Answers by Avery Anderson

In most cases, starting about 6 months before your lease ends is a solid timeline. That gives you enough time to get pre-approved, understand your budget, and start identifying the areas, school districts, and neighborhoods that actually fit your lifestyle without feeling rushed. It also lets you watch the market for a bit, which is important because well-priced homes in good areas tend to move quickly. A mortgage pre-approval typically lasts around 60 to 90 days depending on the lender, so you don’t necessarily need to lock that in immediately, but it’s helpful to start conversations with lenders early so you understand what price range you’re truly working with. Once you’re pre-approved and actively shopping, the actual home search and closing process can vary, but in today’s market it’s usually around 30 to 60 days once you’re under contract. Starting early also gives you time to compare properties properly instead of feeling pressured to make quick decisions just because your lease is ending. Since you’re already browsing listings, you’re in a good position. Now it’s just about gradually moving from browsing to narrowing down locations and getting financially prepared so everything lines up smoothly when your lease ends. Avery Anderson Southern Classic Realtors

In military relocation markets, buying sight unseen is actually common, but successful purchases usually depend on having a strong real estate agent and a structured process rather than relying only on a FaceTime tour and inspection. A FaceTime tour combined with a good inspector can work, but preparation is the most important factor. Before any virtual showing, you should review the seller’s disclosure, any available prior inspection reports, HOA documents if applicable, and any known repair or renovation history. This allows you and your agent to evaluate the home with context instead of making decisions based only on visuals. During the virtual tour, your agent should be honest and detail-oriented, pointing out both positives and potential concerns such as uneven flooring, signs of rushed renovations, water damage indicators, or cosmetic updates that may be masking underlying issues. Transparency from the agent is key to avoiding surprises later. To protect yourself, it is important to use a strong inspection contingency, hire an independent and highly thorough home inspector, and review inspection findings in detail before moving forward. When possible, getting repair estimates and doing follow-up virtual walkthroughs focused on concerns can further reduce risk. You are not removing risk entirely, but you are managing it through due diligence, documentation, and the right professional support. A strong agent and inspector can make buying sight unseen a safe and effective option when handled correctly.