Category: Buy a Home

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How Top Agents Market Homes: 15 Proven Strategies That Drive Faster, Higher-Value Sales

Real estate agent showing a young couple a home for sale.
Medium shot of a real estate agent showing and explaining property to a couple

Selling a home today requires more than a well-written listing. The best agents blend data, digital marketing, and personalized service to make homes stand out — especially when supporting relocating employees who need smooth, timely transitions.

In a market where inventory levels shift quickly and buyers expect on-demand access to information, home marketing has become a sophisticated, multi-channel effort. Top-performing agents understand that every detail matters — from staging and photography to digital targeting and agent-to-agent networking. Their ability to combine strategic planning with modern technology often determines whether a home sells quickly and at a competitive price.

Here are the 15 most effective strategies top agents use to market homes in 2025.

1. Strategic Pre-Listing MarketinG

Top agents don’t wait for the listing to go live. They build anticipation with “coming soon” promotions, internal broker previews, and early outreach to qualified buyers.

2. Professional Photography

High-quality, well-lit photography remains the #1 factor that drives listing engagement and online clicks.

3. Virtual Tours & 3D Walkthroughs

Buyers — especially relocating transferees — want to experience the home from anywhere. Immersive tours dramatically increase interest and viewing time.

4. Engaging Video Showings

Live and recorded video tours help remote buyers connect to the property and reduce unnecessary in-person visits.

5. Neighborhood Lifestyle Marketing

Agents highlight local amenities, commute times, parks, schools, and neighborhood culture to communicate the lifestyle the home offers.

6. Optimized MLS Exposure

Top agents maximize MLS listings with polished descriptions, strategic photo ordering, and syndication to major real-estate portals.

7. Dedicated Property Websites

A home-specific webpage with photos, features, videos, and floor plans gives buyers a focused, distraction-free experience.

8. Smart Social Media Marketing

Agents leverage Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube to expand reach and create compelling visual storytelling.

9. Targeted Digital Advertising

Paid online ads reach highly targeted buyer demographics based on geography, interests, price points, and behavior.

10. High-Impact Print & Digital Brochures

Sleek marketing sheets, digital flipbooks, and shareable PDFs help the home stand out and communicate quality.

11. Staging (Physical or Virtual)

Staged homes show better, photograph better, and sell faster. Virtual staging offers an affordable alternative for vacant spaces.

12. Agent-to-Agent Networking

Top agents proactively contact other brokers who have active buyer clients — a critical tactic for fast-moving relocations.

13. Email & Text Campaigns

Email marketing and SMS alerts reach active buyers and agents instantly with updates about launches, open houses, or price adjustments.

14. Open Houses (In-Person or Virtual)

Well-promoted open houses create urgency, generate buyer traffic, and amplify exposure across multiple channels.

15. Comprehensive Home Preparation

The best agents help sellers coordinate staging, cleaning, landscaping, repairs, and cosmetic improvements that increase perceived value.

Why This Matters for Corporate Relocation

For relocating employees, time is often limited and stress levels are high. Strong home marketing can:

  • Speed up sale timelines

  • Improve sale price outcomes

  • Reduce uncertainty for families

  • Help companies keep relocation plans on schedule

This is why GMS partners only with experienced agents who consistently deliver quality marketing and customer service.

GMS: Connecting Transferees With the Industry’s Best Agents

Our relocation-focused agent network is carefully vetted for performance, communication, and marketing expertise. We ensure your employees work with top professionals who understand the unique challenges of moving for work.

GMS helps organizations move talent with confidence. To learn how our agent network markets homes or to explore ways to enhance your mobility program, please don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

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What to Do When Corporate Housing Prices Are Too High

nice living room
Minimalist designed living room interior scene in the evening

Looking at Short-term Housing Options

Corporate housing, also referred to as temporary housing, is a common benefit included in relocation policies. Corporate housing is a short-term housing option for transferees who might not have an established home available in their new destination. Typically available in 14-, 30-, 60-, or 90-day increments, temporary housing provides a transitional period for those relocating to a new location. Most temporary housing units come fully furnished, with kitchenettes, and are pet-friendly. 

Corporate housing may seem straightforward: a company covers temporary accommodations for employees while their permanent living arrangements are being sorted out. But what if finding long-term housing takes longer than anticipated? Or if the cost of corporate housing in the new location is significantly higher than budgeted? Are employees left to fend for themselves in finding a place to live?

While the specific answers to these questions will depend on the company’s relocation policies, many transferees may ask about Airbnb, VRBO, and other short-term rental options. Some companies may approve this idea and offer reimbursement packages for short-term rentals to employees who are relocating. However, there are some downsides to consider for companies that allow their employees these options, rather than covering the expenses for corporate housing. Those temporary housing options don’t offer the same coverage and come with more risk.  Additionally, it could ultimately result in the company incurring more expenses in the long run. Here is a breakdown of why the use of Airbnb and VRBO could potentially backfire on companies relocating their employees.

