Tag: Home Relocation Appraisal

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Buy a Home Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Tips Home Purchase

Relocation Mortgage Application: Top 5 Questions for Transferees

Portrait happy family sitting on couch, hugging, unpacking cardboard boxes with belongings in modern living room, looking at camera, happy wife and husband moving into new house, relocation

Many transferees seek to buy a home in their new location, and will need to submit a relocation mortgage application. GMS recommends that companies should encourage transferees to buy a home instead of renting. Transferees who buy a home establish roots in their new community and can settle in more comfortably. Also, if a company offers home purchase benefits, this sends a strong signal of commitment on their part to the transferee.

What is a Relocation Mortgage?

A relocation mortgage is an alternative mortgage product. Transferees may be eligible for benefits that will help them move and purchase a home. In some cases, employers may contribute subsidies to help cover the costs of closing. They may help transferees obtain a lower interest rate on the mortgage by paying an upfront fee, also known as paying for points.

GMS spoke with Anthony Hughes, Relocation Account Manager at Quicken Loans. Anthony agreed to share his advice and guidance for transferees who need to submit a relocation mortgage application.

Top 5 Questions for Transferees Who Plan to Submit a Relocation Mortgage Application

Anthony highlights 5 major questions that transferees must address when they are working with the dedicated team of VIP relocation mortgage bankers at Quicken Loans. Answers to these questions will provide information that is helpful for the mortgage process.

By knowing the transferee’s answers to these questions, it will help ensure the team at Quicken Loans is setting proper expectations for them from the first call through closing. Anthony states that Quicken Loans’ goal is for each transferee’s mortgage experience to be as seamless and stress free as possible during their relocation.

Relocation Mortgage Application Top 5 Questions

Question #1: Employment

  • Are you a new hire? Transferring internally?  Did you get a promotion?
  • What is your start date for your new role, what is your new role, and how much will your new income be?
  • Do you have an offer letter available to provide us?

Question #2: Timeline/Goals/Awareness

  • Have you relocated before?
  • When are you looking to have everything finalized?
  • Do you have a timeline in place?

Question #3: Departure Home versus Destination Home

  • What are your plans with your current home?
  • Do you need to sell your current home to have the funds to qualify for your new mortgage?
  • Do your benefits include a Guaranteed Buyout Option (GBO) or Buyer Value Option (BVO) that will impact your relocation mortgage application?
  • How much are you looking to spend on your new home?
  • Are you familiar with the real estate market in the new area?

Question #4: Assets

  • What assets do you have on hand?
  • What are your account balances?
  • Where are the funds coming from for your new home purchase? Proceeds? Equity advance? Cash on hand? Gift?

Question #5: Credit Report

  • What is included in the credit report?
  • What is your score?
  • Could we utilize dedicated down payment funds in a better way?

Reviewing the Answers on the Relocation Mortgage Application

Anthony shares that once Quicken Loans has reviewed these top 5 questions with a transferee, the team will provide them with details around the Quicken Loans Mortgage First program. This program enables Quicken Loans to fully underwrite the transferee’s loan prior to their first house hunting trip. Quicken Loans’ Mortgage First approval is stronger than just a traditional pre-qualification. As a result, this approval can give transferees the upper hand when making an offer on a new home.

What Does This Mean?

Transferees who want to submit a relocation mortgage application to buy a new home should review their current financial arrangements with a qualified lender. Anthony states that Quicken Loans has several informative guides to help transferees understand the relocation mortgage application process, including a “Do’s and Don’ts of Relocating to a New Home” flyer. Transferees who have a mortgage on their current home may be able to obtain another mortgage for a new home. However, this depends on their specific financial circumstances. Transferees should understand that they must be approved for the total amount of current mortgage debt and their new mortgage loan.

What Should Employers do for Transferees Who Want to Submit a Relocation Mortgage Application?

Employers with transferees looking to buy a new home should direct them to speak with qualified lenders and financial advisors for guidance. They should review their relocation policy to ensure their policy represents industry best practices and provides strong support for their talent acquisition program.

