According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 40 million Americans moved between 2002 and 2003, and 19 percent of all those moves were to a different state. Moving can be a complicated process, let alone picking up and moving to another state or cross country. One must find a home, schools, perhaps even a job for a spouse, not to mention get a feel for the community before settling in on a new location.
The professionals at Tri-Pro Realty, Ltd. recommend taking the following steps to ensure that when it comes time to move to a distant location, the process is smooth and simple. At the end of the day, it is all about research.
First, Get Organized. When moving many miles away it makes sense to organize a list of the key information required before deciding where to live. Important questions that will need to be answered include:
· What is the cost of living? How far will the new money go?
· What is the price of a similar sized house in the new location?
· What is the community like? Crime rates?
· How is the school system?
· What is the noise factor?
· Will this be a good area for my spouse to find work?
· What is the public transportation system like?
· How long will my commute be?
Due Diligence. To learn more about the typical lifestyle of the new town, as well as community events and crime rates, get a few back copies of the local newspaper, or log on to the local paper’s Web site. This third party information, together with what you learn from the local Chamber of Commerce, will give you a sense of the personality of the area.
Use the Internet. For perhaps the biggest decision in the entire process, finding a home, the World Wide Web is an invaluable tool.
Feet on the Street. When you have a chance to physically visit the new city and have begun working with a real estate sales associate look to see how much new construction and remodeling work is taking place. This will tell you whether the neighborhood is popular, and whether current residents plan to stay. Also, have the sales associate take you through the neighborhood “after hours.” See what the neighborhood looks like when all have returned from work and school.
Coffee Talk. If possible, try to have a few conversations with the “locals” near a prospective home. More than anyone, they have their fingers on the pulse of the neighborhood and the community at large.
Work With Your Employer. Make it clear to your new employer that your spouse now will be in need of a job. The company likely will have relationships with relocation experts and executive recruitment firms to help in the spousal job search process.
Simplify the Move. Tri-Pro Realty, Ltd. customers can consult our agents for assistance in all aspects of the move. We can help make things easier.
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