Wednesday, February 05 2014
One of the unusual situations that sometimes crops up in real estate is one where the buyer purchases a house without ever seeing it. This may sound nuts—but there are circumstances (more than you’d think) where it can be the only practical solution. Wholesalers and house-flippers, for instance, sometimes simply haven’t time to visit every property they suspect is a great buy. Other times, buyers might be relocating to Evansville from out of state (or even out of the country) under a timetable that doesn’t allow them an extra visit—or even a first visit! According to the latest full-year data from the National Association of Realtors®, home sales to foreign buyers amounted to $68 billion! As you’d guess, the risks of purchasing a house sight-unseen when relocating to Evansville remain stark. Nonetheless, there are ways such buyers can protect themselves: Adding a contractual walk-though contingency—one which allows a final walk-though before signing at closing—is the surest protection. Sellers aren’t obligated to accept such a contingency (and in a competitive market it’s less likely to be acceptable), but if it’s allowed, it’s also a sign that the property is likely to pass muster. The odds of a good “sight-unseen” result when relocating to Evansville grow significantly better when you present your agent with a clear list of requirements. Some important factors outside of specific house metrics could be the quality of local schools, transportation links and commuting times, crime rates, shopping and entertainment and recreation area access. It is especially important to hire a first-class home inspector. When you can’t visit the property yourself, your inspector can be the trained eyes that prevent your inheriting unneeded maintenance issues. If the listing doesn’t give you a clear idea of how the home is laid out, requesting a video of both interior and exterior of the property is a good idea. If one isn’t available, don’t be shy about asking your agent to make a walk-through video for you. For anyone relocating to Evansville when a ‘sight-unseen’ home purchase is necessary, choosing the best-qualified Realtor and inspector couldn’t be more important. In that situation, they become your ears and eyes on the ground! Please feel free to call me at 812-499-9234 or email Rolando@RolandoTrentini.com and I will be more than happy to assist you with your real estate needs. Our motto is “With an Accent on Service” Thursday, May 09 2013
With more than 43 million people relocating throughout the U.S. every year, you don’t have to wait until you are surrounded by stacks of cartons to realize how important it is to make your next move the right one. If you’re buying a house in Evansville in the foreseeable future, it’s a particularly valuable idea to take the time to chat with some of your potential new neighbors. And while you’re at it, why not bring up a few relevant questions:
Which schools are best?
School quality affects more than just property values. Especially if you have your own kids, buying a house in Evansville is least disruptive when their new school is the best one available. You’ll make the soundest choice by comparing more than one parent’s opinion.
Is there a neighborhood watch?
You will have already aimed for the safest area possible. Now, getting involved with an active neighborhood watch can further ensure your family’s safety. When buying a house, the presence of a neighborhood watch is a good indicator of some solid community spirit…and if there isn’t one, make sure the reason is that everyone already feels secure in the area.
What events are available in Evansville or the surrounding area?
Buying a house means buying a home base for all your family’s activities. By asking your neighbors which local events and activities they enjoy the most, you’ll get a glimpse of the scope and depth of the cultural life that’s going to surround you. As a side benefit, just inquiring shows you as someone who is sociable — and that you’ll be a good new neighbor to have!
The simple act of reaching out in this way lets you familiarize yourself with a new neighborhood faster, and ultimately leads to a better-informed long term real estate decision. Especially if the area is new to you and your family, buying a house in Evansville is actually a one-time opportunity to make a host of new friends. I have tons of information available for future residents. If you’re even considering buying a house in the area, don’t hesitate to call me! You can reach me on my cell phone 812-499-9234 or email: Rolando@RolandoTrentini.com Tuesday, August 14 2012
Uncertain economy or not, we Americans remain a highly mobile bunch. In fact, the Census Bureau says that no fewer than 6,700,000 Americans packed up and moved to a new state in the period between 2010 – 2011, the latest year on record. The study sheds light on the movement of people within the U.S. -- and it lets us know that of the most common reason for interstate relocation (43.9%) was for employment-related reasons. The official stats are not yet available for last year, but the relocation numbers are expected to increase as people continue to relocate in search of more stable economic environments.