Potential Overpayment

When working with a relocation consultant on policies for transferring employees, corporate housing pricing is typically broken down to a per-employee, per-night basis. When third-party solutions are used (like Airbnb), and employees are allowed to seek their short-term housing options, many companies provide a predetermined amount of support. The amount provided may exceed the level of support needed by the employee for suitable accommodations, leading to overpayment by the company. In the end, the company might not be getting as good of a deal as it could be. 

In this scenario, the company could find that employees are pocketing the difference between their temporary housing allowance and the actual cost of accommodations. If an employee sees in the relocation policy that they qualify for a $X amount of benefits, then they can book something cheaper but still claim the entire amount and retain the balance. 

This type of support may also put some employees in tougher spots than others when it comes to finding affordable options. The flat level of support provided may not be enough to cover the cost of reasonable temporary living accommodations.

On the other hand, if your relocation program has corporate housing units that have been pre-selected and pre-approved, your expenses will be easier to anticipate, and you can ensure that you are offering the appropriate level of assistance to your transferees.

Billing Could Become a Nightmare

Companies that allow employees to use their relocation benefits for their housing could also end up in a billing nightmare. Many companies’ policies are not written to address the unique challenges that come with employees booking their accommodations through third-party housing providers. Without established limits and a streamlined expense reimbursement policy, an HR or accounting team may need to process numerous third-party vendors who utilize different billing methods. This could also result in the accounting department having to spend more time cutting reimbursement checks to each employee. 

One solution to address this issue is to have employees use company-approved corporate housing units that already have a direct billing arrangement in place. This ensures a more streamlined program when relocation specialists are already knowledgeable about the temporary housing options available.

Risk Considerations and Lack of Quality Control

Companies need their employees to have sufficient housing accommodations while relocating and starting their new positions. Allowing individual employees to book their third-party housing might expose them and your company to unnecessary risk. If an employee uses Airbnb or another company’s rental, there is no guarantee that the living accommodations will be clean, safe, or reparable at any given moment. 

For example, with a corporate housing apartment, if something were to go wrong, the company would have an established contract with the corporate housing company that covers items such as repairs. This provides for timely repairs or the replacement of malfunctioning equipment as soon as possible. With a third-party rental that the employee chooses, there is no way for your company to guarantee timely repairs or replacements contractually. This places more risk on the employee and your organization and is not likely to be covered in the employee’s relocation policy. The last thing a transferee needs to deal with while relocating for a company is the issue of where they are staying.

Additional examples of risk exposure that may arise through the use of vacation-style rentals include:

  • Property safety inspections
  • Lack of appropriate safety equipment (such as door/window locks and fire extinguishers)
  • No safety plans for documents in the event of a fire or natural disaster
  • Challenges around property insurance

Lastly, with third-party rentals, there may be little to no established check-in process. This can lead to complaints related to customer service or quality, as employees might be left scrambling if the check-in process goes awry. If the employee shows up at the rental unit and the unit is not sufficient, or they are told it is no longer available, it will put the employee in a challenging situation where they are left to their own devices.

The workaround for this pain point is to have transferees utilize corporate housing units approved by the company, where a predictable direct billing relationship already exists. Additionally, a more consistently applied program is made possible when the relocation specialists working with your transferees are already familiar with your temporary housing providers.

GMS Can Provide Your Employees With Suitable Corporate Housing

Airbnb and other rental companies like it are an excellent option for those seeking a vacation.  However, for companies that relocate multiple people annually for business purposes, this might not be the best option. Working with a qualified corporate relocation company, such as GMS, policies can be implemented to ensure your employees have suitable temporary housing units ready for them upon arrival in their new town or city. Contact us today online if you are prepared to start looking at corporate housing solutions for your relocation program or have any questions about temporary housing for your relocating employees.

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Buy a Home Corporate Relocation Corporate relocation tips Global Mobility Home Purchase Relocation Challenges

The Benefits of a Preferred Relocation Real Estate Agent

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When meeting with the young family at the house showing, the mid adult female real estate agent reaches out to shake hands with the mid adult husband.

Pros of Using a Preferred Relocation Real Estate Agent

If your current employer has offered you a new position in a different city or state, or if you are accepting a new job in a new location, you probably have dozens of questions about the relocation process and how it works. Like most relocating individuals, one of the most prominent questions is most likely the concern about selling your home. 

Many transferees who are getting ready to move (or those still weighing options with an offer) often wonder if they are on their own for selling their house or if the corporate relocation company their employer is partnering with will do that. Going a level deeper, those moving then wonder if they are in charge of hiring their real estate agent. 

