Relocating

When relocating it is best to start with choosing the location you would like to live. Determine
your budget and factor in if there will be a change in living expenses.
Also determine what commute time would suit your lifestyle. If you have school aged children to
consider it would be a good idea to research the schools within the radius of your drive time.
Google the communities and even look on Facebook to see if they have local groups. It will
give you a good idea of what is happening in the area and if it is more family oriented or geared
towards professional.
Will you Rent or Purchase a home?
Determine how your cost of living budget will change based on the city you are planning on
moving to. There are many cost of living calculators online to help you with this. For example:
Cost of Living Calculator for Canadian Cities 2021 | WOWA.ca will help you determine the
difference between the Province you currently live in to the one you are considering.
Taxes are also an important consideration. If you are purchasing a new home be sure to look
into any potential land transfer taxes. Again, depending on the are you are looking at moving to,
you can find many online land transfer tax calculators. Each province also has their own tax
rate so it is important to factor that into your budget.
Start your home search online to gather rental rates or what properties are listed for.
Once you have been able to narrow down your preferred location talk to co-workers to get their
thoughts and opinions on the areas you are considering. Is there shopping close by and
amenities?
Plan a visit to the locations you have narrowed down
Will you need to get a new driver’s license, health card?
Online research helps, but nothing comes close to visiting the city you’re relocating to in-person.
Once you’ve committed to relocating to a city, plan a trip there to scope out the area and maybe
even try to find a place to rent or buy . Don’t fall into the trap of spending your trip perusing the
tourist hotspots–you can do this anytime once you move there. Instead, use this trip as a fact-
finding mission to explore some of the neighborhoods you’re considering living in, get a sense of
the local culture, and if you don’t have a job lined up yet, schedule a few in-person interviews
while you’re in town. Visit the local grocery store and main street shops. Get a sense for who
lives in the community and the vibe.
Once you have made the decision on area and have found a place to live it’s time to list your
current property for sale. Research your local Realtors, ask friends and family for a referral of
someone great that they have used. Once you’ve signed on, factor in your closing date allowing
you enough time to pack and get to your new home. Chose your real estate lawyer and moving
company. Get those locked in quickly for a smooth transition to your new home!