More than ever, it seems like everyone is either relocating across the country or knows someone who is. Perhaps it’s the call to adventure. Or maybe you find yourself with an incredible career opportunity you simply can’t turn down.

Whatever your reasons, a successful relocation experience is an achievement to be proud of. That said, there are always multiple pieces to juggle at any given moment, and it can be challenging to stay on top of everything in addition to your daily routine. In this post, we will provide a complete overview to help make your relocation process as stress-free as possible.

Start With A Complete Relocation Master Plan 

Depending on how established you are in your current home, relocating can be a comprehensive project. If you currently own a home, you may need to sell or rent it out before moving across the country. At the same time, you could begin searching for your new home without even stepping foot in the city. We have modern technology to thank (or curse) for the ability to juggle all of this at once.

Some people will do everything online, including purchase a house in their new location without even seeing it in person. Understandably, not everyone feels comfortable doing this. If not, you may want to arrange a short trip to tour listings in person to get a feel for what’s available.

Arranging for a house-hunting trip opens up a new can of worms of its own. Now, you may need to book time off work and make travel arrangements In addition, time may be of the essence if you only have a few days to take care of all of the details. Though it may feel like a hassle, the trip is worthwhile if seeing a house in person makes you more comfortable with your decision.

If you want to avoid both the travel arrangements and buying a house sight unseen, you still have options. Many people relocating will test the waters by renting a home before committing to a purchase.

There is no one relocation style that fits everyone. Your first action should be to analyze your personality and goals, along with all the steps that will make your relocation successful.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending tasks when relocating? This comprehensive checklist will make sure nothing gets left behind. 

Selecting Your Real Estate Agents

Buying and selling with the same real estate agent is usually a way to simplify both processes. The advantage of working with one person is that they get to know you so well that your goals become their goals, putting them in a better position to advocate for you on both sides of the transaction. 

When relocating to a different city, this isn’t always possible. For example, if you’re buying or selling a house in Winnipeg, our experts know each neighbourhood inside and out. We are happy to show you around and help you navigate the nuances of the local market. When selling in a different city before moving to Winnipeg, consulting with an agent there may be wise.

Any current Realtor® will be able to guide you toward best practices on selling your existing home for top dollar while getting the best value for your new place. However, most major cities have minor differences and micro niches that only a true local would understand.

Once you have a team you trust to represent you, the rest of the steps will be more straightforward. Expert guidance is the ultimate cure for stress during a relocation.

Are you searching for the right real estate expert to help you purchase a new home? Here’s a resource that can help: Should You Work With An Agent When Buying In Winnipeg?

Selling Your Existing Home

The entire success of your relocation might depend on getting excellent results from the sale of your existing home. This is not something you want to leave to chance, especially if you are working within a short timeline.

• A well-thought-out strategy will include a plan to prepare your home for maximum impact in a short amount of time, including:
• Thoroughly cleaning and decluttering each room in your house to create a blank slate for buyers. This is the most important preparation step, especially when you need to sell quickly.
• Performing minor repairs to make the home show-worthy. Extensive renovations may not be feasible, but you will be pleasantly surprised at what a fresh coat of paint can do.
• Staging to sell. This means strategically arranging furniture and decor so that buyers can imagine living in your space. 

Setting a competitive listing price. When you need the best results quickly, your price must be on point. A local real estate agent can perform a Comparative Market Analysis to determine what will generate the most interest from potential buyers.

If any of the above seems overwhelming, try to find a real estate agent who offers full service. An experienced team with a strong presence in your area will come with a network of contractors and tradespeople who can handle most – or all – of the work.

Are you looking for even more tips to maximize the value of your sale? You may enjoy the related reading below:

• Is Staging Really Necessary When Selling Your Winnipeg Home?
• Should I Renovate My Home Before Selling?
• A Step-By-Step Guide For First-Time Sellers In Winnipeg

The Quest For Your New Home

What should you look for in your new home? To a large extent, this will depend on your lifestyle and priorities. It will help to create a list of attributes you want and what you want to avoid before you head out on your house-hunting mission. For example:

• What location do you want to be in? A downtown neighbourhood in the midst of the excitement or a more peaceful suburb off the beaten path? In Winnipeg, you will find it all!
• How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?
• Do you prefer a home with a backyard and driveway or a condo with no maintenance on your part?
• Does the aesthetic of an older, classic home appeal more to you or are you in love with a modern, sleek design?

Once you know what you want, you can start working on your budget and gathering your resources. Getting a pre-approval for a mortgage will help with this step; plus it will give you a little extra competitive edge if you come up against other buyers. 

Finding and securing the right home can be a process, but a knowledgeable local real estate agent can often open doors you didn’t know existed. 

When you’re ready to begin the search for your Winnipeg home, the resources below will give you a great head start:

• What Does Winnipeg Offer For Affluent Buyers? 
• Benefits Of Buying An Older Home In Winnipeg
• Should You Buy A Resale Home Or A New Build In Winnipeg?

Why Winnipeg?

If you’re searching for a city where you can enjoy all of the perks and conveniences of a major urban center combined with a safe environment and endless exciting activities, Winnipeg just might be your final stop. This family-friendly city has something for everyone, a thriving economic sector offering nearly unlimited opportunities, a great school system, a welcoming community, and outstanding natural beauty everywhere.

Here’s an interesting fact for you: did you know that Winnipeg is often considered the festival capital of the world? These highly-anticipated events allow you to experience the cultures and traditions of the world without leaving the comfort of your neighbourhood.

In addition, if you love to see the changing seasons and experience a distinct summer, fall, winter, and spring, you could not ask for a better place to call home.

Each Winnipeg neighbourhood is full of character, whether you choose the welcoming and scenic Transcona community or the thrill and excitement of downtown Winnipeg. When you consider all the Heart of Canada has to offer, it’s easy to see why so many people come here to put down roots.

Do you have questions or would like more guidance during your relocation process? Our Winnipeg real estate agents are happy to help. Reach out to info@goodfellowrealty.com, or call 204-224-2551 to take the next step.