Tips for Relocating to Carlsbad During the Pandemic
You may be planning a relocation in the future, or perhaps are beginning one. I know several people who were planning a relocation with their company but this has been put on hold for the time being given the pandemic. But those of you moving for a personal reason may still be planning on forging ahead when the timing is right.
There are plenty of things you should do to be prepared for relocating, and hopefully having it go as smoothly as possible.
Look for the free tools at the bottom of the page to help you.
Given the pandemic, and the restrictions and procedures that are in place in different states and counties, it’s important to think about how this could impact your move, and plan accordingly.
Here are some important considerations for your relocation during the pandemic:
WORK WITH A LOCAL REALTOR
Searching for a home in any relocation can be a challenge since you are not living locally and may not know the area well. Given how busy many housing markets are due to the limited inventory and high buyer demand, it’s essential to work with a local Realtor. Here is some of what your agent should provide for you:
Information on the local market conditions (e.g., pricing, inventory in your price range, recent sales activity, days on market)
Resources for you to check out (e.g., schools, crime, neighborhood websites)
Guidance on the purchase process (it may be very different than where you currently live) and what’s required
Copies of purchase paperwork you should become familiar with
Answers to your questions about the purchase process, the local area, the housing market, etc.
Guidance around timing, such as coordinating a move with both selling and buying a house, and discussing contingency plans in case things don’t quite go as expected.
Another key reason to work with a local Realtor these days is to gain access to the properties you wish to see when you come on your house hunting trip. In our area there are specific procedures that buyers and agents are to follow for showings due to the pandemic, and your agent will prepare you for what is expected. You need to know this!
And of course when moving to a new area, as part of your home search, you will want to see, hear and touch the community as much as you can in addition to touring the homes that meet your needs, budget and lifestyle.
PRE-APPROVAL
You’ll need to get pre-approved before you get started so you know what you can afford to purchase in your new community. If you are selling your current home and plan to buy a new one you need to know if you HAVE to sell first, or if you are financially able to carry your current mortgage and buy a new home, too. Many people can’t.
The other key reason you will need that pre-approval letter is that in some areas (here in Carlsbad, for instance) sellers and agents want to see a pre-approval before granting access for a showing because of the pandemic. That might not be necessary where you live now.
Of course you want to be sure your lender is licensed in the state that you are moving to and can help with your mortgage there! Lenders are not necessarily licensed in all 50 states so check this out at the very beginning.
ACCESS TO SERVICES
We all know personally how daily life has changed since March of this year, with restrictions regarding wearing masks, businesses being closed or offering limited services, etc.
Keep in mind these restrictions, which can vary from state to state, could impact your relocation in terms of timing and availability and other matters.
Don’t assume restrictions are the same in other states as they are in yours - they may be tougher!
Here's a partial list of things to consider:
Talking with movers and any new requirements they have implemented. Here are some questions you should ask movers when obtaining estimates for packing and moving.
Airlines – when it comes time for your house hunting trip if you are planning to fly. How do you feel about flying, or will you opt to drive?
Hotels/AirBNB – where are you staying while on your house hunting trip, both while driving to the location but while you are there to look at homes?
Dining while on your house hunting trip – it might be more complicated depending on where you are moving to. Are restaurants open or can you only get carryout/curbside pickup?
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
You no doubt know about PPE, and probably in your area there are some requirements for wearing masks and even using gloves. The requirements vary, and change from time to time, or may be different depending on the type of business or other issues.
In our area you are required to wear a mask when entering a business – retail, restaurant, services, grocery stores – and when touring homes. Gloves are required for touring homes, too!
The requirements may be different for the area you are moving to than where you live, so don’t make assumptions they are the same.
You will want to know about the requirements for home showings so talk with your local Realtor.
You want to protect yourself as much as possible, so it goes without saying that you will want to be prepared with supplies of disposable gloves, disposable masks or other face coverings, hand sanitizer, and wipes for traveling and when visiting your new community.
PPE supplies seem to be pretty ample these days if you run out, but you don’t want to risk not having what you need while traveling (hotels, dining), and especially when touring homes.
SOME TOOLS TO GET STARTED ON YOUR RELOCATION
Check out this video series on Relocation Tips and Advice.
Download my free 2020 Fall Buyer Guide and 2020 Fall Seller Guide
Read the following free guides (keep in mind they were written from my perspective here in Carlsbad CA and things may be different in your local market):
9 Things to Know About Selling a Home During the Pandemic
8 Things to Know About Buying a Home During the Pandemic
I also have an extensive Relocation Checklist I will share with you when we work together for your move here to the Carlsbad area, or perhaps if you are leaving the area for somewhere else.
If I can assist in any way with your relocation, please reach out to me at (760) 840-1360. I have made 4 major relocations myself, most recently from Boston to California, and along with plenty of experience helping others move, I understand what a relocation entails and you will benefit from that experience.
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MORE ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE (link)
If I can provide more information about homes for sale in Carlsbad and in surrounding areas, local housing market conditions, or assist you, friends or family in a purchase or sale, please call or text me at (760) 840-1360, or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com
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