Serious Real Estate Challenges for Serious Relocation Buyers (Part 3 of a 3-Part Series)

In this 3-part series we’ve discussing issues related to relocation – challenges to confront and some things to think about.

In Part 1 we talked about (1) searching for that new home; (2) using a qualified, knowledgeable REALTOR, and (3) doing your due diligence. If you missed this post, you can read it here >>> Serious Real Estate Challenges for Serious Relocation Buyers (Part 1 of a 3-Part Series)

In Part 2 we discussed (1) the disadvantage of house hunting from a distance, and (2) timing issues related to buying, selling and your actual relocation. You can read Part 2 here >>> Serious Real Estate Challenges for Serious Relocation Buyers (Part 2 of a 3-Part Series)

Here are some final things to think about as you embark on your relocation to your new home:

BE FLEXIBLE

Relocation may require more flexibility than moving locally. With the timing and distance issues, differences in the new vs. old housing market, and all the tasks you must accomplish, the inability or unwillingness to be flexible could make life miserable.

And that includes having contingency plans when things go awry which is more than likely to happen at some point. This is not to discount the importance of being flexible in ANY real estate transaction but relocation adds a new dimension. Being as organized as possible from start to finish will help tremendously.

FINANCIAL

You will have the same financial issues with selling a home and buying a new one, but probably some additional, and perhaps significant, costs.

Factor in moving your household goods a long distance, travel (airfare or car + hotel + food), possible temporary living costs, and more in your relocation budget.

A relocation package from a new employer can help, depending on what it covers, but you may experience an increased tax burden as a result. Check with your new employer on the details of any relocation package so you know what to expect.

LIFESTYLE CHANGE

Often a relocation results in a lifestyle change, due to the new location. Consider how different living in California will be than Boston (I know that well), for example – differences in weather, style of dress, things to do, etc.  I think some who relocate think things will be the same as in their old home and find the adjustment tough; others are deliberately seeking a lifestyle change and embrace the many changes.

You won’t know, of course, until it happens but it’s something to keep in mind – things likely WILL be different and that can be stressful and take a period of adjustment. And that can vary from person to person.

Relocation can be tough in many ways, and each scenario is different. I highly recommend being as planful as possible, asking lots of questions, setting up contingency plans, and of course working with a REALTOR in your new area who can be your voice of reason and a terrific resource.

If I can be a resource for you in your relocation to Southern California, just let me m know.

Are You REALLY Ready to Move into Your New Home? 

Of course you are.

You searched, you found, you made an acceptable offer, you got your loan, and you are set to go. 

You set up your new utilities to start the day of closing, you arranged for the movers, and now you are really ready. 

A word of caution... 

It is not unheard of for closing to get delayed these days, for a host of reasons. It may only be a day, but problems with lenders, escrow, or the seller (especially if a bank) can slow things down even with the best planning. I had a recent relocation buyer whose closing was held up by the bank for 5 weeks!

It's smart to have some contingency plans just in case you cannot move when you had planned to. Better yet, build some extra time into your moving plans in case there are issues. It may be a challeneg to get the movers to change their schedule. And what if people are moving into YOUR home? 

The other thing to be aware of in San Diego County is that recording the deed and other documents takes place the business day after escrow has a complete file and has received the funds (i.e., your loan, downpayment and closing costs). Normally you cannot obtain the keys and move in until recording has occurred, and typically that is, at the earliest, late morning (in my experience it's usually early to mid afternoon). Don't plan that you'll have the keys from the seller the day escrow gets the funds or at 8 the next morning. 

Check on what it says in the contract.

Know that many sellers, especially banks in the case of REOs, will not allow you to gain access to the property until you truly own it...when you receive confirmation that you are "on record." Sometimes new homeowners may be allowed to move in once the loan has been funded, but there are certainly some risks to the seller in allowing this. 

Things may work differently in other jurisdictions but it's certainly worth checking on when you WILL be able to move into your new home. Be careful about making plans that are difficult to change if your closing date does. 