For just about everyone, even thinking about relocating is a daunting proposition. Although it can turn into a planet-sized headache, if you are one of those considering relocation to our neck of the woods, the surest way to keep yourself sane is to connect with an experienced buyer's agent.
A buyer's agent can accomplish several momentous things to simplify your local relocation. He or she can take your "wish list" and find the available area properties that suit your needs. With a good working knowledge of what is available, your agent will provide guidance on the price similar properties have recently commanded. Buyer's agents are contractually bound to have your best interests at heart -- which is why having a buyer’s agent is preferable to using the seller's agent.
If you are starting from scratch, and don’t yet know anyone in Southwest Indiana, your new coworkers may be able to offer a referral. A thorough Internet search can turn up a stellar agent or two, as well -- bonus points if you can find a site where previous customers have supplied ratings.
As with any other key professional service provider, you shouldn’t be willing to settle for the first person you come across. Taking the time up front to find a sympathetic agent can wind up saving a lot more time in the long run. It is important to interview several buyer’s agents, asking enough questions to make sure you are both on the same page. One good question to ask is whether the agent tends to work with more buyers than sellers.
Where your new home is concerned, there is really no need to take chances. A great buyer's agent will help make your Evansville relocation as painless as possible. I hope you will include me on your interview list -- I’m here to help my clients every step of the way!
Tuesday, July 10 2012
As moving time approaches, most internal stress meters start twitching around the time we have to figure out how many cartons it’s going to take. A cross-town move is one thing -- sometimes you can even handle it yourself (with the help of bribable friends and relatives, of course).
But suppose you have just accepted a new job promotion in Evansville area. Of course, you’re immediately excited by the adventurous prospect of the summer’s relocation. But suppose ourtown is located in a new zip code – and maybe even a new state. Your move up the professional ladder could also mean spending a lot more time and money on the move itself…and once here, the demands of your new position will double your need to pay attention to business.
Fear not: yourlocal real estate agent has seen how clients achieve a smooth transition with a minimum of stress. And we are happy to share some of the strategies that work best:
1. Lighten the load. The more belongings you and your movers have to pack, carry, and unpack again, the more costly the move will be. You can significantly lower the cost by getting rid of all the possessions you no longer use on a regular basis (there are probably more than you think!). Hold a yard sale, donate to charity, or just give those items to friends and family. We real estate agents are forever advising clients to de-clutter, but this holds doubly true when you are relocating. When you’re done, you’ll feel like a huge burden has been lifted from your shoulders! Stress meter: down.
2. Plan in advance. Real estate agents and relocation pros will always stress advance planning. As soon as possible, sit down and list the steps you need to take, then put them in order. You will find this gives you more time to make decisions, and more time to shop (and save money). For example, if you are buying anEvansville home and are working under a strict deadline, you could back yourself into a hurried decision instead of allowing time for your agent to expose you to all the additional options. By planning ahead -- meeting with your local real estate agent as far in advance as possible -- you can allot enough time to establish a relationship that allows your agent to introduce the full range of neighborhood options. Stress meter: down.
3. Consider using professionals. Before dismissing the idea of hiring professional movers because of cost, spend a day obtaining estimates from at least two or three companies, then compare with do-it-yourself moving costs. You can often obtain a binding estimate that is valid for about 60 days. Compare those figures with the cost of renting a truck, driving the distance, and hiring moving help on one or both ends. Hiring professionals is a one-time cost that will relieve you of the hassle – not to mention the emotional toll – at a time when your attention should be directed to your profession. Stress meter: way down!
