Month: March 2023

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Home Purchase Relocation Best Practices Relocation Challenges Relocation Management

2023 Real Estate Trends: States People Are Moving to and Why?

man smiling while moving boxes into his new home
Portrait of a young man carrying a box while moving house

These are the states that are seeing a significant increase in population and some possible reasons why

Relocating for professional or personal reasons can be an excellent decision for both. New beginnings bring new opportunities to advance your career or grow yourself in a new destination. For 2023, we will use real estate trends to predict which states people will migrate to.

But before we start to look at which states are drawing new people in, let’s review some of the significant factors in why people are looking for a relocation change.

Cost of Living and Affordability

Housing affordability is decreasing as Americans seek cheaper homes and cheaper living in other states/cities. 2022 saw many moving due to money/costs, but 2023 looks to have a more steady housing market, making moving possible for many.

Americans searching for economic stability evaluated the financial implications of city vs. suburban life. Remote work has enabled many who live in costly cities to transition to cheaper places without giving up job prospects. This U.S. relocation trend explains the growing number of people departing urban regions for the suburbs.

Remote Work Options

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, most previously office-based companies have moved to either full-time remote work or hybrid schedules with remote work options. Now that many people in the workforce have the opportunity to work remotely, they now can choose to live wherever they want. 

In the past, employees would have to live within driving distance of their office to be at work on time, which made significant cities the apparent hotspots in the country. But with people able to log into work from the comfort of their homes, they are looking for homes in less crowded destinations. 

In 2023, working from home will be a permanent fixture for many companies. This will have employees seeking a new destination they have always wanted to live in. States with warmer weather and cheaper costs of living are the prominent front runners for those looking to move this year while working remotely.

Top States People are Moving to in 2023

2022 saw significant growth in certain states, trends that may repeat in 2023. Those with more room, cheaper living and remote work will be the best spots to reside in America. Here are the top four states people are migrating to in 2023:

1) Arizona

Arizona’s year-round sunny weather makes this an obvious destination for those looking to relocate to a place for outdoor activities. The Phoenix suburbs are growing in population yearly, with towns in the East Valley like Mesa and Gilbert leading the way. Hiking and golfing are activities that can happen in Arizona any day of the year.

And if taking in the sun by the pool or on the golf course isn’t something you’d want to do every day, northern and eastern Arizona have plenty of forests to explore with four-season weather. And let’s not forget the great wonder of the world, the Grand Canyon, which is a driving distance from the Phoenix area, for a weekend getaway.

2) Georgia

Georgia anticipates a rise in population. This Southern state has an impressively low unemployment rate of 2.9% compared to the national average. Furthermore, the cost of living and taxes are relatively low, making it an attractive place to live. 

Living in urban areas such as Atlanta and Savannah offers many job prospects due to the presence of renowned corporations like Home Depot, UPS, Delta Airlines, and Coca-Cola. When not working, Georgia’s inhabitants can explore the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest by hiking, camping, or biking, or visit the Georgia Aquarium, meander around the City Market in the Landmark District, or take in spectacular sights at Rock City atop Lookout Mountain.

3) Idaho

Idaho has a high population growth rate due to its desirable mountain location and low crime rate. People are moving into the state, particularly to the city of Meridian, faster than they are leaving. Those looking for more space and a good job have the opportunity to join a thriving economy in Boise, one of the top U.S. cities for job-seekers. People nearby enjoy going to well-known places in the state such as Craters of the Moon, Sawtooth, Lake Coeur d’Alene, and Shoshone Falls Park.

4) North Carolina

North Carolina’s low cost of living and substantial job opportunities have attracted many people. Areas like Charlotte and Raleigh have experienced population growth in recent years. Research Triangle Park comprises Oak City, Durham, and Chapel Hill, a hub for science and technology and great for young STEM professionals.

Asheville is one of the top cities to live in in the South. One of the locals’ favorite activities is bird-watching at Cape Hatteras, hiking Chimney Rock State Park, and driving the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Keep Up with GMS for Real Estate Trends

As the industry leader in relocation services, Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) always stays up with industry trends and news. Real estate trends are not only something our relocation experts monitor but study. We take great pride in knowing that our team always strives to gain as much global mobility knowledge as possible. 

