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Finding the Right Realtor to Help with Your Relocation

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty of California, Inc. CA DRE #01490977

Finding the Right Realtor to Help with Your Relocation

 

Video #4 in my Relocation Tips Video Series is about helping you find the right real estate professional to assist in your relocation, assuming you are going to buy a new home and not rent (a good agent can help with that, too).

 

Here are the prior articles and videos in this series in case you missed them:

 

Video #3 – Moving with a Relocation Package

 

Video #2 – Getting Pre-Approved

 

Video #1 – Relocation Expenses

 

Introduction to Relocation Tips Video Series

Relocation is not for dummies

 

Since you are moving to an area you probably don't know well, having a REALTOR® you can trust to help find your new home is critical. There’s lots to worry about and coordinate with your move, and working with an agent who does not understand your issues is NOT helpful.

 

KNOWLEDGE OF RELOCATION

I feel strongly that working with someone who knows and understands relocation, and preferably has done so personally, is key. Some won’t agree with me on that, but having had 4 major relocations I feel someone who has hands-on experience with a major move gets it and can best assist you. I would ask the person you are thinking of working with to give you the lowdown on their relocation experience.

 

TECHNOLOGY

It’s key to work with a REALTOR® who is very familiar with today’s technology in our business – for communication, for helping you identify a home and community, working through the transaction from a distance (e.g., electronic signatures, emailing, texting), record keeping, and more. This is key since you may be in different time zones and technology will facilitate the process. But there’s also…

 

CHEMISTRY AND TRUST

Make sure you like and trust your REALTOR in your RelocationJust knowing about and using technology is NOT enough. The REALTOR you want must be someone you are comfortable with and can trust. You want to know they understand your unique situation and are willing to do what it takes to help, including taking time to listen and ask relevant questions.

Consider how responsive they are when you text, email or call initially. That can be a big clue as to how they will respond when you are working together. And find out how accessible they will be if needed. Also, how flexible can they be with regard to your personal schedule, which can be complicated by jobs, kids, and different time zones.

 

SERVICES AND KNOWLEDGE

What services wll your REALTOR provide you in your relocation?What specific services does the REALTOR provide relocating buyers?

  • How well do they know the community (ies) you are interested in? (HINT – are they a blogger with posts about the area you are moving to?
  • What can they tell you about the community as well as the state of the local market?
  • Do they offer a customized relocation package?
  • Will they screen properties for you, based on YOUR criteria, not just set you up on a website (while it is important that you have access to on-line properties in the area you are moving to, YOU don't know the area and having someone help screen properties as they learn more about what you want and need is very useful). Using video and photos to help familiarize you with the area is important, too.
  • Can they provide you with resources to do your own research (e.g., schools, crime, demographics).
  • How will they handle house hunting trips to maximize effectiveness and not waste your time

 

Is that all there is? No, but it should give you a good idea of some of the things you should have and look for.

 

 

Please don't hesitate to call me at (760) 840-1360 so we can discuss your personal relocation situation and needs, and answer any questions that you have.

 

 

And if you are not moving to my area, I can still help – I have a huge and high-quality network of real estate professionals around the country in all the major cities. I am happy to help you find the right person to help with your relocation - selling your current home AND buying a new one!

 

 

Posted by

Jeff Dowler, CRS
Certified Residential Specialist / Realtor®


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Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Martha

Such kind words! Thank you. It's something I really enjoy doing. I try to keep in mind what I would want (and wanted during MY relocations) from the REALTOR who was helping me. And the things I found helpful.

Jeff

Dec 17, 2013 02:29 PM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

In a transient area like my market, having an understanding of the different communities is critical.  This is where experience helps.  Every county/town/city area has it's own special attractions.  Commuting needs, price range, school needs etc. are often more important to home buyers than the home.

Dec 17, 2013 06:44 PM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

The video series is a great idea. What products are you using to do this?

Dec 17, 2013 06:45 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Jeff, You make us all proud with your professionalism.

Dec 17, 2013 07:18 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

There is no substitute for experience...and helping newcomers to an area..."from the ground up" and showing, explainng, teaching everything there is no to know about a new area

Dec 17, 2013 07:42 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Great idea for these relocation videos. I do quite a bit of work with relocating clients, so will need to "steal" the concept from you.

Dec 17, 2013 08:11 PM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Jeff, you give a complete run down of points to cover when moving outside of your comfort zone...important series for relocators.

Dec 17, 2013 08:28 PM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Jeff, this is a great video series for people wishing to relocate. I like your closing statement asking for a referral.

Dec 17, 2013 09:10 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Vedry nicely done and presnted...thank you

Dec 17, 2013 10:56 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Lenn

So true in my area as well, and I'm not sure one can really gain the full perspective on this diversity by researching online, but that reading can lead to the right agent, like yourself.

The experience helps to pair up those who are relocating with the neighborhoods and homes that meet their needs and criteria, including financial. A high end property in one community can be low end in another.

Jeff

Dec 17, 2013 10:59 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Cheryl

Nothing complex. Just my Sony Cybershot camera (HD movie) and my tripod in my back yard. I do not editing, just trimming the front and back and putting on YouTube.

Jeff

Dec 17, 2013 11:08 PM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Great job, Jeff. Very nicely presented. I hope this brings you tons of business.

Dec 18, 2013 12:54 AM
Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

And who wouldn't be motivated to relocate with your beautiful backyard and weather as the background.  Your posts about relocation are invaluable to future buyers in the area.

Dec 18, 2013 05:10 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Margaret - what a nice compliment! Thank you

Sally and David - so very true

Nina - it's been work in progress for some time but now off and running. Good luck

Jeff

Dec 18, 2013 06:36 AM
Jeff Jensen
The Federal Savings Bank/Lending in 50 states - Greenwich, CT

I find that firms usually assign Realtors to handle relo inquiries on a merit basis.

Dec 18, 2013 06:53 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

What a really nice presentation.  And loved hearing the birds in your back yard singing in the back ground too.  And great length too.

Dec 18, 2013 07:00 AM
Lanre-"THE REAL ESTATE FARMER" Folayan
Samson Properties - Bowie, MD
I don't make promises.I deliver results.SOLD HOMES

 

Jeff this is a very nice video. Concise and to the point. I need the read the other blogs that you have written in this Relocation series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dec 18, 2013 09:19 AM
Aaron Hofmann
Atlanta Communities - Smyrna, GA
aka Mr. Smyrna Vinings

Biggest issue with corporate relocation seems to be that it comes as a bit of a surpise to the buyers. So they may not have done as much homework on an area they want to live. If you're in a large metro area, that can mean a lot of time just looking at a myriad of areas and homes before they can get serious on a targeted area.

Dec 18, 2013 05:04 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thanks, Ginny. Having done this a bunch of times, I have a good idea of the issues. And have gotten tips from people I have worked with

Michael - thanks! It's just another way to offer assistance to those I cannot help directly

Jeff

Dec 18, 2013 11:23 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Richie - I appreciate the compliment

Jason - thank, me too. And I hope others find it helpful

Margaret - especially at this time of year! Thank you

Jeff - I imagine it varies from firm to firm. And that can be different than a relocation package offering reimbursement, etc. from an employer. I have seen relo companies open to the agent the buyer wants, and others dictate who. And there is, of course, the referral fee relocation companies charge.

Jeff

Dec 19, 2013 08:59 AM