The answer to that question is simple: you have the power. Many relocation policies offer support when it comes to home-selling assistance. If home selling assistance is one of your relocation benefits, it is an excellent idea to capitalize on that. Now the question becomes, should I use a friend or family member to sell my home or be assigned a specialized relocation real estate agent? While many transferees may want to go with the first option, allowing the relocation specialist to handle the sale might make more sense. Here’s why:

Using an Experienced Relocation Real Estate Agent

Many relocation companies urge the relocating employee to select an agent from their vetted real estate network. They can then guarantee that the agent is familiar with relocation policies and will know the nuances of the relocation process. This will ensure that the transferee maximizes their benefits by taking advantage of every aspect of the home-sale program. Transferees that stick with their company’s established home sale program commonly sell their homes more quickly, arrive at their destination less stressed, and are ready to work. 

Leveraging your company’s home sale program, your relocation company’s point of contact can coordinate the entire move process for you—from the relocation appraisal to the moving of your household goods and, finally, the end of the sale of your property. Additionally, relocation real estate companies will recommend multiple agents for you to interview before deciding, placing you in control.

Real estate agents who are not experienced with the relocation process might not be as active, know how to maximize savings and profits or understand how to utilize relocation benefits properly. If they need more understanding of how corporate relocation processes work, this will slow down the sale of your home.

Out-of-Network Fees

In addition to the valuable experience that a vetted relocation-specialized agent can provide, it is better to use a relocation company’s agent because many relocation companies charge sizable out-of-network or referral recovery fees when agents outside their networks are utilized. Many companies state in their relocation policies that using an authorized agent is mandatory to receive your benefits. In this case, you will not be able to benefit from specialized home sale programs designed to help you sell as quickly as possible, for as much as possible.

Get the Most Out Of Relocation Real Estate Benefits

Selling your home is just one of the first steps to take for a successful relocation for you and your family. That is why working with relocation specialists who know how to get you the best deal possible for your home is vital. If you have any questions about relocation real estate benefits or need to contact a vetted agent who can guide you through the process, don’t hesitate to contact us online today. One of our team members will reach out to assist you with your questions.

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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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Buy a Home Corporate Relocation Talent Management United States Economy

18 States Require Written Buyer Agency Agreements

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Meeting with financial adviser

Litigation filed or ongoing in various jurisdictions across the US

As of December 2023, buyer agency agreements will be mandatory in 18 states, each with different rules affecting aspects like dual agency, offering cooperative compensation, and disclosing fees. In 2024, more states are expected to introduce additional buyer agency agreements and laws on fee transparency.

This trend towards increased regulation and transparency in buyer agency agreements reflects a growing emphasis on consumer protection and ensuring buyers are fully informed and represented in real estate transactions. By requiring agents to disclose potential conflicts of interest, such as dual agency, and to be transparent about fees and compensation, states aim to create a more fair and equitable real estate market for all parties involved.

Buyer agency agreements can provide buyers with dedicated representation and advocacy throughout the home buying process, helping them navigate the complexities of the real estate market and negotiate the best possible deal. However, it is essential for buyers to carefully review and understand the terms of these agreements before signing, as they can vary significantly from state to state.

As the real estate industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer expectations and regulatory requirements, we will likely see further developments in buyer agency agreements and fee transparency legislation in the coming years. Buyers should stay informed and work with experienced and knowledgeable real estate agents who can guide them through the process and protect their interests.

Here are the states that now require written buyer agency agreements

  1. Arkansas
  2. Alaska
  3. Georgia
  4. Idaho
  5. Maryland
  6. Minnesota
  7. Missouri
  8. Nebraska
  9. New Hampshire
  10. North Carolina
  11. North Dakota
  12. Pennsylvania
  13. South Carolina
  14. Utah
  15. Vermont
  16. Virginia
  17. Washington
  18. Wisconsin

Stay in the Know with GMS

Buyers need to understand the laws and regulations in their state regarding buyer agency agreements and fee transparency. By working with a reputable real estate agent and relocation management company, buyers can ensure their interests are protected and fully informed throughout the home-buying process. Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) is a reliable resource for expert guidance in real estate services. Stay informed by regularly checking their blog and contacting them with any questions. Buyers can confidently navigate the real estate market with the proper knowledge and support; reach out to GMS today to see how we can assist you and your employees in getting from point A to point B.

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What to Expect for Rent Prices Moving into 2023

Young woman doing an online shopping for new home
Young woman doing an online shopping for new home

Many real estate experts are calling for rent prices to rise

While the real estate markets throughout the country are constantly shifting, many felt that heading into 2023, we’d see a calmer market overall than we had from 2020-2022. But rent prices, for the long-term outlook, are not looking promising as we move into 2023. In August of this year, the median rent price in the most significant 50 US cities fell by about $10, according to Realtor.com. That was the first time we saw a dip in the US median price since November 2021. 