Employers should also work with an experienced and knowledgeable Relocation Management Company (RMC). By engaging the RMC early in the process, employers will be assured of all the important points that relate to the transferee’s ability to buy a new home and arrive to their new location on schedule.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of domestic relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to communicate important points relating to how transferees should submit their relocation mortgage application. Our team can help your company understand how to proceed by providing guidance to transferees on obtaining important and timely information from qualified lenders and financial advisors.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

New SafeRelo™ COVID-19 Knowledge Portal

GMS recently launched its new SafeRelo™ COVID-19 Knowledge Portal featuring a number of helpful resources including:

  • Curated selection of news and articles specific to managing relocation programs and issues relating to COVID-19
  • Comprehensive guide to national, international, and local online sources for current data
  • Program/Policy Evaluation (PPE) Tool for instant relocation policy reviews

Contact our experts online to discuss how to provide guidance for a transferee in submitting their relocation mortgage application, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

GMS is sharing public knowledge and can help companies more clearly understand mortgage loans for transferees. However, GMS is not a CPA firm or a lender, and is not giving financial advice. Everyone’s financial situation is different; individuals and employers should consult their lenders and financial advisors prior to making any decisions.

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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 Home Purchase

Mortgage Appraisal Versus Relocation Appraisal: What are the Differences?

A family with the realtor in front of the house they just had appraised

How does a Mortgage Appraisal compare to a Relocation Appraisal? Many Global Mobility Solutions clients offer home sale programs as part of a transferee’s relocation package. To facilitate the home sale, two appraisals are required. However, these two appraisals have very different purposes. Understanding these differences is important for clients as they work with their Relocation Management Company. Knowing the differences will help clients manage a successful relocation.

GMS spoke with Joe Gurth, Vice President at Fidelity Residential Solutions who agreed to share his advice and guidance on the differences between a Mortgage Appraisal and a Relocation Appraisal.

What are the Differences Between a Mortgage Appraisal Versus a Relocation Appraisal?

According to Joe Gurth, Fidelity Residential Solutions identifies 8 clear differences between a Mortgage Appraisal and a Relocation Appraisal. GMS clients should learn about these differences. They should also understand how the differences relate to their company’s relocation program.

In looking at these two types of appraisals, it is evident there are significantly vast differences in four distinct areas:

  1. Purpose
  2. Use
  3. Marketing
  4. Analysis

Reviewing these four areas with a goal of identifying the 8 clear differences between a Mortgage Appraisal and a Relocation Appraisal will provide important insight and clarity.

Area #1: Purpose of a Mortgage Appraisal versus a Relocation Appraisal

  1. A Mortgage Appraisal has a singular purpose: to provide an estimate of the home’s market value. This value may not correspond with the sales price on the purchase contract. In fact, some homes may appraise for more than the contract sales price. Alternatively, some homes may appraise for less than the contract sales price. By comparison, a Relocation Appraisal is meant to provide an estimate of the anticipated sales price. The value of the home is not a factor in a Relocation Appraisal; the only factor is the sales price.
  1. When a Mortgage Appraisal is created, the decision making timeframe is long term. Some mortgages may have a life of 30 years. As a result, mortgage lenders peer into the distant future to help ensure the home’s value will remain intact over the mortgage’s life term. By comparison, a Relocation Appraisal has a short term timeframe for decision making. This short timeframe may cover only up to 120 days. During these 120 days, the transferee’s relocation process will undergo planning, review, and implementation.

Area #2: Use of a Mortgage Appraisal versus a Relocation Appraisal

  1. A Mortgage Appraisal is meant to help facilitate the mortgage lending process. It is the mortgage lender who receives the Mortgage Appraisal. The lender may examine various indicators that reflect the home’s value, its condition, and other factors as they consider their lending decisions. By comparison, a Relocation Appraisal is only intended to help facilitate a corporate relocation. It is the client who receives the Relocation Appraisal. The client may be looking at indicators that relate to how long the home may stay on the market before it is sold. Most Client Relocation policies require two Relocation Appraisals be completed, then typically average those results to create the Corporate Buyout Price.

