Ensuring Smooth Relocations: A Guide for Real Estate Pros

In 2024, approximately 29% of Americans plan to move, and an additional nearly 26% aspire to move but have no concrete plans [1]. One big factor driving this decision is relocating for a new job opportunity. While moving can be both exciting and challenging, the process has its share of stressors that typically occur. Here are some common pain points associated with moving:

1. Logistics and Planning: Organizing the move, packing, and coordinating logistics can be stressful. Deciding what to keep, sell, or donate can be time-consuming.

2. Costs: Moving expenses add up quickly. These include hiring movers, renting a truck, buying packing supplies, and potentially storage fees. Unexpected costs can also arise.

3. Emotional Stress: Leaving behind familiar surroundings, friends, and routines can be emotionally taxing. Adjusting to a new environment takes time.

With all of that in mind, Cartus was founded on a simple vision: to make the relocation process easier for organizations and the employees they are moving. Four and a half million moves later, our commitment has not wavered, and we have grown to become the most trusted guide in global talent mobility today. 

Given the talent gaps in some markets and employee expectations in this post-pandemic world, companies rely on companies like Cartus to help them provide a positive experience for their relocating employees (and their families). Given that our research found that “housing shortages” is a key challenge for companies moving employees into and around the United States, your role has never been so important in ensuring a smooth relocation. As the local expert in your community, you play a critical role in helping relocating home buyers find their new home.

To maximize this experience for your clients, here are five tips and best practices that can help turn a good relocation into a great one:

1. Be an agent that understands mobility

Supporting a relocating family either buying or selling a house requires a high level of expertise and professionalism. Every home-buying or home-selling customer has specific requirements around budget, timeline, or location, but the unique needs of a relocating family go beyond these typical requirements. Often, they can be under extreme pressure to move to a tight deadline, start their new job, and settle into a location they may have never visited before.

Understanding these additional pressures and nuances can be crucial to the success of a corporate relocation. Helping your relocating customer understand local market trends is also important when they may not know what the market is like. For example, does the area have limited inventory? If so, does the family need to make an offer the day they view the property, or can they afford a second viewing? In this challenging real estate market, advocating for your clients’ needs is more critical than ever. 

2. Demonstrate empathy and advocacy

Demonstrating empathy for your customers is part of what makes you a successful real estate agent, because you recognize that moving can be stressful. With a relocating family, however, a house move may not be the only major life event they have to go through that month (or even that week!). Their kids may be moving schools, their spouse/partner could be looking for a new job, or the whole family might be adjusting to a new culture or language. For example, if English isn’t their first language, are you equipped to you provide support in the language they prefer? They’ll need you to support and advocate for them throughout the process. Show them that you care about their needs and preferences, and that you are willing to go the extra mile to help them find their ideal home. 

3. Provide local knowledge

Having a relocating employee settle in quickly to their new location—and, most importantly, their new role—is a company’s number one goal. Relocating families will most likely be unfamiliar with the local area they are moving to. They may have questions about schools, transportation, health care, or the local pizza place. Whatever it is, by sharing your local expertise, you can help them feel more at home and confident in their decision to relocate.

4. Be flexible and agile

The relocation process can be unpredictable. Things may not go as planned. There can be hold-ups, or the move may have to happen sooner. Being adaptable is important. For instance, a home-finding trip that was supposed to take three days may have to be done in one day or may have to be rescheduled completely or done through different methods like a virtual property tour. Take advantage of remote closing options, depending on availability in your market. Whatever the problem along the way, the relocating family will rely on their real estate agent for reassurance and agility.

5. Show Inclusivity, Fairness, and Respect

It is very important to show inclusiveness in your service and communication when you work with a family that is relocating. They may come from different backgrounds, cultures, or countries, and may be unfamiliar with the US housing market, including the terms and processes involved. It is essential to provide them with clear and accurate information that can help them understand and navigate the market. For example, a glossary of terms may be helpful for them. 

By being sensitive to cultural differences, you can make international clients feel respected and valued, and establish trust and rapport. In addition, consider joining an advocacy group like The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) to promote equal opportunities in homeownership for an increasingly diverse population. 

The role of real estate agents in the relocation process cannot be overstated. By providing exceptional service and support, agents can help ensure a positive experience for relocating families and contribute to the success of global talent mobility programs.

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About Meaghan Bidwell, Operations Manager, Real Estate Services, Cartus

Meaghan started her career supporting the home sale process and real estate agents through the relocation process. She then transitioned to Learning & Development, where she applied her knowledge and expertise to support Cartus employees and network agents on the Cartus relocation process and client expectations. 

In 2018, Meaghan became the Manager of Real Estate Services, overseeing the Cartus Welcome Center, which was the first point of contact for relocating families. In her current role as Senior Manager, she is responsible for ensuring the smooth and timely communication and coordination between the customers, the real estate agents, and the Cartus consultants.

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This material is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, no representation is made as to its accuracy. This material is not intended to be construed as legal, tax or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult your legal, tax or investment professional for specific advice.