Relocation 101

Relocation can be a bit overwhelming, but with online shopping become much more common it is not surprising how many buyers we see purchasing homes without ever seeing them until move in day.  There is one thing almost all of these buyers have in common is that they relied heavily on their Buyer Broker to be their eyes and ears during the purchase and the search ! If your considering relocation here are some helpful tips to make your relocation a successful one !

Speak To Your Employer:

• If your relocating for work, many employers have a specific division in the company that can help you find all of the necessary parties to help you make the transition.  As well some companies will pay for some of the expenses of that move.  
• Some companies will often work with actual real estate relocation companies, one of the largest being Cactus Relocation, who only works with the best real estate companies.  Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is part of their team for information you can check out our Relocation Site Here. 

Decide On Your Must Haves: This is a bit different than a normal home search because we aren't just talking about bedrooms, baths, or style you will need to think about some other important characteristics.  

• Location: You will be relying on a third party to help you find the perfect location, so communicating how close or far away you would like to be to major roadways, transportation, or even schools is very important information for your agent to know.  
• Amenities: Are you looking for an area with an incorporated Village with private pools or marinas, this is also very important for those who are looking to go into Condominiums, and Townhouse Communities. Each community will offer not only different amenities but also different requirements to purchase, you will want to be aware of this before beginning negotiations.  
• Home Characteristics: Of course you will still want to have specific homes "likes" and "must haves".  Be sure to review this list carefully with your realtor so they understand the physical size of the home so that on move-in day all of your items will fit ! I will often go out and preview the home and take video while I am there so my buyers can get a good feel for the homes flow and size.  If your looking to fit specific size furniture such as large bedrooms sets or wall units asking your Realtor to be sure it will fit before committing to the home is a good idea.  

Get Your Finances & Time Management In Order: 

• Finances: Make sure you specify with any mortgage company that the purchase of your home will be taking place with a more than likely job transition to make sure you will be aware of the additional paperwork that your bank might require. 
• Moving Cost: You will also need to prepare for the move a bit different than the normal buyer, speak with numerous moving companies to find out their pricing and the customer satisfaction once their possessions made it to the new home.  
• Time Management: This covers quite a few different aspects because you will want to coordinate with many different parties from making sure your possessions arrive around the same time you will, as well you will want to make sure your utilities will be in working order when you arrive, and give yourself time to unpack before beginning your new job.  

Most Important Choose Someone To Be On Your Side:

• You of course will need a real estate agent to help you find the home for previewing it, but keep in mind you will also be having home inspections, bank appraisals and final walk-thrus without ever stepping foot in the home.  Make sure you interview more than 1 Realtor until you find someone you feel 100% comfortable with.  My recommendation is always see how they are able to communicate with you during the interviewing process that will give you a good idea how you will be communicating during the transaction.  
• You will also need to find a home inspector and a attorney from the area to help you with the process.  If your working with a Full Service Realtor they should be able to recommend you a few different professionals to choose from.  Choosing local professionals will help because they are a bit more familiar with the area, and the laws that go with it.  

These are just some of the important factors when it comes to relocating, if you are interested in finding out more about what Long Island has to offer please take a refer to the Community Information Page for school information and town amenities !