How to Buy a Home Sight-Unseen During a Military Relocation to DC
When military orders send you to Washington, DC on a tight timeline, house hunting can feel impossible especially if you’re not even in the same time zone. But in today’s tech-driven world, buying a home sight-unseen is not only possible, it's increasingly common for service members navigating military DC real estate.
At City Chic Real Estate, we specialize in helping military families confidently buy from afar. Whether you’re moving from across the country or overseas, this guide will walk you through how to purchase a home in DC without ever setting foot in it until it’s yours.
Step 1: Choose the Right Agent (Hint: Military Experience Matters)
The success of a sight-unseen purchase starts with trust. Work with an agent who’s experienced in military relocations, understands the urgency of PCS orders, and knows how to be your eyes and ears on the ground.
At City Chic, we’ve helped countless military buyers close remotely and our process is built to support it from day one.
Tip: Ask your agent how they conduct virtual tours, what kind of local insights they provide, and how they handle inspections and walkthroughs on your behalf.
Step 2: Get Clear on Your Must-Haves and Dealbreakers
Without physically touring homes, it’s essential to define what really matters to you upfront. Think about layout, commute time to base, school zones, outdoor space, and the feel of the neighborhood.
Step 3: Use Tech to See the Full Picture
Virtual tours and live video walkthroughs are your best friends. A good agent will go beyond listing photos showing you street views, pointing out noise levels, walking through closet space, and checking cell service inside the home.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Relying only on listing photos. Ask for custom video walkthroughs or FaceTime tours for real, unfiltered views of the home.
Buying from afar? You don’t have to do it alone. 🎖 Let’s build your DC home search strategy right from where you are.
Step 4: Line Up Your VA Loan Early
Get pre-approved with a lender experienced in VA loans and remote closings. This makes your offer stronger and streamlines everything from appraisals to final signing.
Best Practice: Choose a lender who offers e-signatures and remote notarization so you can close without being physically present.
Step 5: Lean on Your Agent During Inspections and Closing
Your agent should attend the home inspection on your behalf, take video or detailed notes, and flag any red flags. They’ll also guide you through the appraisal, final walk-through, and closing even if you’re states (or oceans) away.
Additional Tips for Buying Sight-Unseen
Ask for neighborhood videos: Get a feel for the area, traffic flow, and nearby amenities.
Factor in rental potential: If your PCS gets cut short, your new home could become a strong rental investment.
Request floorplans: Knowing the layout helps you visualize the flow of the home beyond photos.
Buying sight-unseen is a big decision but it’s one military families are making every day in the military DC real estate market. With the right support system, tech tools, and strategy, you can find a home that checks all the boxes—even from a distance.
At City Chic Real Estate, we’re proud to support military homebuyers with clarity, care, and boots-on-the-ground experience so you can focus on your mission, while we handle the move.
Let’s start your home search, no travel required. 📲 Contact us today and let’s find your DC home virtually and confidently.
