relocation tips and advice

Relocation Tips and Advice!

”The Southern California Relocation Dude”

GETTING STARTEDOnce you decide to relocate you have important decisions to make depending on your personal situation – selling your current home (or renting it), buying a new home (vs. renting), tracking expenses, packing, hiring movers, moving the pets, house hunting trips, and so much more

This presentation will guide you through some of the major decision points. Visit the website listed below (not a link) for my Relocation Tips and Advice Video Series on my YouTube Channel Playlist

Relocation Video Series – www.RelocationTipsAndAdvice.com©JeffDowler 2014 All Rights Reserved



Tip #1 RELOCATION EXPENSES1. Track all of your expenses – travel, food, hotel, mileage, etc.2. Keep a file of all receipts3. Check with your Accountant on what is tax deductible and what is not4. If using a Corporate Relocation Package find out what is reimbursed and

what is not, what is billed directly, what expenses are covered (if any), and how to handle receipts



Tip #2 GET PRE-APPROVEDWhat You Need to Know About Getting Pre-Approved:

1. Get pre-approved for your new home purchase as quickly as possible so you know your budget (unless you can pay cash)

2. An up-to-date written pre-approval will be required with any offer3. Be prepared to provide Proof of Funds for Your Down-Payment and

Closing Costs



Tip #3 RELOCATION PACKAGESIf you are using a Corporate Relocation Package:

1. Review this in detail right away and understand the key components2. Find out who your contact person is and discuss any questions3. Find out if you can select your real estate professional for selling and/or

buying or if that is the Relocation Company’s decision4. Find out how reimbursements are handled and what receipts are needed



Tip #4 FIND A REALTOR® TO HELPImportant Issues to Consider When Hiring the Right REALTOR to Help Buy

Your New Home:

1. Knowledge of relocation2. Uses Technology3. Chemistry and Trust4. Services and Knowledge



Tip #5 BUYING VS. RENTINGImportant Issues to Consider When Choosing to Rent vs. Buy a New Home:

1. Your personal situation2. Your financial situation, i.e., are you qualified to buy another home3. Schools (if you have kids)4. Moving twice5. Your knowledge of the new area



Tip #6 QUESTIONS FOR MOVERSSome Important Questions to Ask Potential Movers:

1. When can you pack and move us?2. What are the standard and extra charges?3. What does insurance cover?4. How do you handle boxes I pack myself?5. How long will you take to get my stuff to my new home?



Tip #7 RELOCATION CHECKLISTHere are Some Key Items to Have on Your Relocation Checklist:

1. Be sure to keep a list of To Do’s and Questions to be answered – Evernote, Hard Copy, Your iPad

2. Keep a timeline or calendar of key dates – packing, moving, travel, move- in, closing dates on current/new home

3. List services to be opened/discontinued4. Ask me for a copy of my Relocation Checklist to help plan your move



Tip #8 PACKING FOR YOUR MOVEHere are Some Tips on Packing for Your Relocation:

1. Decide if you want to pack it yourself or pay to have it packed2. Find out if boxes you pack (PBO or Packed by Owner) are insured or not3. Find out if the moving company can provide moving boxes and deliver

them4. Labeling your boxes is key – include the ROOM and the CONTENTS



Tip #9 SCHOOLS, CRIME, ETC.How to Find out About Schools. Crime and Other Issues:

1. Research schools using local school district websites and sites like GreatSchools.org

2. Contact local police departments, check city websites, and visit CrimeMapping.com

3. Ask your REALTOR® for resources you can use



Tip #10 HELP YOUR REALTOR®Here’s How You Can Help Your REALTOR® Help You:

1. Respond quickly and thoroughly2. Be clear about what you want and need in your new home, and can afford3. Learn as much as you can about the new area4. Be flexible



Tip #11 HOUSE HUNTING TRIPSHow to Make the Most of House Hunting Trips:

1. Do your research beforehand – be thorough2. Assemble a careful list of all the homes you wish to see3. Take lots of notes when touring homes and communities4. Use your camera and/or take videos of homes and the neighborhoods



Tip #12 RELOCATING WITH PETSThings to Think About When Relocating with Pets:

1. Talk with your vet and have your pet(s) examined2. Get copies of all vet records3. Plan for how you are moving your pets – car? plane?4. Make sure you have suitable carriers if traveling by plane and check

airline requirements and costs



Tip #13 PREPARING FOR THE MOVEHow to Prepare for your Move:

1. Determine when you have to be out of your house2. Hire your movers and determine packing/moving dates3. Plan your travel (Plane? Car?) based on when your household goods will

arrive at your new home and you will have access4. Verify coverage for travel, etc. if using a Corporate Relocation Package



Tip #14 SEARCHING ONLINEHow to Make the Most of Searching Online for Your Home:

1. Sign up for automated listings with your REALTOR®2. Do research on communities3. Use Google Earth or Google Maps to see the area4. Realize that not everything you see/read online is accurate5. Have your REALTOR ® help screen in/out homes that work for you



Tip #15 MAKING AN OFFERImportant Things to Know About Making an Offer:

1. Be pre-approved with a current written pre-approval2. Have your proof of funds ready3. Review the offer paperwork beforehand and ask any questions so you

understand the process4. Discuss an offer strategy/offer amount with your agent



Tip #16 GET ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS AND HELP WITH YOUR RELOCATION TO CARLSBAD AND

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIACall or text me at (760) 840-1360 or

Email me at [email protected]

www.RelocationTipsAndAdvice.com

©Jeff Dowler 2014 All Rights Reserved

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