If you are considering a relocation for you and your family, contact us today to see if you can take advantage of our Employee Choice Program. If you are an HR or hiring manager looking to create or update relocation policies for your company, set up a free consultation with one of our business development managers.

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Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

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Relocation Best Practices Relocation Challenges Relocation Management Relocation Policy Review Relocation Programs

5 Terms to Include in a Competitive Relocation Package

family enjoying pizza in their new home with moving boxes around
a young family move into their new home and have pizza for their first meal

Make your relocation offer competitive by including these policies

Every year millions of people move for new jobs. Relocating for your professional career is familiar, but the relocation industry has changed since the Covid-19 pandemic. When it comes to offering relocation packages to employees willing to move for a new position, studies show that employees are more reluctant to move if there is a higher cost of living in their new destination. 

Another factor for employees not wanting to relocate is the start date. Companies often ask employees to be in their new seats within 30 days of signing the offer letter. So, what can companies do to work around these distresses? 

Companies who are asking talent to relocate for a position should look into offering employee relocation packages. These packages help offset the stress of moving by providing financial assistance and corporate housing so that the employee can relocate as seamlessly as possible. 

While every company has different opinions on what should and should not be covered regarding talent mobility, a few basic policies should be included in every relocation package. Here are five terms to make your company’s relocation package appealing to applicants so that they cannot refuse your offer:

1) Real Estate Programs or Lease-Break Assistance

A survey by Worldwide ERC showed that selling a home for less than it is worth is the most expensive part of relocating. When time is limited, employees are often forced to accept a lower sale price or pay a financial penalty for ending a lease. Often, employees are scared they will get stuck paying two mortgages or rent payments for multiple months, which could hurt them financially. 

If companies want a shot at landing top talent for an open position, they will include financial aid coverage for breaking a lease. If the employee can get out of their current rental at little or low cost to them, they are more likely to accept your relocation offer. 

For applicants who are homeowners, offering home sale assistance and home-buying assistance programs in the relocation package would be a massive perk for them. Standard relocation real estate programs include BOV, GPO, or Direct Reimbursement. Each of these programs has different pros and cons. But every moving employee will have different needs, so options can make any offer even more appealing.

2) Moving Expenses

This one may seem too easy to list, but it is essential. Very few people save thousands of dollars regularly if they may have to move unexpectedly. So, if an employee is mulling over your offer, the price of moving may be daunting in the back of their mind. But if your company were to cover or assist in the moving expenses, it could quickly put those thoughts to the rest of the employees. 

There are numerous ways to assist an employee with relocation costs. Most companies go the route of reimbursement programs, but there are packages where the company will handle everything on behalf of the employee so that they do not have to worry about it. Again, each different kind of program will have its pros and cons. 

It’s worth noting that no matter which method your company chooses to use for handling relocation expenses, some relocation technology can help keep spending within a budget.

3) Transportation Costs

Moving can be costly, by car or plane. Visiting the new spot before relocating is necessary to find housing and get to know the area. Relocation packages typically include reimbursements for two or three trips. This can also be a chance for the transferring employee to search potential neighborhoods and schools for their family.

4) Tax Implications

Relocating employees can face an unanticipated problem with taxes concerning relocation benefits. An employer may give a ‘relocation lump sum’ to cover relocation expenses, which is taxed as extra income at the employee’s ordinary tax rate.

Employees with a 25% tax rate will be taxed $2,500 on a $10,000 lump sum. This can be a financial strain, so many companies increase the lump sum to cover taxes.

5) Miscellaneous Expenses

One last suggestion to make a solid offer to a potential candidate is to have a miscellaneous expenses policy in your relocation package. Employees may incur costs when relocating. Ask them what expenses they anticipate and offer assistance to cover them, such as vacation days, spousal income loss, and packing services.

GMS Specializes In All of These Terms and Conditions

Look no further if your company needs help updating or creating employee relocation packages. Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) has been helping companies with their relocation services needs since 1987. Our expert team will listen to your wants and needs, then assist you in putting together the best relocation policies to make all your offers to new employees appealing for them to accept a relocation assignment. We specialize in helping companies provide their employees with the terms mentioned above. 

