Buying a new home can be a rewarding but scary process for any family, let alone a family who is looking half-way across the country for their new house. No matter your circumstances, sometimes long-distance moves are inevitable, and they shouldn’t come with a laundry list of stressors and concerns.

As long as you know what to look for and when, and prepare with the following tips, your cross-country move will be an exciting time for your family, not a traumatic one.

Find an agent you can trust

Part of easing the homebuying process is placing your trust in a solid agent who knows the area in and out, and can help you with any of your concerns. This might take a little searching in itself, but once you find the right person you will be so grateful for their help and expertise. They can also serve as your eyes and ears on the ground, when you are miles away.

Make a list of must-haves

This is something every homebuyer will want to do, but it’s especially important if you’re looking for a new home sight unseen. Establish your ultimate list of must-have elements for your new space, be it close proximity to good schools, hardwood flooring, etc., and make sure you express these concerns with your agent.

Consider making a trip out

It’s not always feasible to set aside time to travel to your new locale to browse a list of potential homes, but if you can, you should. Set up a budget for what you are willing to spend on travel expenses to and from, and try and fit a trip in where you can meet with your agent face-to-face and get a feel for the area. Some elements, like the quality of the neighborhood and the low-down on local restaurants, are hard to see from afar.

Be thorough in your options

Don’t count out any options before you carefully weigh the pros and cons of each. For some people, it might be worth it to temporarily rent while you get comfortable in your new area, and give yourself more time to find a permanent home that fits you. For others, purchasing a home straight away may make more sense, you just need to make sure your research and planning is thorough.

When it comes to buying a home from afar, the most important thing to remember is that you should never make any decisions hastily or without proper preparation. With the right team behind you and effort on your behalf, you can feel comfortable starting this new chapter.