The move to a new town can be anywhere from nerve-jangling to serene. If your future could include relocating to our area, please feel free to contact me for some practical local advice. We have many excellent neighborhoods here in Evansville that I’d love you to see! Thursday, January 05 2012
A new report from Evansville-based Atlas Van Lines shows the number of household moves across state lines continues to rise in Indiana and around the country. The 2011 Atlas Van Lines Migration Patterns study shows for the first time in six years, Michigan is no longer considered an outbound state. Washington D.C. continues to see the highest percentage of inbound moves, while Ohio has the highest percentage of outbound moves. EVANSVILLE, Ind.--According to one of North America’s leading moving companies, Atlas Van Lines, the number of household moves across state lines continues to rise. The 2011 Atlas Van Lines Migration Patterns study found Southwestern and Mid-Atlantic coastal states to be popular destinations. Atlas first conducted the study in 1993 to track the nation's interstate moving patterns.
For the first time in six years, Michigan went from a perennially outbound state to a balanced state. Michigan now joins South Dakota and Iowa as the only Midwest states to remain balanced in 2011, as the rest of the Midwest continued to lose residents. Five states that were balanced in 2010 are now outbound states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, West Virginia, Louisiana and Utah. Wyoming and Mississippi, which were outbound in 2010, are now balanced. Previously inbound states Kentucky and New Hampshire became balanced in 2011. The highest number of interstate, or between states, moves occurred in states with larger cities, including, California, Texas, New York, Florida, Georgia and Illinois. California comes in at the top with nearly 15,000 moves in 2011. For the sixth consecutive year, Washington D.C. had the highest percentage of inbound moves. Once again, Ohio saw the highest percentage of outbound moves. "Our annual migration patterns study is an interesting gauge of the economy, where economic development is taking place and trends to follow throughout the upcoming year,” said Jack Griffin, president and COO of Atlas World Group. "These new findings are especially promising, as we saw the number of moves increase yet again.” Visit http://www.atlasvanlines.com/migration-patterns/ for a full report, detailed map and state-by-state statistics. About Atlas Van Lines Atlas Van Lines, a national moving company, is the largest subsidiary of Atlas World Group, an Evansville, Ind.-based company. Atlas World Group companies employ nearly 700 people throughout North America. Nearly 500 Atlas interstate moving agents in the United States and Canada specialize in corporate relocation, household moving services and in the specialized transportation of high-value items such as electronics, fine art, store fixtures and furniture. For more information, visit http://www.atlasvanlines.com. Source: Atlas Van Lines Friday, April 29 2011
We consider Atlas Van Lines a local company here in Evansville Indiana. Even though this is true, Atlas Van Lines has worldwide contacts and offices throughout the United States and in other countries. Atlas therefore has a direct pulse to the market place and is in a very good position to make predictions on corporate as well as personal relocations. The report below will highlight the advances in the relocation market. -RT
Relocation managers across the U.S. are expressing optimism that the worst of the recession is now in the rearview mirror, according to a survey. Responding to Atlas Van Lines' 44th annual Corporate Relocation Survey, 72 percent of the relocation managers polled say they believe their respective companies will fare better in 2011. The optimism rate among large firms surveyed jumps to 80 percent. Data from the survey indicated that: • Fifty-four percent of executives surveyed believe the U.S. economy will improve in 2011-the highest rate of such optimism recorded since 2006. • Thirty percent of companies plan to relocate workers this year, the highest percentage in six years. • Eighty-seven percent of companies will spend as much or more on relocation in 2011 as in 2010, the most since 2007. The Midwest is now the top destination of transfers (37 percent) followed by the Northeast (31 percent), the South (28 percent) and West (20 percent). Thirty-two percent of companies say they increased the number of international relocations in 2010, with 28 percent predicting another increase in 2011. According to Griffin, the