Finally planning on making that big move to San Diego? Everyone always talks about picking up and going to sunny Southern California, but it can be a big change.

If you’re coming from another state, buying a home before you arrive can be challenging. Here are 5 tips to help you successfully relocate to San Diego.

It may be a cliché but do your research. San Diego is a great idea but where do you plan on living? San Diego is often described as a “City of Neighborhoods,” thanks to its hills and steep valleys that divide the City into unique communities.

There is Linda Vista which sits atop a hill and has panoramic views of the City (and traffic from the University of San Diego). Kearny Mesa is an up-and-coming neighborhood that is still reasonably priced and most famously known for (among locals) Convoy Street.

You can also settle in Miramar, a northern neighborhood that was once known only as an airbase, and is now an upscale community with easy access to shopping at the UTC and downtown via the 163.

If you prefer to be closer to the beach and revel in the “beach bum” lifestyle then consider moving to Point Loma, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, or Mission Beach. Each of these tiny communities is nestled right alongside the beach and are filled with neighborhood bars, local grocers, and plenty of beach activities.

If you want a more active nightlife, consider moving to Hillcrest, North Park, or University Heights. Each of these neighborhoods is right next to one another and are filled with bars, clubs, venues, and hot-new restaurants.

San Diego is made up of dozens of little neighborhoods each with their own “downtowns” and each with unique character. Check each one before you decide to make the move, it will help you narrow your search for new homes.

2. Set Your Budget

Once you know the city and know where you work, you can figure out which neighborhoods are the best fit for your lifestyle. Come up with a budget, but don’t settle on a hard price. Think about ranges and what you will be willing to trade. Maybe you will agree to a slightly higher price if it means you have a shorter commute. Or maybe you'd prefer more "bang-for-your-buck" and are looking for a larger home but don't mind being further east.

Purchasing a home isn’t like picking up groceries, you can negotiate with the seller. Figure out a range of prices and areas in which you are willing to move; the goal is to find flexibility in your purchasing plan.

3. Retain a Buyer’s Agent

It’s always a great idea to find the right real estate agent to represent you. If you are moving to San Diego from out-of-state, it’s even more critical.

Agents know the city, and they can tailor a series of selections for you based on your wants and needs. Agents also help you manage the entire process, making your relocation effortless.

Finally, agents are helpful in scaring off potential scammers.

Yes, unfortunately, people pretend to show homes and even sell homes. An agent can ensure that every offer you explore is legitimate, and the deposit you are providing is for a valid purchase.

4. Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage

Your real-estate agent can also help you find a lender who will pre-approve you for a mortgage. Some banks do not give mortgages for out-of-state moves so you will need to find lenders that specialize in these offers.

5. Tour Homes

Finally, you can’t buy a home without walking around in it. You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a test-drive, make sure you like the smell, the handling, and how it all fits together. Buying a home is a similar process, you need to walk the halls and rooms, can you envision making it your space?

But you cannot haphazardly visit homes; you need a plan. A real estate agent can help you set-up an itinerary of homes to visit. They can also help you tour homes virtually, through technology such as 360-degree videos and social media.

Steele San Diego Homes offers a broad range of services that help you narrow your list of potential homes. At Steele San Diego Homes we believe in making your life as easy as possible.

We provide virtual tours, 360 videos, and FaceTime tours. We can also attend and record home inspections, and other important meetings. Our online tools enable you to see a home and experience it on your time so that the list of homes you need to visit is concise. Purchasing a home is exciting and the process should be too! We're here to relieve you of any stress and make sure that you have the best home buying experience possible!