Updated November 2026
More buyers are purchasing homes in Sioux Falls before they ever live here. Maybe you have a new job lined up, family in the area, or you are just ready for a change. Whatever the reason, buying from a distance is very doable with the right process. Here is how I work with out-of-state buyers.
Start With a Real Conversation
Before I send a single listing, we talk. I want to know your timeline, budget, commute, must-haves and deal-breakers. I also explain how the metro is laid out, including Sioux Falls and nearby cities like Brandon, Harrisburg, Tea and Hartford, so you can decide which areas to explore. Where you live is your decision. My job is to give you good information and show you homes that fit your criteria.
Pre-Approval From Anywhere
You can get pre-approved with a lender anywhere licensed to lend in South Dakota. Some buyers prefer a local lender who knows area appraisers and title companies. Either way, get pre-approved before we start touring seriously.
Live Video Tours
When a home looks promising, I tour it for you on a live video call. You can ask me to:
Walk every room, including closets and storage
Show the basement, furnace, water heater and electrical panel
Look out the windows so you can see the neighboring properties and street
Open cabinets, run faucets and check water pressure
Walk the yard and around the outside of the house
I tell you what I notice, good and bad. I first studied architectural engineering before real estate, and I still pay attention to how a house is built. I would rather you hear about a concern from me now than from an inspector later.
Checking the Area Without Being Here
I can drive the area around a home on video so you can see the streets and nearby roads. For anything about schools, zoning, future development or city services, I point you to the official source: the city, the county, or the school district. That way you are getting the information directly.
Making an Offer Remotely
Offers, counteroffers and most contract documents can be signed electronically. I walk you through each document on a call before you sign so nothing catches you off guard.
Inspections When You Are Not Here
You hire a licensed inspector, and I can recommend a few options you can choose from. You can attend by video, and the inspector sends a written report with photos. We review it together and decide what, if anything, to ask the seller to address.
Closing From a Distance
Remote closing options depend on the title company and your lender. Some offer remote online notarization, some use a mobile notary near you, and some buyers use a power of attorney. These are legal decisions, so please talk with the title company and, if needed, an attorney about what fits your situation. Start this conversation early, because some options take time to set up.
Wire Fraud: Please Read This
Real estate wire fraud is a real threat. Criminals send fake emails that look like they are from the title company, the lender or even me, with new wiring instructions.
Always call the title company at a phone number you find independently to confirm wiring instructions
Never wire money based only on emailed instructions
I will never email you new wiring instructions
Keeping You Updated
When you are far away, silence is stressful. I keep you updated at every step: inspection, appraisal, lender conditions, final walkthrough and closing. You will always know where things stand.
Keys and Move-In
If you are not in town on closing day, we will arrange how you get your keys. I can also share a list of local utility contacts so the lights are on when you arrive.
Buying From Out of State?
If you are moving to the Sioux Empire, I would be glad to help you find the right home and handle the local legwork. Learn more on my buyers page, read my relocation timeline, or browse my neighborhood guides.
Call or text me at 605.999.3522 or email tyler@amystockberger.com.
Tyler Stunes, Amy Stockberger Real Estate. This post is general information, not legal advice. Talk with your title company or an attorney about remote closing and power of attorney.
Sources
FBI IC3, real estate and wire fraud warnings: https://www.ic3.gov
CFPB Owning a Home: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/
South Dakota Secretary of State, notaries: https://sdsos.gov/general-services/notary-public/default.aspx
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.