Atlas survey has revealed trends in how corporations are moving existing employees or newly-hired staff. He said, it shows where the economy has been and where it’s headed and the view looks better than it did one year ago. The effect of economic/market pressures on entry level/new hire and middle management relocations appear to be lessening. In 2008 and 2009, roughly 40 percent of companies say these pressures decreased relocations in these job sectors. In 2010 that percentage dropped to just above 25 percent. Seventy-eight percent say the economy or real estate markets are the most important factors affecting relocations. While employers may be more optimistic about the economy, many of their workers remain cautious and somewhat apprehensive. Fifty-nine percent of firms say they had employees decline relocations in 2010; the third highest level in several years. Among large companies, the rate jumps to 87 percent. Three of every four companies surveyed say the number of employees declining relocation in 2010 stayed about the same as 2009, reflecting little change in workers' attitudes toward moving. Sixty-nine percent of employees who wouldn’t move cited housing and mortgage concerns, 55 percent cited family issues and ties, and 41 percent cited their spouse’s or partner’s employment. Twenty-seven percent of companies surveyed say that declining a relocation request usually hinders an employee's career. 2011 Survey fast facts • Eighty-four percent of firms have a formal relocation policy. • More than half of all relocations were new hires (53 percent). • Employees age 36-40 remained the most frequently relocated salaried employee in 2010 (37 percent); most are male - only 19 percent of relocations involved female employees. • Forty-five percent of relocations involved employees with children; 61 percent of those relocated were homeowners. • Thirty-two percent of responding firms give employees just one week or less to accept a relocation offer (up 7 percent from 2010 survey). • More than three-fourths of companies reimburse/pay to pack all items; 28 percent to move pets; 14 percent will even reimburse for moving boats. • Among international relocations, the most frequent destination was Europe (41 percent). Source: Atlas Van Lines http://www.talentmgt.com/industry_news/2011/April/5359/index.php Tuesday, March 15 2011
Monday, March 07 2011
You're about to relocate and along with that comes the task of moving all your goods. Now is a good time to decide what you will keep and what you wish to leave behind. A moving sale can reduce the weight of your shipment and the cost of your move. Also, of course, a moving sale can generate additional funds that may offset other expenses. The key to a successful moving sale is determining what you no longer use, have outgrown or what you can easily replace at your new home. Remember, what may seem worthless to you is another person's treasure. And who knows, if you haven't sold your home yet, a moving sale may even attract the right buyer! How To BeginAsk your family members about items they wish to sell, they may desire to sell more things than you imagined. Or, you might organize a "neighborhood" sale and pool the efforts of other famlies on your street. When To Have Your SaleSet a date and a time as soon as you can. Fridays and Saturdays are usually best; however, try to avoid holiday weekends. Establish a rain date if you think it may be necessary. Determine the hours, such as 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Many shoppers like to be first in line, so be prepared for early arrivals. Where To Hold Your SaleCheck with local authorities about restrictions for sales in your area. Once you have a location, decide if the sale will be in the garage, yard or basement. Make sure there is ample parking and space for people to move about. Publicize Your SaleA good source of publicity is your local paper. Contact the Classified Advertising department to find out:
Mention the most popular items in your ad, such as furniture, appliances, tools, electronics, etc. Consider including your phone number so people can call for more information about sale items or for directions (this is especially useful if you live in an obsecure area). Another publicity technique is to display flyers around the neighborhood. Note in large letters the type of sale, date, time and location. You may also place signs in high-traffic areas on the day of the sale with arrows and directions. (Please note that there may be restrictions on the posting of flyers and signs. Your local Chamber of Commerce can assist you should you have any questions.)
