Get the House Ready to Sell
Typically, the biggest financial issue in relocation is timing the sale of your home right. It can be difficult to gauge how long it will take a house to sell in any given market. You're more likely to sell your house quickly if you prepare it for sale.
Identify repair issues, cosmetic or otherwise, which need to be fixed. The better the condition the house is in, the faster you will be able to sell it and move for your new job. Make your house look appealing to prospective buyers. Add a fresh coat of paint, steam-clean your carpets, replace dead plants and flowers, and pack away unnecessary personal belongings to make the house look as open and inviting as possible. This step serves a dual purpose, as you will simultaneously be packing for your relocation.
Tips to Make Relocating Easier
- Consider working with a licensed real estate professional. Trying to sell your home and relocate to start a new job can be a challenging process in itself. An experienced real estate agent can advertise your property to qualified buyers who are ready to make an immediate decision. The time and expense this saves you could very well make up for the commission the agent will charge for selling your property.
- If relocating for a job, ask your new employer about relocation assistance. Some employers are willing to cover the costs associated with selling a home, including working with an agent. Some employers may even be willing to subsidize your mortgage if you need to move to your new location to start your new position before your house sells.
- Offer to include key appliances, and even furniture if it is in good condition, in the home’s asking price. Relocation means packing up all of your personal belongings and moving them to your new location, which requires time, money and effort. Including barbecue grills, hot tubs, and even heavy furniture pieces such as armoires, pool tables, sectional furniture and big-screen TVs can be an attractive incentive for buyers.