Special Appraisal Forms

  1. A Mortgage Appraisal is prepared using the Uniform Residential Appraisal Form (1004). This is conducted by a trained and licensed Mortgage Appraisal professional. These professionals usually work for a licensed Appraisal Management Company. This appraisal professional is working for the mortgage lender. By comparison, a Relocation Appraisal is prepared using the Worldwide ERC® Summary Appraisal Form (updated 2010). This is conducted by a trained and licensed real estate appraisal professional following Worldwide ERC®’s specific set of definitions and guidelines. This appraisal professional is working for the client.
  1. Included in a Mortgage Appraisal are points covering the design and appeal of a home, however these are not necessarily the major points for a lender’s consideration. By comparison, for a Relocation Appraisal the design and appeal of a home are of critical consideration. The short timeframe of a Relocation Appraisal (up to 120 days or 4 months) means design and appeal may have a significant impact on the corporate relocation process.

Area #3: Marketing Time and Market Value of a Mortgage Appraisal versus a Relocation Appraisal

  1. A Mortgage Appraisal’s marketing time may be thought of as comparatively unlimited. It is not tied to a specific, time-defined process. Mortgage terms have note specific dates, but dates may be able to change if the lender agrees. Terms such as the interest rate or points might also affect the timing. By comparison, a Relocation Appraisal is most certainly tied to a specific time-defined process. Marketing time is not to exceed the 120 days/4 month timeframe that covers the transferee’s relocation process.
  1. A Mortgage Appraisal is conducted only after a home has already been on the market. As a result, changes may have been instituted for the home’s marketing program prior to the appraisal. Any number of other factors may also have changed, perhaps in response to marketing feedback or issues homeowners have taken care of. All of this information may impact the market value of the home, and as a result may impact the Mortgage Appraisal. By comparison, marketing a home occurs after the date of a Relocation Appraisal. Also, each Appraiser must make an opinion about the time the home will be on the market.

Area #4: Retrospective Analysis with a Mortgage Appraisal versus a Relocation Appraisal

  1. What is a retrospective analysis for an appraisal? Such an analysis is an overall review of factors that could impact the appraisal’s results. These factors may include risks that could affect the sale price of the home. This information is specifically used for forecasting purposes. A Mortgage Appraisal does not provide for any forecasting in a retrospective analysis. By comparison, a Relocation Appraisal does include an element of forecasting. This is important for clients and their budgeting processes. With a forecast, clients can further understand aspects of the Relocation Appraisal that may impact budgets in the future.

What Should Employers Expect?

It is important for employers to expect that transferees who may be part of a home sale program during a relocation may not clearly understand the differences between a Mortgage Appraisal and a Relocation Appraisal. Employers should also expect that they are the client for the Relocation Appraisal. As a result, it is the employer who will receive the Appraisal from the professional.

What Should Employers do?

Employers should understand the difference between a Mortgage Appraisal and a Relocation Appraisal. Employers should determine how best to communicate guidance for their transferees. They may have a number of questions regarding their home’s Mortgage Appraisal versus the Relocation Appraisal. It is important for employers to work with their Relocation Management Company to understand the purpose and use of a Relocation Appraisal and how it relates to their company’s relocation and home sale program.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with their corporate relocation programs. We can help your company understand the differences between a Mortgage Appraisal versus a Relocation Appraisal. We can also help your company understand how these appraisals relate to your company’s home sale program with the expert assistance of Joe Gurth and the team at Fidelity Residential Solutions.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to learn more about the differences between a Mortgage Appraisal versus a Relocation Appraisal, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 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.

Categories
Buy a Home Home Purchase

Renting Versus Buying: 2020’s Record Low Interest Rates Help Make the Case

Excited expectant couple hold the keys to their new home. They are standing in front of the house on a sunny day.

