New in Town: Making the Adjustment

A job transfer, a shift in your lifestyle, or simply a change of pace can easily land you in a new home in an unfamiliar town. While you're likely to enjoy many aspects of your big move, you'll probably have some things to adjust to, as well.

Whether you're moving across town, across the state, or from another country, changing cities means changing everything else, too – your neighborhood and school system, your social network, your doctors, dentists and shopping venues.

Working with an experienced real estate agent who truly understands your new community – and your needs – is a great way to ease your transition. If you're moving to a new community, make sure to choose a real estate agent who specializes in helping families relocate. Real Living's relocation experts can also be a source of counsel and assistance. They are members of one of the country's fastest-growing relocation referral networks. They have a lengthy track record of helping people like you to settle into a new home, a new town and a new life.

A qualified relocation specialist will provide you with these services, and do so with compassion, care and sensitivity to your special needs:

• individualized counseling and research;
• comprehensive relocation packet;
• personal tour and city overview;
• toll-free relocation telephone number;
• content-rich Web content, featuring virtual home tours;
• national database of schools;
• rental/interim assistance;
• advanced marketing for home sales;
• dual-career assistance;
• cost-of-living comparisons;
• financial counseling, mortgage pre-approvals and title services;
• group move and multi-lingual assistance;
• relocation policy consulting and outsourcing; and,
• transportation of household goods.

Be sure to check with your relocation specialist about adding these items to your moving day checklist:

• Contact your employer and verify the company's relocation policies and what, if any, relocation services they'll provide.
• Contact the IRS or your tax consultant about eligible tax deductions for moving expenses.
• Drain oil and gas from lawn mowers and leaf blowers and have your car serviced prior to driving to your new city.
• Get copies of your personal records from health care providers, schools, attorneys and tax accountants.
• Close out your safe deposit box, notify your financial advisor of your new address, pay any outstanding bills, transfer your bank account(s) and purchase any necessary traveler's checks.

Finally, although moving to a new city can feel a lot like navigating without a compass, relocation specialists offer the necessary resources and knowledge to provide you with plenty of direction. Before you know it, you'll be happily settled in a new home, making friends with the neighbors and finding the "best of" in your new surroundings.

To be connected with a relocation specialist, contact our Customer Care team now.