Reach out to us today to set up a free consultation. Within 24 hours, one of our business development managers will be in touch to get you started on setting up the most competitive relocation package in your industry.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

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Corporate Relocation Corporate relocation tips Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Tips Relocation Best Practices Relocation Policy Review Relocation Programs

Cost-Effective Strategies for Managing Employee Relocations

young couple in their new home playing with dogs, while unpacking
Young Asian couple or family feeling happy relaxing and play with their cat after moving to new house or apartment.

use these tips to keep relocation costs within budget

It’s no secret that relocating an employee is a costly endeavor. Creating global teams for your business can be highly beneficial. However, you might lose money on the project if you fail to play your cards right. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the expenses you encounter during this process. There is so much to account for when managing employee relocations. Just a few of these things would be: 

  • Moving company expenses
  • Benefits packages
  • Acquiring accommodation
  • International transport (when applicable)
  • HR department bonuses

And the list goes on. However, it’s not all bad news. If you work strategically, you can save on relocation costs while keeping your employees happy when getting them from point A to point B.

Create tiered packages for employee relocations

The first strategy you can use to stay on budget when relocating an employee is creating tiered relocation packages. This means that the benefits package for an entry-level employee who has been with the company for three months should differ from that of an executive. This is a widespread and very effective strategy. Many employers have three or even four relocation benefit packages. You can create additional layers to those categories based on employee productivity.

Secure housing before the move

There are a lot of hidden expenses that come with moving on a whim, from renting out storage for your employee’s items to an indefinite time spent in short-term accommodation. And since using a storage unit isn’t tax deductible for businesses anymore, it’s even more expensive. Securing housing for your employee before moving is an excellent way of managing employee relocations while saving money.

Additionally, one of the most common reasons employees won’t relocate for work is that the move seems too hassle. So, securing everything in advance will not just help you save money; it’ll also help with employee satisfaction.

Introduce expense caps

Introducing expense caps is a great way to ensure your relocation program stays on budget. Expense caps are a great way to ensure no employee abuses their allowance. It’ll prevent surprise expenses from becoming the norm within your relocation program. 

When introducing expense caps, there are two essential factors to keep in mind: 

  1. Permissible exceptions – You should have some leeway in your budget if something goes wrong during your employee’s relocation. If they need to make an unplanned expense that is deemed necessary, you should be able to provide that;
  2. Expense caps should be personalized – It’s important to remember that living expenses differ in different areas. Ensure that your expense caps are calculated with the average cost of living in the area in mind.

Managing employee relocations is not ‘one-size-fits-all’

While offering every employee the same budget, guidelines, and services when managing their relocations may seem much more straightforward at first glance, you’ll quickly realize that it’s not. For example, a young single employee will require very different services than an older married employee with two kids. 

It’s essential to account for the individual needs of every employee you are relocating. Don’t worry if some mistakes come up the first few times. After a while, you’ll learn which services and guidelines are necessary for which group of employees. Ensuring that benefits packages and relocation services are tailored to the needs of your employees will help you save in two main ways: 

  1. You’ll be able to cut out any expenses that aren’t necessary for that worker; 
  2. You won’t be cutting out vital things to your employee. This will help keep morale (and productivity) up.

Other Relocation Costs to Keep in Mind

Conversely, a great option is to secure a fully furnished new home for them. That way, they only need to bring essentials and valuable personal possessions. Some other ways to cut costs on a long-distance move would be: 

  1. Choosing the suitable date – Moving during the off-season (winter and fall) can usually get you lower prices; 
  2. Shopping around – Getting estimates from a few moving companies is a great way to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck; 
  3. Compound expenses – If you plan on hiring professional packers in addition to movers, try finding a company that offers both. That way, you can get a deal on both services instead of paying the total price for each.

Ready for the best deal on relocation services?

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) is your best bet to get a proper quote when it comes to relocation services. First off, all of our service providers are strictly vetted. And second off, we use a multi-bid approach when it comes to hiring vendors for each move. 

Most relocation services companies (RMC) will have a trusted partner vendor they use most of the time. Which is why their prices stay set at what they are. But GMS will get multiple bids from different vendors so that our savings on relocation costs get passed on to you. 