Any thoughts?

Jet-a-Pet is a Cool Service for Relocating with Pets

 Are you relocating a significant distance?

Do you have one or more pets to relocate?

Relocation is a tough challenge, whether you have done it before or not. There's a ton of stuff to think about and plan for, and it can be far more complex when moving across the country than across town. 

Moving with pets adds an additional complexity to the mix. If you are going to be flying to your new location, you may want to consider this cool service...Jet-a-Pet. 

I learned about this from some clients, who are now friends, who relocated from the East Coast to my area recently, and very kindly shared this service with me. They had a terrific experience with their 2 dogs using Jet-a-Pet, and so I pass it along for your consideration. 

Jet-a-Pet provides door-to-door service and they take care of all the hassles (having flown with pets several times, I can tell you it can be a major challenge, especially as airlines get stricter and stricter). Yes, you will pay for the service, but it can be well worth having someone who is knowledgeable taking care of the issues you may not be aware of - quarantine requirements (if any), vet certificates, appropriate travel cages, feeding/watering, compliance and safety issues, to name a few.

Check out Jet-a-Pet. They may be just what you need to take some of the hassle out of your relocation.

Want to know more about Relocation? Check out Relocation A to Z for tons of tips.

I have some new words in my vocabulary since moving from Boston to SoCal's Carlsbad. 

No, it's not what you're thinkin - they're not swear words. I already know all of them and still use them actively, especially when I get the dreaded proxy error or I lose Internet access in the midst of writing a lengthy email. Word autosaves so at least I don't lose my precious post drafts. 

FREEWAY - now back East this is a highway. Still is in my mind...a big road with lots of cars subject to massive tie ups, delays and road rage. But you don't call them that here. Most of them do appear to be free, but I still don't know if those which are not are also called freeways. Anyone?  And they give them names (that's because there are so many and no way can you keep track of the numbers) - Santa Monica Freeway, San Diego Freeway, Harbor Freeway - but that's true elsewhere. California just has more of them and they are bigger, sometimes 7 lanes or more in one direction. 

PALAPA - I had no clue what this was, but it appears in listings, and agents mention it. Without pointing to what it actually was I was still left feeling stupid. Plus we don't have them back in New England because winter lasts for 9 months and during the other 3 you can't be outside because of mosquitoes and black flies. Anyhow, a palapa is an open sided dwelling with a thatched roof made of dried palm leaves. Supposedly it's a plus to have one of these in your back yard to enjoy the California outdoor lifestyle. Seems like a fire hazard to me. 

MELLO ROOS - this is a good one. When I first started looking on line before our move and saw "no mello roos" I was totally clueless. And of course there is no explanation of what you are missing - was it good or bad? Now if I were considering Australia I would...never mind. Anyhow, these are serious, and big money. I learned that nobody likes them or wants to pay them (sorta like taxes), they last for many years in most cases, and they can drive a CPA nuts.  I can give you a fairly good explanation now, but better to read one of these links - it will confuse you more. Mello Roos. What is Mello Roos. 

SURFING - now I knew what this was, of course. New England has surfers, but I can't say I actually KNEW a surfer, and you didn't really see them except on the waves here and there. Out here they are everywhere. I have no idea what the population is but it must be in the millions. Surfers getting in and out of wetsuits by the side of the road is a common sight.  There is vocabulary to describe waves, as well as general surfer lingo. There are surf shops in every town. And of course as the Internet has exploded surfing has taken on a whole new meaning.

DUDE -this is not just So Cal slang, but you certainly didn't hear it much back in New England and it's real common here. And it is not just used by men and boys or to describe them. The word has been around for many years and is used in lots of ways (do a Google search if you don't believe me), as in being duded up or visiting a ranch. It seems to take precedence over using someone's name in casual conversation. 

