How to find a place in advance when moving from the West Coast to Houston?

Welcome to Texas, there are many qualified agents to work with go to HAR. We're all under the Texas Real Estate commission. Welcome again and good luck!!!!

You have Alot of great information here. I might suggest, know your budget then do a search on HAR to see where all the houses are that are in your price range. IF you know anyone already living here ask for their opinion about the area(s) within the budget you want. I personally suggest to consider renting either an apartment or a house (an apt may be less with the initial move in costs. This will help you get acclimated to the area. I had a client who moved here from Chicago. Homes are different in every area of the US. I highly recommended they rent first but decided to purchase. Then 6 months later decided to move to Florida. Home may say it is a waste of money to rent but I disagree. I would rather see someone rent and get to know the area and the city and its suburbs before investing in a home and later wished you had checked the area. Buying a home is like marriage. You buy the neighborhood, not just the home. IF you decide to rent, then visit open houses. Great way also to view homes with no strings attached so to speak. Getting a Realtor, you can still view open houses on your own - you would just make sure you have business cards of your Realtor so you can let the host know you are already working with another Realtor. Getting a Realtor - some, not all, have a service on HAR allowing reviews to be posted - check that out as well. If getting a mortgage, I suggest using a Mortgage Lendor or Broker who is local and knows the metroplex. DO NOT apply for a loan until you are ready to purchase and Realtors can offer you a few lenders to review and check the website. Think about why you are moving to Houston and if its work or family or friends, look around in their area first. Ask for their zip code and start checking out homes on HAR in that area. And, if you want an apartment or house rental first you can check for rentals in HAR also. Do know this, the Realtor listing a house is representing that seller and it is advisable for you to have a Realtor representing you. Best of luck! You are on the right track with your question and have some awesome answers already given. :)

Great Question! I would work with a 5 star Realtor in Houston that has helped their clients relocate from other cities. This Realtor will assist you in creating a custom plan based on your needs and expectations. Please give us a call at 713-471-3866 . Thank you!

Hello Dillon, I relocated to the Greater Houston area summer of 2021 and as you have stated a visit to the area would be top of my suggestions. I would also suggest you search for local groups on FB, search schools via greatschools.org. I was able to visit the area twice, it helps me because Houston is so large I was able to focus on two separate areas and pick the one that was best for myself and my daughter who would be starting highschool as a freshman. Moving to an area this big, I would suggest you determine what's most information to you, location to work, schools, city living or suburbia. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. I will say after my research and visits, I selected the perfect area for my family and I here in the Greater Houston area. I am available to assist or answer any other questions you may have.

Hello! I would suggest working with an agent who has experience with relocating clients. We typically attend Open Houses and showings for you, do virtual showings and videos for you and make connections for you to make your transition as smooth as possible. Please feel free to reach out.

Hello and Welcome to Houston. I would suggest not only you find an experienced Realtor that has an ABR designation (Accredited Buyer Representative) but talk to one that is a member of the ERC (Employee Relocation Council). This is an organization that major employers, relocation companies, and real estate firms belong to in the collaborations of moving employees and their families across the country and around the world! We have moved thousands of families in and out of Houston for well over 30 years in all parts of the city. All transferees like yourself are unique in their goals but similar in the aspect of not being able to physically be on the ground too long before their move. We can speed the process up including online video discussions, automated home searches (for buy or lease), LIVE home video tours, and much more. Call/text me at 832-567-4357 to discuss your special needs and a plan of action. Mark McNitt, Bernstein Realty.

Hello Dillon, Welcome to Texas! We are excited to hear that you and your wife are relocating to Houston in mid-June. It's understandable that planning a move across the country can be challenging, but we are here to help make the process as smooth as possible for you and your family. Given your limited availability to visit Houston, working with a rental agent or planning a weekend of open houses is indeed a wise idea. In order to efficiently use your time and ensure that you find a place that meets your needs, I recommend scheduling an over-the-phone consultation with a few local realtors. This will allow you to discuss your preferences, budget, and timeline in detail so that they can present you with tailored options. As a real estate broker and founder of Blok & Blvd. Realty, I would be more than happy to assist you in your search for a new home. Please feel free to reach out to me at your earliest convenience to discuss your requirements and schedule a consultation. Here is my contact information: David Smith Blok & Blvd. Realty Business Address: 24285 Katy Freeway Suite 300, Katy, TX, 77494 Office: (346) 569-2583 BLVD Direct: (281) 357-9468 I look forward to helping you find the perfect home in Houston and welcoming you to the great state of Texas! Best Regards, David Smith

Hey Carlos, I see you already got tons of answers. If you still need to find out more about moving to Houston, just ASKFROSY. https://www.instagram.com/askfrosy_realtor/

Good Morning, Welcome to Houston! My family and I moved from Northern California 15-years ago to Houston. I'm James Dickerson Realtor 281-883-8426 I help families find home with relocation. If you would like, I can give you a video tour of the homes you desire also answers any questions or concerns you may have immediately.

