Moving can be a complicated process, especially when the new home is in a different state or across the country.
Buyers must research the town, school systems, job market and neighborhood, all before settling on a new location.
I recommend taking the following steps to ensure that when it comes time to move to an unfamiliar location, the process goes as smoothly as possible.
First, Get Organized. When moving many miles away, it makes sense to compile a list of the key information required before deciding where to live. Important questions needing to be answered include:
• What is the cost of living? How far will my money go?
• What is the housing market like in the new location?
• What is the community like? Crime rates?
• How is the school system?
• What is the noise factor?
• Will this be a good area for my spouse to find work?
• What is the public transportation system like?
• How long will the commute be?
Due Diligence. To learn more about the typical lifestyle of the new town, as well as community events and crime rates, get a few back copies of the local newspaper, or log on to the local paper’s Web site. This third-party information, together with information from the local chamber of commerce, will give a sense of the area.
Use the Internet. When it comes to selecting the home itself, the Web is an invaluable tool. Web sites, such as www.coldwellbanker.com, can provide visitors with an abundance of useful information. The Coldwell Banker YouTube Channel, On Location, features thousands of local market video tours, so a buyer in Mesa can easily see real-life community and home tours in Santa Fe.
Functions like the Coldwell Banker Home Listing Report will calculate approximately how much a house will be worth in the new market, which, as a result, will provide insight into the cost of living. Visitors also can find a variety of community and neighborhood information, including median age and income, percentages of married couples and children, recent home sales, as well as a listing of elementary and high schools, with demographic information on the schools.
Feet on the Street. Begin to work with a REALTOR® early on when visiting the new city. Look to see how much new construction and remodeling work is taking place. This will indicate whether the neighborhood is growing and developing, and whether current residents plan to stay. Also, have your agent take you through the neighborhood after hours to see what the neighborhood looks like when all have returned from work and school.
Coffee Talk. If possible, try to have a few conversations with the locals near a prospective home. More than anyone, they have their fingers on the pulse of the neighborhood and the community-at-large.
If you are moving out of state, give me a call. I work with an expansive network of top REALTORS® across the country, and I can assist you in finding an agent who will help you find your next home.
John Karadsheh is a licensed REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Trails And Paths Premier Properties. He also is an Associate Broker, Accredited Buyers Representative and a Certified Residential Specialist. You can contact John with any of your real estate questions. Call him at (602) 615-0843, or go to his Web site at www.BuyAndSellAZ.com.