5 Things Real Estate Agents Should Do for Buyers Relocating to Another State
Relocating to a new city or state brings plenty of stress and challenges for many people. Homeowners are sure to face unique difficulties, especially when moving out of state.
As a real estate professional, it's your job to make your clients as comfortable as possible when moving a long distance.
While you can't make a buyer instantly fall in love with their new community, you can help them feel welcomed until they find their new friends. Here are five things you can do to help a buyer adjust to a new town.
Table of Contents
Help Them Reduce Moving Expenses
Help Them Budget
Provide a List of Local Services
Create a List of Restaurants
Tie Up Loose Ends Like Getting a New Driver's License
Help Them Reduce Moving Expenses
person creating a budget
Moving costs can be high, even when using reputable moving companies. Everyone considers the basics, such as packing tape, but unexpected costs often pop up. However, your buyer can follow simple guidelines to reduce their relocation expenses.
For example, changing how they pack certain boxes can save space. You can also recommend a better moving company or truck rental options than they might find online. The right moving services can save money and time.
Help Them Budget
Whether a buyer already has a job lined up or wants to explore the local job market, they must know how to properly budget in their new area.
A list comparing expenses between their old and new real estate can help buyers moving out of state. Additionally, alert your buyer that they might have to pay taxes in both states for the first year or so.
Make sure they have the necessary tax software or service. You can also suggest a local company to handle their first-year income tax return.
Provide a List of Local Services
When possible, try to customize every relocation packet to fit your buyer's needs. Some must-haves for any relocation packet include:
bus stop
An overview of the city's public transit, including maps and schedules
A list of local doctors and hospitals (recommend they get a copy of their medical records from their current doctor)
Professional movers
Any local house cleaning services
Houses of worship such as churches
Temporary housing and storage
Vital local businesses like pharmacies and grocery stores
A calendar that includes monthly community events
Any nearby museums, parks, concert venues, botanical gardens, sports arenas, gyms, hiking trails, etc.
Local schools, daycares, babysitters, and other forms of child support
The Better Business Bureau can help you find the best services in these categories.
Create a List of Restaurants
people eating at restaurant
Of course, when people move out of state, they'll want to try the local cuisine. Your buyer's new address is bound to have opportunities for new culinary delights. However, deciding which new restaurant to try can be challenging.
Putting together a list of recommended restaurants will help make your buyer feel welcome.
Tie Up Loose Ends Like Getting a New Driver's License
When moving to a new state, some often-overlooked considerations might include using a service to forward mail, updating a driver's license, or bringing a copy of school records. Help your buyer tie up these loose ends so there's less for them to do when they arrive.
Ease Your Buyer's Mind with These Helpful Tips
Buyers can identify excellent realtors by their willingness to make moving to a new state easier. Following these 5 tips will help make your client’s move as smooth and successful as possible.
Ready to learn more about how to be your best when serving clients? Visit https://keyrealtyneo.com/for-agents for additional resources.