Many of Global Mobility Solutions’ clients have transferees relocating to a new destination who must decide on renting versus buying. There may be several reasons why a transferee would choose one option over the other. GMS recommends companies encourage transferees to buy instead of renting. When transferees choose to buy, there are several benefits for both the client and the transferee.

GMS spoke with Anthony Hughes, Relocation Account Manager at Quicken Loans. Anthony agreed to share his advice and guidance on this topic, along with some examples.

What is New in the Renting Versus Buying Concept for 2020?

According to Anthony, this concept has been a hot topic for the past few years. However, it is even hotter in 2020 with interest rate averages being in the upper-2’s to low-3’s depending on the client profile. With both options, the choice depends on what the client is most comfortable doing.

However, in several markets across the country, clients who buy are able to save money and “invest in themselves” for less than they are paying in rent. As Anthony states, “Wouldn’t it be great if everyone could ‘live the American dream’ of owning their own home?”

Pros and Cons of Renting Versus Buying

Anthony believes transferees should look at both the pros and the cons of renting versus buying before they make any decision.

The Renting Side of the Question

Renting Pros:

  • Mobility/freedom to move around
  • Landlord pays for maintenance
  • Does not require expensive closing costs
  • No fluctuation in monthly housing expenses
  • Allows you to test-drive different living spaces

Renting Cons:

  • You don’t build any equity if you choose renting versus buying
  • Limited ability to customize your living space
  • Rent could go up over time
  • Landlord might sell or decide to stop renting
  • Limited sense of home stability/permanence

The Buying Side of the Question

Buying Pros:

Buying Cons:

  • Closing costs can be prohibitive
  • Responsibility for maintenance and repairs that require time and effort
  • Less flexibility to move (at greater difficulty/expense)
  • Home value may decrease
  • Recent tax laws could hamper tax benefits

Renting Versus Buying: Real World Examples

On the concept of renting versus buying, the proof is in the numbers. Looking at some of the hottest markets/states that GMS serves, below are three examples that do not include taxes or homeowner’s insurance. In all scenarios, there are huge opportunities for savings.  Anthony shared these three real world examples to help illustrate the concept:

Texas Renting Versus Buying

Average 3-bedroom rental: $1,550

Average Purchase Price: $211,199

  • 20% Down Payment
  • Avg. 3.25% interest rate
  • 30 year fixed conventional mortgage

*Total Monthly Payment: $919.15

*Does not include HOI or Taxes as these are based on property specific

Arizona Renting Versus Buying

Average 3-bedroom rental: $1,600

Average Purchase Price: $277,574

  • 20% Down Payment
  • Avg. 3.25% interest rate
  • 30 year fixed conventional mortgage

*Total Monthly Payment: $1,208.02

*Does not include HOI or Taxes as these are based on property specific

North Carolina Renting Versus Buying

Average 3-bedroom rental: $1,360

Average Purchase Price: $174,380

  • 20% Down Payment
  • Avg. 3.25% interest rate
  • 30 year fixed conventional mortgage

*Total Monthly Payment: $758.91

*Does not include HOI or Taxes as these are based on property specific

What Does This Mean for Renting Versus Buying Decisions?

2020’s record low interest rates help transferees understand renting versus buying decisions with more clarity on the financial side of things. Transferees should consider the pros and cons of renting versus buying and weigh the importance of each factor in their decision-making process. Anthony notes that Quicken Loans offers complimentary mortgage reviews. If a GMS client’s transferee was ever unsure or just wanted to see what it looked like, the team at Quicken Loans would be glad to have a conversation.

What Should Employers do to Assist Transferees with Renting Versus Buying Decisions?

