12 Relocation Tips to Simplify Your Next Move

Whether you're relocating to the Sacramento area or to another hot market in the states, your moving doesn't necessarily have to be stressful. Here are our best relocation tips to get you on your way without the hassle. 


1. Do Your Research

There's nothing worse than making plans to move to a place with certain expectations and being disappointed once everything is set in stone. The best way to combat disappointment is by doing your research before you make a move. While conducting your research of any new area, determine exactly what you are looking for in a neighborhood. Make a list of your priorities such as schools, recreation, safety, cost of living and especially take a look at the job market. Once you have a pretty good idea of what you're looking for, you can narrow down your search to house type, size and amenities. Working with relocation experts such as The Sherri Patterson Team, will help you make big decisions and get you closer to what you really want. 

2. Find The Neighborhood that Suits You & Your Family Best
The best way to determine if a neighborhood is right for you is by visiting it and staying there for a few days, if not more. There's only so much you can tell by doing online research—you have to get a feel for your new home in person. Take into consideration the types of restaurants, traffic load, how long a commute you'll be making each day to and from work and if its a nice place to raise a family or have pets. Are the people in this community those with whom you'd like to live with?

3. Survey Your Friends & Family
Sometimes, the best way to find out if an area will work out for you is by asking your friends and family. They know you best and can help you choose an area that works for your personality and lifestyle habits. Also, if your move includes your family, you need to ask your spouse and children how they feel about moving to this new area. Making sure you address the needs and feelings of your family members first, before making any move, will help your transition be free of bumps and emotional hiccups in the future. 



4. Secure Employment Before You Make a Move

Moving to a new area without securing your place of employment can be risky and unstable, especially if you are unsure of how you'll fit in to that particular job market. Are your skills, service, profession or business needed in the area you're prospecting? If not, better start looking in an area that will guarantee the best scenario for your career. If working with a recruiter or human resources personnel, be sure to get your offer letter, before making an offer on a home or signing a lease. 


5. Check the Crime Statistics and List of Registered Offenders

You want to make sure your new home is safe and sound, especially if you're moving your children with you. Check the crime rates and local registry for sex offenders to ensure your new home meets the needs of your family and your peace of mind. 


6. Consider Demographics

Another good way to find out if an area will work for you is by taking a look at the most recent census or gathering demographic data from sites such as Areavibes.com. Does the neighborhood you're considering fit what you're looking for? What's the age, occupation, median income, and number of homes with children of this neighborhood? Will you fit in and be happy here?


7. Determine the Type of Home You're Looking For

There's no better way to get what you want than by knowing exactly what you want. When it comes to your new home, how big or small do you want it to be? What are your priorities? Are you going for a newly-built home in a younger community or are you searching for a fixer-upper that you plan to renovate along the years? Consider things such as a home's lot size, whether it has a pool, garage size, and yard. You can conduct your first search online, and let your agent know once you've narrowed your search.


8. Make a Top 3 List of Favorite Homes

Now that you've narrowed your search for your new home, it's time to make your list even smaller. Show your top favorite homes to your spouse or anyone moving with you and bring that list down to the three best homes you want to take a look at once you're in the area. Consider your priorities, your must-haves and deal breakers. 



9. Make an Appointment to Tour the Area

If you're working with a Realtor or relocation specialists such as The Sherri Patterson team, make an appointment to tour the area you're thinking to move to. Your real estate agent should be an area expert, preferably having lived in the area for at least 10 years. Have them show you around the town so you can get a feel of your prospective new home. 


10. Get Pre-Approved for Your Mortgage Loan

If you're planning to purchase a home in the area, it's best to get pre-qualified and pre-approved for a loan before looking at homes. This way, you know exactly what price range of homes you can afford and can come with an offer that's likely to be accepted once that time comes. Find a lender who will work with your particular circumstance or one whose expertise is in relocation. If you're looking to relocate to Sacramento, consider our preferred partners, Christopher Long at Sierra Pacific Mortgage or Cindi Taylor with Big Valley Mortgage. 




11. Make an Offer

Once you've walked through your top three homes, discussed the price with your significant others and Realtor, it's time to make an offer. Get this offer in writing and discuss any contingencies you may have. Talk over with your Realtor how to make an offer the seller won't refuse in any market. 


12. Make the Move

After handing all of the importance business such as paperwork, securing your loan, getting your home in escrow, etc., plan to make the move. If moving across country, you may want to look into hiring a professional moving company such as UNITS in Sacramento that specializes in big moves. Download our Moving Checklist to make sure you don't miss a thing. Be thinking of storage, what to keep and what to get rid of and if you'll be hiring an interior designer such as our preferred partner, Christine Fife, for your new place. 

Sure, relocating to a new area can be time consuming and stressful, but not if you're prepared and know what to do. What's the most helpful tip in this article? Comment below and let us know!



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