Relocation: Step 1 - Moving Closer To Your New Home
Identify the Challenge and Embrace the Journey
We get a lot of email and phone calls from out of town people looking to relocate to Philadelphia, thinking either of buying a home, renting a home or condo or considering lease purchase options. Buying a home from long distance poses some obvious challenges: It involves all of the human senses and is a hands on process and can not be done confidently from long distances. The Lease Purchase and Rent-to-Own alternatives to buying really seems to resonate with many out of towners. I suppose it is because the idea of Renting with an Option to purchase takes some of the fear and risk out of the equation. And, in our opinion, it is a smart option to choose and preferable for some people over just renting. But if you are relocating from another county, another state or from another part of the world, there are 3 main challenges for folks like you. And with each challenge we have a step you can use to propel you forward into your now home !
The 1st Challenge:
One of the biggest challenges for out of towners is that they are often completely unfamiliar with the area in which they are planning to move. They google and ask questions, look at maps and whatever else they can do in the comfort of their own home or office. But step 1 defies that method. Online research makes sense and is quite helpful, but there is no better research than visiting neighborhood personally. Step 1 compels you to visit the area in which you will eventually live. And for very good reasons. For example, in Philadelphia alone there are several dozens of subdivisions that make up our great city. And we are not unique in that respect. Every city offers many wonderful places a person can live. Thus narrowing down a location for an out of town buyer takes time and due diligence on the buyer's part. I will say it again. Finding the right neighborhood requires due diligence on you the buyer ! We stress this because we are frequently asked by a prospective out of town buyer to give them personal tours of Philadelphia. To you know, "get the feel" of the area. As well intentioned as these folks are and as flattered as we are that they should choose us to do that, we typically decline. As should every Realtor in our opinion. A Realtor can do many things within the scope of their profession but being a tour guide is not the best use of their skills. A Realtor can tell you about a neighborhood, even share their personal opinion and their market knowledge but in order to find the right neighborhood, you will have to physically do the field work and research yourself. Again, it takes time to do that and you are the one responsible for doing the research and taking the time to do the touring.
STEP 1: Do your homework and visit the neighborhoods you have been researching.
It is a fun an exciting journey learning about a new place ! Some of the suggestions we offer to people from out of town are:
1) Plan several day trips or long weekend trips and each time visit 2 areas.
2) Plan to drive, bike or walk and pack the necessary gear for weather and plenty of walking.
3) Plan your destinations and research or keep an eye open for the following: food markets, gas stations, the local gym, parks, restaurants, drug stores, coffee shops, libraries, schools (if you have children), hospitals, entertainment complexes, dry cleaner, public transportation hubs, malls, post offices, and any other domestic or creature comfort that you require to make you life what you want it to be.
4) Bring a digital journal, camera and or a simple note book will due to keep track of your thoughts, questions, and comments. Your Realtor can help answer some of your logistical questions and your notes will further enrich your research when you get home.
A recent example is that clients of ours from out of State were considering buying a home. They seriously considered a lease purchase for the very same reasons we mentioned above. And they were open to an immediate purchase if they found "the perfect home". After many many miles, several visits, to Philadelphia, and a lot of looking at homes, they came to the realization that they needed more time to decide on a neighborhood. So, they chose a short term month to month rental arrangement in Philadelphia where they now live temporarily. That choice allows them some time to explore the different areas of Philly on a more relaxed schedule before they make the big plunge and buy a home whether it be a lease purchase or regular purchase.
Please stay tuned for Steps 2 and 3 of our relocation blog series !
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If interested in relocating to Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612 . You can also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter . For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub ! If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !
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Christopher and Stephany, this is great advice for people moving to any new city!
Beinng a CRP I also do quite a bit of relocation and this is excellent advice..
HELPFULHANNAH
I think I'm going to love this series...I do already! The day is coming when I'll have to think about leaving and I have no idea how to put it all together.
Patricia - Thanks ! It comes up so often but I do need hear many people talk about it or see many blog about it.
Hannah - Yes, we are looking forward to helping more folks in need of the relocation services.
Carole - We love the series too ! The second blog should be out tomorrow ! Please keep an eye out for it : )
Chris... I agree, this is great advice for anyone moving to any new city. You bring up some good points... especially getting to know the local neighborhoods.