United Van Lines’ newly published study of 2020 migration patterns in the United States shows where people are moving. The study ranks those states where the company has moved 250 or more into the state. Four of the top five states from the 2019 study make an appearance at the top of the 2020 list. One state that was in the top 5 in 2019 does not even rank in the top 10 for 2020—Washington. A new entrant into the top 5 is South Dakota, although it ranked at #8 in 2019.
Top 5 States Growing due to 2020 Migration Patterns
2020 Ranking
2019 Ranking
1. Idaho
1. Idaho
2. South Carolina
2. Oregon
3. Oregon
3. Arizona
4. South Dakota
4. South Carolina
5. Arizona
5. Washington
Note: Just as in 2019, for 2020 the state of Vermont actually had the highest overall percentage of inbound moves. However, United Van Lines performed less than 250 moves into the state
COVID-19 Impacts 2020 Migration Patterns
One major difference between 2019 and 2020 is the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies allow workers to “work from anywhere” in order to reduce the spread of the disease. As a result, some large metropolitan areas have lost population. Employees are choosing to move to suburban areas and smaller cities.
How did South Dakota Rise from #8 to #4 in 2020 Migration Patterns?
South Dakota rose in the 2020 migration patterns due in part to a few specific reasons:
Governor Kristi Noem
Governor Kristi Noem encourages workers and businesses to relocate to South Dakota through the state’s “South Dakota Means Business” campaign. Messages in the campaign include the state will “never be shut down or face mandates.” New residents that have chosen South Dakota are leaving states that have been on lockdown for many months in response to the global pandemic. The Governor has been an effective leader and communicator, spreading the message of all that South Dakota offers to its residents.
Additionally, South Dakota has a favorable business climate. Business owners benefit because the state has less taxes.
South Dakota does not impose any of the following taxes:
Corporate income tax
Personal income tax
Personal property tax
Business inventory tax
Inheritance or estate taxes
Affordable Cost of Living
Overall, the cost of living in South Dakota is less than the US average. Looking at Sioux Falls, the state’s largest city with an estimated population of nearly 180,000 residents, the cost of living compares favorably across many categories:
Cost of Living
Sioux Falls
South Dakota
USA
Overall
88.6
88.3
100
Groceries
100.1
97
100
Health
91.6
101.5
100
Housing
81.4
83.8
100
Utilities
96.4
93.6
100
Transporation
74.8
71.2
100
100 = US National Average Source: Sperling’s BestPlaces.net
What Do 2020 Migration Patterns in the United States Mean for Employers?
For employers in the top 5 states, an influx of new residents and business may lead to business expansion and greater economic performance. As a result, demand for new employees may rise as local markets respond to increasing business activity.
What Should Employers do?
Employers should review their corporate initiatives and future growth plans. Requirements for job openings should be reviewed to ensure they attract the most qualified applicants. They should also determine if future growth will increase the need for new employees or facilities.
Conclusion
GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop highly effective relocation programs to attract and retain qualified employees. Our team can help your company leverage 2020 migration patterns in the United States for talent acquisition and management.
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 sets the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.
Contact our experts now to discuss your company’s interest in leveraging 2020 migration patterns, or call us at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.
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Many job seekers looking for US job opportunities have their sights set on moving to find their new job. They often search for cities where there is a wide and growing number of employment opportunities. In this way, job seekers may increase their ability to find employment.
Where are the US Job Opportunities?
Several cities have shown tremendous growth in population, industries, and jobs over the past several years. Many of these cities are well positioned to leverage their strengths, from low cost of living to exceptional natural beauty. According to thetravel.com, the following 12 cities have the most US job opportunities:
While some cities on this list are often consistently cited as great engines of economic growth, others may seem somewhat surprising. Cities such as Sioux Falls, Boise, and Lake Charles do not often rub shoulders with shining tech industry stars like Austin, Boston, and San Francisco. What are the US job opportunities in these cities?
US Job Opportunities in Sioux Falls, Boise, and Lake Charles
Job seekers should look into cities like Sioux Falls, Boise, and Lake Charles for US job opportunities. These cities offer a wide range of industries and large variety of jobs. This bodes well for their future economic and employment growth.
Several resources are available to help job seekers learn about job openings in Sioux Falls, Boise, and Lake Charles. Social networking platforms such as Linkedin provide company information and searchable contacts for connection opportunities. Job seekers should leverage professional career services to enhance their job search and achieve success in their career objectives.
What Should Employers in Cities with Plentiful US Job Opportunities do?
