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Relocation Tips

Relocating is a daunting and stressful experience. There are so many things you have to deal with when moving. And one of the biggest decisions you have to make is where are you going to live? As a Louisville Colorado Realtor I have helped many Buyers relocate to the following cities: Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, Broomfield, Longmont, Thornton, and Loveland.

What are the challenges you face when relocating and buying a home?

Fast timeline

Usually you have to complete your home search and buying process much quicker than the average Buyer. And if you are not able to buy in the timeframe you need to then you could incur additional relocation costs for household goods storage or temporary housing.

Unfamiliarity with the area you are moving to

Most often you do not know much about the area. You need to take the time to get a tour of the different cities and neighborhoods in close proximity to where you will be working.

This is the most critical item when choosing and selecting a property to buy. It is important to choose the area and neighborhood first and then view and screen out properties to find what you like.

School information

If you have children, then you need to get as much information as you can about the schools you want your kids to attend. A lot of Relocating Buyers choose the schools first and then find a home in that school zone. Its important to find out if the school(s) you want have openings for an in-year transfer or for the next school year. You will need to study up on the schools in the area. This website has lots of good info on the schools in the following cities: Louisville, Boulder, Lafayette, Superior, Broomfield, Erie, Longmont and Erie.

Commuting Distances

You need to know traffic patterns and what is your accepted commuting times in the morning and evening. For example, how far of a drive is it from Boulder to Denver? A commute to downtown Denver might work, but to the Tech Center might be too far. How about Longmont to Broomfield? This is about a 30 minute drive depending on which end of Longmont you would be in.

Lifestyle and Recreation

You need to find a neighborhood or area that fits your lifestyle. And if you have a family and/or pets then this is also important. One thing Colorado is good at nowadays is "Dog Parks." Each city has been adding a dog park here and there within their city. I think Longmont has at least 3 dog parks and Louisville just added one in their new Community Park.

Coordinating Timeline

As a Relocation Buyer you have many events to manage such as: Selling your existing home, interim housing, shipment of your household goods and then the closing and possession of your new home.

Buy Right and not Emotionally

A lot of Relocation Buyers get taken advantage of because they are in a hurry to buy and sometimes they lose their negotiating leverage by appearing too eager. It is recommended that a Relocation Buyer be represented by a Buyers Agent in order to secure the most favorable price and terms. In addition, at some point, in the future you will most likely list your property for sale in order to upgrade, downgrade or relocate out of the area so you need to make sure you are buying a property with value for appreciation and a timely sale in the future.

Questions you Need to Ask a potential Realtor before Choosing One

  1. How many Relocation Buyers have you helped in the past 5 years?

  2. Which cities do you have the most expertise and experience in?

  3. What level of communication can I expect from you? Can I reach you when I need you?

  4. Are you email friendly? Do you work on Saturdays and Sundays?

  5. Are you patient? Will you wait for us to choose the house we want?

  6. What do you enjoy most about being a Real Estate Agent?

  7. How long have you lived in Colorado? Where do you live now?

  8. Tell me a little bit about yourself personally?

Finding a Realtor who has experience with Relocation

A lot of Buyers dont give this enough thought. Its important you have a Realtor who understands your special needs and who has the skills and expertise to help you. You need a Realtor who has the patience to explain the most basic parts of the process to the most complex. You want a Realtor who will show you homes that you like and want based on your needs and take the time and effort to tour you different cities and neighborhoods. You need a Realtor who has expertise and experience in the area you want to buy into. As a Relocation Buyer you require a high level of service from a Real Estate Agent so you need to find one who can deliver.