Can You Buy a House Before Moving to Mississippi? Jason’s Virtual-Buyer Process

Yes, you can purchase a house before moving to Mississippi. Many parts of the process—including property searches, live video tours, contracts and lender communication—can be completed remotely.

The key is having a local real-estate agent who provides honest observations, verifies important property details and coordinates the people involved in the transaction.

I’m Jason McMichael, a Broker Associate with Real Broker LLC – CONNECT Group. I help relocation buyers purchase homes throughout Hattiesburg, Petal, Oak Grove, Sumrall, Purvis, Laurel and communities from the capital to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Here is how my virtual-buyer process works.

Step 1: Define the Location and Property

We begin with more than bedrooms, bathrooms and price.

I ask about:

• Workplace and preferred commute

• Desired property type

• City, suburban or rural setting

• Lot size or acreage

• New construction or existing homes

• Internet and utility needs

• Moving timeline

• Financing and estimated monthly payment

A Hattiesburg mailing address, for example, does not always establish the county, city limits or school district. Understanding these distinctions helps us search more accurately.

Step 2: Review Homes Together

I send listings that match the buyer’s criteria and help compare the details that may not be obvious online.

For each serious option, we may review:

This helps eliminate properties that do not fit before spending time on a live tour.

Step 3: Conduct a Live Video Showing

A live video tour allows you to ask questions and direct where the camera goes.

During the showing, I can help you examine:

• The home’s layout

• Room and closet sizes

• Visible condition

• Appliances and fixtures

• Yard and drainage

• Driveway and road

• Fences and outbuildings

• Neighboring property uses

• Traffic or other surroundings

• Features not shown in the listing photos

I want buyers to understand the property—not simply receive a polished video.

Professional photography can make rooms appear larger or brighter. Video helps provide additional context, but it does not replace a professional inspection.

Step 4: Prepare and Negotiate the Offer

When you choose a property, we review the offer electronically and discuss:

• Purchase price

• Earnest money

• Financing

• Closing costs

• Inspection terms

• Appraisal considerations

• Requested seller concessions

• Closing date

• Items included with the property

I explain how the terms work together so you can make an informed decision from a distance.

Your lender should also provide a Loan Estimate showing the proposed loan, payment, closing expenses and estimated cash needed. The CFPB Loan Estimate Guide can help buyers understand that document.

Step 5: Complete Inspections and Due Diligence

Remote buyers should still complete appropriate inspections.

Depending on the property, this may include:

• General home inspection

• Termite inspection

• Roof or HVAC evaluation

• Septic inspection

• Well-water testing

• Sewer scope

• Pool inspection

• Survey

• Flood or drainage research

• Specialized structural evaluation

Inspectors can provide reports with photographs, and I help coordinate access to the property. I can also return to document a concern or completed repair when appropriate.

For properties with acreage, ponds, creeks or low-lying land, additional investigation may be needed.

Step 6: Prepare for the Final Walkthrough and Closing

Before closing, I help confirm that the property is in the expected condition and that agreed repairs or included items have been addressed.

If you cannot attend the final walkthrough, I can conduct it by live video or provide documentation for your review.

Remote-signing and closing options depend on the lender, closing professional and documents involved. The closing office will explain whether you must appear in person, use a remote notary or sign documents another way.

For most residential mortgages, buyers should receive a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before the scheduled closing. Review the figures using the CFPB Closing Disclosure Guide.

Step 7: Verify Wiring Instructions

Wire fraud is a serious risk during real-estate closings.

Before sending money:

1. Call the closing office using a trusted telephone number.

2. Confirm the account and instructions verbally.

3. Do not rely solely on an email.

4. Be suspicious of unexpected changes or urgent requests.

5. Contact the bank and closing office immediately if anything seems wrong.

Never send money based only on a message that appears to come from me, the lender or the closing company.

Can You Purchase Without Ever Seeing the Home in Person?

Yes, although the right approach depends on the buyer and property.

Some clients purchase entirely through video tours and inspections. Others use virtual tours to narrow their choices before making one trip to Mississippi.

A newer subdivision home may be easier to evaluate remotely than a historic property, acreage or a home with multiple private systems and outbuildings. I explain what can be observed and what requires additional professional investigation.

Jason’s Local Perspective

Buying remotely requires more than someone holding a phone while walking through a house.

After more than 275 transactions representing over $65 million in sales volume, I understand how to help buyers evaluate the complete property, coordinate local professionals and identify questions that listing photos cannot answer.

Whether you are relocating for work, moving closer to family, transferring to Camp Shelby or planning your move to South Mississippi, I can help you begin the home search before you arrive.

About Jason McMichael

Jason McMichael is a Broker Associate with Real Broker LLC – CONNECT Group. He serves buyers and sellers throughout Hattiesburg, Petal, Oak Grove, Sumrall, Purvis, Laurel, Ellisville and communities from the capital to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Jason McMichael, Broker Associate
Real Broker LLC – CONNECT Group
Cell: 601-804-2524
Office: 601-804-2821
Email: jasonmc.sales@gmail.com
Website: connectgroupreal.com

This article provides general real-estate information. Buyers should independently verify property condition, schools, taxes, boundaries, utilities, restrictions, insurance and other matters important to their purchase.