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.
The professionals at Coldwell Banker Select Professionals recommend taking the following steps to ensure that when it comes time to move to a distant 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 that will need to be answered include:

•    What is the cost of living? How far will the new money go?
•    What is the price of a similar sized house 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.cbselectpros.com can provide visitors with an abundance of useful information. Functions like the Coldwell Banker Home Price Comparison Index 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, and a listing of elementary and high schools with demographic information on the schools.  

Feet on the Street.

Begin to work with a real estate associate 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 the sales associate 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.

Work With Your Employer.

If your spouse will be in need of a job, make it clear to your new employer. The company likely will have relationships with relocation experts and executive recruitment firms to help in the spousal job search process.

Simplify the Move. 

Coldwell Banker® customers can use their local Coldwell Banker Concierge® Service Program for assistance in all aspects of the move.  With service categories across the nation, local Coldwell Banker Concierge Service Program representatives can help make things easier.