There are many parts and pieces that go into relocation. Finding the perfect home is, of course, an important step in the process. But once you have found a residence in your new city or town, it is crucial to consider other home-ownership factors that will affect your monthly and annual expenses. As part of your relocation preparation, research what other fees and bills you may need to pay outside of your mortgage. 

If you’re moving to a new state, review the escrow process and any new, or different, closing costs that may increase the amount you’ll owe. Understand what annual property taxes will be assessed and fees you will be responsible for. Homeowners Associations may also function differently in your new city or state. Closely review all paperwork and research what costs are normal for the area. Know what your requirements are as a homeowner, so you don’t agree to anything outside the norm or incur fees from not aligning to your contract.

Utility costs vary from city to city and state to state, but even within the same city, prices can be different from neighborhood to neighborhood. While you’re house hunting, include a visit to the electricity, water, gas and trash company websites that service the homes you’re considering. For electricity and water, learn what the costs are per unit, time of day and any special programs available for conservation. See what bins your new trash company offers and how much they charge per month. There might be different sizes available to you at different pricing, along with compost or yard waste bins and lower to even free rates for recycling. Your new city may also have monthly fees for general upkeep of parks, greenbelts and other public services.

When you consider the monthly mortgage payment you can afford, it’s smart to take these other costs into account. You might be able to make a mortgage payment, but a high electricity or water bill might put your monthly outgo outside your budget. It’s easy to forget about these little (or big) costs. Make your move easy and successful by planning for monthly and annual costs outside of your mortgage.

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Although a slow, gradual approach to selling a house often proves to be ideal, there may be instances when you need to work quickly to list your home. In fact, some of the primary reasons why an individual may try to accelerate the home selling process include:

1. You are planning to move to a new house right away.

If you recently submitted an offer on a house that is contingent on selling your current residence, you may need to act fast to sell your present home. Otherwise, you may miss out on the opportunity to finalize the purchase of your dream residence.

For home sellers who face a time crunch, there is no need to worry. If you collaborate with a real estate agent, you can get the help that you need to enjoy a quick, seamless home selling experience.

Typically, a real estate agent will learn about your home selling goals. This housing market professional then will craft a strategy to help you sell your house within your designated time frame. That way, you can boost the likelihood of getting the best-possible price for your residence, regardless of how much time is at your disposal.

2. You know exactly what your house is worth.

A diligent home seller likely knows all about the condition of his or her residence. Thus, this seller should have no trouble setting a competitive price for his or her house, increasing the possibility of a fast home sale.

To determine a "fair" value for a home, it generally helps to conduct a house appraisal. During an appraisal, a property expert will examine a residence and provide a valuation. Next, you can use this valuation to establish a competitive price for your house.

Also, it may be beneficial to complete a home inspection prior to listing a residence. An inspection will help you identify any "hidden" home problems and ensure you can address these issues before they escalate.

3. You understand the local housing market.

The real estate market can be complex, particularly for home sellers who face pressure to sell their residences as quickly as possible. Luckily, a home seller who knows the ins and outs of the housing market can improve his or her chances of achieving the best-possible results.

To learn about the housing market, you may want to consult with a real estate agent. In addition to guiding you along the home selling process, a real estate agent can teach you about the local housing market. By doing so, a real estate agent can help you make informed decisions at each stage of the home selling journey.

Furthermore, a real estate agent is available to respond to your home selling concerns and questions. And if you're ever uncertain about whether to accept an offer on your house, a real estate agent is happy to provide expert recommendations.

Want to list your house? Plan ahead as much as you can, and you can quickly navigate the home selling cycle.

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