Relocating with No Time to Spare

Great news! You just got offered a great new job! The bad news? It’s in a different city and you don’t have a whole lot of time to get out there. The easiest thing to do would be to rent for a little while and then buy once you’re settled. But maybe you want the kids to have as smooth of a transition as possible. Or maybe you just can’t stand the thought of moving one more time.

The point is, you need to buy a house. Fast. Make sure you do your research before you relocate

How much can you afford in your new town?

You might be surprised which towns have a higher cost of living. So the question is, what can you actually afford in your new town? That’s the first thing you need to figure out in order to have an informed conversation with a mortgage loan officer about buying a new home.

Read More → How Much House Can I Afford? Like, Really?

Where do you want to live in your new town?

Ask your new employer if they’ll pay for you to visit your new town to scout out houses. Contact a real estate agent before you visit. Tell her what you’re looking for and don’t be afraid to ask her to show you places in different parts of town. After all, location is everything! Make sure you also look up the history of resale values in the neighborhoods you like.

Read More→ Location Is Everything. How to Find a House in a New Town

Are there any region-specific hazards you need to know about?

Different areas of the country have different risks. The South is pretty termite-prone, some states have more radon than others, and beach towns are more likely to get hurricanes. Ask your real estate agent if there’s anything, in particular, you should be careful for. This will be important when it comes to homeowners insurance costs.

Read More→ Mother Nature Can Be Kind of a B&#%*

What if you can't sell your old house?

You found the house! The only problem is yours hasn’t sold yet. Handling two mortgages isn’t an option, so what do you do? You can keep your old home and rent it out. But between moving and starting a new job, becoming a landlord might be a little much. In that case, you can always apply for a bridge loan to help you pay both mortgages until your old house sells.

Can't Sell? Read this. Accidental Landlord: What Do I Need to Do First?

What about the home inspection?

Do your research, not all states require home inspectors to have licenses. In that case, it’s up to you to hire someone who’s qualified.  Remember, this is your chance to learn about your new house, so whatever you do, don’t miss the home inspection. When you're in a hurry, hiring a qualified home inspector is more important than ever.

Cover all the bases. Home Inspections and Appraisals: An Inside Look

So, you ready? As soon as you know you're leaving, make sure you also find out what your employer will cover when you relocate, and negotiate more if you can. Good luck with your move!