Relocation to a new area is both exciting and frightening at the same time. Homeowners have so many details to work through on both sides of the move. Many times people plan out their move, without consulting others. They think it through and figure that is the way to do it. Whether their plan is right or wrong depends on many factors. Usually it is best to talk the plan out with professionals who deal with relocation situations on a daily basis.

That is where Realtors come in. Not only do we work with tranferees frequently, but we hear about their problems and more often than not become part of the solution. We are problem solvers, strategy builders and really do know how to help.

So when the time comes for you and yours to make that move, no matter how far, consult a professional in the business. Like most important things in life, two brains are usually better than one!

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL and LOCO...

Bilingual folks who speak both English and Spanish know sentence structure is opposite. Well home buyers and sellers will be surprised to know real estate customs from state to state can be very much like English/Spanish. Backwards.

How so? In Colorado we close at the table. That means when as a principle in a closing you go to closing with funds or there is no closing. In California there is no table closing, the documents go into escrow and when the people finish your escrow your property is closed.

Neither way is right or wrong, it just is. What is wrong is when a California buyer hires a California lender to close in Colorado and the lender fails to get the funds to the closing table on time. It could mean an all day closing while people jump through hoops to get the funds to Colorado. Tempers will be tried, so called professionals will be annoyed embarassed and tense. Time will be wasted by everyone.

Or in another scenario when the closing fails to occur on time, the seller can opt out...AND KEEP the EARNEST money. Who's fault is it? At this point blame can be placed, fingers pointed, but the fact remains the buyers who thought they had a home, don't. OUCH.

Communication could have solved the problem. Upfront strategy with all the pros and cons presented would help a buyer make a better decision while knowing the consequences.

SQUARE FEET...who's counting?

In Maryland homes are not sold by the foot. Actually most homes everywhere in the country are not measured by the foot.

WHY? There are many ways to measure. Since there is no set standard way of doing it, everyone does it differently. f you are focusing on a certain size, communicate what you mean by that.

Does your 3000 sq. ft. requirement include living space in a basement or not? In Colorado we have awesome basement space with walk-outs that defy dungeon life.

Schools ~ The best time of year to move...

Are you planning to move at the end of the school year? WHY? In Colorado most schools are on a year-round calendar. Waiting until the time of year when everyone else is also moving may not mean a thing to the kids and have a huge negative effect on your budget!

Market Stats and the Sky is Falling

Knowing what is happening in your destination market is very important. Rumors may have it being a strong or soft market, but overall averages only tell you one thing. What the overall market is doing. In the Denver metro market we have neighborhoods that are hot and others that may not be hot, but never go down. We also have areas that will not recover this year or even next. Your overall plans for purchasing need to include these relevant facts. Relying on a source that speaks in huge generalities is misleading. Ask for the facts, study them and buy with confidence.

Start by doing your research online. Find a professional to assist you that will listen, help and guide will make your move fun, rewarding and less stressful. Hopefully after you are all moved into your new home, you will look back at the experience and say, "It was fun!"

Happy Relo Trails to you!

© 2007 Kristal Kraft ~ All Rights Reserved