I recently read an article from the National Association of Realtors titled “Moving First, Buying Later: Where This Trend Is Challenged.” It highlights an important trend—most interstate movers today rent first before buying. While the data is compelling and often accurate, it immediately made me reflect on our own relocation experiences, which looked very different.

When I relocated for my husband’s job—three times—our family made the decision to buy each time. Having already been homeowners, we understood how we had built equity and how homeownership fit into our overall financial health. That perspective played a major role in our decision-making.

The article makes a strong and very fair point: for many movers today, renting first is the more practical choice. As it notes, “renting is still the dominant first step for most movers, especially when the move crosses state lines,” largely because “higher mortgage rates and weak affordability have pushed more movers back to renting first, even if homeownership remains the long-term goal.” For some families, that pause provides stability during a major life transition—and that absolutely makes sense.

Nationally, the data supports that reality. The article explains that about 27.5% of interstate movers own a home in their first year after moving, meaning most start out as renters. For our family, though, renting never really entered the picture. We wanted the sense of ownership, and just as importantly, we had confidence that our real estate agents would help guide us toward a sound decision.

That confidence didn’t come from luck—it came from support. Through my husband’s company, we were connected with relocation specialists who introduced us to agents in each new city, and we had access to mortgage lenders who could clearly walk us through the numbers. The article itself points out that this trend is often challenged in situations where buyers receive strong professional guidance—and that was very much our experience. Having clarity and support made buying right away feel far less risky.

The article also hints at something we were keenly aware of at the time: in markets where prices continue to rise, waiting can mean paying more later or losing buying power. In regions where affordability and housing supply align, many buyers still choose to purchase sooner rather than later. That’s where clear information and trusted guidance matter most—especially when deciding whether renting or buying makes sense for your situation.

When buying a home from out of state, you may only be able to visit once or twice before making such a major decision. It’s essential to work with an agent who is willing to show you all the options—without leaving you feeling like you might have missed something. At the same time, you need someone who can help you narrow your focus based on what matters most to you: schools, community resources, commute times, and overall lifestyle.

Then there’s the offer process. Often, you find the home, submit an offer, and return to your current state before knowing whether it’s been accepted. That waiting period can feel uneasy. In our experience, having an agent who kept us informed and walked us through every step made all the difference. In two of our moves, we didn’t attend the home inspections in person. Our agent attended on our behalf, then video-chatted with us to review findings and speak directly with the inspector. When you’re thousands of miles away, you need an agent who will truly stand in for you—while keeping you fully involved.

We were able to attend our closings in person, but it was reassuring to know that remote closing options were available if needed. Having an agent with the right resources and referral partners matters—especially when you might be loading a moving truck while finalizing a home purchase in another state.

Finally, it’s all the little things that matter once you arrive. I’ve listed my Realtor as an in-town emergency contact at school until we had time to meet neighbors and build community. We relied on referrals for painters, flooring installers, and yes—even where to find the best burger.

It may seem like real estate agents do a lot—and often, they do. Many times, they become part of your support system. Our role is to help guide you, advocate for you, and make a new place feel like home…including telling you where to get the best Tex-Mex in Charlotte (it’s definitely Superica).