 

But, unfortunately, one month’s worth of decline in that rent price doesn’t necessarily start a long-term downward trend. Rental demand will remain strong due to rising mortgage rates and homeownership costs, which will stop many people from being able to enter the buyer’s market in the new year. This forces many would-be homebuyers to remain in the rental market, signing leases through 2023 and beyond, exacerbating an already high-demanded rental market.

Expect above-average rent price increases for the first half of 2023

Based on data from the federal government’s consumer price index, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas predicts that rental prices will increase from 5.8% to 8.4% between June 2022 and May 2023.

 

According to Thomas LaSalvia, a director of financial analysis at Moody’s Analytics, annualized rent increases were from 4% to 5% during the Covid pandemic.

 

“There’s an anticipation that interest rates still have to rise in the next six months for the Fed to get inflation back into its comfort zone,” LaSalvia says. “And with that, mortgage rates will stay relatively high.”

 

Moody’s expects prices to grow more slowly in the second half of 2023 as long as mortgage rates stay low.

 

“There’s also an expectation that the Fed is going to pivot [away from continued interest hikes] after inflation starts to come down, which would then take a little pressure off the mortgage market,” LaSalvia says. This, in turn, should provide some price relief for renters, he says.

What Rising Rent Prices Mean for Relocation Policies

There’s no question that living costs are closely related to home renting and buying prices. This is why rent prices, rising or declining, can have an impact on an employee accepting a relocation assignment. While many might think that the only way to get an employee to move for their new job is to throw more money their way, there are relocation policies that can be set up to help offset the cost of living and make moving expenses more manageable. 

 

First off, offering corporate housing options can help persuade an employee. Corporate housing is short-term housing from anywhere from 30 to 90 days. The primary purpose of providing employees with this benefit is to give them time to scout out neighbors or apartment complexes they might want to move into permanently in their new destination. This way, the employee doesn’t rush into signing a lease that they will not be happy with long-term. 

 

Many employers also see success when they work with a relocation service provider who can guide them in lease management options. The most straightforward example would be for the employer to provide compensation for an employee breaking their current lease. Often, to break a lease on a rental property, it can cost too much to make it worth it. But there are relocation policies where lease break coverage can be included.

Let GMS Help with a Cost of Living Analysis

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) has been the industry leader in relocation for over 30 years. We specialize in helping companies get their employees from point A to point B. Whether your employees need to sell and buy a home or break their lease and sign a new one, we can help you by setting up relocation policies that will make a smooth transition for you and your employee. 

 

On top of rental and home-buying assistance, we also have great corporate housing providers who can set up your company with some short-term housing options. 

 

And lastly, GMS’ expert team would be more than happy to provide you with some cost of living analysis for some of the major markets, not only in the US but international destinations as well. We assist with these analyses to make it easier for your employee to want to accept the relocation assignment.

 

At GMS, we understand how hard it can be to get the right person in the right seat, which is why we are here to help in any way we can. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation, where one of our relocation experts will review your relocation policies to see where improvements and cost-saving changes can be made. 

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Answers to Housing Market Questions Heading into 2023

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Family in front of their house

As we near 2023, here are some hot topics regarding the real estate market

Over the last three years, many real estate markets saw record-high home prices. As the interest rates continue to rise, there are many questions regarding the housing markets across the country heading into 2023. Many buyers and sellers wonder if these high prices will stay consistent or continue to increase. 

 

Here we cover some questions that many have about the future of the real estate market and how it may affect relocation programs next year:

What Caused Home Prices to Rise So Much in the Last Two Years?

The short answer is high demand and low supply. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Home Price Index, the national average on home prices went up 15% in 2021 and 9% in 2020. Historically prices have only grown about 5% each year until then. 

 

Because of the historically high demand, the Federal Reserve drove down mortgage rates and borrowing costs to record lows to better support economic activity. The thought was to make monthly payments on expensive homes more manageable. But while that was happening, the number of homes for sale declined as many people were waiting out the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects on the market.

What Will Happen with Home Prices in 2023?

With a rise in mortgage rates, we have seen new and existing home sales slow down considerably. According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales were down almost 20% when compared year over year. At the same time, median home prices sold somehow went up 7.7%.

Demand may have slowed in most major markets, but the number of homes for sale continues to be at historic lows. Experts predict that the national average home prices could continue to rise, but if so, it will be much slower than in the past two years. For 2023, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and Fannie Mae predict existing home price growth of 3.1% and 3.2%, respectively.     

 

In summary, potential buyers might not have to deal with as much competition, but property appraisals are likely to remain high.

Will there be a housing market crash similar to 2007–08?