Employers located in cities with plentiful US job opportunities should review their hiring plans and talent acquisition programs. High levels of economic growth means employers must compete for job seekers.
Employers seeking candidates with the best skills and qualifications should work with a Relocation Management Company (RMC). RMCs have knowledge and expertise to help employers design a robust and effective relocation program that promotes global talent acquisition
Many cities with growing industries often generate additional jobs in service and support industries. As employment grows, demand rises for housing, shopping, schools, and other services. Job seekers in service and support industries should also look at cities with plentiful US job opportunities.
Conclusion
GMS’ team of domestic relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop highly effective hiring and recruiting programs. As a result, our clients can easily attract highly skilled job seekers to cities with plentiful US job opportunities. Our team can help your company determine how to attract job seekers to fill openings and help your company reach its corporate objectives.
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 your company’s recruiting, hiring, and relocation program needs in the top cities for US job opportunities, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.
Homeownership is a consistent goal in the pursuit of the American dream. It is often cited as the number one way that people can build wealth. The United States Census Bureau reports that the median net worth of homeowners is 80 times larger than the net worth of renters. Beyond building wealth, there are several economic reasons why people want to own a home, and several personal reasons.
Avoid dealing with security, pet, and utility deposits
The 2020 Best States for Homeowners
Home buyers will want to know the 2020 best states for homeowners so they can plan accordingly. SmartAsset recently published their sixth annual study on the 2020 best states for homeowners. The financial technology company analyzed several factors that home buyers may consider as they seek to purchase a new home. These factors include ten metrics that cover prices per square foot, costs for insurance, property taxes, closing costs, and other factors.
Importantly, the study notes that homes appreciated in the five western states by over 5% on an annual basis the past year. Also, the three states in the Northeast rank high for low insurance costs and low burglary rates.
Of the 2020 worst states, metrics such as insurance, home appreciation, and effective property tax rate are comparatively less favorable than similar metrics in the 2020 best states for homeowners.
What Does This Mean?
Home buyers with the flexibility to locate in other markets should be aware of the 2020 best states for homeowners. As housing market demand continues to rise, buyers should work with knowledgeable and experienced real estate agents. Employers with new hires and transferees who are looking to purchase a home one of the 2020 best states for homeowners 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. They will also understand the reasons why employers should encourage transferees to buy instead of rent.
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 help home buyers and sellers understand how to find and purchase homes in the 2020 best states for homeowners.
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 2020 best states for homeowners, 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.
Millennial generation father working from home with small children while in quarantine isolation during the Covid-19 health crisis. Little boy is two, little girl is four. Father has tattoos and a beard. Horizontal indoors waist up shot with copy space.
Many parents entering the school year may now be working from home with kids. Several school districts throughout the nation are using online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ease of logging in to a classroom and listening to a teacher may sound appealing. However, for some parents there are new challenges to address that they did not have while working in an office or facility. Beyond managing their own time, now they must manage time for the kids. Also, many homes may not have been set up to create an ideal at-home learning environment.
GMS Experts Share Their Tips and Ideas for Working from Home with Kids
Similar to many of our clients and network partners, GMS has several employees who are parents and are currently working from home with kids. Many of these employees have had to learn how to manage the “new normal” of supervising their kids all day while also managing a full workload. We asked them if they would be willing to share their experiences. In this way, several of their best practice tips and ideas might help our clients, network partners, and their employees who are also working from home with kids.
Ryan: We’ve got 2 girls in Kindergarten and 4th grade who have been learning in a virtual environment since the 2020 Spring Break began. Fortunately, both my wife and I are able to work remotely from our home offices on both floors of our house. We have the kids separated in their own working areas, one on each floor. As a result, this allows us to keep an ear out while they work with their classes on Microsoft Teams in the event of a technical issue, or if one of our girls needs some “redirection” to focus on the task at hand.
Zooming Along
Sam: We have two middle school girls who are on zoom calls most of the day. They have desks set up in their rooms with all the supplies they need. The downside to this though is that it can be very dangerous since I have caught both of them napping this week during a morning class.
Wesley: We have 4 kids (12, 9, 6, and 4). Currently they are doing distance learning where they have zoom chats with their teachers and classmates. Our youngest is at home with us working on Pre-K workbooks while the other kids are meeting with their teachers. Some kids are handling the added stress of distance learning better than others, but we all do the best we can.
Danielle: We have three children. Two in Middle School and one in High School. All three have online schooling three days a week, and in person schooling twice a week. The children log into a different zoom meeting for each class.
