Relocating? Here’s what you need to do before your home-finding visit

Whether it’s a new career or the opportunity to move closer to loved ones, there are a number of reasons for relocating. But a long-distance home search can present more challenges than a local one, especially if you’re unfamiliar with your destination city.

If you’re planning to relocate, it’s essential to be prepared for your home-finding visit. Here’s what you need to do beforehand:

Create a list of wants and needs

Do you dine out often or love to entertain? Is easy access to schools and public transportation important? Do you have a pet? Is garage-parking a necessity?

It’s details like these that shape your real estate decisions. Nearly every home purchase involves some degree of compromise, so it’s best to prioritize your wants and needs before you even begin your search.

Research neighborhoods

The neighborhood is just as important as the home itself, so it’s essential to determine which neighborhood or suburb will best suit your lifestyle.

Chicago has a diverse collection of neighborhoods that cater to a variety of lifestyles. Start researching neighborhoods online to learn about what they offer in terms of everything from schools and transportation to shops and restaurants.

Local resources like the Chamber of Commerce can also provide information about local businesses and community events.

Tour homes online

Browse online listings to see which properties meet your preferences based on the photos and property information that’s available. Make a list of all the homes you would like to see in person during your visit.

Make an itinerary

From making hotel accommodations to setting up school visits and home showings, there’s a lot of planning that goes into a long-distance home search.

To make the most of your trip, schedule everything in advance and put together an itinerary for your visit. You will also want to allot enough time to explore any prospective neighborhoods so you can get an idea of what it might be like to live there.

Work with a local broker

Relocating can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. At @properties, we have a full-service relocation team that assists buyers every step of the way, with services covering everything mentioned above and more.

An experienced broker who not only specializes in the local area, but also in relocation, can be an invaluable partner to your real estate search. For more information about how relocation services help buyers, click here.