Out-of-State Homebuying

How to Find a Real Estate Agent in Another State

Verify the agent’s state license first, then interview for local experience, buyer representation, communication, and conflict handling. A referral is a starting point—not a substitute for your own review.

Brian Hochstetter | Hochstetter Homes · brokered by eXp Realty

If you are selling in Illinois and buying somewhere new, you may need two different professionals: an Illinois listing agent for the current home and a properly licensed buyer’s agent in the destination state. This page owns the second decision—how to identify and vet the agent who will help you buy in a market you do not yet know.

Step 1: verify the license with the state regulator

Search the destination state’s official real estate regulator or license-lookup database. Confirm the person’s legal name, license status, license type, brokerage affiliation, and any public disciplinary information the regulator provides.

ARELLO, the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials, maintains links and license-verification resources across jurisdictions. When possible, verify directly with the state agency that issued the license.

Step 2: define the exact job

Tell each candidate what the move actually requires:

• Target cities, neighborhoods, school or commute constraints
• Property type, condition, price range, and must-have features
• Whether the purchase depends on your Illinois sale
• How often you can travel for tours, inspections, and closing
• Whether you need video tours or remote document coordination
• Your desired closing and possession window

An agent who is excellent with urban condos may not be the right fit for acreage, new construction, a 55+ community, or a competitive suburban resale.

Step 3: ask questions that produce verifiable answers

Step 4: test local knowledge without asking for predictions

Ask the agent to explain current inventory, typical property condition, insurance considerations, taxes, utilities, commuting patterns, and contract customs in the target area. Good answers distinguish sourced facts from professional judgment.

Avoid questions that invite steering or guarantees, such as asking which neighborhood has “the best people” or which home will appreciate fastest. Ask instead about objective criteria: published school resources, commute times, zoning, flood information, comparable sales, and resale features.

Step 5: review the buyer-representation agreement

Representation and compensation rules vary by state and brokerage. Read the agreement before signing and ask about:

• Services and geographic scope
• Exclusive or nonexclusive representation
• Agreement length and termination
• How the brokerage is compensated
• Potential additional buyer obligations
• Dual-agency or transaction-broker rules where applicable

If the language is unclear, ask questions or obtain legal advice in that state. Do not rely on a verbal assurance that an agreement “doesn’t really matter.”

Red flags when choosing an out-of-state agent

• The license or brokerage affiliation cannot be verified
• Production claims are vague or unrelated to your target market
• The agent promises a future value, inspection outcome, or guaranteed winning offer
• You are pushed to waive protections before the property and contract are known
• Video tours avoid defects or surrounding context
• Communication expectations and coverage during absences are unclear
• The agent will not explain the representation agreement or compensation
• Every referral goes to one vendor without alternatives

How should your Illinois and destination agents work together?

With your permission, both agents should share the transaction dependencies that affect timing: Illinois listing status, financing conditions, sale proceeds, target dates, and possession needs. Attorneys and lenders still control their own legal and financing decisions.

For the operational handoff, read how to coordinate two closings. For the complete relocation framework, use the Illinois-to-out-of-state guide.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use the first agent referred to me?

Interview them, but also compare at least one other qualified candidate. A referral can establish access; it does not establish fit.

Can my Illinois agent represent me in another state?

Only if that person holds the required active license and is properly affiliated or otherwise authorized there. Verify with the destination regulator.

Should I choose the agent with the most sales?

Not automatically. Confirm that the experience is recent and relevant to your location, property type, price range, and remote-buying needs.

Who should advise me on the destination contract?

Your destination agent explains market practice; a licensed attorney in that jurisdiction provides legal advice when needed. The roles and customary closing process vary by state.

Verification resources

• ARELLO: Real Estate Licensee Verification Resources
• Example state regulator guidance: Texas Real Estate Commission
• Example state regulator and public database: Arizona Department of Real Estate

This article is educational, not legal advice. Licensing, agency, agreements, compensation, inspections, and closing practices vary by state. Verify information with the destination regulator and appropriate professionals.