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The
9 biggest relocation mistakes and how to avoid
them
 On
the one hand, moving can be an exciting adventure.
On the other hand, it could be a stressful time
if things go wrong. This report explains the 9
most common mistakes when people relocate. When
you plan ahead, you'll avoid these pitfalls and
ensure your move is handled smoothly.
1. Lack
of information
Contact the chamber of commerce, tourism department,
municipality, or library in your new community.
At the same time, compare salaries, cost of living,
taxes and housing prices.
2. Home
not priced and ready for showing
Before you sell your home, complete repairs.
Often, it's the little things, like chipped paint,
worn caulking and sticky doors that potential
buyers notice. Have your home cleaned, including
carpets. Have a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA)
completed by one or two REALTOR®s to ensure
a competitive price.
3. Not
planning for temporary housing between destinations
You may need to set up temporary housing arrangements
until the closing of your new home. This could
take from a few days to a few months. If you need
interim housing for a few days, perhaps staying
in a hotel is the simplest solution. For housing
longer than a month, you may want to consider
an apartment with a short-term lease.
4. Not
being pre-approved
Sellers are usually eager to negotiate with
someone who has immediate buying power.
5. Not
completing a professional home inspection
This applies for both the home you're selling
and the one you're buying, although who pays for
the inspection (buyer or seller) is negotiable
in each separate contract.
6. Insufficient
time to handle children's concerns
During relocation a child could feel lost, sad,
angry or confused. Sometimes, under the stress
of completing so many details, the temptation
is to get settled as quickly as possible so everyone
feels at home. Talk to your children during the
process. They'll feel safe, cared for and comfortable.
Acquaint your children with the new neighborhood.
If possible, have them meet new teachers and other
children in their new school before moving. Try
not to move in the middle of a school year.
7. Not
being prepared for culture shock
Sometimes, when people move from familiar surroundings
to a new community, culture shock can manifest.
Symptoms can range from headaches, stomach aches,
impatience, sleep problems to anger. These feelings
are all normal, and do pass over time. It may
be helpful to incorporate the old with the new.
This could include taking classes, joining clubs,
and pursuing activities you once enjoyed. It takes
about six to ten months, for someone to feel "at
home" in a new community.
8. Not
using local, licensed professionals
Every area is different. Understanding the communities
that make up your destination city, a REALTOR®
can find you a home that matches your needs. You'll
save time and energy by having a professional
do the work for you.
9. Not
reading your employer's relocation policies
Read your employer's relocation policies carefully,
for the amount of reimbursement. Keep good records
and copies of your receipts, as moving expenses
are deductible under certain conditions established
by Revenue Canada.
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