Step-by-Step Process for Relocating
Everything You Need To consider
Every real estate agent has his or her own special way of buying or selling homes. Trying to figure out what comes next as home buyer or seller was very difficult... until now! Sue will tell you up front what you can expect. Below is a breakdown of the home buying process.
1. Moving from Outside the USA
Relocating from outside the United States to Maryland: International Relocation to Maryland from another country poses some unique challenges that are outlined below. Skip this section if your relocation is within the United States. Otherwise, consider the following:
- Should we rent or buy?
- What are the tax consequences specific to us?
- Who do we consult about taxes?
- What are the legal considerations about owning property in the U.S?
- Do you need to consult an attorney?
- Which local attorney handles these matters?
- What would be the cost of legal advice?
- What about the cost of living in the U.S?
- Should you ship your household goods or sell them and purchase new in the U.S?
- What is the cost of purchasing a used automobile?
- What are the costs associated with operating a vehicle in the U.S?
- How does a grocery list from your home country, translated from kilos to pounds for example, compare in price, factoring in exchange rates?
- What do appliances cost in U.S. dollars?
- Will my family be happy in this community?
- Look at schools within the community to see how the children would fit in with existing curriculum and school environment.
- Visit schools and talk with faculty and administrators.
- What about timing your move? Do you need a short-term rental? Should you send your family ahead or will you precede them?
- How long will it take to process your work Visa and how will your relocation schedule fit with that timetable?
- Current money exchange information is available at this website.
« Previous Page or Return to Top
2. Moving from Within the USA
Relocating from within the continental United States to Maryland and before you leave your state, consider the following:
Address Change
- Post Office: Give the Post Office your forwarding address;
- Send a change of address to your charge accounts and credit cards;
- Subscriptions: Don't forget to provide forwarding information to any subscription you want to continue receiving. This often requires several weeks’ notice in advance of your move.
Bank
- Transfer funds and arrange check cashing in your new city;
- Arrange for credit references from your place of origin. Your mortgage company of choice will need the names, addresses and account information.
Insurance
- Notify your insurers of your new location so they can take the necessary steps to adjust your coverages: life, health, fire & auto.
Utility Companies
- For information about gas, light, water, telephone, fuel, garbage, etc., check this link: Local Utility Companies, for the utility companies in the Maryland area;
- You may be owed refunds of deposits on your existing utility accounts, possibly with interest. Check it out.
Delivery Companies
- Stop deliveries. Arrange to stop the pick-up and/or delivery of laundry, newspaper. Change over or terminate services.
Medical, Dental, Prescription Histories
- Ask your doctor or dentist for referrals; transfer prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays. Obtain copies of your birth records, medical records, etc.
Pets
- Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags, quarantine, etc.
And Don't Forget to....
- Empty freezer; plan use of foods;
- Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator. Place charcoal to dispel odors;
- Have appliances serviced for moving;
- Make arrangements for your TV and antenna;
- Return your cable TV box and get your deposit back;
- Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them moving-wrapped;
- Check with your moving counselor, insurance carrier, packing and unpacking labor, regarding arrival day, Various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment;
- Plan for special care needs of infants and pets.
« Previous Page or Return to Top
3. Cost of Living Comparison
Compare the cost of living, estimated in U.S. currency, between U.S. geographic locations. Visit this website for a cost of living comparison program.
« Previous Page or Return to Top
4. Your Moving Timeline
From 6 Weeks to Move-in Day:
- Carry enough cash or traveler's checks to cover the cost of moving services and expenses until you make banking connections in the new city;
- Carry jewelry and documents yourself or use U.S. registered mail;
- Plan for transportation of pets; they can be poor traveling companions if unhappy;
- Let close friends or relatives know your route and schedule that you will travel, including overnight stops; use them as message headquarters;
- Double check closets, drawers, and shelves to be sure they are empty;
- Leave old keys needed by new tenant or owner with Realtor or owner.
« Previous Page or Return to Top
5. Select a Relocation Agent
Engage a regionally capable relocation real estate agent and look for these services:
- A relocation package with moving information;
- A local area orientation tour to help you locate the following:
- Banks
- Pharmacies
- Veterinarians
- Clothing stores
- Repair work
- Sports facilities
- Cinemas
- Grocery stores
- Doctor/dentist/hospital
- Schools
- Church preferences
- Specialty stores
- Cultural/art facilities
- Public parks
- Military installations
- Referrals for language training or interpretation services;
- Assistance with registering with home country embassy (if relocating internationally);
- Referrals for local boarding facilities for pets or quarantine information if applicable
- Information on obtaining a driver’s license through the local Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
- Information on public transportation systems;
- Information on purchasing or leasing a home;
- Free Internet access to the real estate agent’s multiple list system (MLS), showing all the available Homes for Sale in your geographic area of interest;
- Tours of the homes that interest you;
- Negotiation for the purchase/lease of a home;
- Coordination of closing procedures;
- Assistance with utility hook-ups and other move-in related matters;
- Assistance with school identification, registration, interview and enrollment administration matters;
« Previous Page or Return to Top
6. Buy Vs. Rent
If you are interested in renting a home, you will find single family homes, apartments, condominiums, duplexes, town homes and rooms for rent in Maryland. There is a significant demand for rentals and when rentals come on the market they are soon rented. If you need to rent a home, contact your "The Answer Team Real Estate Network" real estate agent for current listings of homes for rent and their guidance on the rates and fees applicable in their area.
Although The Answer Team Real Estate Network real estate agent is your best source for local information on available homes for rent and the rental market, they are also your best source of information on all aspects of Maryland residential real estate. To this end, contact the agent below, meet the agent and discuss the ramifications of renting vs. buying in the geographic area that interests you.
« Previous Page or Return to Top
7. Before Purchasing or Renting
- Check on service of telephone, gas, electricity, water, and garbage.
- Ask the U.S. Postal letter carrier for mail he/she may be holding for your arrival.
- Have new address recorded on your driver's license through the local Motor Vehicle Administration.
- Visit city offices and register for voting;
- Register your car through the local Motor Vehicle Administration shortly after establishing your residence;
- Obtain a car inspection sticker and transfer motor club membership;
- Apply for your new state driver's license;
- Register your family in your new place of worship;
- Register your children in school;
- Arrange for medical services, such as doctor, dentist, veterinarian, etc.
« Previous Page or Return to Top
8. After Purchasing or Renting
- Relax. Now all you have to do is unpack and settle into your new home!
- Become familiar with the surrounding area. Visit the Information Center to research and review information on relocation, real estate related topics and several thousand website links of interest.
Congratulations, you are done. You have successfully relocated your family and you can now rest (until the next time…).
« Previous Page or Return to Top
