Mortgage brokers and lenders often receive calls from out of state customers that is relocating and needs help finding and buying a home. Buying a home can be even more complicated when you aren't familiar with the area, but don't worry! Here are few tips to get you on the road to your new home.

If you have a house to sell before you relocate, make sure you get pre-approved by a lender you trust and research the area in which you would like to live. This will give you a good idea of how much it will cost to buy a replacement. It is also very important to see if you can qualify with two mortgage payments.

Choose a mortgage loan officer in the area you are moving. Fees often vary from state to state, so take some time to find a lender you can work with. Getting pre-approved with a local Mortgage company will save all parties involved a lot of time. Plus, your realtor will love that you are pre-approved for a mortgage before they take you out looking for homes.

Find a local realtor that you can trust that understands “local” market conditions. Do not jump into buying a home until you have a handle on the local market and neighborhoods.
  Determine all of the costs of buying a new home. A good mortgage loan officer will go over loan costs, down payment, home inspections, title work and policy, paying for a new hazard insurance policy--all expenses related to buying a home. Your loan officer should give you a disclosure of estimated costs when you apply for pre-approval.

These are just a few tips to help you get started with the process of buying a new home when you are relocating to a different city.