International relocation… buying long distance

I had a recent closing with a family relocating to the Twin Cities from England… they saw their home in person for the first time right before closing! She said people thought they were crazy buying their new home sight unseen, but they are scientists and work all over the world… they have lived many places and can visualize properties from seeing them online and via Skype. This time they are landing at the University of Minnesota where they plan to stay while their young daughter grows up and goes to school here. They are excited to live in a community and state where so many people are active outdoors… after all, Minneapolis and St. Paul do have the top two park systems in the country!

With the proliferation of Internet listings, people throughout the world can get information on properties as soon as they come on the market at the same time… it doesn’t matter if you are in Minnesota or Spain. We did a Skype tour of the house before they made their offer, and when they arrived they said they loved it. It was as they expected… it felt like home.

The process was all done electronically except at the very beginning and the very end… they flew in the night before closing, did the final walkthrough and closing in the morning and flew off to other commitments again in the afternoon!

  • Online email initial communication
  • Twin Cities visit to meet and explore homes and neighborhoods – in person
  • Internet home search
  • Skype home tour
  • Offer made with email electronic signing
  • Electronic earnest money transfer
  • Home inspection with detailed online report and photos
  • Communicating with the inspector and contractors for repair estimates via phone and email
  • Negotiating via phone and email
  • Loan application and financing via secure online communication
  • Electronic funds transfer for final purchase
  • Email closing documents for review while traveling
  • Final walkthrough – in person
  • Closing – in person

Relocating to the Twin Cities? Whether you are moving from across the state, from another part of the USA, or another part of the world… we would love to help!

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results HomesMSP Team – shensrud@homesmsp.com – 612-419-0560

Written By

I love what I do! Highly insightful, analytical and creative, there is nothing I love more than helping you find the right solution for your real estate transition. My mission is to serve my clients with honesty and integrity, exceeding their expectations in service and support… and to help others by donating a portion of every transaction to Habitat for Humanity.

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