Experts will say that they do not see the market conditions as a “housing bubble” compared to 2007-2008. During the period leading up to that bubble burst, too many mortgage companies were greenlighting buyers who did not have financial positions to manage monthly payments. Back then, many home loans were made with no money down on the property, so the buyers did not even have equity in the property. 

 

As the home prices eventually declined significantly, this made it easier for the new homeowner to walk away from the house, which created the crash. But today, mortgage qualifiers have much stronger credit profiles and equity in their properties. According to the New York Federal Reserve, most home loans made over the last two years have gone to those with high credit scores of 760+ rather than the low scores of the Housing Bubble period. 

In addition, the housing market in 2007 had a surplus of homes for purchase in the decade before the COVID-19 pandemic, but new home construction did not keep up with the demands of a growing population.

With the price increases, is housing affordability an issue for the U.S. economy?

The high cost of housing and increasing mortgage rates make it difficult for more people to afford a home. This has been a problem in the economy for several years, with the lack of affordable housing being an issue since the Great Recession. As the supply of homes becomes tighter, builders are incentivized to construct larger homes with more significant profit margins. With an increase in the availability of these higher-priced segments, builders have slowly begun moving down the price-point scale.

GMS Is Always In the Know On the Housing MarkeT

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) always stays up to date on the real estate market in almost every need within the US, and most international market trends. Our dedicated real estate team works with the best relocation real estate agents and mortgage brokers to assure excellent service and outstanding home sale and buying assistance programs. 

 

On top of that, our corporate housing providers are all thoroughly vetted before being passed on to clients. At GMS, we understand that the up and down housing market can be a big reason why an employee might decline a relocation assignment, which is why we do everything in our power to get them from point A to point B without going into financial distress over their home sale or home buying portion of the relocation process. 

For more information on our real estate case studies or other industry trends regarding global mobility programs, feel free to reach out to us today for a free consultation. Our award-winning relocation team is ready to answer any questions you may have.

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New U.S. Legislation Prohibits non-Canadians from Real Estate Purchases

Young couple unpacking cardboard boxes at new home.Moving house.
Young couple unpacking cardboard boxes at new home.Moving house.

Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians

New legislation was passed known as the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians. Relocation experts are predicting that this will have a significant effect on BVO transactions for Canadians who are relocating to the U.S. The main reason is that now there will be a limit on home purchases for Canadian-bound foreign nationals within the U.S. 

This is part of the Budget Implementation Act of 2022, passed into law on August 31, 2021. But the effective date won’t kick in until January 1, 2023, and will be in full effect for two years. The legislation forbids non-Canadian individuals or Canadian-owned corporations from purchasing residential properties anywhere within the U.S. This could impact companies’ relocation assignments. 

Who Does the Legislation Applies to:

This new legislation applies to any individual who is neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident, along with corporations not incorporated under Canadian federal or provincial laws. Also, a Canadian corporation not listed on the stock exchange in Canada that is controlled by persons who are non-Canadian nor nonresident, persons or entities prescribed by legislation.

The fact that “control” must be managed by individuals who are not subject to the Act (i.e. resident Canadian citizens) may be necessary for U.S.-based RMCs. They maintain a Canadian subsidiary to avoid classification as a non-resident seller of real estate.

Exemptions to the Act May Include

  • Purchase agreements entered into or assumed by January 1, 2023, even if the purchase closes after this date;
  • Certain non-Canadians:
  • Temporary residents such as students and foreign workers with federally issued work permits;
  • Persons afforded federal refugee protection;
  • A non-Canadian who purchases the home provided their spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, a temporary resident, or a Protected Person as prescribed by law.

What this Means for Relocation Transferees

The legislation does not prevent foreign nationals from relocating to Canada but would prevent them from purchasing property there unless the transferee or their spouse/domestic partner has Canadian citizenship.

Worldwide ERC supports the Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC) in its efforts to communicate with the Canadian government and obtain exemptions from the Act for domestic and cross-border relocations. CERC has submitted recommendations for allowing non-residents with valid work permits to purchase the property and is asking for the exemption to be granted.

Craig Anderson, the Vice President of AECC, is the Chair of WERC’s Global Tax Forum and monitors this legislation closely. According to CERC’s Global Workforce Symposium in Las Vegas, the following information will show their efforts’ status.   

Every Saturday, the Canadian Gazette publishes regulations affecting this legislation. Our team monitors these weekly regulations for matters affecting our clients’ relocations within Canada or across the border. We will provide additional updates as needed.

GMS Can Offer Alternatives

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) has been the leader in the relocation industry for over 30 years. We take pride in working with companies and their employees to ensure they can be comfortable and happy with their real estate purchases when moving for a job. Our team works with companies to set up home-buying and selling assistance programs that can make the relocation process smoother. 

