Top Ten Relocation Headaches

by Shelley Seale, RPSRelocation.com

Not Having Enough Details & Demographics About Your New Hometown
Gather as much information as possible about your new destination, from sources such as the internet, Chamber of Commerce newcomer packages, location magazines and your real estate professional.

Not Having Your Home Priced and Ready to Sell
Check your home thoroughly for all needed repairs before listing it for sale. Pay attention to details such as gapped caulking, chipped tiles, paint, etc... It's often these little things that potential buyers will notice. Also, have the home professionally cleaned, including carpets. If you haven't had your home appraised in the last two years, do it before putting the home up for sale. Also, have one or two real estate professionals give you a comparable market analysis. This will show what other comparable homes in your neighborhood have sold for recently. Over-pricing your home at the outset will result in slow showings and a delay in selling.

Poor Research of What Your Money Can Buy in Your New City
Many factors such as differing salary, cost of living, taxes and housing prices affect what the same dollar can buy in different parts of the country. Resources such as the local Chamber of Commerce, real estate professionals and neighborhood reports can give you this information.

Not Getting a Mortgage Prequalification Letter Before House Hunting
While prequalifying with us doesn't provide final loan approval, it does give you a realistic price guideline and shows sellers that you are a serious and qualified buyer.

Not Protecting Yourself with the Best Home Inspection Possible
This goes for both the home you're selling as well as the one you're buying, although who pays for the inspection (buyer or seller) is negotiable in each separate contract. A good inspector should be a member of the ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors); bonded; licensed; insured; and able to provide references, an up front quote of his/her fees and what is included (are termite inspections extra, for example). Your real estate professional or mortgage originator can recommend a certified inspection company.

Setting Up the Best Interim Housing Between Destinations
When you first arrive in your new town, you'll most likely need to have temporary housing arrangements until you can close and move into a new home or find a permanent rental. This may be anywhere from a few days to a few months. If you foresee needing interim housing for less than 30 days, the easiest option is a suite hotel geared for extended stays. For a month or longer, corporate apartments or homes are much roomier, more comfortable, and usually 20-60% less than paying a daily or weekly hotel rate.