Have you been thinking about leaving the Bay Area? Maybe even leaving California entirely? There could be a whole slew or reasons, and maybe that also includes a new job in another city, are you feeling hesitant or would you jump at the chance? Why is the thought of starting over or doing something new exciting for some folks but nearly heart-stopping for others? Would you know what to consider to make the decision? Hi, I’m Tanja Odzak, Our East Bay Home brokered by eXp Realty, and I have a list of questions you should ask yourself when considering this kind of move.
- Can I afford it? I’m sure this seems like an obvious thing to consider, but a big move can be overwhelming financially. Also you need to account for last-minute expenses will likely crop up, and you want to make sure you have enough saved up to more than exceed what you think you’ll need. No one needs stress like a flat tire as you’re driving to your new city, but you spent every penny just to pay the movers or turn on the electricity at the new home.
- Are there friends or family who live near the new location? Relocating can be a very isolating and lonely experience at first. If the thought of leaving your closest friends or family makes your stomach queasy, this may not be the right time for a relocation.
- What is the job market like there? Do your research first, and make sure you have a job or savings to use before you move. Knowing culture and job markets can affect when you choose to move.
- Is it worth relocating for my job? This one has to do with the cost of living. The cost of living varies from state to state and the area in the state. Be sure to research salary expectations for comparable positions wherever you are thinking of moving to. Actually knowing such information as to how much local groceries are, average rent/mortgages, gas, taxes, etc. can help you negotiate the right salary to have the same living standard.
- When is the best time of year to move? This may seem like a silly thing to consider, but in different cities or housing markets, rent can actually fluctuate based on the time of year. Another consideration is the weather where you are moving from vs where you are moving to.
- What is the real estate market like in the new locations – and where are the “good” neighborhoods? If you’re used to paying say $2500 for rent, but the same type of place you live in now goes for $3500, you definitely want to know that upfront. Consider finding a realtor in the new area to connect with. They can help direct you to whatever you are looking for. In addition, there are usually lots of companies who specifically help people relocate and can answer questions about where you are moving to.
- Is the culture of the city a good fit for me–and could I actually be happy there? The same way when you choose a new home, you want to walk in and FEEL that it’s home, you want to make sure the new city feels like home too. Different cities all have different vibes, and you want to make sure it’s a good fit for you and your personality.
I hope these questions help you in considering whether or not to move. Thanks so much for watching! If you’re looking to make this kind of move, reach out to me so I can make the process as smooth as possible. And ask me about my tiered home selling plans where you get to pick which real estate services you want and the fee you pay… offering you simplified and transparent choices! Tanja Odzak, Our East Bay Home AND eXp Realty and I’m always here to help. Reach out anytime even if you’ve just got questions. Putting people before profit.
I’m a Top Producing Realtor® in the OAKLAND / BERKELEY / EAST BAY AREA. I’ve been in the San Francisco East Bay Area since I came up to do my undergrad at UC Berkeley (a long time ago!), with a short stint at UC Davis while getting my Master’s. I take my duties as a Realtor® and Fiduciary very seriously, I enjoy educating my sellers and buyers along the way. Putting People, Before Profit.
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