Relocating to a new place

CEBU, Philippines — There may come a time when relocating is necessary. It may be a sudden job transfer. Or the person may just want to get away from the familiar surroundings.

Even if the need to relocate is totally unexpected, for sure there is still some time to prepare for the move. A little pre-planning can help make the relocating less stressful. It can be stressful to be looking for a home in a new, unfamiliar place.

Especially if the new place is a big city, there is the usual scarcity of available residences – either for renters or for buyers.

Experts warn that finding a home in an unfamiliar area carries risks, and it can be bewildering. There is always the possibility of ending up in a wrong neighborhood. And it is especially risky for buyers.

Plus, if one has to sell a home in order to buy a home, he will want the timing to be perfect. The last thing a person wants to have happen is to pull up to a new home with the moving truck and he can’t move in because of some silly last-minute glitches. The following tips may help a buyer 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 one is interested in. The advertisements even mention property specifications and price – and photos too. By these details alone, the prospective buyer can already partly make up his 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 place.

  Talk to real estate agents.

Finding a licensed real estate agent can be a big help, especially one who has previously worked with relocating buyers. Be careful, though; some agents might claim to be neighborhood experts but have no knowledge about the part of town where the client wants to move to. And it shall be clear from the start about the scope of the agent’s services and who pays the real estate agent – either the buyer 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 buyer needs to check out the property. He needs to see for himself the actual condition of the house, and whether repairs are necessary. He 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, it is important to ascertain that there are no delinquent taxes. Tax delinquency could cost a new owner almost the same amount as for 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. One shall make sure that the change is for the better. (FREEMAN)