Maybe it was a casual weekend visit, a friend who couldn't stop raving about everything the Philly area has to offer or an article you stumbled across ranking Philadelphia the most walkable city three years in a row. However this city captivated you here, we're glad it did.
If you are thinking of making the move to the City of Brotherly Love (or surrounding suburbs), here's exactly what the process looks like when you are buying a home long distance, from that first conversation to getting your keys.
Pre Planning
Start with a Zoom or phone call with a Philly Home Girls agent. We’ll learn about your lifestyle, interests, and must-haves to build an idea of what neighborhoods and living options that are a good fit. Our neighborhood pages (all written by us who happen to be Philly locals) and blog library are packed with local insight. Your agent will set you up on a portal with homes for sale. They'll start spotting patterns in what you're drawn to so your time is well spent when you visit in person.
Your agent can also connect you with a trusted lender. We strongly recommend working with local lender. There are contractual and local nuances specific to every city, state, and suburb. A lender who's well versed in those details will help you avoid any surprises at the closing table.
Come visit us!
We highly encourage you to come for a visit to Philly, even if just for two or three days. We have neighborhood walking tour blogs that offer a great preview of the city, and your agent can arrange home tours to give you a real feel for what's out there across different neighborhoods. By the end of the day, you'll have a much clearer sense of where you want to focus your search.
We can also recommend the perfect hidden neighborhood restaurants, bars to have a cocktail after a long day of sightseeing or touring homes, and any other hot spots that are a must see during your time here.
The real hunt
By this stage, you’re browsing homes digitally as you’ll be receive them in your inbox right when they hit the market. You’ll narrow down your vibe and target neighborhoods, and be ready to get serious. If you can visit in person, great! Wear your sneaks because your agent will have a chock-a-block schedule of home tours. This trip is all about finding THE one.
If visiting in person isn’t in the cards, don’t fret! Your agent can preview homes, video tour or FaceTime you through them. They’ll show you everything from the mechanicals and soft-close drawers to what's growing in the garden and the trees on the block. If you fall in love, you can move ahead sight unseen or book a last-minute visit to see the place in person before making an offer.
Our agents always attend inspections, even when you can’t. They will be there taking notes and asking the experienced questions, so you stay fully connected to the experience, no matter where you are.
The Closing
During your purchase, your agent and our transaction manager will keep everything on track so there are no surprises when you show up on settlement day. If you can’t be here for the closing, we’ll send a remote closing package directly to you. You’ll schedule a notary appointment to sign and send back our way. One note when it comes to a remote closing - not all lenders will approve them. We, of course, have a list of trusted lenders that do and we’re happy to recommend.
Friends for Eva
Now you’re officially a part of the Philly Home Girls family. Need a plumber or roofer recommendation? We’re here with a list of people that we trust. You’ll be invited to our annual not-to-be-missed party, which is a great way to make new friends and meet PHG neighbors. And when your friends visit, fall in love with the city, and start asking about making the move themselves, we'll be ready to do it all over again.
Additional Resources
But wait… there’s more! Here are some additional blogs from our library you may find helpful in your move to Philly! Already familiar with NYC neighborhoods, this article compares sister neighborhoods in Philly. Sometimes looking to the neighborhood next door is how you find your next home. and last but not least, our Quarterly Market Update of Philly and the burbs is essential reading if you’re heading out on a house hunt.
Our Marketing Manager, Bonnie Wisnowski calls this neighborhood home. Here she tells us what she loves about Port Richmond and why you should become her new neighbor (or at least come to visit).