Ten Essential Preparations
Now You Are Ready For A Successful Moving Sale!Source: http://www.atlasvanlines.com/how-to-move/moving-sale/ Friday, April 30 2010
EVANSVILLE, Ind.--Despite the current economic recession, businesses are optimistic about the volumes and budgets for future corporate relocations, according to Atlas Van Lines' 43rd annual Corporate Relocation Survey, released today. More than one in five firms surveyed expect relocation volumes to increase in 2010, a great improvement over last year, when more than half of surveyed firms predicted a decrease in relocations. Other positive signs include the majority of firms indicating they expect their overall financial performances to improve compared to 2009. With guarded optimism, most responding firms expect stability or even improvement in both the U.S. economy and real estate market. The Atlas survey--the only survey of its kind--has for 43 years explored trends in how corporations move existing employees or newly hired staff. Most survey respondents work in human resources/personnel or relocation services departments for service, manufacturing, wholesale/retail, financial or government organizations, and more than half work for international companies. Atlas, the Evansville-based corporate relocation, transportation and global logistics firm, announces its survey results to coincide with the annual Atlas Forum on Moving in April. "These survey results are a possible early sign of a recovery for the relocation industry, and they indicate that companies are finding ways to contain costs while retaining employee incentives," said Jack Griffin, president and COO of Atlas Van Lines. "But the best news is that firms are predicting a brighter future both for themselves and the overall economy." Here's a closer look at developing trends in corporate relocation: Employees more willing to relocate Employees appear to have been slightly more willing to relocate in 2009 than they were the previous year. More than half (56 percent) of responding firms saw employees decline relocations, compared to 65 percent in 2008. For the second year in a row, housing/mortgage concerns surpassed family issues/ties as the No. 1 reason for refusing relocation. Seventy-seven percent of respondents cited housing concerns, including worries about selling a home, as the reason for declining relocation. However, 66 percent of firms responding offered employees incentives to encourage relocations, with relocation bonuses, loss-on-sale protection, cost-of-living adjustments and extended duplicate/temporary housing benefits rounding out the top four methods used. In 2009, extending duplicate/temporary housing benefits jumped to the most popular perk, with 69 percent of firms offering this incentive. So successful were these incentives that 90 percent of companies said they "almost always" or "frequently" convinced an employee to relocate. Forty-five percent of companies also help an employee's spouse find work in a new location. Economy, not lack of local talent, impacting moves For the first time since 2003, a lack of qualified people locally was not the biggest influence on relocation. Instead, more than half (53 percent) of companies cited economic conditions as the biggest influence on relocations, with just 31 percent citing a lack of qualified people locally. And 37 percent say declining an opportunity that involves relocation can hinder an employee's career. A more encouraging outlook for 2010 Responding firms indicated the number of employees relocated and relocating budgets significantly decreased compared to 2008. Forty-two percent said they moved fewer employees last year, compared to just one-fourth experiencing declines in relocation volumes in 2008. Additionally, over a third saw decreases in relocation budgets last year (compared to 19 percent in 2008); while only 18 percent indicated budgets increased. The percentages of firms expecting increases in relocation volumes and budgets in 2010 are roughly twice that of last year. Internationally, relocation volume expectations improved slightly overall compared to the previous year. Nearly two-thirds of firms expect international relocation volumes to remain stable. Survey fast facts · Eighty-two percent of firms have a formal relocation policy. · Relocations were almost equally split between transferees and new hires in 2009. · Males age 36-40 were the most frequently relocated employee in 2009; only 17 percent of relocations involved female employees. · Forty-five percent of relocations involved employees with children; 60 percent of those relocated were homeowners. · One-quarter of responding firms give employees one week or less to accept a relocation offer. · More than three-fourths of companies reimburse moving companies to pack all items; 29 percent will even reimburse the cost of moving pets. · The Midwest was the top destination of transfers (36 percent) followed by the South (28 percent) and the Northeast (27 percent). · Among international relocations, the most frequent destinations were Europe (47 percent) followed by Asia/Pacific Rim (36 percent). · Over the past two years, the percentages of firms using full, lump sum (relocation allotment) or partial reimbursement for new hires have become nearly identical. Nearly 300 corporate relocation professionals completed the online survey between January 11 and February 26. Respondents must have relocation responsibility and work for a company that has either relocated employees within the past two years or plans to relocate employees this year. Half of the companies surveyed this year relocate employees between countries. For complete survey results, visit www.atlasworldgroup.com/survey. AAtlas Van Lines is the largest subsidiary of Atlas World Group, an Evansville, Ind.-based company. Atlas World Group companies employ nearly 700 people throughout North America. More than 500 Atlas interstate agents in the United States and Canada specialize in corporate relocation, household moving services and in the transportation of high-value items such as electronics, fine art, new fixtures and furniture. Visit www.atlasworldgroup.com for more information on the company and Atlas agents. Source: Atlas World Group |