2. How you are juggling work time with supervision and/or teaching the kids’ time?
Ryan: To help keep the girls in the groove, we’ve come up with a pretty nifty schedule for them, with plenty of “brain breaks” throughout the day. These include times for them to step away from the computer, play in the back yard with our dogs, read a new book, FaceTime their friends, and maybe even unload the dishwasher every now and then (I’m still waiting for that to happen on its own). We’ve found that by segmenting their day in to dedicated times for learning and for having fun, they’re able to finish their “school day” on time.
Lunch with the Kids
Throughout the day, my wife and I pop out of our respective offices every hour or so, or between meetings, to check in with them and make sure they’re staying on target and on schedule. Rather than working through lunch, as I’m apt to do, I’ve been stopping to eat lunch with the kids daily, which gives me to opportunity to spend some time with them in the middle of the day, talk about what they’re working on, and help them to plan out their afternoon. Connecting with the girls over lunchtime makes working from home with kids a fun experience.
To-do Lists
Sam: This can be challenging. I check in with both girls in the morning, at lunchtime, and then in the evening to help review their emails and To-do’s together. This helps us ensure that they are meeting deadlines and prepared for any upcoming tests.
Wesley: My spouse owns a business doing professional wedding photography, unfortunately with COVID-19 her business has slowed dramatically as weddings were canceled/moved. She has stepped into an additional role as teacher with this change. I wish we had a nickel for each time the kids have heard “Stay quiet dad is on a call!”…we might have enough to retire.
If Necessary, Contact the Teacher
Danielle: I check in with the children at lunch and after school to ensure they understand their assignments and responsibilities. Any time there is a question that we can’t assist with the kids e-mail their teacher and cc me on the communication. We are lucky that our children are old enough that they don’t require constant supervision during the day.
3. What have you purchased or modified to help working from home with kids be as good as possible?
Ryan: A useful set of gadgets we’ve purchased that have helped in keeping the girls on task has been a handful of Amazon Echo Dots (which I lovingly call “wiretaps”). Small and unobtrusive, we’re able to set timers and reminders throughout the day for the kids. When my wife and I are both on conference calls, our Echoes can remind the kids to log in to their next meeting, or notify them that it’s time to take a brain break.
Tutoring Options
Sam: I have one daughter who has ADHD and has trouble focusing and another who has high anxiety about her advanced classes – two extreme different cases. I called the girls’ middle school and asked if there were any teachers who were interested in a tutoring gig. One of the teachers happily accepted the job and comes to our house a few days a week. Honestly, she’s the best therapy around since she is able to calm the situation, provide the advice from a teacher’s perspective and help with the math skills that my husband and I have forgotten how to do. I constantly tell her that she’s better than a fine glass of wine!
Retail Strategy Pays Dividends for Working from Home with Kids
Wesley: We watched IKEA’s online stock like a hawk and when kid’s desks went on sale we ran to the store and bought one for each of them (under $50 for each!). Having their own little workspace has helped them get in the mood for school. Having over the ear headphones so they can tune out some of the ambient noise and focus on their lessons has also been very helpful.
Danielle: We are fortunate that each child already had a dedicated work space. We have placed limits on their I-Phone access during the school day. The only apps left on are school-related.
4. Can you provide any recommendations based on your experience that might help others in your situation?
Ryan: Set up a dedicated area for your children to do their work, preferably away from a family living area or where they spend the majority of their free time. We wanted our kids to have the ability to finish their school day and “walk out” of their physical learning area. Being able to close a real office door and walk into a space dedicated for family time has been an extremely successful element in my personal work/life balance so far in 2020. Allowing our kids to have a similar set up allows them to check out mentally for the day and go back to “just being kids.”
There’s Always Tomorrow!
Sam: When feeling overwhelmed, reach out to teachers, counselors and other parents for support. Everyone is in the same boat working from home with kids, and have all had frustrating days that don’t go very well. Take deep breaths and remember that tomorrow is a new day.
We are all in this Together
Wesley: I think remembering that this is hard for everyone is important. It can feel isolating when we are all struggling with our individual challenges. I think we need to extend grace to our teachers who are struggling as much or more than we are. I also think we need to give ourselves some grace too as we are all trying to deal with an unprecedented challenge.
Danielle: Plan each home school day as if your child was actually going to school. Have your children get fully dressed, make their beds, and pack a lunch.
5. Do you have any specific tips for managing the work hours versus school hours intersection?
Ryan: My advice is to set up a routine and stick to it. It may not look or feel glamourous, but a schedule is one of the few things you have complete control over during the madness of 2020. By generating a predictable, repeatable routine, you’re able to settle in and relax because you know exactly what you’re going to be doing next.
