relocation specialists tend to the needs of the transferring family

QUESTION:   In general, what do you mean by “Corporate relocation?” Is that when a company moves its offices out of town?

ANSWER: No, We’re referring to when employees are transferred.   Relocation is more than just moving people from one house to another, though. It’s working with individuals, corporations and their employees to fulfill their housing needs in a new area and to duplicate their lifestyle in that new location.

QUESTION: What do you mean, “duplicate their lifestyle?”

ANSWER:   A good relocation service functions as a kind of chamber of commerce, offering transferees information on schools, health facilities, recreational and cultural amenities, and many other services.

QUESTION: What about my short-term housing needs, if my company transfers me, and have to report to my new work location in just a few days?

ANSWER: In that case, a relocation coordinator matches agents and brokers in new areas with clients moving into or out of town, to make the move a smooth process.   In the case of a third-party relocation, property managers are in charge of maintaining the vacant homes of transferees until new owners take possession or the property is sold.   On a temporary basis, we’ll secure rental property to meet the needs of those clients and their families.   We work with the landlords to address such needs.

QUESTION: You made a reference to “Third-party.” Explain that.

ANSWER:   the Third party process directs referrals through a coordinating company – a Third Party – that contracts with corporation to facilitate the needs of transferred employees.

QUESTION:   What if I’m transferred but don’t have time to sell my home?

ANSWER:   In that case, we have what’s termed in the industry as a company buyout.   The buy out option is often very helpful to the transferee because it gives them the equity from their home, even if it hasn’t sold.   This will allow them to purchase a home in the new locale and get on with their lives.   In the case of outgoing transferees, the relocation department at their present location will act as caretakers for their property until it is sold.

QUSTION:   How specifically, does a relocation agent assist a transferee?

ANSWER:   The agent will identify an area where a home search might be concentrated.   The individual may make several trips to the new area to look at homes.   Interim housing might be arranged until their present home is sold.

QUESTION:   What are the key things I need to take care of, such as changing bank accounts, in preparing to relocate to another city?

ANSWER: there are a number of main details to make sure you handle.   Estimates from moving companies, the transportation of automobiles, boats, and even pets.   Other arrangements include: change of address cards; forwarding dental and medical records to your new community; notifying schools and having records forwarded; having utilities disconnected at the old house and connected at the new one; transferring or closing out all checking, saving, and similar accounts.

QUESTION: Just how likely is it that I’ll find myself and my family needing to relocate?

ANSWER: Of course, that is hard to say but the statistics indicate that one in five American families move every five years.   We’ve truly become a mobile society.

QUESTION:   I don’t want to call it “Traumatic,” but isn’t there a lot of emotion involved in relocating?   A lot of anxiety?

ANSWER:   There can be, no question.   After all, the decision to purchase a new home, even in the best of circumstances, is difficult.   Making the decision in an unfamiliar community, often within a short span of time, can, in fact, be traumatic, to use your word.   At Robitaille Relocation Centre, Inc., is attuned to the transferee’s feelings.   We provide the time and support transferee’s need in finding a home as well as selling their present home.

QUESTION:   Are there special needs associated with dual-income families?

ANSWER: Yes.   The increase in the number of two-income families makes it more difficult for companies to transfer employees today, for two main reasons: the “trailing spouse,” and the cost of relocation benefits.

QUSTION:   Then how is the two-income family situation handled?

ANSWER: Many large companies now offer a pre-move, decision-making consultation, in addition to job counseling and placement services are normally offered.   These support systems have helped make the job of relocating a dual-income household a little easier, by removing the fear of the unknown for that trailing spouse.   Corporations that offer a decision-making package have found that more transferees accept the move as a result of participation in the pre-move consultation.

QUESTION:   What prompts people to move in the first place?

ANSWER:   The reasons are numerous: organizational changes, a promotion, business location changes, a joint venture or merger, or an individual move for personal reasons.