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Whether or not you are moving across town,
or across the country, planning is the key
to a successful relocation. Use the
Planners
And Moving Checklists to help you remember
the details before moving day.
Housing
The decision to sell or rent your house is
usually determined by factors such as market
conditions, need for capital to reinvest
and housing availability at the new location.
If you plan to sell your home, consider the
time, cost and federal income tax implications
of major or minor repairs. The expenses incurred
in getting the house ready for the market may or
may not enter into calculations of gains or losses
on the sale of the home; you may wish to consult
with your tax accountant on your individual situation.
In a sluggish economy, it may be necessary to
place your home on the market earlier than usual.
If the home is not sold before your departure and
will become vacant, contact your insurance company.
Most homeowners policies have vacancy restrictions.
You may be able to arrange for a “fire and extended
coverage” policy to insure the property while it is vacant.
Most people still use a licensed real estate agent
to help them with buying or selling a home. These
professionals can help you navigate through the many
details associated with a real estate transaction.
You can find an agent through real estate agent Web sites,
for sale signs in your neighborhood and recommendations from friends and colleagues.
The financial institution with which you have a
mortgage loan or your bank accounts may be able to
refer you to a preferred real estate agent. Many
agents are part of a real estate broker network that
can introduce you to other licensed real estate
agents generally anywhere in the U.S.
If your move is associated with a corporate transfer,
your employer may offer the services of a relocation
services company who will assign an agent to assist
you with selling your current home or finding a new one.
Whatever the source of the recommendation,
it is important that you interview the agent and become
comfortable with the agent’s knowledge, expertise and
style before making any commitments to work
exclusively with that agent.
Researching Your New Community
To learn more about your new community, order a
local newspaper and contact the local chamber of commerce.
They can give you information on housing, schools and other community services.
Obtaining a "Welcome Kit" from a local real estate
agent is another way to orient yourself to the new community.
In addition to useful maps and information about schools,
recreation, shopping and community services, you will
probably find a list of phone numbers for utility companies.
Place your calls as soon as you know where and
when you will need such services.
Many communities have Web sites that introduce the
location’s amenities and provide links to more specific information.
Consider Your Spouse
If your spouse also has a career that will be
interrupted by the move, be sure to consider the following.
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Take advantage of employment assistance
programs which may be available.
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Coordinate a job search with house-hunting trips
so that a percentage of the expenses may be
used as a federal income tax deduction.
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Inquire about upcoming job fairs.
Talk With Your Children*
Inform your children as soon as possible about your
move so they can adjust to the upcoming change.
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Explain why the move is necessary.
Be clear and straightforward.
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Share as much information about the new
location as you can find — books, maps,
articles, photographs, local newspapers
and community Web sites.
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Accept and listen to your
child’s fears and concerns;
address them directly.
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Describe the advantages of the new location,
such as a lake, amusement park, mountain,
sports team or school.
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If your child is a senior in high school,
consider letting him stay with a trusted
family until the school year ends.
Soon after your move, help your children acclimate
to their new community by getting involved in local
groups and activities, such as a place of worship,
the PTA, Little League, Scouts and community organizations.
*Taken in part from Facts for Families,
"Children and Family Moves," American
Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Household Storage
Once you know the approximate size of your
future home and the estimated move-in date,
you will be able to judge whether or not you
will have to store household goods and, if so, for how long.
If you have to store some belongings, begin
to separate those items early in the packing process.
Identify the items on the outside of the boxes to
assist you when it is time to retrieve those goods.
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Selling A Home
Selling A Home
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