If you’re ready to hear more about how GMS can help save your company money on relocation costs, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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Global Relocation Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends

Want to Work Abroad? Here’s How to Get Recruited Internationally

Business woman in the City of London
A confident business woman in the City of London holding a cup of coffee and a tablet device

Here are some ways you can set your career up for international relocation

The work-from-home age is upon us. Countless companies have now shifted their entire workforce to working remotely. During the Covid-19 pandemic, companies found that employees were more productive and happier working from home. This is why a new normal among job seekers to ask for full-time remote work settings. 

With the ability to work from anywhere, many Americans are looking for jobs that could allow them to relocate internationally. Studies show that companies are fine with employees living anywhere as long as their work is done correctly and on time. So, many employees are using their remote work options to live in a country they have always wanted to live in. 

Zoom Towns is the term used where a town or city is seeing an increase in population from digital nomads. Digital nomads are remote employees who live in a particular area but work in towns, states, or even countries away. International relocation is not easy, though. One does not simply pack their bag and leave for a new country on a whim. There are lots of factors to consider. Where to live, internet connection, visa and immigration concerns, and more. 

But for those who have their heart set on taking an international relocation assignment, here are some things to think about when putting the wheels in motion to do so:

Research Your Company’s International Roles

Before considering a remote position, your company may need to send you overseas. Many companies offer international relocation assignments to employees on a short-term or permanent basis. Often, short-term global mobility positions are an excellent way for an employee to experience living abroad without having to move to that country permanently. 

The significant advantage of accepting a global role with your current company is that you will have access to your company’s international relocation management company. Meaning there will be a company to assist your move and help you with finding a place to live, visa paperwork, etc. 

Letting your manager or human resources representative know that you are interested in international positions is the best way to start when going this route.

Find a Job with International Offices

Suppose your current employer does not have or offer international relocation services. In that case, throwing your resume around to companies that need employees aboard could be a good idea. It is not uncommon for a company to have difficulty getting employees to move to another country. You could become a valued team member if you apply for a position requiring global mobility assignments. 

Employees with children or other family members they are responsible for don’t have the luxury of relocating whenever their company needs to send an employee to Europe or Asia. But employees hired for those types of assignments can get their travel bug fixed that way. 

It is worth noting that employees who speak multiple languages usually have the upper hand in getting chosen for international relocation jobs. Seeking some basic language training would also be helpful if this is the route you’re going to move abroad for a job.

Work Abroad Remotely

Already stated earlier, this is the most common route the American workforce is taking to get to move to a new country. With so many Zoom Towns becoming more popular, especially in European countries, companies are fine with moving there to live while continuing their work here in the US. 

But companies being okay with their employees living wherever they please usually means they do not provide international relocation assistance to their employees. This means the employee is on their own regarding moving costs. On top of that, the immigration paperwork alone can be daunting for an employee looking to move internationally.

GMS Can Offer Employees Alternatives

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) is the relocation industry leader. Over the last 30 years, we’ve helped employees get from point A to point B. In that time, we have been creative and initiative with our international relocation policies. The work-from-home age is no different. We have created a great program that companies and employees can utilize when employers do not offer relocation benefits. 

Our new Employee Choice Program allows companies to work with us in assisting employees move to a new state or country for their current position to work remotely. This program’s beautiful and simple explanation is that the company does not have to pay a penny in relocation costs for their employee, and the employee gets to work with global mobility experts from our network. 

That’s right; employees get to work with visa and immigration specialists and move companies from our network at better prices than if they were to get quotes on their own. The Employee Choice Program was designed specifically with remote workers in mind. 

To learn more about our international relocation options, please schedule a free consultation with one of our global mobility experts today!

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

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Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends Relocation Technology

Relocation Technology: Trends Changing the Global Mobility Industry

young woman working on laptop
Shot of a young businesswoman using a laptop while working in her home office

Here’s a look at how technology is changing the employee relocation process

Modern technology has changed every industry. For the most part, each sector can use technology to its advantage and provide a more seamless customer experience. The relocation industry is no different. Relocation management companies (RMC) each have relocation technology that they try to utilize. 

There are different apps, programs, and systems that RMCs can deploy to their customers. But when taking a bid from an RMC to provide your company with global mobility programs, it is essential to ask about their technology specifically. Ask the RMC to provide you with a list of advantages on how their tech tools can help get your employees from point A to point B. 