Sam Hoey’s dog, Macy, dressed as a UPS delivery driver for Halloween
Walk the Dog for a Quick Break
Sam: When stress levels are high, I send the girls on a bike ride or outside to walk the dog. Taking a quick break and getting some fresh air and exercise works wonders. Also, a quick run to the Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts drive thru is another winner!
Alexa to the Rescue
Wesley: We have an Amazon Alexa upstairs and downstairs. The kids have learned to get in the habit of setting timers for themselves. For example, we might tell them for the next 45 minutes they need to focus and get their homework done. Helping them schedule dedicated time to specific tasks has been instrumental in all of us keeping our sanity.
Healthy and Nutritious Snack Options
Danielle: We write out afterschool chores and snack options on a white board at the beginning of each week to help manage their down time. We do not ask the kids to start homework until their father gets home from work, typically between 5:30-6:00. That way they have some down time before evening activities begin.
What Should Employers do to Help Employees Working from Home with Kids?
Employers should encourage employees who are parents working from home with kids to develop optimal solutions to issues such as time management and productivity. Talent Management programs should take into account how remote workplaces might affect employee performance. Helpful resources should also be made available for employees.
Conclusion
GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients navigate issues that impact employees working at remote locations. As a result, our team can help your company share tips for parents who are working from home with kids. Remote work environments should be conducive to the employee’s health, welfare, and productivity.
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 your company can share tips for parents who are working from home with kids, 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.
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:
Install solar panels on new homes
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?
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
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:
Should they pay for the remainder of the contract?
Can they find a buyer willing to take on lease payments?
What are the requirements to transfer a lease?
Is the warranty transferable? If yes, for how long?
What is the cost to remove or relocate the solar panels if the buyer requests this?
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.
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.
Shot of a mature businessman having a brainstorming session against a glass screen in a modern office
What will your employer’s post-pandemic business planning require? The United States has seen two months of unexpected employment increases, far beyond expectations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment situation over the past two months reflects:
Post-pandemic business planning must take into account a variety of issues and factors that many employers have not ever thought of, let alone have expertise in. Operating a business in the aftermath of COVID-19 requires significant measures of research, analysis, and thoughtful approaches to solutions.
Pre-Decision Services Help Employers Understand the Issues of Importance
Employers focusing on talent acquisition as part of their post-pandemic business planning should work with a Relocation Management Company with knowledge and experience in pre-decision services. As the original pioneer of the benefits of pre-decision services, Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) can help employers understand the issues of importance to new hires and transferees. GMS offers a wide range of pre-decision services including candidate assessments that help clients assess the circumstances of prospects who are likely to succeed.
Candidate Assessments Provide Valuable Information for Post-Pandemic Business Planning
Candidate assessments provide valuable information for employers as to the expectations of new hires and transferees. New workspace configurations and requirements should be clearly communicated during the pre-decision phase. Questions and feedback from candidates and transferees will provide a valuable source of input and guidance for an employer’s post-pandemic business planning with respect to COVID-19 planning and hazard reduction efforts. With respect to post-pandemic business planning, pre-decision services provide several benefits for clients by:
Clearly identifying a candidate’s issues, concerns, and questions
Streamlining the candidate’s orientation to the new location
How Can GMS Help Your Company’s Post-Pandemic Business Planning?
GMS has the knowledge and experience to help your company understand how to identify issues and learn about useful resources. GMS’s team of domestic relocation experts can help your company learn how to use information gathered during pre-decision services to enhance post-pandemic business planning.
As a result, we can help your company develop robust plans during its post-pandemic phase of operations. This will help maintain your competitive position in the marketplace for highly skilled and qualified talent.
What Should Employers do?
Employers looking to enhance their post-pandemic business planning should work with an experienced and knowledgeable Relocation Management Company (RMC). RMCs are ideal sources for information on corporate relocations, workspace setups, pre-decision services, and many issues specific to each employer’s needs surrounding new hires, transferees, and talent acquisition.
Conclusion
GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped many of our clients determine how to identify specific needs of new hires and transferees through pre-decision services. Our team can help your company determine how to leverage information gathered from new hires and transferees. As a result, this will help your company enhance its business planning process.
GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators. This leadership 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. Our relocation industry and technology experts are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to learn more about how your company can leverage pre-decision services to enhance its post-pandemic business planning, 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.
