Relocating the Family

MANILA, Philippines — There may come a time when the family needs to relocate.

A common reason is a job transfer of the head of the family.

But there are many other reasons why the family may just have to get away from

the familiar surroundings and move into a new one.

Sometimes the need to relocate comes suddenly and totally unexpected. But for sure there is still some time to prepare for the move. A little pre-planning can help a lot to make the relocating less stressful – for it is certainly stressful leaving what has become a ‘comfort zone’ and getting settled in a new, different environment.

Well, first of all, it can be stressful to be looking for a home in a new place. Especially if the new place is a big city, there is the usual scarcity of available residences – either for renters or for buyers. Thus, there’s no need to add to the dilemma by going through a chaotic relocating process.

Experts also warn that finding a home in an unfamiliar area carries risks. It can be bewildering. There is always the possibility of ending up in a wrong neighborhood – and so the relocating family needs to be very careful.

Plus, if the family’s old home needs to be sold in order to buy a new home, the timing has to be perfect. The last thing the family wants to have happen is to pull up to a new home with the moving truck and they can’t move in because of some silly last-minute glitches. The following tips may help the relocating family in finding the right home:

Begin with an online search.

There are many websites these days that specialize in advertising homes for rent or for sale. The search can be narrowed down within the very place that the family is interested in. The advertisements often mention property specifications and price – and photos too. By these details alone, the prospective buyers can already partly make up their mind.

Check the local newspapers.

If there’s a way to secure copies of the local newspapers of the intended place of relocation, the better. The local newspapers usually carry advertisements of properties available in the area itself.

Talk to real estate agents.

Finding a licensed real estate agent can be a big help, especially an agent who has previously worked with relocating buyers. Be the family needs to be careful, though; some agents might claim to be neighborhood experts but have no knowledge about the part of town where the family wants to move to. And it should be clear from the start the scope of the agent’s services and who pays the real estate agent – either the buyer (or renter) or the property owner.

Go, actually check the property.

Once a particular property has been singled out from the preliminary research, in consultation with a real estate agent, the family needs to check out the property. They need to see for themselves the actual condition of the house, and whether repairs are necessary. The family should also know beforehand the obtaining culture in the neighborhood and the potential for certain environmental hazards.

Check about taxes, too.

If it’s an old property to be bought, it is important to ascertain that there are no delinquent taxes. Tax delinquency could cost a new owner almost the same amount as the price of the property itself.

Above all, the relocating shall be warranted by reason of necessity. For example, mere excitement about living in a big city is not enough. Changing a place of residence can mean changed lives. The family shall make sure that the change is for the better.