Here is a breakdown of some of the increasing relocation technology trends in the global mobility industry:

VR House Hunting Trips

When working with an RMC to set up relocation packages, often house-hunting trips will be included. Usually, the employee is about to travel to their new destination twice to look at potential new homes and neighbors. But thanks to technology, relocating employees don’t have to cram all their house hunting into one or two trips. 

Virtual reality (VR) home showings have become increasingly popular since the Covid 19 Pandemic. Using ubiquitous 360-degree cameras can be a great way to showcase a property to a potential buyer anywhere, anytime. This tool gives the buyer a panoramic presentation of the house or apartment for sale. 

Many US real estate agencies have begun creating home listings with VR showcasing options. No one will buy a home without looking at it in person first. But at least VR setups can give a moving employee a worthwhile first look at a home they may want to purchase.

AR for Visualization Shopping

When moving to a new destination, setting up your new home or short-term housing option will be top of mind once you get there. That’s where augmented reality (AR) can be of assistance. AR technology combines virtual components to see what a surrounding area will look like if it’s changed. 

The most straightforward example to call out would be furniture shopping. Some apps use AR so that a customer can snap a picture of the area in the new home they hope to put the furniture in to see what it will look like. This is helpful when buying household goods for your new home. 

Another excellent example of how AR tech can be used is if home upgrades have to be made to your property in the new destination. If you want to reconstruct the backyard or remodel a bathroom, apps can give you a great layout of how the project will look once completed.

Cloud-Based Technology to Stay Organized

The most crucial piece of relocation technology that an RMC can provide is a portal where employees, employers, and relocation representatives can live-track the relocation process. Think of it as a portal where all the info on an employee’s move can be kept and accessed. This makes it easy for the employee to stay organized while the employer can track costs and spending. It also serves as a place where the relocation expert assisting the employee with their move can provide information and insight into oncoming steps for the move. 

This is something that every company should ask their RMC about. Using cloud-based technology so that it is up to the moment updated can keep everyone on the same page about any given employee’s relocation.

Doc-Signing Technology

An essential part of relocation is document signing. Numerous vital documents must be signed when someone is relocating—starting with their job offer letter to home buying and selling documents. Technology has made signing documents easy and more environmentally friendly. Gone are the days when you have to print, sign, and mail back stacks of paper. Plenty of apps allow companies and RMCs to review, edit, and sign documents within minutes. This not only saves on paper but saves on the chance of documents getting lost or stolen in the mailing process.

Cost of Living Calculators

When an employee accepts a position in a new destination, one of the first things that may cross their mind is the cost of living factors. Moving to a city that may cost more to live in, will affect the salary and relocation package negotiation. If working with an RMC, mention to them that having a legit cost of living calculator that can give precise numbers can be extremely helpful in the hiring process. 

If an employee can see side-by-side comparisons of the current cost of living vs. where the job is located, they can make a quicker decision. This allows everyone to move on faster, whether the employee accepts the relocation assignment or the company can proceed with other interviews.

GMS Is Always Up to Date on technology

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) is the leader in the relocation industry regarding technology. Our award-winning customer service team assists employees to relocate seamlessly by utilizing MyRelocation®. 

MyRelocation® is a cloud-based system allowing transferees to track and monitor their relocation through a user-friendly dashboard. Employees can access benefits, communicate with their relocation coach, and stay informed of critical dates. Our tech, which won an award, is a valuable and robust asset for staff, with a user-friendly interface, easy menu layout, and functions.

Please contact us today for a free walk-through of MyRelocation® or a free courtesy call to benchmark your current relocation packages. One of our relocation experts will be more than happy to hear any of your relocation needs and then best assess how we can help you.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Consultation

Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

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About

Contact Us

About Us

GMS Client Login

Privacy Policy

Other Services

Our Technology

Global Relocation

Group Moves

U.S. & Canadian Relocation

Address

Global Mobility Solutions
15333 N. Pima Road
Scottsdale AZ, 85260

1.800.617.1904
Available 24/7/365

About

Contact Us

About Us

GMS Client Login

Privacy Policy

Address

Global Mobility Solutions
15333 N. Pima Road
Scottsdale AZ, 85260

1.800.617.1904
Available 24/7/365

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