One of the earliest steps in the relocation process is becoming familiar with the local housing market in your destination, so that you can make informed decisions about where to buy, and what type of housing you can get for your money. Finding and buying a home can be a risky and complicated endeavor if you are not well informed about the choices available to you, even when you are moving within the local area with which you are already familiar. Combine this with a relocation to an entirely new city - possibly with a new job, family concerns and a new lifestyle - and it could be the single most important decision you will ever make.
The expertise of a professional, experienced relocation Realtor is highly advisable. Because a Realtor can be a virtual goldmine of information about the area, schools, taxes, local housing values and trends, etc., select a Realtor well before you arrive in your destination - even if you don't plan to purchase for several months. Finding a Realtor who is licensed and experienced is very important, because he or she will understand that your most important need initially is the gathering of information. The Realtor will know that you need detailed information on neighbourhoods, amenities, schools, and local housing prices before you can even begin to decide where you will narrow your search for a home.
If you are not selective in demanding an experienced Realtor, you could end up with a more inexperienced or even part-time agent who may want to move into the home-showing phase before you're really ready to begin. Before you talk to your Realtor, it’s a good idea to define what's really important to you in a home and neighbourhood. Ask yourself these questions:
1) Do we prefer a rural or urban setting?
2) What recreational facilities are important to us?
3) How far am I willing to commute to and from work?
4) How important is access to public transportation or school buses?
5) Are we looking for a single family home, a townhome, condominium, etc.?
6) What type of rooms do we need? How many bedrooms and bathrooms?
7) What are our future needs? Is our family growing or shrinking?
8) What will be the average home price in our new neighbourhood?
9) What mortgage amount do we qualify for? What monthly payment is comfortable?
Armed with this information, a good relocation Realtor will be able to provide you all the information you need ahead of your move, to prepare you to begin looking and find the best home in your new neighbourhood!