Employers with transferees looking to buy a home should direct them to speak with qualified lenders and financial advisors for guidance. Employers should also review their relocation policies to determine if enhancements can be made to further promote homeownership.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to communicate the important points of renting versus buying to their transferees. Our team can help your company understand how to proceed by providing guidance to transferees on obtaining information from qualified lenders and financial advisors.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

Contact our experts online to discuss how to assist your company’s transferees with understanding the concept of renting versus buying, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

GMS is not a CPA firm or a lender, and is not giving financial advice. Everyone’s financial situation is different; individuals and employers should consult their lenders and financial advisors prior to making any decisions.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

Categories
Home Purchase

California Solar Panel Mandate: What Does This Mean for Relocation?

Solar panel technician with drill installing solar panels on roof

As of January 1, 2020, the California solar panel mandate is the first statewide residential requirement for solar power in the United States. This mandate has several stipulations that require compliance for new construction homes. New residential homebuilders have direct impact, and must do one of two things:

  1. Install solar panels on new homes
  2. Build a solar power system that serves a group of new homes

The requirement may be waived if the property does not receive enough sunlight for the solar panels to be useful. However, the California solar panel mandate applies to virtually all new construction on buildings that are three floors or less, including:

  • Single family homes
  • Condominiums
  • Apartment buildings

Where Did the California Solar Panel Mandate Come From?

The California solar panel mandate was approved in 2018 by the California Energy Commission (CEC). The ruling is part of the state’s 2019 update of standards for building energy efficiency. The state is also working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the Cost to Home Buyers?

On average, the new requirement may add $8,000 to $10,000 to the cost of a new home. The CEC estimates the California solar panel mandate will increase monthly mortgage payments by $40. However, it also estimates homeowners will save an average of $80 each month on energy costs.

What is the Difference between Leased and Owned Solar Panels?

Leased Solar Panels and the California Solar Panel Mandate

For home buyers, it is important to know if the solar panels on the home are purchased or leased. Solar panel leases may last several years. Some mortgage lenders will not allow leased solar panels to be included in a home’s valuation for mortgage purposes. Also, home buyers would need to agree to take over the payments on a leased solar panel system.

As such, home buyers should learn important points from the home seller such as:

  • Contract details
  • Length of lease term
  • Monthly fees
  • Warranty coverage
  • Manufacturer of the solar panels
  • Installation company
  • System size (how much power does the system generate)
  • Whether the local utility offers net metering (lets home owners sell excess electricity back to the power grid)
  • Does their company’s relocation program allow for leased equipment

Home sellers with leased solar panel systems should look into their options, including:

  1. Should they pay for the remainder of the contract?
  2. Can they find a buyer willing to take on lease payments?
  3. What are the requirements to transfer a lease?
  4. Is the warranty transferable? If yes, for how long?
  5. What is the cost to remove or relocate the solar panels if the buyer requests this?
  6. Will their relocation benefits be affected by leased equipment?

Owned Solar Panels and the California Solar Panel Mandate

Home sellers that own, rather than lease, their solar panels are in a comparatively better position. Several studies confirm that solar panels add value to a home. The California solar panel mandate will have the effect of increasing the value of homes that have solar panels installed by the home builder. Some estimates show homes with solar panels usually sell for around $15,000 more than other homes.

There are a few other significant benefits for home owners who choose to install solar panel systems:

  • There may be tax and other incentives
  • Solar panel prices continue to decline in cost
  • Owners may recover the cost of the system upon sale of the home

Also, some home owners may be able to receive credits on their energy bill under net metering systems when they send excess energy back to the utility company.

What Does The California Solar Panel Mandate Mean?

Home buyers should be aware of the new California solar panel mandate. This and other initiatives will continue to impact the real estate market in many ways. Employers with new hires and transferees who are looking to purchase a home in California or other markets with similar requirements should work with a Relocation Management Company (RMC). RMCs that have knowledge and experience with relocations are ideal sources for information relating to local housing market requirements.

The GMS network of real estate agents consistently leads the industry in the way its top agents market homes. Each agent has access to the latest technology and best practices for marketing real estate, and will understand how to approach issues relating to solar panel systems and the California solar panel mandate.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of domestic relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to provide solutions for their new hires and transferees who are looking to buy or sell a home. Our network of top agents market homes following industry best practices. As a result, they will have knowledge that helps home buyers and sellers understand what the California solar panel mandate means for their home buying and selling.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

Contact our experts online to learn more about the impact of the California solar panel mandate on home buyers and sellers, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

Categories
Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Home Purchase

Virtual Experience in Real Estate

Couple using VR headset at home, having fun.

