Relocation Spotlight: Heritage Texas Properties
When it comes to assisting people with their move to Houston, Kirsten Abney, senior vice president of Heritage Texas Properties, said preparation and having the proper resources can go a long way.
This is true whether someone is moving due to an employment-based relocation, or whether they are moving on their own.
And, as with any life-altering event, relocation can be overwhelming and stressful. There are so many things to be done, that it might be difficult to know what to do first. At the same time, there is often a constant worry that something important might slip through the cracks.
During a recent interview, Abney discussed some of the things people should be doing during the early stages of their move, and the guidance that she and her team in the Relocation Department, along with the sales associates, provide that goes far beyond real estate assistance.
Following are excerpts from our conversation:
MS: What’s the best way for people to approach their move to Houston?
KA: As soon as possible, they should connect with a real estate company that offers some type of relocation services, because those companies will have real estate agents who regularly work with people who are relocating in and out of Houston.
It’s also important for people who are relocating to do their research, and prioritize the things that will be important in finding a home, whether they will be renting or purchasing. That could include schools, lifestyle, areas of interest, commute time and price point. If they are planning on purchasing a home, then they really need to get preapproved for a mortgage before they get here.
MS: What advice do you have for people who might be managing their move on their own?
KA: They need to identify the right moving company and other professionals who can assist them. For example, if schools are important, they might need an education consultant. If they are managing their own move, then they have to engage the appropriate professionals, which might cascade all the way down through everything that they might need in the new location, like doctors and attorneys.
MS: What documents and information should people make sure that they have at their fingertips during the move?
KA: They need to have all of their important records so that they can transfer information to the new location. For example, they need to obtain their medical and dental records, school records, pet records, and vaccine and immunization records. They need to be sure to identify any needs or requirements for their children, especially since schools require certain vaccinations in order to be able to register.
When relocating, it can be a good idea for people to assemble a 30-day survival kit that has all of their important documents, like birth certificates, Social Security cards, wills, passports, deeds, and financial statements. It also should include contact information for all parties related to the move, and anything else that they might need to easily access.
MS: What’s the best way for newcomers to make decisions about things like finding doctors and schools for their children?
KA: In relocation, some aspects naturally have to come before others. Making decisions about doctors and schools really hinges on where someone decides to live.
There may be an urgency around some of these things, depending on what someone’s situation is, but they might not want a doctor who ends up being an hour away. For example, someone who knows that they want to live in Katy probably wouldn’t want a doctor who is located in the Medical Center. They would probably prefer to find a doctor who is closer to where they are going to live.
MS: Once people zero in on where they want to live, is it then difficult to find the right house?
KA: You might think it would be the most complicated part, but the real estate piece can sometimes be the easiest. Since it can also be the most expensive piece, the decision about where someone wants to live can take some time and some research.
But, once they have made that decision, and have found a house, it’s just about getting it rented or purchased.
MS: Is there anything else that might be helpful for people who are planning a move to Houston?
KA: They can always go to our website: www.HeritageTexas.com. It has a lot of helpful relocation information, including various tools, resources, tips, mortgage calculators, a moving guide, a moving checklist and more.
Michelle Sandlin is an award-winning writer, journalist and global mobility industry expert. Her work is frequently featured in Worldwide ERC’s Mobility magazine, and in various business and industry related publications and corporate blogs. Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook. com/TheMichelleSandlin and on Twitter: @ MichelleSandlin. Also visit “On the Move” at blog. chron.com/onthemove.