How to Find a Realtor in Another State (One You Can Trust)

3. Hire a relocation specialist

If you’re moving across the country for work or personal reasons, a smart choice is an agent with a Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) designation or a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification. These agents specialize in helping buyers who can’t be physically present for every step of the process.

Relocation specialists typically offer:

• Virtual showings and walkthroughs
• Guidance on neighborhoods, schools, and commute times
• Connections to local lenders, inspectors, and title professionals
• Coordination of remote paperwork and digital closings

Some agents are affiliated with corporate relocation programs, while others simply have deep experience with long-distance buyers. Be sure to ask if they’ve worked with out-of-state clients before and how they manage communication and timelines remotely.

4. Read local agency ratings and reviews

Many agencies have offices across the country, making it easier to connect with a local agent who has the backing of a well-known brokerage. Once you find an office in your target area, you can often read reviews, bios, and specialties right on the agent’s own website.

Some of the most widely available real estate companies include:

5. Seek out individual referrals from real local clients

Real people who’ve recently bought a home in the area you’re moving to can be one of the most trustworthy sources of agent referrals. Try asking:

• Friends, family members, or colleagues who live in the area
• Your employer’s HR or relocation department
• Professionals like mortgage lenders or attorneys with local connections

Referrals can give you insight into how well an agent communicates, how responsive they are, and whether they helped make the process smoother, especially for long-distance buyers or sellers.

6. Tap into local social media groups

Local Facebook groups and neighborhood-focused platforms like Nextdoor or Reddit (e.g., reddit.com/r/[cityname]) can offer real-time insights from people living in your new area. These communities are often eager to share recommendations — and warnings — about local real estate agents and other professionals.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Join a few local groups tied to the city, town, or neighborhood you’re targeting
• Post a short request for agent recommendations and explain your situation
• Review the suggestions you receive, then research each agent further before reaching out

If you are not using a platform with a network of vetted agents, this extra step can be helpful in your quest to find a Realtor in another state and gather hyper-local knowledge about the area. Just remember that social media tips are a starting point, not a shortcut to interviews and verification.

Yes, You Can Buy Before You Sell. Why Move Twice?

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.

Buy Before You Sell

Questions to ask before hiring an out-of-state agent

Once you’ve found a few promising candidates, take time to interview them, ideally over a video call. This helps you get a feel for their communication style and how well they understand your goals as a long-distance buyer.

Here are some smart questions to ask:

• How many out-of-state buyers have you worked with recently?
• What’s your process for remote home tours and paperwork?
• How do you typically communicate, and how often?
• Can you help connect me with local lenders, inspectors, or contractors?
• What neighborhoods would you recommend based on my budget and lifestyle?
• Can you share examples of buyers you’ve helped in a similar situation?

Of course, there are other questions you will want to ask as you interview agent candidates. These six examples above focus on common concerns when working with an out-of-state Realtor. For more helpful tips, see our post: Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent.

Find the right agent for your long-distance move

Buying a home in another state adds complexity, but the right agent can make the experience feel much more manageable. With HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform, you can get connected to top-performing agents who understand how to support buyers from afar, whether you’re moving across state lines or across the country.

Don’t risk guessing — let data and experience guide you to the right agent.

If you’re ready to find an agent who can help you from start to close, no matter where you are, get started today by telling us a little about your plans. There’s no obligation and no cost to consult with a seasoned expert.

Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr/ Unsplash)