Relocation - Housing Markets are Causing Hesitation

Relocation experts say common reasons job candidates hesitate to uproot often has to do with people's reluctance to leave their comfort zones, their families and their friends.

A relocation survey on mobility trends found that family issues were still the dominating reason employees turned down a job that would require relocation — 65% of those surveyed believed that to be a top concern.  Sixty-one percent named cost-of-living and housing concerns as a top issue, while 22% said that selling the home, specifically, was a top concern.

For many employers, the addition of these housing-market hurdles for job seekers is coming at a bad time. 

If you do find yourself facing a relocation decision, consider these tips:

• An employee considering a move for a job should be clear on the details of the company's relocation policy before accepting the job.  Any concerns should be directed to the human-resources professional.  Don't be afraid to ask for what you want.
• Know the tax implications involved.  The majority of a relocation package can be considered taxable income; "if a company chooses to cover the tax liability for that benefit, you come out much further ahead."
• Flexible relocation policies might allow an employee to substitute one expense for another, customizing the package to suit the individual's needs.  If, for example, you don't need temporary housing, you might be able to substitute those dollars for the expense associated with storing household goods.  Candidates might negotiate a lump-sum package if they'd rather hold on to the home until the local real-estate market improves.
• If you're selling a house to relocate, realize it's unlikely you'll "make a killing" in many of the current markets.  To ensure a quicker sale, make the cosmetic changes that are necessary before listing the home and price it correctly from the start.

Are you facing a possible job relocation?  If so, we'd love to hear your comments about how the real estate market may or may not affect your decision to relocate.

Housing Weighs on Growth Forecast

Troubles in the U.S. housing market will weigh on economic growth this year even more than earlier estimated.   According to a forecast of economists released recently, real gross domestic product, the government's broadest measure of economic output, is expected to advance 2.3 percent in 2007.  That is down from an earlier estimate in February for 2.8 percent growth.

However, growth in 2008 is expected to pick up to 3.1 percent after the housing market bottoms out.

The survey of 48 economists taken between April 19 and May 8, found that housing market troubles, particularly those in the risky subprime mortgage lending market, will drag out through this year.  Almost half of those surveyed expect the bottom in housing will not be reached until the fourth quarter.

All of this bad news about housing and how bad the real estate market is right now equates to there being no better time than now to find the best value for your money when shopping for a home.  Savvy investors have always known to "buy when the market is down".. that's when the best return on the investment is usually realized.  To find out whether now is the best time for you to own a home, give us a call.  There is no obligation for us to talk with you about your options.

Alternatives to Having a Lawn

It's common knowledge that the first thing prospective buyers see when they arrive at your home may be the most important factor in determining whether they even bother walking in the door. It's known as curb appeal.

It's also common knowledge that a big part of good curb appeal is a well-manicured, lush green lawn.

You don't necessarily need to go out and buy all kinds of fertilizers, pesticides and "anti everything-that-grows-naturally" products, to have a beautiful front lawn. In fact, you may not need a lawn at all. With water prices skyrocketing across the country, you might consider environmentally friendly alternatives to a lawn that require little or no watering.

Read more about these Environmentally Friendly Alternatives here…