It is our goal to ensure the most seamless relocation process possible. If you have any questions about real estate laws, rules, or regulations, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our relocation real estate specialists. Or, if you need information about home buying and selling assistance programs for your employee relocation packages, contact us today to set up a free consultation. 

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How to Prepare International Transferees for U.S. Home Purchase

Multiracial family getting home consultation
Home consultation

Here are some tips for international employees to use when looking to buy a home in the U.S.

Moving to a new country for a new job can be a lot of work. Preparing the family for the move, finding a place to live, ensuring all visa documents are accounted for, etc. There is a lot that goes into international relocation. As many people know, purchasing a home is one of the lengthiest parts of the relocation process. The home-buying process can be extended, and those not used to real estate regulations in the US will find it even more confusing. 

For those relocating to the US for a job on an H1-B visa or even those looking to buy a home to live in a while on a long-term international assignment, the standard process for buying a home in the US differs significantly from most countries in Asia or Europe. 

The first and most crucial step when preparing to move overseas is to review your international relocation package provided by your employer carefully. See what relocation benefits your new company offers, then ask how to utilize each. Many international relocation service providers will help companies create unique benefits for each transferee. And in most cases, relocation benefits include home-buying programs that can help in a significant way, both process-wise and financially. 

With that said, here are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a home if you are relocating to the U.S. for work: 

Visa & Immigration Documents Needed to Buy a Home in the U.S.

Working with a full-service relocation management provider can help immensely with visa and immigration documentation. They can help you file for the proper visa, in turn, they can also help you with which immigration documents you will need to apply for mortgage approval when buying a home in the U.S. Each mortgage lender will have different requirements when filling out applications, but among the most common documents needs are: 

  • Valid foreign passport
  • U.S. visa and/or a driver’s license
  • Social security number or ITIN
  • Bank statements 
  • Financial documentation from your foreign bank
  • Evidence of reserves
  • Paycheck stubs
  • Tax return for the last two or three years

Can International Transferees Buy a Property without a US Credit Score?

Yes. International buyers are eligible for loans from U.S. mortgage providers even if they do not have a U.S. credit history. In some cases, lenders even offer special programs for immigrants and non-resident buyers with no credit to get a competitive rate still. And some relocation management companies work with lenders to set up specialized programs for H1-B and L-1 visa holders.

Next Steps After Mortgage Approval

Once the international transferee has been approved for a mortgage from a U.S. brokerage, they know their realistic budget. From there, they should work with a real estate agent specializing in relocation home purchases. These relocation preferred real estate agents will know how to handle the transaction regarding closing date, move-in date, days to close, and other aspects that might vary from an international move. 

Once a real estate agent is chosen, the transferee and agent can start working together on finding their dream home in the new destination. It’s worth checking your relocation package to see if your new company includes any house-hunting trips. These trips are usually a few days so that you can view homes with your real estate agent. It also serves as a time to check on international schools if relocating with children. 

Once a budget and area are set, then comes time to start putting offers on houses that are appealing. Your real estate agent will help you arrange a competitive bid on a property, then assist in negotiating with the seller for a final price. Remember that relocation packages will often include home-buying programs that can help with closing costs and commissions.

After the Offer is Accepted

If your offer is accepted and the home inspection goes well, you are ready to start your relocation process. The typical closing window for a home sale in the U.S. is about 30-45 days. Once all your visa and immigration paperwork is filed and accepted, you can work with your relocation service provider to begin scheduling movers to assist with getting your household goods to the new destination. A reputable global mobility provider will provide a relocation coach who can help you every step of the way through the moving process.

Keep Taxes Top of Mind

The home buying process in the U.S. might present a different variety of taxes compared to what you are used to in your country. A few tax regulations to keep in mind when closing on a home include Capital Gains Tax, Withholding Tax, and State Property Tax.

 Be sure to stay in the loop on all taxes due by asking your mortgage lender and real estate agent. If you are assigned a relocation expert to assist you in moving, they should have some insight into what taxes should be paid. They also might know of some tax breaks that can help you from buying a home.

GMS Can Help International Transferees Relocate

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) specializes in helping corporations worldwide relocate their employees internationally. We help companies create competitive international relocation packages that attract top talent for open positions. From there, we assign a relocation coach to each transferee. 

This gives a single point of contact to each employee relocating. This relocation expert will help the employee handle all aspects of the relocation process, including getting them in touch with a relocation real estate agent. 

GMS only works with the top real estate agents across the U.S., and we ensure that all agents specialize in working with relocating families. Our expert relocation team also specializes in visa and immigration applications.  If you are ready to hear more about how GMS can help you with your global mobility needs, please reach out today to set up a free consultation.

