Anthony, I would contact an agent as soon as possible, so you and your agent can start narrowing searches and gathering information. This way upon your arrival, your agent will have a really good idea of what you are looking for and have properties lined up for showings. I am working with a couple coming to RI from Alaska in June and we are off to a great start! Let me know if you need my assistance.

Lori Rossi
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Lori.Rossi@nemoves.com

The short answer is you should start soon.

The long answer, it's a bit more complicated. I'm not sure that I would start with the "agent", but let me get back to that.

Providence is a city that has many many micro-neighborhoods. Even within those neighborhoods, Providence can change street by street. Searching over the MLS in Providence is complicated too since there is Providence, and then the East Side of Providence, which is separated out from the city for the purposes of the Multiple Listing Service. This is all different than "East Providence" which is its own town. It could be though, that you may find something you like in the Oak Hill section of Pawtucket which is right over the line from the East Side of Providence, and most people consider an East Side Providence "extension", but you will not find in the Providence Listings. Or, some people choose to live in the area of Barrington, which is a seaside town 9 miles from Providence, but under its own category in the Multiple Listing Service.

So where to start?

Well, first it starts with you and really understanding what you are looking for. The more you can pinpoint this, the better you will be able to narrow the choices that we have here. One thing (ok, there will be MANY things) different than Los Angeles is the age of our housing stock. On the East Side of Providence for example, a full 80% of our houses were built prior to 1978, and most likely, circa 1920 or earlier. So if you are used to clean, spacious, LA style living, maybe a loft or renovated house or condo is for you. I used to live in Los Angeles, and my family is there. When they visit my husband and I in our 200 year old home with old drafty windows they remark "charming......but how can you LIVE like this"?

The truth is that we love it here. The architecture is beautiful, the community is small and easy to get acquainted with. You just have to know what things are meaningful for you in terms of your living space and community. This all starts with you and knowing what you want and do not want. One thing is for sure, you will not have the traffic you have in Los Angeles! You'll find that the Rhode Island way is never having to go very far because it is all within reach. How close do you want to be to your job? Are there other family members coming with you? Will you be employed at one of the Hospitals? If so, there are some companies with medical affinity programs that can give you discounts on moving and special loan terms.

So it begins with you, your needs and thinking about the type of home and neighborhood you want to be in. Then I would start looking for agents that work those particular areas. Interview them. Ask them specific questions about the neighborhoods and determine your comfort level with them. Ask them if they have any special programs for people relocating to the area and how often they work with relocating clients.

Yes, do it now, but take you time. Know yourself and get to know the agent. Purchasing in a new area is a big financial decision, especially in this turbulent financial environment. So please take your time, get to know the area, and develop a level of comfort and trust with your agent.

When in doubt, please ......just ask your agent to find you a rental until you feel more comfortable with the market. That's what I did when I first moved to the area. It all depends on your objectives.

Good luck with your move. I know you will love it here! Just wait until you experience some of the fabulous restaurants we have here in Providence, see the beaches we have here in the summer and I assure you, you will not miss the traffic!

All the best,

C.C. Wall

Hi Anthony,

I would start looking for an agent now. Give youself some time to build a level of trust between you and your agent. You are trusting the handling of your home purchase to an agent 3,500 miles away, trust will be the biggest factor.

That being said you will want to start familiarizing yourself with cities and towns long before you come out. Demographic info, crime rates, schools..etc.

Even though Rhode Island is only about the size of LA, it still has the same kinds of variables involved.

Good luck and Happy Hunting,
Chris

P.S.-Check out the link below for comprehensive data on moving to RI

The sooner the better! You will need to familiarize yourself with different parts of the state before you are ready to buy a house. It is a small state but there is still alot to explore. A good agent can give a feel for different areas and start to send you listings to see what areas sound promising to you. Check out different realtors from several areas in the state.

Best invest read local media determine what area of Providence most fits your personal and professional lifestyle.

Allow 60 -75 days prior to taking possession
- Pre- qualified for a loan all offers are submitted lender approval statement
- Allow time search for homes
- Submit an offer takes approx. NOT FORECLOSURE OR SHORT SALE 3 - 5 executed contract
- Inspection, appraisal, closing

All this within time line stated above .

You migh want interview agents prior to deadline listed above.

Dallas Realtor and Consultant, Mortgage Loan Officer, Lecturer regarding Credit Repair
– Lynn A. Crosby

I would start interviewing agents now. Normal closing time from signing sales agreements is 45-60 days, but a short sale or foreclosure can take much longer.