10 Steps for a Successful Move and Relocation
By Doug Davis
Publisher: RelocationGuide.com
Step 1: Finding a New Residence
Buying a New Home.
Find out what you can afford. Discuss your financial situation with a reputable lender. Get pre-qualified and pre-approved for a loan. Click here to find out how much home you can afford .
Find a Realtor.
Finding a good and reputable realtor is key to enjoying a smooth real estate transaction. Have you heard the saying that 20% of the realtors do 80% of the work? That seems to be true in the industry. The agent that is the best fit for you doesn't necessarily work at the largest brokerage. The sign of a great agent is one who will listen to you and understand your needs best. Their conduct and understanding of the market will be a key selling point for them. One of the best ways to find a good agent is by referral. A lot of realtors stay in business because of customer satisfaction and the customers will refer them to friends, co-workers and family. The internet is another source to find an agent. Yes there are lots of referral online sites but one of the best ways is to Google the top real estate companies in your new location. Take the time to look up the profiles of the agents to find one that meets your needs. Of course your online search is no assurance of quality, but it's a start. Look in the local Sunday paper for ads that target the area you are interested in. Ask other real estate agents in your area if they might have a referral in your new location. Agents are usually happy to refer other agents especially if they are in a different location or a different speciality.
Inspections.
Inspections are different and can vary quite a bit from state to state. If you have a choice, it's best to hire your own contractor and supervise. Here's an inspection check list we've compiled that you might want to go thru with your contractor. Before you issue a formal request to repair discuss with your contractor the scope and expense to repair items because no home is perfect. Seems every home will have something to repair, even new homes.
Finding the Right School.
Looking for schools in your new area is vital to your family. Click here for an article discussing the things to look for when deciding on a new school.
Amenities.
When looking for amenities a good place to start is to examine your lifestyle. Do you need the active lifestyle of a downtown or are you a hiker and love to be close to the outdoors? Think about how the amenities that are available in your new area reflect on the community itself ie; what steps has the community taken to provide an amenity filled area. A good idea is to spend some time in the community you are moving to at all times of the day or night, and see what kind of activities are taking place. Another amenity to consider is the hospitals and healthcare facilities in the area. Are they close by and up to date. Ask around for referrals from the locals. What types of retail is in the area? Do you have to travel long distances to find retail shopping. And finally what type of transportation is available? What is the commute time to your new job? Is there available mass transit?.