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Buy a Home Choosing a Relocation Company Corporate Relocation Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Relocation Challenges

Rising Interest Rates Impact Job Relocation Transferees

couple going over interest rates options with lender
Couple discussing new financial strategy

Some options to include in relocation packages to help offset high-interest rates costs

As we enter peak move season, many are taking notice of the rising interest rates on mortgages. There is no doubt that this affects anyone who is relocating for a new position. In addition, interest rates have a significant say in the bottom line of monthly mortgage costs, which could sway a transferee’s decision on a home purchase. 

Add rising interest rates to the significant increase in average home prices, and the impact on purchase power shifts for many who are relocating to a new state. But why is this happening? And what can companies do about it to help employees in their relocation process? 

While there’s no magic relocation package that can include a lower interest rate or first dibs at bidding on a home, there are a few workarounds that might be able to ease the process for the transferee.

Will Interest Rates Continue to Rise?

Many real estate experts would predict that interest rates will continue to rise in the immediate future. With rates going up, the Federal Reserve has begun to pull back on the purchase of mortgage-backed securities (MBS). This will likely hike up interest rates because the return rate on mortgage bonds has to be higher to bring in investors. 

The Federal Reserve controls the percentage of the Fed funds rate. But that does not mean there is a direct correlation between short-term interest rates on funds from banks and consumer interest rates. If it becomes more expensive for banks to borrow, they are more likely to pass that cost on to consumers through higher interest rates. This is the main reason for those predicting interest rates to rise in the coming month.

It’s worth mentioning that interest rates were low for so long to boost the economy while the world dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic. This favored higher home prices because lower interest rates meant that buyers’ budgets could be stretched further.

Updating Relocation Policies Can Help Offset Higher Interest Rates Costs

Hiring and maintaining top-level employees can be challenging. To get the right person in the right seat, companies should look into offering relocation packages to ensure they have the best chance of landing top talent. But what should be included in a talent mobility package to help offset these higher interest rates? 


Here is a breakdown of some different relocation policies that can help transferees on the real estate front.

Please note that all numbers and figures used are for example purposes only and not to be used as quotes for the home buying process.

Offer to Pay for Points

It is common for companies to include prepaid interest assistance in their relocation benefits. Buying points is a way of lowering the interest rate on a loan by putting money down upfront. If companies can include this option in their relocation packages, it could save thousands of dollars over the course of the loan. 

For example, let’s say the home the moving employee is looking at is $300,000. To keep the example easy we’ll just say the loan rate is 4%. If the company is willing to add prepaid interest assistance in their benefits, the company could pay $6,000 upfront to buy two points, which gets the interest rate down to 3.5%. While this doesn’t sound like such a difference-maker, it could save the home buyer just over $30,000 on a 30-year loan. 

Add a MIDA to the Relocation Package

Another great option to help transferees deal with high interest rates is to have a Mortgage Interest Deferral Assistance (MIDA) program included in the relocation benefits. This is another form of buying points down, but instead of paying for the decreased points upfront, the company would offer to pay the difference in interest between the former mortgage and the new mortgage. 

How this works is let’s say the moving employee has a current interest rate of 5%, but due to the market conditions when they move for the job, the interest rate they get locked into is 6.5%. The business could pay the employee the price difference on the monthly payment. This can help the employee stay afloat financially and still have some wiggle room when searching for a home in their new destination. Typically MIDA has a cutoff of about 1-3 years once the transferee’s relocation process is complete.

Include a Dollar-Based Mortgage Subsidy

This option works best for companies who want or need to know how much they will spend on mortgage assistance for moving employees. A dollar-based mortgage subsidy works because the organization is willing to pay a total of $25,000 to help the transferee with mortgage and interest rates. Instead of giving all the money upfront, the company could provide the employee 40% in the first year, 30% in the second year, then 20% in the third year, and finally, give them the last 10% in the fourth year. 

This strategy is popular for relocation managers because it lowers the transferee’s monthly mortgage payment while the company knows precisely how much they are spending upfront for the four-year option.

Work with GMS for Relocation Needs

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) has been the relocation industry leader since 1987. Our expert team of relocation specialists has helped countless transferring employees get from point A to point B. In addition, we take pride in offering companies a way to tie in real estate programs into their relocation policies that provide options to help with rising interest rates. 

Many pre-decision services can also help the moving employee gain some buying power for their new home. For example, when working with GMS, clients have access to the best relocation technology, such as our mortgage calculator. 

When working with GMS, companies and transferees are not tied down to work with one mortgage broker. Instead, we work with a long list of vetted and qualified lenders to ensure moving employees get the best rates. In most cases, transferees can get lower interest rates than if they shop independently. In addition, our extensive lender list gives transferees different home buying and selling options for relocation. 