Many real estate activities can easily be done through a virtual experience. This allows home buyers and sellers a greater measure of flexibility to fit their needs. It also helps the real estate industry comply with guidelines set in place regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. By working with a Realtor® who is adept at utilizing a virtual experience for real estate activities, home buyers and sellers can have peace of mind.

What is a Virtual Experience in Real Estate?

GMS spoke with Ann Anderson, Relocation Director at Leading Edge Real Estate. The company has been perennially noted as one of the Top Places to Work by The Boston Globe. Ann agreed to share her industry knowledge and market expertise on what a virtual experience is in real estate.

COVID-19 and Real Estate

Ann believes that our experience with COVID-19 will change the way we all live, work, and play. For Leading Edge, their number one priority is the safety of their clients. As such, the company has adapted their buying and selling processes with a focus on client safety. Ann notes that Leading Edge is able to provide an almost 100% virtual experience for their clients.

What is the Home Buyer Virtual Experience at Leading Edge?

According to Ann, for home buyers looking to purchase a home that is currently occupied, Leading Edge and other top-notch real estate companies GMS works with now offers the following process:

Consultation, Online Views

  1. Virtual consultations using popular meeting platforms such as Zoom or Google Hangouts
  2. Document signatures captured electronically using Dotloop real estate transaction management solution
  3. Online searching for homes
  4. Virtual experience tours of homes, either 3D virtual tour online, or a live virtual tour (open house or private showing)

Offer, Contract, Deposit

  1. Electronic offer submittal (once seller receives an acceptable offer, that specific buyer can see the property in person within 24 hours; following the viewing, the seller will execute the offer)
  2. Contract to purchase the home is executed electronically
  3. DepositLink is used to electronically transfer the deposit

Inspections, Appraisal, Financing, Closing

  1. Inspections are ordered and conducted (if not waived)
  2. Appraisal is completed
  3. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector inspection can be deferred for 90 days after restrictions are lifted (buyer responsibility)
  4. Buyer obtains financing commitment if applicable
  5. Title 5 Septic System Inspection if applicable
  6. Final in-person walk-through (if not waived)
  7. Closing

Ann states that Leading Edge has received many favorable comments from home buyers about the ease of use for these virtual services.

What is the Home Seller Virtual Experience at Leading Edge?

Similar to the experience for home buyers, Leading Edge now offers the following process for home sellers of occupied homes:

Consultation, Digital Marketing

  1. Virtual consultations using popular meeting platforms such as Zoom or Google Hangouts
  2. Document signatures captured electronically using Dotloop real estate transaction management solution
  3. Virtual walk-through and preparation for the home: Leading Edge provide home sellers with guidance on staging and de-cluttering the home; each listing will have a seller’s description; sellers can take photos and Leading Edge will create a video tour of the home and a digital brochure.
  4. Virtual experience “Open House” event with advertising and promotion; seller will conduct a live video tour during the Open House and Leading Edge agent will be online to answer questions
  5. Virtual private showings that Leading Edge will schedule; seller will conduct a live video tour for the showing and Leading Edge agent will be online to answer questions

Offer, Contract, Deposit

  1. Electronic offer submittal (once seller receives an acceptable offer, that specific buyer can see the property in person within 24 hours; following the viewing, the seller will execute the offer)
  2. Contract to purchase the home is executed electronically
  3. DepositLink is used to electronically transfer the deposit

Inspections, Appraisal, Financing, Closing

  1. Inspections are ordered and conducted (if not waived)
  2. Purchase and Sale agreement is executed
  3. Appraisal is completed
  4. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector inspection can be deferred for 90 days after restrictions are lifted (buyer responsibility)
  5. Buyer obtains financing commitment if applicable
  6. Title 5 Septic System Inspection if applicable
  7. Final in-person walk-through (if not waived)
  8. Closing

What Does This Mean?