MARINE LAYER - we called it fog in New England but not out here. It behaves differently, we see it more regularly near the coast, and often it isn't at ground level. It can come in off the ocean very quickly, or sometime just sit there along the coast while it is warm and sunny just a short distance away. Which leads me to...

MAY GRAY and JUNE GLOOM - this is how Californians describe the marine layer in May and June. It's more prevalent then, so we see more gray days during this time, although commonly the sun will appear later in the day. Further inland it doesn't happen.

I suspect there is other lingo that has entered my vocabulary that I am not even aware of, especially on the real estate side (we have a zillion forms and each one has an acronym - RPA, RLA, DA, AD, ETA, CR, AVID, VP, RR, CO, BIA, TDS, NSP, WOO, WPA and on and on), like Tract Home. Nuff said - I have work to do.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Moving to Carlsbad from afar? Or is your relocation taking you somewhere else? 

You have a big job ahead of you before you get settled in your new home. And finding that new home is one of the big challenges ahead of you. 

Fortunately, buyers these days who are relocating to Carlsbad have the Internet to help them research communities and all the other stuff they want and need to know. I have assembled a few Internet Aids to help in your Carlsbad relocation: 

SCHOOLS

Schools are one of the biggest concerns for many buyers, even those without school-age children because of the impact schools have on market value. Here are several sites my buyer clients recommend using, in no particular order:

• Great Schools
• School Digger
• School Matters
• Private School Review
• Petersons (for military, private, boarding schools) 

And if you know which school district you are moving to, simply do a Google Search to find information on that district - here's the Carlsbad Unified School District. And here are some others in the North San Diego County area: 

• San Dieguito Union High School District
• Rancho Santa Fe School District
• Oceanside Unified School District
• Del Mar Union School District
• Solana Beach School District
• San Marcos Unified School District 

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

There are lots of ways to explore different communities on-line. A Google search for that town will likely bring up a Chamber of Commerce site (Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce), the city website (Carlsbad), and other sites that may be of interest, like the Wikipedia Carlsbad site. NOTE - go to the Main Page to search for YOUR town. Also many town websites follow the format "http:www.townname.AA (the two letter state abbreviation).gov 

Try these:

• Zip Skinny (just enter the zip codes for the communities that interest you, like Carlsbad's 92009 - La Costa)
• American Towns  

CRIME STATISTICS

Here in California buyers may want to conduct a search on the Megan's Law database to search for registered sex offenders in the area they are moving to as part of the due diligence (it's noted in our CA Residential Purchase Agreement [RPA], Item 5 - Statutory Disclosures, letter C). Agents have no expertise in this area so if it concerns you, do the research. You can search the Megan's Law Database in other states, too. 

Buyers often ask about crime statistics and safety, once again a good area to research. City Rating provides statistics for many communities in the US. Calling the local police department will likely yield the most up to date and accurate results. 

HOUSING MARKET INFORMATION

I create custom market reports monthly on my Carlsbad Real Estate News blog for the communities I service so folks will know what is going on with home sales, pricing and more. Here are some sample recent reports, but feel free to ask for your own custom report for other communities. 

• Carlsbad Real Estate Market Report for February 2009

• San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for February 2009

• Cardiff Real Estate Market Report for February 2009

• Encinitas Real Estate Market Report for February 2009

• Solana Beach Real Estate Market Report for February 2009
  

If you are relocating to Carlsbad and need any assistance whatsoever, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me in the manner that works best for you - email, text, or phone. I'm here to assist when the timing is right for you.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

I've done a bit of relocating (not just casual moves but significant distances) so I know a fair amount about what it's like, things you need to think about, and issues that can arise. I know how to move with pets, kids and multiple cars, and how to go about home searching in a community I have never seen before in a different part of the country. 

I also write fair amount about relocation: Relocation A to Z. Indeed, relocation is a focus of my real estate business, and the majority of my buyer clients are out of the area and from other states. 

Writing a winning blog for relocations is something anyone can do, if you choose to do so AND are interested in specifically working with relocations. Given my own experience, and coupled with the feedback from my relocation clients about my blogs,

I have a few thoughts on what you can do to write a terrific relocation blog AND win clients.

