I would concur with Trisha, that buying a home in Missouri won't be an issue for you. I have several clients who are English citizens. I work with several mortgage companies that handle international clients, and I would be happy to direct you to them. As with Trisha, I also have booklets and information that I can send you on the St Louis market and on buying a home in Missouri. In addition, I have information on my website at http://www.YourSTLHome.com concerning the buying process in Missouri.

I would suggest that you start, by talking to a good mortgage lender to get a feel for your price point, then select a Realtor to use (and either Trisha or I can help you find one in the area that you are moving to) so that you can get information on that specific housing market. The Realtor you choose, should be able to set you up with a good on line search program that will allow you to save the homes that you like and put notes with them, so that by the time you get to Missouri to house hunt, you will have a good feel for the area. If I can help with anything, please don't hesitate to contact me via my website or an email reply through Trulia.

Johnna -
I'm President of the Columbia Chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS and just returned from Las Vegas where I presented at the National Association of REALTORS convention. I've got personal connections all over the state (WCR members and others) and would be glad to direct you to a real estate professional and qualified mortgage lender if you tell me what parts of the state you're considering. Trulia shows Warrensburg (is that correct or do you want info from other areas as well?)

If buying from a great distance, having someone connected to the local market is a must so asking for help is smart. I've also got an emailable first time home buyers brochure that I could send. Wells Fargo Bank has a great first time home buyers mortgage brochure and step-by-step information. Just Google Wells Fargo and follow the arrows.

You say you're going to rent for awhile so you will also need an agent that does property management unless you have a local connection that will handle that for you.
Get in touch if you'd like more information. Just need your name and email address to forward my free brochure and you can go forward from there.
Trisha Lee, REMAX Boone Realty, Columbia, MO
email:TrishaLee@REMAX.net

Have you considered beautiful ARIZONA???

Hi Johnna,
I am a Realtor that has a great lender that I work with. Hi Name is Jason Lyon jlyon@americansummitmortgage.net 720-407-8109 He can help you out.