The real estate industry has been at the forefront of adopting new technologies to assist clients. Ann notes that Leading Edge Real Estate is continually adapting their processes to focus on client safety. Additionally, the company and other top-notch real estate companies GMS works with features best-in-industry marketing practices. They also leverage the latest technologies to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction for home buyers and sellers.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to provide solutions for their new hires and transferees who are looking to buy or sell a home. As a result, our team can help your company learn about the virtual experience in real estate transactions. This will help employees benefit from new technologies for successful home buying and selling. It will also help ensure their health and safety under the current COVID-19 pandemic guidelines.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com. The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

Contact our experts online to learn more about the virtual experience in real estate, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 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.

Categories
Buy a Home Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Tips Home Purchase Relocation Management

What is a Home Relocation Appraisal?

Medium shot of a real estate agent showing and explaining property to a couple

Transferees participating in a home sale as part of their relocation package often submit to a Home Relocation Appraisal process. Since “Appraisal” is part of this term, transferees may think this will be an indicator of their home’s market value. However, this is not the case. A Relocation Appraisal is completely separate from a Home Mortgage Appraisal. From the purpose to the format, the differences are dramatic.

A review of the specific points of this report will clarify its purpose, intent, and use within a transferee’s moving process.

8 Specific Points of a Home Relocation Appraisal

1. What is the Intended Use?

The use of this report is to help facilitate the transferee’s move to another location. The results go to the client, not the transferee. Clients may review the information to help understand how long the home may be on the market before selling.

2. Who Conducts the Home Relocation Appraisal?

Trained and licensed real estate appraisal professionals who follow the ERC’s specific set of definitions and guidelines complete the Appraisal. The professional works for the client, and will use the Worldwide ERC® Summary Appraisal Form (updated 2010) to complete the Appraisal.

3. What are Critical Considerations?

In this report, design and appeal of the house are critical considerations. Since the Appraisal has a short time frame that relates specifically to the transferee’s relocation, these two factors will have a major impact on the relocation process.

4. What will the Report Provide?

This type of Appraisal provides an estimate of the home’s anticipated sales price. There is no correlation to any other figure or value; the Appraisal looks solely at the anticipated sales price.

5. What is the Timeframe?

Home Relocation Appraisals have a short-term focus. The decision making timeframe only covers up to 120 days. This accounts for the planning, review, and implementation of the transferee’s relocation process.

6. When Should Marketing for the Home Begin?

Marketing for the house occurs after the date of this report. As a result, the marketing plan for the home has no bearing on this Appraisal.

7. How does Marketing the House Relate to a Home Relocation Appraisal?

The marketing time for this report is not to exceed 120 days. This timeframe only reflects the period covering the transferee’s relocation process.

8. How Does a Retrospective Analysis Relate to a Home Relocation Appraisal?

A retrospective analysis for a Home Relocation Appraisal is an overall review of factors that could impact the Appraisal’s results, such as any risks that could affect the sale price of the home. This information is used for forecasting purposes. This is important for clients so they can understand aspects of the report that may have future budgetary impacts.

What Should Employers Expect?

Employers should expect that transferees who participate in a this type of sale program for their house may not understand the purpose of this Appraisal. Employers should understand that they are the client for this report. As such, they will receive the Appraisal from the professional. Employers should understand and communicate with the transferee that this report is not a Home Mortgage Appraisal.

What Should Employers do?

Employers should communicate guidance for their transferees who may have questions regarding their Home Relocation Appraisal. Employers should work with their Relocation Management Company to understand the Home Relocation Appraisal and how it relates to their company’s relocation and home sale program.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with their Home Relocation Appraisals. We can help your company understand how a Home Relocation Appraisal relates to your company’s home sale program.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Learn more about Home Relocation Appraisals from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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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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