Get in the car and drive! Check out downtown, neighborhoods, shopping, etc. Consider the areas you like versus where you will work. How far are you willing to commute to get the lifestyle you want?
Visit the Chamber of Commerce, or City Hall. Strive to learn details you might not find out about from simply driving the area.
Buying tips
Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage. A pre-approved buyer is the same as a “cash” buyer and puts you in a stronger negotiating position for purchasing a home.
Stick to a Budget. Don’t look at houses you can’t afford. You may be tempted to stretch your dollars and be unhappy after the move. However, remember to account for future variations in income.
Keep a Low Profile. View properties with a minimum of distractions. Be friendly, but don’t try to force conversation when you are inside someone’s home. Something you say could influence the seller to hold out for more money . . . let your agent do the talking!
Ask for an Estimate of Closing Costs prior to signing the offer. Once you have a baseline established, it is very easy to adjust the calculation if a counter-offer is made by the seller.
Think Resale. Select a house that is consistent in the neighborhood. If you think you may be transferred in the next 2-5 years, choose a home similar to others surrounding it. It is sometimes difficult to sell the “largest” home for a strong price in a short amount of time.
Keep Negotiating. Frequently, contracts are sent back and forth between buyer and seller several times before all the issues are addressed and solved. Be patient and keep things moving towards a successful transaction.
Remain Calm. One of the most difficult and stressful times of the entire purchase process is during negotiations. Try and remain calm, unemotional and keep focused on the logic.
Insist on a Home Inspection. Make sure what you see is what you get. The request for an inspection can be made a part of the contract, or the contract may be contingent upon your approval of the results of the inspection.
Keep Stress Levels Low. Your agent will plan full days for you to look in your new community. During breaks/lunch, relax a little and share with your agent what you have liked about the experience so far.
Turn on the Excitement. Enjoy the adventure of the move and the prospect of your new home and neighborhood. It is a special time for you and your family, and you should feel special!
Choose a Buyers Agent
Choose an agent who will represent you as a buyer and ask them to sign a Buyers Agency disclosure. Your agent should be representing only you in the transaction. This will assure you that they are working with your best interests in mind.
Inquire about credentials, licensing and areas of expertise. Ask your agent about their knowledge of the community in which you’re interested. Make certain they have the experience to answer your questions about the values and other factors which may influence your decision to buy.
Use the services of an agent who is a member of the local Multiple Listing Service. This means they can show you all homes on the market, not just those listed by their company. Look for an agency that provides more than just house-hunting.
They should be able to provide:
Activities, etc
An agent who is internet savvy will be able to communicate with you quickly via email. When purchasing a home, time can be of the essence. Make sure your agent will be available at all the times you are. If you are moving to a new city and have a tight schedule, you need accomplish a lot in a short amount of time.
Ask your agent to provide a copy of all legal documents you will be asked to sign so you may review them well in advance of the actual offer. If in doubt about verbiage, ask questions. Remember your sales contract is a legal, binding document.
If possible, your agent should go with the listing agent when the offer is presented. They are better able to communicate to the sellers about certain aspects of your offer.
Ask your agent about a Home Warranty. If the listing company cannot provide one, ask your ERA Real Estate Agent how you might get protection from unexpected repair expenses.
True commitment comes naturally to a real estate professional, who often feels the most rewarding aspect of their work is the chance to help people. Work closely with your agent and share information so they can work hard to help you find the home that matches all your needs – and your dreams.
Before the move:
Get organized. Start a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other information. You may be able to deduct your move and lower your taxes, so check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.
Research your new community. The local Chamber of Commerce is a great place to find information about your new home.
Stay Healthy. Gather medical and dental records - including prescriptions and shot records. Ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to care providers in your new city.
Prepare your children. Arrange to have school records transferred to your children's new school district and/or daycare. Involve your children in the moving process, from picking out the new home to packing their toys. Relocating can be a "scary" adventure, so make sure you talk to your family about the move. Visit about the new community and discuss how to make new friends.
Budget for moving expenses.
Tie up loose ends.
• Contact utility companies to disconnect, transfer or connect services. Plan on keeping current services through your move date and having new ones available prior to your move-in date.
• Return library books and pick up dry cleaning or items out for repair.
• Call your local newspaper and set a date to cancel your subscription.
• Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies. Ask if moving is covered and arrange for insurance for your new home.
• Contact health clubs or other organizations to which you belong. Ask how you can end, sell or transfer your membership.
• Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts. Clear out safety deposit boxes. Pick up traveler's checks or cash for "on the road" expenses.
Keep in touch. File a change of address. If you don't know what your new address will be, ask the postal service to hold your mail in their office in your new city. Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses that will need to know of your move and send your new address to them as soon as possible. Postal forwarding time is limited.
Take inventory.
• Decide what items need to go before your move and plan a yard sale or contact your local charities. If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes.
• Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Ship these items by certified mail or carry them with you.
Clean house.
• Start collecting boxes and other packing supplies at least a month before your move.
• Use up things that can't be moved, such as frozen foods, bleach and aerosol cleaners.
• Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons.
• Drain all gas and oil from your mower and other motors. Gas grills, kerosene heaters, etc. must be emptied as well.
• Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day.
Reserve your moving truck. Do this at least a few weeks before your move. If you need a ramp or other loading equipment, make reservations with a local equipment-rental yard.
Be prepared. As moving day gets closer, finish packing and prepare a box with the essentials. Keep these items handy, preferably in your automobile. Don't forget to include extra clothing, toiletries and snacks for the kids. Other things to consider are:
• Coffee cups, paper plates, paper towels
• Plastic forks, spoons, knives
• Dish soap, trash bags, towels
• Phone books, pencils and paper, your "move file"
• Telephone, radio, batteries
• Scissors, masking tape, utility knife, can opener
• Toilet paper, prescriptions, aspirin or other pain relievers
• Flashlight, light bulbs, hammer
• Toys for the kids
Finish up. Before leaving your old home, check every room, closet and cabinet one last time. Make sure everything is loaded. Leave a note with your new address in the house so future occupants can forward any stray mail.
After the move:
Get connected. Check to see if your mail is making it to your new address or pick up any mail being held.
Fill out the paperwork. Get a new driver's license and new tags for your automobile. And don't forget to register to vote. In many states, you can do this when you get your new license.
Stay up to date. Contact the local paper for a new subscription.
Make yourself at home.
