Finding a realtor in another state feels scary. I’ve been there myself.
When I moved from Texas to Colorado, I had zero connections. No local friends. No trusted referrals. Just me, Google, and a lot of worry about getting scammed.
Here’s what I learned: trust is everything when you’re buying or selling from hundreds of miles away.
This guide will show you exactly how to find a realtor in another state without the stress. You’ll learn five proven steps to locate trustworthy agents. I’ll share the right questions to ask and red flags to avoid.
You’ll solve your realtor search problem using the same methods that worked for me and thousands of other long-distance movers.
Ready to find your perfect agent?
Why You Need a Realtor When Buying or Selling in Another State
Let me be honest with you. Going solo on an out-of-state real estate transaction is risky. Local market knowledge matters. A lot.
Your California realtor might be amazing, but they won’t know the ins and outs of Austin’s neighborhoods. They can’t tell you which Phoenix areas flood during monsoon season.
Here’s what a local realtor brings to the table:
- Market pricing knowledge – They know if that $450k house is overpriced
- Neighborhood insights – School districts, safety, future development plans
- Local connections – Inspectors, lenders, contractors you can trust
- Legal requirements – Every state has different disclosure laws
- Negotiation power – They understand local buyer and seller habits
Think of your realtor as your boots on the ground. They’re your eyes and ears when you can’t be there yourself.
Steps on How to Find a Realtor in Another State
Ready to find your perfect match? Follow these steps that worked for me.
1. Research Online Realtor Directories
Start with the big three directories:
Realtor.com – The official NAR directory Zillow – Detailed agent profiles and reviews Redfin – Performance stats and client feedback
Here’s my search plan:
Filter by your target city or neighborhood. Look for agents with at least 20 recent transactions. Check their average days on market.
Don’t just look at star ratings. Read the actual reviews. Pay attention to comments about communication and local knowledge.
2. Ask for Referrals from Your Current Realtor
Your local realtor is gold for referrals.
Most experienced agents have a network across multiple states. They know who delivers results and who doesn’t.
Call your realtor and say: “I’m moving to Denver. Do you know any top agents there?”
They’ll often connect you with someone they’ve worked with before. That’s solid validation. These referrals often come with inside knowledge about the agent’s work style and strengths.
3. Join Local Facebook Groups and Online Communities
This step changed everything for me.
Search for groups like: “[City Name] Real Estate” “[City Name] Newcomers” “[City Name] Buy Sell Trade Homes”
Join these groups and post: “Moving to [City] from [Current State]. Looking for realtor recommendations. Any suggestions?”
You’ll get real feedback from actual clients. Not fake reviews or marketing fluff. Some groups don’t allow realtor recommendations. Check the rules first.
4. Check Credentials and Licensing
This step saved me from a bad choice.
Every state has a licensing board where you can verify an agent’s status. Google “[State] real estate license lookup.”
Here’s what to check: Active license status, Disciplinary actions, Years in business, Professional designations
Red flag: If they won’t provide their license number upfront, move on.
5. Schedule Virtual Interviews
Now comes the important part. Time to interview your top candidates. Set up 30-minute video calls with your top 3-5 choices. This isn’t a casual chat. Come prepared.
What to look for during the call:
Professional appearance and setup. Clear communication skills. Knowledge of your target area. Patience with your questions.
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
What Questions to Ask a Realtor in Another State
Your interview questions can make or break this decision. Here are the must-ask questions:
- “How many transactions did you close in my target area last year?” You want someone active in your specific neighborhood, not just the city.
- “What’s your average response time to calls and emails?” Communication is everything when you’re states away.
- “Can you provide references from other out-of-state clients?” They should have experience with remote buyers and sellers.
- “What’s your marketing plan for my price range?” For sellers: How will they showcase your home online?
- “How do you handle virtual showings and walkthroughs?” Technology comfort level matters more than ever.
Don’t be shy about asking tough questions. The right agent will welcome them.
Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring an Out-of-State Realtor
- They pressure you to sign immediately without giving you time to think
- No recent local sales in your target area or neighborhood
- Won’t provide references from other out-of-state clients
- Vague about commission structure and won’t give clear pricing upfront
- They seem too busy to talk during the initial consultation phase
Conclusion
I successfully found my Colorado realtor using these exact steps. You can too.
The process takes time, but your peace of mind is worth it. Start with online directories today. Ask your current realtor for referrals. Join local Facebook groups for honest recommendations.
Schedule video interviews with your top three choices. Ask the tough questions I shared. Check their credentials thoroughly.
Trust your gut feeling. The right realtor will make you excited about your move, not anxious.
Your dream home in another state is waiting. Don’t let fear of finding the wrong realtor hold you back.
Take action today. Start your search now and find the perfect agent for your long-distance real estate move.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a realtor in another state?
Realtor commissions are typically the same nationwide, usually 5-6% of the home’s sale price. The seller pays this fee, so buyers don’t pay realtor commissions directly.
Can I use my local realtor to buy a house in another state?
Your local realtor can help, but they’ll need to partner with a licensed agent in your target state. It’s usually better to work directly with a local expert who knows the market.
How long does it take to find a good out-of-state realtor?
Plan for 1-2 weeks of research and interviews to find the right agent. Don’t rush this process since your realtor choice impacts your entire buying or selling experience.
Should I visit the state before hiring a realtor?
You don’t need to visit first, but a trip helps you understand neighborhoods better. Many successful out-of-state buyers rely entirely on virtual tours and video calls.
What if I’m not happy with my out-of-state realtor?
Most realtor agreements allow you to terminate the contract with proper notice. Read your agreement carefully and don’t hesitate to switch if communication or service quality drops.