Have a mindset about helping folks relocate. This doesn't mean blab about being a relo expert, yada yada yada. But you need to have in mind that your writing should focus on information that relocating buyers want and need to know. Having the right mindset will be reflected in your writing and your attitude. And they will come to understand you are an expert on relocation and the local area. 

Write about housing communities with a diverse perspective. If you don't have a good handle on the various communities in your area and what they offer, go out and research them and learn. Folks from other areas will not know about the housing and prices and that is key information for most. You need to understand the different types of communities and what they offer, since your relocating buyers will have varied wants and needs. 

Share what you know about the local community - services, places to visit, shopping, dining, touristy stuff, the art and theater, farmers' markets, and so on. Write your Localism posts with flare. Are there special things about the area relocation folks might be interested in knowing - colleges, public transportation, hospitals, industry, services (child care, medical, wellness).

Focus on being visual. People who are relocating may never have been to the area, but they are interested. So you need to provide them with a visual experience that will be enticing and give them a feel for what it's like to live there. I write about beaches, the weather (good and bad) and much more, and use lots of photos, slide shows and videos. Sadly, I see many posts that just don't impress because there is so little visually happening. Folks from out of the area have asked me for videos and photos, and I have sometimes created customized galleries of pictures and area videos to share with my relo clients. Believe me, it works.

Consider the lifestyles in your area and write about them. Are you in a beach community? A resort? Urban or rural? Is golf popular? Folks coming from other areas often are seeking a particular lifestyle, and if they see that YOU understand they will be attracted to you. And some don't really know what they are getting into, so you can be the lifestyle expert and educate them. Southern California is very focused on the outdoor lifestyle year-round, and I make it a point to talk about what this means. 

In summary, you need to convey that YOU are the expert and know the area. THAT'S what relocation buyers need. They are likely hooked up with multiple websites and perhaps not working with a dedicated agent so the playing field is wide open.

At some level they want to know WIIFM (you know, what's in it for me?). If you can clearly demonstrate that you can help them with their home search and educate them about the area, chances are you will be the one they will call for help.

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Subscribe in a reader

If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Making a move to a new community across the country or several states away is a challenge in many ways.

It becomes more difficult when the area is vastly different from your current home, you don't have a good idea of where you want to live, and you cannot easily explore the area personally.

But help IS available.

First, you need to find a knowledgeable REALTOR who can help you in your search. I'm sure you have already discovered the many advantages of using the Internet, as 80% of buyers have, but a live being at the other end will make a huge difference.

READ MORE:

Find the Right REALTOR to Help with Your Relocation

More on Choosing Your REALTOR to Help with Your Relocation

• Need a checklist to help you sort through what's important to you in your new home? Just let me know and I will email it to you.
• If you are selling, I have a checklist to help you focus on the most important qualities you are seeking in a REALTOR to help you list your home. I will email it on request.

Here are my thoughts on the services that I find beneficial for relocating buyers:

Community information - there is a lot of information on-line if you simply take the time to search for it. Blogs such as the one you are reading now are a good example. I take a lot of time to learn about the communities I service and share that information with buyers in my blogs, and in conversations and emails. The more you know about a community the better you are able to make an informed decision as to whether it suits your lifestyle or not. Here are just a few community profiles in my service area - Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Marcos, Cardiff, Solana Beach.

Market Conditions - you will want to know about pricing and current market conditions in those areas that interest you. I provide monthly market reports on communities like Carlsbad, Encinitas and Cardiff but can customize reports for you for any North County San Diego community.

MLS listings - there are numerous sites to find information on properties for sale, and you will find they vary substantially in terms of what they provide. Some of that depends on the sources of the information, or it may be a factor of the manner in which the site aggregates and then shares that information with consumers. I provide full listing information to buyers who I am working with on properties they have identified as being of greatest interest.

