Many of us dream of one day moving abroad. For some, the pull comes early and takes us to the cosmopolitan cities of the Far East. For others, moving abroad is something to enjoy after retirement when we might head to the relaxing rolling hills of Tuscany. Usually, it is something that is exciting and something to look forward to but it is also natural to have feelings of nervousness and anxiety. This is when you want to find someone you can rely on for support and someone to confide in when it comes to moving house. You want to find a good estate agent! For example, you want to find one like the Estate Agents Burton on Trent area, because these have good reviews and previous experience. You want to make sure your chosen agent is someone who is widely liked and who can help you. It is a big step to take, after all!
Moving to a new country can be a hugely rewarding experience if done properly. Here, we take a look at a few tips which can make the move run as smoothly as possible.
1. Understand the home buying process
The process of buying property is something which varies a great deal from one country to the next. In some countries, like the United States, laws surrounding buying property can vary from state to state. For example, North Myrtle Beach waterfront real estate is very likely to be bought under different regulations than Upstate New York. It’s not always as straightforward as handing over the asking price and signing on the dotted line. That’s why it is important to look up articles and advice from realtors in the area you want to move to, for example, Camden McKay Realty if you want to move to California in North America. You can also try contacting a real estate agent via email for advice. Though do bear in mind not all realtors across the world speak English should you choose to contact one in a non-English speaking country.
(image by tanka v)
When it comes to making an offer for a house, systems between countries can be different as well. You don’t have to travel far to spot the difference. In Scotland, for example, house sales work on a system of secret bids which is different from what is done here. To ensure you are able to secure the home of your dreams, it’s essential that you get your head around how things work in your country of choice.
2. Test the water
The idea of moving abroad can be alluring. The result of this is that many people rush into it, causing themselves problems as time goes on. Sometimes people don’t spend enough time researching the area, other times they over-estimate the ease of settling in a new place, outside of an expat community.
If you’re buying a home abroad, it’s important to test the water. Spending as much time as possible in the place you’re considering is the only way to know that you’re sure enough to buy.
3. Speak to other expats
Unless you’re looking at a particularly obscure part of the world, the chances are that you won’t be the first foreigner to make the move. It’s always worth seeking out an expat community to discuss practical issues with. This way, you can be alerted to some of the otherwise unforeseen issues and will be able to deal with them well in advance.(image by A Broader View Volunteer)
4. Try renting first
While many people are keen to cut ties when they move abroad, this isn’t always the smartest move. With the rental market at home more buoyant than most, it’s usually very affordable to rent somewhere abroad for a short period of time before moving out there. This gives you a final lifeline, helping you to be sure that the spot you’ve picked is the right one for you.
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Related post : 7 Travel Tips for the Business Traveler
Feature image by A Broader View Volunteers Corp