Though searching for a new home is always stressful, it is also exciting; the search for the perfect place to live is often the most enjoyable part of moving. Though pictures or even just information about your new home can be helpful, nothing replaces the ability to walk through the space yourself. Sometimes though, it simply isn't possible to engage in that search, and moving into a new home sight unseen presents a unique set of challenges.
If you find yourself facing a move into a new home sight unseen, flexibility and an open mind are the key to success. When you simply can't wait to see a home in person before you make a move, here are some tips to help ease that process.
Research your new city or town to get an idea of neighborhoods that appeal to you. Decide if you want a smaller urban space or a larger one further from the action. Once you have chosen an ideal neighborhood, pick a backup as well in case nothing is available in your price range. The more information you or your realtor or relocation agent have to work with, the better the focus of the housing search.
Make a decision about outdoor space and parking as these can be some of the most difficult elements to match; apartments with hardwood floors are a dime a dozen in DC, but one that comes with dedicated parking in Columbia Heights is more elusive. If outdoor space is essential, decide if you have to have a yard or if a container garden on a small balcony will suffice.
Be upfront with your new landlord or your relocation office about specific elements that you need to see in your new home. If you have an heirloom table that seats twelve that simply must to be a part of your home, you definitely need a home that has the necessary space to house it. Make a list of everything you want in an ideal home, then prioritize it, knowing that you are unlikely to find a home that has it all.
Try to push for photos of the new space if possible to help you get a least some idea of the space available and how it is configured. Even a handsketched floor plan can help you make decisions about what to move and what might not work in your new space. Remember that the quirkier your new space, the greater the possibility that you will have furniture that simply doesn't fit.
If you can, push for a short term lease that will allow you to actually get into the home before making a permanent commitment. If a short term lease is not an option, negotiate to reduce the penalty for breaking the lease if it turns out your new home simply is not acceptable. Try to set aside that amount of money in a separate account to give you the option to move out if necessary.
Finally, once you make your move, try to embrace the sense of adventure that led you to your new home. Be creative and think outside the box. If there are layout problems, can they be rectified by using the space in new and unexpected ways? Would the master bedroom work better as your art studio because of the wonderful light? Can you transform the dining room into a dual-use room to also house your office? Will a coat or two of paint make all the difference to a dark kitchen or bathroom? Though you might not have chosen the home yourself, you can certainly try to put your own unique stamp on the space.
Do any of your have experience moving in sight unseen? What advice would you like to share with folks facing this difficult process? Are there any pitfalls to try to avoid? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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I just recently moved into a place sight unseen. I teach and it was a faculty house owned by the college and rented to new professors. I had a picture of the outside as well as a list of rooms and the dimensions. I could have probably pressed for more information, but I didn't.
I decided to get rid of most of my furniture, bringing only those pieces that I was really attached to or were necessary (a bed, my kitchen table). It's a really lovely little place and I do regret not bringing a couple of pieces of furniture that would have been lovely here. But instead of regretting it I'm just enjoying the opportunity to decorate my new place and to find new perfect pieces of furniture for it and me.
I just moved into a place sight unseen too. I'm a graduate student in Pasadena and I did a ton of research into the districts and neighborhoods of the city to narrow down where I wanted to live. It turned out wonderful! My place is just what I wanted and the surrounding area is just perfect. It's exactly what I was expecting. It really pays to do your homework.
Close to shops, quiet street, detached garage, 1920's craftsman, hardwood floors, french doors, laundry room, tons of windows, authentic fixtures, 1000 square feet. All for 1200 a month.
I wanted a place I would be comfortable living in for the next six years while I completed my doctorate. And that's what I got. Thank-you craigslist.
Just be sure to get as much information as possible on every detail. Some landlords are very understanding if they know you're coming from far away and can't see the place. It never hurts to ask.
we did this 3x! heck, we even bought our current place sight unseen. of course we always had friends take pictures & check the place. we also had an inspector thoroughly check it out.
Where is the picture from? It looks alot like the apartment I moved into in DC sight unseen many many years ago. The thing is, even if you see a place, it take moving in to find out it is infested with cockroaches.
Sigh... I moved into a place sight unseen three days ago. It's not an experience I recommend! The boarding school my partner now teaches at provides accommodation for all its teachers and all we had to go on was number of bedrooms, vague floor plan and a picture of the outside from Google Street View. The state of the place is dire and the fixtures badly need updating but I'm starting to feel slightly more positive about it after a good clean. I suppose paint will transform almost any space.
Just moved into an apartment sight unseen and it wasn't entirely what I expected. There were no blinds on the windows (quick fix: Home Depot sells temporary blinds that fit all windows for next to nothing) and I've had to request for the carpet to be replaced.
I agree with hilarybue though-- a good clean and paint works wonders.
I also did this a few days ago. My husband made the trip to the new city and looked at more than a dozen places in one day, sending me a handful of pictures of each place as he went. He faithfully took as many dimensions as he could in the short time that he was in each space, so once we chose a place, we had a rough layout with a pretty good idea of the size of each room. Window placement and radiator size were not included in the dimensions, so there were some surprises when we moved in, but all in all it has been a pretty good experience so far. Poor husband was so nervous when we walked in for the first time...he knows that I am much pickier than he is about our home!
Moved into a place sight unseen in July, and was horrified. We saw pictures, but they were deceptive to say the least. the house was run-down, damp, and mouldy, and the ceilings too low for a queen-sized mattress to be taken up the stairs! We also did not do very good research into neighborhoods and it turned out we moved into a bad one.
we gave notice immediately, though, and are moving into a perfectly lovely house in a nicer area for September (after two months sleeping on an air mattress).
My husband and I move a lot due to his job and almost always it's sight unseen.
We rely on as many pictures as we can get, google street view, crime blotters and anyone we know who lives close enough to do a drive by to check out the neighborhood.
We've never had a bad experience with it.
At least a person usually can rent short term initially and not rent long term or buy until after getting to know the area.
My family did this so many times when my Dad was in the Military it's not even funny...
...and actually "choose" a house? Hahahahah - More like have a house assigned to us!
Floorplans? Pictures? Never!!
It was "You have one child, so you'll get a 2 bedroom house - You can take that one over there, Here's the Keys."...
...and later, "Now you have 2 children, so now you can have a 3 bedroom house - There's one available over there - Here's the keys."
The first time my folks ever actually chose a home wasn't until they were both 30 years old and had been married for 12 years with two kids.
@bepsi, What memories that stirs. I was an Air Force brat. Few of my things made the cut to be packed. We moved almost every summer. Since then, making a home has been my favorite hobby wherever I've lived. There's nothing like settling into a peaceful haven.
Moved into a place sight unseen at the start of the summer....what a DISASTER. The place looked nice in photos, but the heat was broken and it was infested with all kinds of bugs (including mildly venomous spiders).
Is that picture of 4801 Connecticut? Almost the exact same configuration as my old apt.
Oh the potential for fail for this.
I did this once when I moved to a city I'd never been to. I subleased a furnished place while the owners were out of town for a few months, so I could be in the city for a bit before I actually rented a place and furnished it on my own. It worked out great - I was able to determine where in the city I really wanted to live before finding a long-term apartment and getting a lease before I had a feel for the neighborhoods. I'd do it again if I had to move to another strange city, particularly if it were only going to be for a brief time.