J
eremy Turous and Harper Luke's year-long adventure in Japan was filled with travel, language study, and a romantic getaway to Thailand where they got engaged. The couple returned to the United States for Mr. Turous's job as a design engineer in the auto industry, heading back to Columbus, Ohio, where they had met and built a strong network of friends. Ms. Luke had family ties to the area, and their company's U.S. office was nearby.

    However, buying a house from 6,500 miles away proved daunting. "We were both nervous about buying a house we hadn't seen in person," said Ms. Luke, who works in marketing. To navigate this challenge, they relied on online photos, agent advice, and cross-time-zone consultations.

    Their agent, Andy Malone of SCOUT Columbus, had previously earned Ms. Luke's trust when she bought her first home with him. "With how quickly the market moves out here, it was difficult just to say, 'OK, let's get over there, get some videos,'" Mr. Malone said, recalling late-night phone calls with the couple.

    The couple sought an older home with character near Columbus's bike trails in Clintonville, a neighborhood north of downtown with well-kept houses and locally owned restaurants. With a budget of around $400,000 to $450,000, they wanted a move-in-ready place with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a garage. A big yard was a bonus, and about 1,500 square feet seemed ideal.

    Among their options were two homes: one, built in 1910, had been newly remodeled but lacked a garage; the other, a Craftsman-style home from 1925, showcased its character with arched doorways and original hardwood floors. The latter was listed at $449,900, just within their budget, with annual taxes of around $5,500.