How to Buy a Home When Relocating for Work

Starting a new job in a new city is an exciting leap forward. Whether you're relocating to Austin from a city like Los Angeles or making a move across the country for a new opportunity, buying a home as part of your relocation can be a game-changing decision., the idea of buying a home at the same time might feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: it’s not just possible—it can be one of the best decisions you make.

If you're relocating for a W‑2 job and ready to stop renting, you don't need to wait until you’ve moved or collected a few paychecks. In fact, many buyers purchase their first home before they even arrive. With a little planning and the right team in your corner, you can land a home you love and settle into your new life with confidence.

Getting Pre-Approved Before You Move

Many people assume they need to live in their new city for months before buying. But if you’re relocating for work, you’re in a great position to get started right away. Lenders understand that people move for jobs every day—and there are mortgage programs built for exactly this situation.

If you're a salaried (W‑2) employee starting a new full-time position, most lenders don’t even need paystubs. A signed job offer letter is typically enough to get pre-approved and move forward with your home search.

Here’s how the process works:

• You don’t need paystubs yet. For W‑2 borrowers, a signed offer letter is enough proof of income.
• You can apply remotely. Most lenders now offer a fully digital experience, from application to closing.
• You can lock a rate before you move. Once you're pre-approved, you're in a position to act quickly when the right home comes up.
• You’ll still get access to first-time buyer programs. Many cities (including Austin) offer low down payment loans, grants, and closing cost assistance that you can use as a relocating buyer.

To get pre-approved, you’ll typically need:

• A signed offer letter from your new employer (including start date and salary)
• A strong credit profile and history of on-time payments
• Enough savings for your down payment and closing costs
• The intention to start your new job as scheduled—lenders don’t require you to be on payroll yet

Working with a local mortgage broker in your destination city ensures you're matched with the best loan options available—not just from one bank, but from dozens of lenders competing for your business. If you're unsure what to ask when you first connect, here's a helpful guide: 14 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Lender in Texas.

You should also understand what goes into your total home purchase costs. Our breakdown of closing costs in Texas can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.

Why Now Might Be the Perfect Time

Buying a home while relocating might seem like a lot, but it actually puts you in control. Rather than scrambling for short-term rentals or locking into a lease you’ll want to break later, you’re getting ahead. You’re choosing where you live, building equity from the start, and creating long-term stability.

Plus, in many markets, buyers now have more negotiating power than they’ve had in years - especially in Texas. That means it’s a great time to ask for seller concessions, negotiate repairs, and find a property that works for your lifestyle and your budget.

If you wait until after you’ve moved and started working, you might find yourself in a tighter window to make decisions. That could mean:

• Competing with more buyers during peak moving seasons
• Missing out on favorable loan terms or pricing
• Making rushed decisions under pressure due to limited time or temporary housing needs

Our client moving from Los Angeles to Austin was able to avoid all of that by buying her first home before her first day of work. And she did it all with a simple offer letter and a smart lending team guiding the process.

Job Relocation Looks Different Now

Today’s job relocations don’t always mean commuting five days a week. Hybrid roles have created more flexibility in where you live, which gives you more choice when deciding what kind of home—and lifestyle—you want. If you only need to be in the office a few days a week, you can broaden your home search to include communities that might have been too far under a traditional schedule.

For example, if you're relocating to Austin, you might want to live near downtown, or you might prefer the space and quiet of areas like Cedar Park, Buda, or Leander. Being tied to an office a few days a week instead of every day gives you the flexibility to prioritize lifestyle, budget, and home features over proximity alone.

At LendFriend, we help buyers figure out what makes the most sense for their needs. Whether that’s a shorter commute, more space, or better schools, we’re here to help you finance a home that fits your real life—not just your job title.

Choosing the Right Team in Your New City

Relocation success starts with your local team—especially your lender and your real estate agent. You don’t need anyone from your old city involved. Everything that matters is happening where you’re going.

You’ll want a buyer’s agent who understands the city, listens to your priorities, and knows how to represent out-of-state clients. A great agent will help you:

• Learn the layout of the city and compare neighborhoods
• Tour homes virtually or during quick trips
• Understand local pricing trends and what homes are really worth
• Write competitive offers that protect your interests
• Coordinate inspections, repairs, and closing—even if you’re not in town

If you need help finding a local expert, visit our Need an Agent? page to get matched with a trusted professional in your new city.

What If You're Not Ready to Buy Right Away?

If you're excited to move but not quite ready to buy a home outright, there are still creative ways to get started. One increasingly popular option is rent-to-own. It allows you to move into the home now, rent while you get your finances in place, and then purchase the property later—often with a portion of your rent going toward the purchase.

We've written a full guide on how this works and when it makes sense. You can check it out here: Rent-to-Own in Austin: A Creative Path to Homeownership.

Making the Move Without Missing a Beat

Once your offer is accepted and your loan is moving through underwriting, it’s time to start planning your move. Most buyers schedule their closing within a week or two of their move-in date, depending on their job start date and personal timeline.

Here are a few tips for keeping things smooth:

• Start packing and arranging movers early—especially if you’re moving cross-country
• Coordinate your home closing with your job start date so you’re not overwhelmed
• Transfer utilities in advance so your new home is move-in ready
• Keep a small box of essentials handy so you can enjoy your first night without digging through boxes

In some cases, buyers spend a night or two in temporary housing before their furniture arrives. That’s totally normal—and often makes the transition easier. But many are able to move directly into their new home on Day 1 and hit the ground running.

Either way, you’ll be stepping into a home that’s yours. No leases, no moving again in 12 months, no rent hikes. Just a fresh start in a place you chose.

First-Time Buyer? You’re in Good Company

Buying your first home in a new city can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the most empowering things you can do. You’re not waiting for life to settle down—you’re shaping it. You’re building equity, stability, and a foundation for everything that comes next.

And when you work with the right team, it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, most of our clients say it was easier than they expected.

If you’re relocating and this isn’t your first home purchase, you might be wondering how to navigate buying in a new city while still owning your current home. In those cases, a buy-before-you-sell program could be the perfect fit. It gives you flexibility to secure your new place without rushing your sale or juggling temporary housing. Learn how it works here: How to Buy a New Home Before Selling Your Current One (Without the Stress).

If you’re thinking about relocating for work and want to buy in your new city, start by getting pre-approved. That simple step opens the door to everything else. You’ll know your budget, you’ll shop with confidence, and you’ll be ready to move forward the moment the right home appears.

We’re here to help guide you through every step—from your first question to the day you get your keys.

Let’s talk about your goals and figure out the best way to get you home—wherever that home may be. Give us a call at 512.881.5099 or reach out to us here. We’d love to be your partner in the process.