’s better to work with someone local. A local Realtor will have their finger on the pulse of the market. They’ll understand the nuance of the area and can be your ‘eyes on the ground’ when searching for a home.

A local expert will know the best neighborhoods with the best amenities. They can perfectly match you to a home that suits your needs. Additionally, they can go above and beyond in terms of recommendations by sharing top service providers, handyman services, decorators, shopping options, and more!

If you already have an agent you trust, you can also ask them to refer you to a colleague they have in the area. Most reputable brokerages have national and international networks for exactly this purpose.

CFH is part of Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices brokerage, as a result, we have access to an extensive network of luxury real estate teams and individual agents. Wondering about the difference between a real estate brokerage and a team? Read this post next to get the answer.

How Much Does it Cost to Move to a New State?

Beyond your down payment and mortgage, cross-country moving expenses are relative. Depending on the level of service and distance you are traveling, costs can vary. In the planning phase, it’s also a good idea to ask questions and get estimates for various fees.

Some potential expenses to be aware of include:

• Travel expenses
• Home inspection costs
• Lawyer or title fees and closing costs
• Professional movers (cost can vary depending on the weight of the load and distance)
• Storage
• Cleaning services
• New furniture and other household items
• Prorated utility fees and property taxes
• Home insurance

If you are purchasing a second residence or a vacation home, some of these costs can differ.

Still have questions about Park City real estate? Here are some more posts you might find interesting:

• How to Get Property Insurance in Park City
• What are the Best Park City Neighborhoods for Permanent Relocators
• Luxury Condo Amenities in Park City

How to Prepare For a Move to Another State

Once you’ve purchased a new home, it’s time to start planning the move in earnest. Here are a few ideas to help you prepare for the move itself:

• Keep Everything Together – Contracts, important documents, receipts, and estimates should be kept together in a central location. Whether it’s a digital file on the cloud or a physical box to hold all your hard copies, you’ll thank yourself later if you need to refer back to these documents at any time.
• Hire a Moving Company – Wondering how to move furniture from one state to another? There are countless cross-country moving companies. Ask around, research, read reviews, and interview companies until you find one you can trust. As with most things, it’s not always beneficial to go with the cheapest option. Make sure you feel confident that the movers are reliable and will treat your belongings with care. It’s also important to confirm the level of the company’s involvement. Will the moving company also provide boxes and packing? Will they expect everything organized and packed on the day of the move? Details are critical here.
• Legalities – If you are making a permanent move, you’ll need to inform your utilities companies, banks, lawyers, licenses, insurance, voter registration, etc. If this is a second residence or a vacation property, you’ll need to establish accounts with the utilities companies, get insurance, and confirm any other legal proceedings necessary for owning a second home in a different state.

Working with a real estate team experienced in cross-country moves is beneficial in more ways than one. With experience, they know all the boxes you need to check for a smooth and stress-free move.

Moving to Park City is about more than just real estate. It’s a lifestyle. And for many, the home they buy is a direct reflection of the activities they like to pursue. Learn more about some of the unique properties and communities we have here:

• Where to Find Horse Properties Around Park City
• How to Buy a Ski-In, Ski-Out Home in Park City
• What are the Best Park City Golf Communities?
• Why Park City is the Best Home Base for Recreating in Utah
• What are the Best Gated Communities in Park City?

Getting Settled in a New State

With the bulk of the move behind you, you can now focus on unpacking and getting settled. This is another benefit of working with a local Realtor: they can help you explore your surroundings, network and meet like-minded people, discover new hobbies, and more.

Buying a Home in Park City from Another State?

Whether you’re moving to Park City on a full-time basis or as a recreational/income property, your first step is talking to experienced Park City real estate agents. At CFH, we’ve been helping buyers from all over the world discover the true beauty of Park City living.

If you’re thinking about making a move, get the process started today! Give us a call at 435-647-8035 or email us at info@CFHparkcity.com.