Find answers to questions about relocating to or from to the Pacific Northwest with the help of Coldwell Banker Seal. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions you may have about moving to Vancouver, Washington or Portland, Oregon. Our relocation team can be reached at 800.256.9702 or at relocation@cbseal.com.

Q. How long before my moving date should I begin looking for a new home?
A.From the time the property is first discovered to the time the keys are in your hand it’s generally about 30 to 45 days. Depending on when you need to move, you may decide to search Portland neighborhoods or new homes for sale in Washington in one quick trip or revisit certain areas several times before you find the perfect home in your new zip code. If you’re planning on renting, it may take less time to find a home. We recommend you start searching Southwest Washington and Portland, Oregon for sale listings on the cbseal.com at least 90 days before your intended move date.

Q. How do I find out which communities have the best schools?
A. Every family has a different perception of what constitutes a good school and what programs are able to meet their own children’s needs. Our company provides resources for obtaining current school information and statistics. Most state websites are useful sources of school information, but it’s a good idea to meet with school officials to determine which Washington or Oregon school system your children will thrive in. Our relocation specialists and agents provide individual counseling to help determine which school district is best for your family.

Q. How do I determine how much I can afford when looking for a new home?
A. As a general rule and dependent on your debt-to-income ratio, the monthly payment for mortgage principal, interest, property taxes and property insurance should not exceed 33 percent of your gross monthly income.

Q. How will the cost of living in my new community differ from where I currently live?
A. Our relocation package includes detailed cost of living information regarding differences in housing, goods and services, as well as a host of additional information about schools, cultural attractions, recreational opportunities, and Vancouver and Portland neighborhood information.

Q. What services do you provide for people relocating overseas?
A.  We help your family relocate and adjust to another country by providing guidance in obtaining tax identification numbers, opening bank accounts and enrolling your children in schools. Our company can also connect you to counseling to lessen any problems employees and family members may encounter while adjusting to a new culture.

Q. What is the best way to cover an employee’s relocation expenses: lump sum payment or direct reimbursement?
A. Each has its own advantages, depending on whether the employee or the hiring company prefers to take on more responsibility. A lump sum payment will reduce internal administrative functions by providing the relocating employee with funds to directly manage and pay expenses. Direct reimbursement, on the other hand, brings more precise information.

Keywords:

Moving to Vancouver Washington, New Homes For Sale Washington, Search Portland Neighborhoods,  Portland Oregon Multiple Listing Service, Portland Neighborhood Information