Photos - Many listings provide photos, but many do not, despite the fact that we know consumers WANT to see photos. This is even more essential for folks who are out of the area and don't have a good feel for the neighborhoods, style of homes, etc. One of the services I provide is to preview homes that interest my relocation buyers and take multiple photos of the home (inside and out) and the local area. These are shared with clients via email in various formats. My Carlsbad Video and Photobloggery which I update regularly has plenty of photos and videos about the area to give you a feel for the San Diego lifestyle 

Videos - one of the best ways to get a feel for a home and the community is through video. It's expensive, easy to share, and communicates so much more than photos. I take videos at homes I am previewing for my relocation buyers to better help them see the home and neighborhood as if they were walking through it themselves. Here's an example of a community video. And here's one of a listing of mine.

Phone Tour - this sounds a little odd, perhaps, but in some cases I have taken my clients on a walking tour of the home while on my phone so I can describe to them live what I am seeing (works best if they already have some photos), and to answer specific questions. This service is especially good for live interaction and Q and A.

Buyers Handbook - I have a new Buyers handbook that I share with my relocating clients to give them a good overview of the buying process here in California (which is very different than some other states) and the documents they will encounter as California buyers. While the full handbook is provided once we have agreed to work together, the Buyer's Handbook Summary is on my website on my homepage and can be downloaded at any time.

Websites for research - my relocation buyers often ask about schools, crime, and other things that interest them or are important to them in a new community. There are a number of websites that can be used to gather this information so buyers can do THEIR own due diligence. Here are a couple of examples.

• School information - Great Schools and School Digger
• Walkability (how close are amenities to the homes you like) - you can read more about WalkScore in this article about Carlsbad.

Help for Sellers Too - many relocating buyers are current homeowners needing to sell. If so, check out my Informed Sellers page on my website for some helpful information. If I can help you find a great listing agent to help you, let me know - I have a great network around the country due to my on-line marketing and national professional affiliations. I am happy to interview agents for you before making a referral.

Don't take on your relocation by yourself. get the professional help you need to make it as smooth a transition as possible. Please don't hesitate to ask questions at any time.

If you are relocating here to Carlsbad from another area you may decide to ship your car rather then driving, especially if the distance is significant.

Or perhaps you will want to ship the second car.

Whatever the reason, here are some things to consider:

1. Work with a reputable car shipping company. Understand that a company may outsource to different carriers, as moving companies do, but make sure you know they have the experience and reputation. Check references.
2. Some moving companies will also ship your car along with your household goods. Check to see if yours does, it may be less expensive than a separate shipping company. Find out how they are going to ship - in the same truck as your personal stuff or on a separate trailer being towed (car is not protected)
3. Obtain several estimates and be sure to compare the same data - costs for insurance or will your auto insurance cover damage, overall costs, is cost by weight or some other factor, time frames (how much of a window will they give you for pick-up and shipping time?), availability, where do they pick up and deliver, and how much lead time do they provide for pick-up and delivery. I have seen estimates vary by hundreds of dollars
4. Plan ahead, especially if using a commercial shipper rather than your moving company. These companies pick up and deliver multiple cars and have to coordinate, sometimes over a wide area, and may need substantial notice.

Once you have made the decision I suggest the following:

1. Clean out the car completely (unless the shipper allows you to store some stuff in the car - this may be risky, IMO)
2. Make a duplicate copy of the registration and insurance card for yourself, the other should remain in the car (but check with the shipper).
3. Double-check with your auto insurance provider to make sure of coverage
4. Take photos of the car inside and out. The shipper will provide a written damage summary before and after but having your own photos will help
5. Make sure you keep a extra set of car keys (you do have them, don't you?!)
6. Be prepared for timing glitches - they may pick-up earlier or later than planned; tough driving weather can slow a delivery. Have contingency plans, especially if this is your only car.

Good luck in your planning. If you do your due diligence your car will arrive safely at your new home, just as your house hold goods will.