10 Things You Need to Know Before You Relocate to a New Home

Before you buy or relocate to a new home there are many things you need to think about. You’ll need to consider many important aspects like schools, crime rates, medical care, and the neighborhood itself in order make the best decisions for your family. Contrary to popular belief, spring and summer are not necessarily the best seasons for moving or relocating. The fall and winter are just as good so long as there is fair weather.

However, before moving to a new area and home, research the area you are moving to. You want an area that is on a growth trend. Look for areas that have neighborhoods that match your personal taste. You may want an area with many young families if you have children or a “senior” neighborhood if you are searching for a retirement home.

If you have children, find out information about the schools in your new place

School systems and amenities vary greatly from one city to another. Check out performance ratings, articles, and whatever other information you can gather. Narrow down your choices of school systems and see how near or far they are to where you’re moving.

Look for areas with appreciating property values and homes are selling consistently

This provides the best return on your investment. If you have to move again, you have a better chance of selling your home quickly at a good price.

Research tax rates for the areas you are considering

Many residential areas on the upswing have special tax abatement incentives. You benefit from buying in an area with tax incentives as long as the area is economically stable and meets your other needs. You also need tax information to understand how much house you can afford.

If you both need to work to afford the move, research the job market

How easy or difficult will it be for one or both partners to find work? Will the job market be a good fit with your work skills?

Check out the social and cultural life of the city where you are moving

Does the area provide a stimulating cultural environment? Is the social fabric of the city or town a good fit for your family? If your family is multi-cultural, will you be warmly welcomed into the neighborhood? These are all important questions to ensure your family will be comfortable with their new surroundings.

Check out the new health care providers

Finding a good doctor is important. Many insurance plans limit your choices, but normally you can still choose from several different providers. Check out suggestions from co-workers or friends who live in the area, and check the Better Business Bureau and professional medical associations in the area.

Know the crime rate for your new area

What types of crimes are most common, and what areas are most prone to criminal activity? If you have children, be diligent in checking out drug activity in the schools and the residential areas you are contemplating moving to.

For your pets, check out local kennels, daycare facilities, and vets

Work with your vet to prepare your pets with the correct vaccinations and paperwork. This ensures a smooth transition for all pets.

Investigate moving companies to find the best and safest deals to move your belongings

Compare prices and services. Learn how to pack your belongings correctly, or have the moving company pack for you. Poorly packed boxes result in damaged goods. Make the transition easy by properly packing and marking all boxes so they can be accurately identified and placed in the right rooms of your new home.

Set up bank accounts in your new city before closing out old accounts

This makes financial transactions easier when you first arrive. Make sure you update all your bank, credit card, utilities with your new address information and with updated bank account information to ensure nothing gets lost during the transition and that old bills get paid in full.