Hello and welcome to Houston you will absolutely love it here! You can indeed find housing for you and your family while in route here. I would suggest finding a realtor. There are quite a few that have responded to this post. Take a few moments of your day and interview with a few of them. Find one that compliments your personality and that you feel comfortable with meeting your needs. Whether for lease or for purchase that is a very important factor of working with someone you feel that you can trust to not just meet your needs, but exceed what you are looking for. I have sold many homes to clients out of state that were headed here via FaceTime and Zoom communication . I’m very comfortable with doing so again! Starting by looking at client reviews as well from prior transactions could help you get started. I am here for you as soon as you are ready! Melissa Sanders “Unlocking Your Smile One Door At A Time” 713-367-5159

Find a top producing realtor that will have everything ready for you when you get here. We can have a list you have chosen and have the appointments already scheduled for you. Then you just pick your dream home and write a great offer. She can also help you get pre approved so your offer is immediately accepted. I am a broker and have sold over 800 homes. Call me at (713) 208-2100 or email me at BestRealtorEver@hotmail.com Would love to find you a great home and get you a super deal on it. Take care and hope to hear from you.

Good morning Dillon, Congratulations on deciding to move to Houston. Our team has helped many families to relocate to Houston. The entire process can be done remotely or when you visit we can secure you a home (Purchase or rent). The current state of your financial situation will be a huge factor. If you're not very familiar with the Houston area, and you want to take a year to settle into a rental and then purchase a home, it's advisable. If you have kids then that along with your work location will both be critical factors as well. You can feel free to call me and I'll be happy to offer expert guidance. 832-479-1636.

This is not a problem. I can start sending properties today and do FaceTime or zoom tours to show you availability. Shoot me a text and I can start today. You need to have you decision made no later than mid May. 7132915270

Dillon, Hiring a competent Realtor who understands your family’s needs is key. I suggest that you interview a few to determine who you feel most comfortable with. I’m available; and can be reached at (281) 691-2149.

Hi Dillon, Congratulations on your decision to move to Houston. Years ago my family and I made the same decision to move from the mid west to Houston, so I understand what it is like to make a move like this. When you are not familiar with the area and have limited time to travel to visit you will need to find a Agent that will work on your behalf to be your boots on the ground. This type of move requires an agent that understands its more than picking a house, but making sure that when you arrive you are in a community that you will enjoy living in. I have built my career on helping families relocate from other cities to Houston by digging into what the family needs are in a home and what their lifestyle needs are outside of the home. Once understand your needs and desires for your home, I offer local area experience along with technology that allows you to view a house as if you are walking through it yourself. I also give you a tour of the community/area, so you can see not only the house but the surrounding area. When you arrive in Houston I will schedule time with you and your wife to help you both maximize your time and see as many homes as you would like. Please give me a call at 832-283-1777, my email is jeneen.poole@vylla.com. I would love to help make your move as stressfree as possible.

Carlos, I would first like to welcome you to Houston! Congratulations on the big decision to move to Texas - Houston! Your next home-sweet-home. I have worked with relocation clients for over a decade. I've worked with HR managers, international clients relocating to Houston. "H-town" has so much to offer my suggestion is figure out what side of town works best for you & your family & career! If your going to be working remotely no issues which side of town works best! If you & your family enjoy outdoors tree lined streets my suggestion is the burbs! The Woodlands, Katy, maybe Heights works! I am able to offer expert assistance to you so you & your family can make an informed move. Feel free to call 832-265-9966 Rose Riggan Your Working Realtor without more details on type of work or industry you need to be near makes it difficult to provide sincere advise. Lease homes usually if paying in advance many will be most accommodating with your moving schedule! Rose Riggan I earn Your trust as Your Trusted Texas Realtor 832-265-9966 RoseRigganRealtor@gmail.com

Carlos, my name is Gabriela Delatorre and I am with Compass Real Estate (number 1 Broker nationwide). Send me a text or email and I can send you a relocation guide, do a virtual tour and plan open houses or showings upon your availability. My email is Gabriela.delatorre@compass.com and my number is 713 344 5367. Do you already have a particular area in mind? City or suburb life? Thank you!

Hello Dillon, thank you for the question. You will need to decide if you want to rent or buy, and the area that you are most comfortable with. You can do your research on HAR.com. June and July are peak months when people usually move due to the school year starting so planning in advance is the right way to do it. Although I doubt if a landlord will wait for a couple of months to accommodate you, the best option is to hire a local Realtor who can not only guide you through the process but can also keep an eye out for properties that meet your requirement. If you are not already working with an agent, call me or text me at 281-235-4582. Wishing you the best!

Hi Dillon My name is Liliana Banda Radeker and I’m a native Houstonian with experience in out of state relocation. I can do virtual tours and face time along with getting you all the information you and your family will need to make this as smooth a move as possible. I would love to answer all your questions. My email is Liliana.radeker@gmail.com. 832-506-3637