Tips for Long-Distance Homebuyers Moving to Dubois County

Published On: July 3, 2025|Categories: Real Estate|

Moving is always a big step—but moving from another city or state adds a whole new level of complexity. If you’re planning to relocate to Dubois County from afar, you’ll need to be extra organized, strategic, and ready to lean on local experts who know the area well. Whether you’re eyeing Jasper, Huntingburg, or somewhere in between, long-distance buying doesn’t have to be overwhelming—if you know what to expect.

This guide explains the following:

Start by finding a trusted local REALTOR®
Narrow your home search strategically
Understand the area remotely
Rely on virtual tours and video walk-throughs
Prepare for quick trips, timing, and remote closing options

Here’s a closer look at each.

Start by Finding a Trusted Local REALTOR

When you’re buying from a distance, the most important step you can take is choosing a local REALTOR who knows the area, the neighborhoods, and how to work with out-of-town buyers.

Your REALTOR will:

Be your boots on the ground
Send you listings as soon as they hit the market
Help schedule showings, inspections, and appraisals
Offer honest feedback on homes you can’t see in person
Coordinate communication with lenders, title companies, and inspectors

A good agent knows how to make remote buying smooth and stress-free. If you’re not sure where to begin, ask about their experience helping long-distance buyers—and how they handle virtual showings and out-of-state paperwork.

Narrow Your Home Search Strategically

It’s tempting to browse every listing that pops up, but when you’re moving from a distance, the key is focus. Start by making a list of must-haves and deal-breakers, including:

Price range and monthly payment comfort zone
Square footage and number of bedrooms
Type of neighborhood (rural, small town, close to shopping, etc.)
Commute time if you’ll be working in Jasper, Ferdinand, or nearby
Proximity to hospitals, amenities, or recreation (if those matter to you)

Your REALTOR can help you narrow your search to specific communities based on your needs. For example, Santa Claus offers lakefront living and family-friendly neighborhoods, while Ferdinand is more historic and traditional.

Understand the Area Remotely

You might not be able to drive around town every weekend—but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn a lot from afar. Try these tips to familiarize yourself with Dubois County before you arrive:

Use Google Maps and Street View to “walk” neighborhoods virtually
Watch drone videos or community overviews on YouTube
Read town and county websites, like IN.gov, to understand services, utilities, and infrastructure
Ask your REALTOR to share neighborhood insights—things like traffic flow, lot sizes, or general upkeep that don’t always show in photos
Join local Facebook groups or community forums to get a sense of day-to-day life

Understanding where you’re moving helps you feel more confident and informed when it’s time to choose the right home.

Rely on Virtual Tours and Video Walk-Throughs

Photos can be helpful, but they don’t always tell the whole story. Many agents now offer video walk-throughs, live virtual showings, and 3D tours so long-distance buyers can get a better sense of the space.

Here’s how to make the most of virtual viewings:

Ask your agent to walk through the home on a live video call so you can ask questions in real time
Request close-ups of key areas like bathrooms, floors, mechanical systems, and basements
Pay attention to the layout, not just finishes—photos can make spaces feel bigger or brighter than they are
Use the listing photos side-by-side with the video tour to get a full picture of the home

Your agent can also show you the neighborhood, driveway, backyard, and street, so you get a feel for the surroundings.

Prepare for Quick Trips, Timing, and Remote Closing Options

If you’re able to make a quick trip for final decisions, that’s great—but it’s not always necessary. Many long-distance buyers buy completely remotely with the help of a solid team.

Here are some things to plan for:

Short-notice travel: Be ready to book a quick trip for inspections, signing, or emergencies—just in case
Flexible timelines: Understand that inspections, appraisals, and title work may take longer when you’re coordinating from afar
Remote closings: Many Indiana title companies offer remote or mail-away closings. Your REALTOR and lender can help you understand how that works
Utilities and address changes: Plan to have utilities and services ready to go before you arrive. Sites like IN.gov can help with local contacts and resources

With proper planning, buying remotely can be just as smooth as buying locally—and sometimes even more efficient.

FAQ About Long-Distance Homebuying in Dubois County

Check out these commonly asked questions about buying a home from out of town. If you don’t see your question here, please call our office and we’ll find you the answers you need.

Can I Buy a Home in Dubois County Without Visiting in Person?

Yes. Many buyers complete the entire process remotely using virtual tours, video calls, and digital document signing. Your REALTOR will guide you through every step.

How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home From Out of State?

Most purchases take 30–45 days from offer to closing. Having your financing and documents in order early can help speed things up.

Should I Get Pre-Approved Before I Start Looking?

Absolutely. A pre-approval tells you how much you can afford and shows sellers that you’re serious—even from out of town.

Can I Still Do a Home Inspection If I’m Not There?

Yes. Your REALTOR can attend on your behalf and even video the inspection summary. The inspector will also provide a full written report.

Is It More Expensive to Buy a Home Remotely?

Not really. You may have travel expenses if you choose to visit, but the homebuying process costs the same whether you’re local or long-distance.

With the right strategy, buying a home from afar can be a streamlined, stress-free experience. By partnering with a local REALTOR who knows Dubois County inside and out, you can feel confident making the move—whether you’re a few hours away or several states over.

$839,900

411 Cottonwood Lane Jasper, Indiana

5 Beds 5 Baths 6,187 SqFt 0.93 Acres

Listing courtesy of Gwen Gosman from RE/MAX Local.

$785,000

410 Riverside Drive Jasper, Indiana

7 Beds 6 Baths 5,132 SqFt 1.13 Acres

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$599,000

39 Hannah Lane Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,834 SqFt 1.65 Acres

Listing courtesy of Nathan Hanselman from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$509,700

3289 St. Charles Street Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,906 SqFt 0.595 Acres

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$401,150

4801 N Portersville Road Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,501 SqFt 1 Acres

Listing courtesy of Gary Schnell from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$374,900

149 E State Road 56 Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 2 Baths 3,527 SqFt 1.73 Acres

Listing courtesy of Opal Sermersheim from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$349,700

464 Kluemper Road Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,851 SqFt

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$342,000

1153 W 13th Street Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 3 Baths 4,541 SqFt 0.36 Acres

Listing courtesy of Amy Uebelhor from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

$320,000

3255 E State Road 164 Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,944 SqFt 1.02 Acres

Listing courtesy of BrendaKrempp from RE/MAX Local.

$289,700

4229 New Birch Drive Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,429 SqFt 0.24 Acres

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

Are You Thinking of Buying a Home in Dubois County?

Use our site to search homes for sale in Jasper, Dubois, Spencer, Martin and Davis counties, as well as all the surrounding communities. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, at Sell 4 Free Welsh Realty, our site is directly connected to our local MLS. We update it with new homes every hour.

Sign up for new listing alerts so you can stay on top of the newest homes for sale – and get price change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the hottest deals!