It is fun to take a vacation to a different country. When you take a trip like this, you can enjoy the culture, the beauty, the entertainment, and the beauty that your vacation spot has to offer. And when your vacation is over, you return home and start comparing the place you live to the places you have visited.
At some point, you may decide to make the choice to move to one of the places that you have visited. You may decide it is time to buy a new home abroad and take advantage of what that new country can offer you. You may be retiring, or you may find a job in the new country, or you may be making some other big change in your life.
When making this move, the idea of returning to the place you visited may not be exactly what you want. You may not want to live in the area where all of the tourists go on vacation. Instead, you want to find a new home abroad that is far away from the tourist destinations. You will still get to enjoy the culture of the country, but you will not be surrounded by tourists. Remember, you will become a part of the culture of the new home. How do you find the perfect new home abroad when you have only visited that country’s tourist areas?
Start at Home
Any home search starts in the place you are living. The internet is a great way to learn about the country you want to move to. There are several things that you can research as you begin your search for a new home abroad.
- Types of housing – The type of housing that is available in some countries may be different than what you are used to. You will have to decide if you want a house, an apartment or something else. As you move away from the tourist areas the number of homes is larger and the cost of the homes will go down. The homes that are found away from the tourist areas may also be better equipped for year-round living.
- Neighborhoods – It is also possible to find out about different neighborhoods on the internet. You can look for information such as the diversity of a neighborhood, medical facilities available, and schools nearby.
- Transportation – Make sure you consider how you will be able to get around in your new country. Public transportation may not be as prevalent in non-tourist areas. Taxis will not be as common either.
Make a List
As you do your research, you need to make a list. Keep track of the neighborhoods that you are able to learn about and what you think they have to offer. At the top of the list, state your wish to stay away from the tourist areas. You can write down what you expect to find in the place where you will buy a home. Things such as how big a home you want, the amenities of the home, schools, or transportation needs should be included. The list may not be everything that you will get, but at least you will know what to look for.
It is also possible to find homes listed for sale on the internet. While you may not find the exact home you are looking for, the homes you do find can be the starting point of your search.
Get Local Help
Once you have done your research you need the help of a real estate professional in the place that you want to buy a home. Make sure they are aware of your desire to stay away from the tourist areas. The list you have made will help whoever you find to help you come up with homes that fit your needs.
Local real estate agents can be found in different ways. The internet is a good tool for this. Also, it is possible that a real estate agent in the place you live may have contacts in the place you are looking to move to. Contact the local agents over the internet to come up with the one that you believe will help you. Keep a record of the other agents as well if the first one does not work out.
At this point, you are ready to go look at the homes in person. Your local agent should take you around. Pay attention to the surroundings and look for any signs that it is an area where tourists are attracted. Hopefully, the work that you do ahead of time will allow you to find the perfect new home abroad.
Please look over our international real estate listings if you are looking for a home abroad.
