Some sound advice for getting through the relocation blues

THERE are few things as stressful as moving house. Relocating to a strange town where you don’t have any family or friends is even harder.

However, according to recent research by First National Bank, about one in every five home sales in South Africa now results in the sellers relocating, not only to another neighbourhood or town, but to a different province.

“For some, this will probably be a one-time occurrence, as there is a growing trend among business people in SA towards ‘semigration’, which generallymeans moving their family to a permanent new home on the coast or in the countryside while they continue to travel for work,” says Richard Gray, CEO of the Harcourts Real Estate group.

“However, for many other people, the norm is now a major move every few years as one work contract or posting comes to an end and they and their families need to relocate to take up another. There are ways to make these transitions is easier, especially when it comes to the sale of an existing home and the purchase of a new one.”

The first step is to decide whether to buy first or sell first. “If the market in your new hometown is in a buyers’ phase, as most in South Africa still are, it is definitely better to sell your existing home first and, if possible, before you move. Then, as well as having plenty of choice as regards a new home, you will also know exactly how much you can afford to pay for a new one.

“If the agent selling your home has a proper national referral network, he or she will be happy to have a colleague in your new town start looking for suitable properties for you before you even arrive.”

Gray says it is important to select the right agent to handle the sale of your home.

“The rapport between you must be excellent, especially if you think you may have to vacate your home before it has been sold. You will be entrusting this agent with keys, access by prospective purchasers and responsibility for regular and comprehensive report backs.”

The third step, is to be honest with your agent about how much time you have to sell your home.

“An experienced agent who knows there is a time constraint will readily give your home undivided attention to ensure a successful transaction within a very short while.”