GMS knows firsthand how hard it can be to hire and retain top talent, so we want to help create competitive relocation packages that make the talent mobility process seamless for employees. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation on how our team can help set up mobility programs.

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Buy a Home Home Purchase

Real Estate Trends: 5 Challenges Home Sellers Face

Fastest-selling housing markets

Some of the most common obstacles home sellers have to hurdle

Selling a home to move on to bigger and better opportunities can be an exciting time. But anyone who has bought or sold a home before knows that can be a long and tedious process. When selling a house or property, often the seller is under some sort of time restriction. They could be closing on their new living arrangement, maybe they’re moving for a new job with a strict start date, or need the equity from the old house for their new property. No matter the case, sellers usually don’t have a lot of time to be held up when trying to complete the transaction. 

Real estate trends change constantly throughout the year. With that being said, any real estate agent can tell you that no two real estate transactions are the same as so many different challenges can arise. No matter the situation, everyone loses out if the challenge stalls or derails the deal altogether. Here are some of the most common challenges faced when selling a home:

1) Keeping Emotions in Check

Probably the hardest part of selling a home is letting go of the time, money, and effort put into building and maintaining it. It’s not uncommon for sellers to have a hard time letting go of the house that their family has lived in for years and the memories created while living there. Many times, sellers will want to artificially inflate the price of the home due to the time and money they spent on upgrades or repairs over the years. Sellers have to remember that to buyers, this doesn’t mean nearly as much to them from an emotional attachment standpoint. The only way to overcome this is to be 100 percent sure it’s time to sell the family home and move on. Keep reminding yourself that it’s a business transaction at this point, not an emotional decision. 

It can also be easy for those selling to be worried about seller’s remorse. The easiest example is the seller may be scared that if they sell the home for X amount, it could be worth Y amount just a few days later. Working with an experienced agent or team who knows the latest real estate trends can help make sure that the final sale price is fair, profitable, and sustainable.

2) Real Estate Market Conditions

When selling a home, obviously the goal for the seller is to make as much profit as possible. But listing price when selling a home can be a crucial step in the process. If listed at too high of a price it could keep potential buyers away. If at too low of a price, the seller might miss out on a chance to capitalize on earnings. It is important to know local market prices and how to effectively market your property in the current housing market.

There are so many factors that determine what each local real estate market looks like. Is it a buyer’s market? A seller’s market? Is the house located in an area where it is better to sell in spring or winter? How many houses are for sale in that area? 

Again, each market will be different so it’s hard to generalize supply and demand for an entire area. But if possible, it’s a good idea to study your local market for a few weeks, if not months, leading up to the listing of your home. The best way around this challenge is to work with a mortgage broker and real estate team who know the mark front and back.

3) Finding a Reliable and Certified Real Estate Agent

There are a few different types of specialty real estate agents that can assist with a specific type of home sale. For example, if you are moving for a new job and are utilizing a relocation package, it would probably be in the best interest to use a relocation-specialized real estate agent. These agents generally hold relocation-specific certifications, such as Worldwide ERC’s CRP certification. This certification showcases that the agent is deeply familiar with the nuances surrounding corporate mobility and how it can impact the real estate process. Additionally, these agents will be familiar with specialized home sale programs that are common in the relocation industry, such as the Buyer Value Option or Guaranteed Purchase Offer.

It’s worth noting that if your company is providing you with relocation benefits, you may need to utilize a specific network of vetted real estate agents in order to qualify for your benefits. If you’re unsure, it’s best to check your relocation policy or get in touch with your relocation specialist (GMS Relocation Coach).

4) Prepping the Home for Listing

For anyone selling a home, this challenge could involve some manual labor or some money for repairs. In order to fetch the best possible price for your home, it should be “show ready”. If there are any repairs or upgrades that the house needs, it’s a good idea to get those out of the way before marketing the home for sale. If not, sellers run the risk of having a sale held up due to negotiations about the repairs with the buyers and their agent. However, in a seller’s market, when buyers are more desperate to get a deal done, you may be able to negotiate to leave some minor repairs for buyers to tend to after the sale is complete.

5) Unrealistic Buyer Expectations/Needs

On rare occasions, you may be faced with potential home buyers who simply have unrealistic expectations. This can cause sellers additional stress and potentially derail the deal. The only advice to be given here is to remember this is a business transaction and if the deal isn’t right then walk away and be patient for new buyers.

GMS Stays Up to Date on Real Estate Trends

Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) has been helping individuals and families relocate since 1987. Our expert team stays up to par on real estate trends throughout the US and Canada to ensure that our clients’ employees are successful when trying to buy or sell a home. We want to make sure that moving is as smooth as possible and assign dedicated Relocation Coaches to each employee to guide them during the relocation process. If you have any questions about our industry-specific benchmarking studies or need more info on the relocation process itself, please reach out to us today.

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