Updated November 2026
Moving to a new state is a lot to juggle: a new job, a home sale somewhere else, maybe kids changing schools, and buying a house in a city you do not know well yet. A plan helps. Here is the timeline I use with out-of-state buyers relocating to Sioux Falls and the Sioux Empire. Every move is different, but this gives you a realistic order of operations.
90 Days Out: Get Organized
Talk to a lender
Get pre-approved early. If you are selling a home in another state, ask your lender how that sale affects your purchase here. You may need to sell first, use a bridge option, or carry both for a short time. A lender can lay out the choices.
Set your priorities
Write down what matters: commute, home size, yard, garage, single-level living, proximity to work. Be specific so I can filter listings well.
Learn the area
Start reading. The City of Sioux Falls website and the city websites for Brandon, Harrisburg, Tea and Hartford cover services, utilities and planning. If schools matter to you, go directly to each school district's official site for boundary maps and enrollment details.
Call me
The earlier we talk, the more I can help. I can explain how different parts of the metro are laid out, what is typically available in your range, and how fast homes are moving right now.
60 to 90 Days Out: Search From Afar
Set up a listing search
I send you homes that match your criteria as soon as they hit the market. You will see a lot, and that helps you calibrate what your budget buys.
Video tours
When something looks promising, I can tour it for you on a live video call. I walk the whole house, open closets, look at the basement and mechanicals, and point out things the photos do not show. I first studied architectural engineering before real estate, so I tend to notice construction details buyers ask about.
Narrow your areas
By this point most relocating buyers have a short list of areas and a clearer budget.
45 to 60 Days Out: The Visit Trip
If you can, plan a two to three day trip. We will:
Tour your top homes in person
Drive commute routes at the times you would actually travel
Spend time in the areas on your list so you can judge for yourself
If a trip is not possible, we can do everything virtually. Some buyers purchase without seeing the home in person, and that is a decision only you can make.
30 to 45 Days Out: Offer and Contract
When you find the right home, we write an offer together. Most of the process can be handled with electronic signatures. After acceptance:
Inspection. You can attend in person or by video, and the inspector sends a report.
Appraisal. Your lender orders it.
Insurance. Get homeowners insurance quotes early.
2 to 4 Weeks Out: Prepare for Closing
Confirm your closing method with the title company. Remote closing options vary, so ask early.
Schedule movers.
Set up utilities in your name for your move-in date.
Verify wiring instructions by phone using a number you know is legitimate. Never trust instructions sent only by email.
Closing and Move-In
You sign, funds transfer, and the home is yours. If you are not in town yet, we can arrange how you will receive the keys. Then comes the fun part: settling into your new home.
After the Move
A few things new residents usually handle soon after arriving:
Updating your driver's license and vehicle registration through the South Dakota Department of Revenue and your county treasurer
Registering to vote
Learning your trash and recycling schedule
Check official state and county websites for current requirements.
Let's Plan Your Move
I help people relocating to Sioux Falls figure out where to look, tour homes for them when they cannot be here, and keep them updated through closing. Learn more on my buyers page or explore my neighborhood guides.
For practical details on virtual tours, remote inspections and distant closings, see my guide to buying a house in Sioux Falls from out of state.
Call or text me at 605.999.3522 or email tyler@amystockberger.com to start your plan.
Tyler Stunes, Amy Stockberger Real Estate. This post is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice.
Sources
City of Sioux Falls: https://www.siouxfalls.gov
South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle: https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/motor-vehicle/
South Dakota Secretary of State, voter registration: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/
FBI IC3, real estate wire fraud warnings: https://www.ic3.gov
Photo: Maxpower2727, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photo from Pexels. Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.