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Of the 31 million Americans who move each year, approximately 3 million of them relocate to a different state. It's a big change to acclimate to a different location, whether it's across the country or an hour away. Practical matters regarding an out of state move can be researched ahead of time so you have a successful moving experience. Here are some tips from John Trapasso Jr to keep in mind when preparing for a move.
Tips for an Out-of-State Move
Scope out typical costs and other variables in the state you're moving to. Anticipating living expenses in a different state can sometimes be eye-opening. Taking a few other steps in advance of your move ensures you're better prepared for what may be involved when moving.
Estimate the overall cost of living difference. A cost of living calculator can help you compare the costs of goods and services between where you live now and the state you're headed to. Check out and compare the costs related to groceries, healthcare, mortgages, taxes, and utilities in the state you're moving to, and adjust your budget accordingly ahead of time.
Research home prices. When choosing a neighborhood, look up the latest home prices to determine what areas and homes are within your budget. Prices can vary greatly depending on features and location, so a thorough search is important.
Find a good real estate agent. Buying a home from miles away can be time-consuming and nerve-racking. Work with a local real estate expert to help you find a new home from afar.
Check out the state's safety numbers in depth. You can get a feel for how safe the area you're going to live in is by checking state crime statistics and, if you know the neighborhood you're considering, look at crime data by inputting a city, state, or zip code.
Finding a job in a new state. Check whether your current employer has positions or contacts in other states, use your LinkedIn connections, contact recruiters in the new state, and research towns that are likely to have positions you're qualified to apply for.
Hire home services. Look into local repair services for electrical, plumbing and your roof. You can read reviews to find out which companies can best suit your needs for keeping up your new home.
Look at commute times. If you're relocating and continuing to work in your new state, consider the time it will take to get to a new job, either by car or public transportation. Check out Google Maps, and explore routes and traffic during rush hour.
Seek storage. If your new home doesn’t have quite enough room for all your belongings, investigate storage options to find a secure place to store them.
New State, New Business
If your move to another state includes exciting plans to start your own business, it's in your best interest to write up a professional business plan. The plan details the nature of your business, how your services will be sold, who will run the company, what your funding requirements will be, and your financial projections.
If you’ve never started a business before, take some time to research the necessary steps. You should also research the competition in the state and area you're relocating to, and perform a background summary that includes trends, data, and articles that can affect your new business, either positively or negatively.
Also, don’t neglect the advertising side of things! Marketing via social media is a great place to start. Additionally, spend some time on content marketing as well. This includes doing your best to generate interest in the subject of your business, rather than simply plugging your product. Building this general interest is a great way to bolster your audience. If you need any extra help in this area, Cornerstone Content is a great resource.
Do Your Homework Before Moving
Now that you know the factors to consider when moving to a new state, it’s time for you to get started. Do some research on the cost of living in different areas and find a place where you can afford to live. Start saving up so you have enough money to cover your moving costs. And finally, start preparing your business for launch. By taking these steps, you’ll be ready to make the move and start your new life in no time.
John Trapasso Jr is a seasoned Real Estate Professional. He understands that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: it's a life-changing experience. Call 919-656-7087.
All real estate is local. In order to make confident real estate decisions, we believe it is important for you to have timely and neighborhood-specific information. If you would like more information about buying a home in NC, our experts at EXP Realty are here to help. Contact us today to speak with a EXP agent about buying homes or land in North Carolina.
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