When we bought our current home, my husband Josh was back in Ontario while I handled the process from the West Coast. It could’ve easily been stressful, but with the right preparation and approach, we made it work smoothly. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are three tips that helped us buy a home even with one of us halfway across the country.
1. Find an Exceptional Realtor
The most important step for us was finding a realtor who truly understood the market. We were fortunate to connect with Emily Zurrer from Century 21 in Kelowna. Not only does she know the area inside and out, but as an experienced investor, Emily brought invaluable insight to the table. She was able to advise us on what was worth fixing, when to walk away, and which properties could add value. Given that I only had about five hours to tour homes, her efficiency and expertise were crucial in helping us make the most of our time.
2. Create Clear Lists of Must-Haves and Deal-Breakers
When you're buying without your partner physically present, being clear about your priorities is critical. Josh and I sat down and created lists of our “must-haves” and “deal-breakers” before the process even began. For us, a pool was non-negotiable, and functional workspaces were essential. Both of us run home-based businesses, so we needed quiet, private spaces for calls—open floor plans were a no-go. These clear lists kept me focused and ensured I didn’t waste time on homes that wouldn’t work for us.
3. Leverage Technology to Stay Connected
Although Josh couldn’t be there, he was fully available for each walkthrough via FaceTime. I toured six homes, making sure to take detailed notes, videos, and measurements so we could review together afterward. We even debriefed after each visit, outside of the home, to avoid giving feedback in case there were cameras. This process helped us stay aligned throughout the decision-making process. Ultimately, we fell in love with—and decided on—the very first home we saw, making our final choice within 24 hours of touring.
Bonus Tip: Bring a Measuring Tape!
Certain details, like the flow of the space or fitting big furniture, can be tricky when your partner isn’t there to visualize it. Bringing a measuring tape and taking video footage helped us ensure everything worked for our needs. Clear communication, tech tools, and a solid game plan kept us on track and aligned with our goals.
Buying a home without your partner can be challenging, but with the right realtor, clear priorities, and a commitment to staying connected, it’s definitely doable. If you’re facing a similar situation or just need advice, I’d love to help! Feel free to reach out or book a call at www.emilycallme.com.
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