Through the end of 2019, the United States Census Bureau population estimates show continuing growth for many southern states. This growth is mainly reflective of domestic migration, with a secondary factor of natural increase (higher number of births over deaths). Overall, the southern region of the nation saw both the largest numeric growth and percentage growth from 2018 to 2019.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may result in some variations for 2020 and beyond. However, the same factors that are driving current population estimates are most likely to continue affecting future growth. This has broad implications for corporate growth initiatives and talent acquisition.
Population Estimates Show Southern Region Growing, Other Regions Declining
The Southern region of the U.S. is growing faster than the nation as a whole. Overall, the southern region accounts for over 65% of the nation’s population growth from 2018-2019.
Region
Total Growth
Percentage Growth
United States
1,552,022
0.5%
South
1,011,015
0.8%
By comparison, the Northeast Region saw population decline over the same period by 63,817, or -0.1%. The Northeast did experience a population gain of 97,152 due to natural increase over this time period, as well as an increase in net international migration of 134,145. However, net domestic migration out of the Northeast in the amount of 294,331 led to the overall population decline. The loss of nearly 300,000 residents from the Northeast is significant, and may be due to a variety of factors.
Cities and Suburbs
Many states in the Northeast feature comparatively small cities and towns. For example, the state of Connecticut’s largest city is Bridgeport, with a population of about 144,399. Georgia’s largest city is Atlanta, with a population of about 506,811. Regions losing population often face other difficulties such as a declining tax base and diminishing economic prosperity.
Adding suburbs to the city’s population estimates may shed further light. Greater Bridgeport has an estimated population of 305,000, while the entire Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk-Danbury metropolitan statistical area has a population of about 948,000 residents. Atlanta, on the other hand, has an urban population of 4.5 million residents. Also, the Atlanta metropolitan area has over 5.6 million residents. The largest city and metropolitan region in Connecticut does not compare favorably to the economic growth, size, and vitality of the largest city and metropolitan region in Georgia.
What do Population Estimates Show for the Southern Region?
Of the top 5 states in total numeric growth in population estimates from 2018-2019, four are in the South, and one is in the Southwest:
Clearly the South continues its long period of population growth, while other regions of the U.S. lag. This pattern will result in many changes, from political representation to the ability to fund major infrastructure projects.
Why do People Continue Moving to the Southern Region of the U.S.?
There are several reasons why people decide to move to a new location. In terms of general population trends in the U.S., a few factors often top the list:
Each of the top ranking states have cost of living that is lower than half of the other states in the nation. Georgia in particular ranks as the 9th least expensive state for cost of living.
3. Weather
People looking for beautiful weather will find it at each of the top ranking states. Factors that determine a state’s ranking for weather include comfortable temperatures, dry weather, and at least 60% annual sunshine.
GMS’ team of domestic relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop hiring and recruiting programs that attract highly skilled job seekers to meet corporate growth objectives. As a result, our team can help your company understand the importance of population estimates for states as they relate to talent acquisition and your company’s ability to attract new hires and transferees.
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 population estimates as they relate to corporate growth and talent acquisition, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.
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
Virtual consultations using popular meeting platforms such as Zoom or Google Hangouts
Document signatures captured electronically using Dotloop real estate transaction management solution
Online searching for homes
Virtual experience tours of homes, either 3D virtual tour online, or a live virtual tour (open house or private showing)
Offer, Contract, Deposit
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)
Contract to purchase the home is executed electronically
DepositLink is used to electronically transfer the deposit
Inspections, Appraisal, Financing, Closing
Inspections are ordered and conducted (if not waived)
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
Virtual consultations using popular meeting platforms such as Zoom or Google Hangouts
Document signatures captured electronically using Dotloop real estate transaction management solution
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.
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
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
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)
Contract to purchase the home is executed electronically
DepositLink is used to electronically transfer the deposit
Inspections, Appraisal, Financing, Closing
Inspections are ordered and conducted (if not waived)
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.
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Welcome to Texas state road sign at the state border
Many companies have a Texas relocation as part of their corporate objectives. Trends show the state of Texas as a top destination for company facilities and corporate headquarters looking to relocate. These trends span quite a length of time. Companies leaving California have chosen to move to Texas more than any other state for each of the past 12 years.
Every state has many benefits for the companies that choose to relocate there. Some US cities and states offer a number of incentives for people to move as well. Southern California in particular is known for great amenities such as excellent weather, expansive and beautiful beaches, and the growth of dynamic industries. What is it about the Lone Star State that makes a Texas relocation so attractive for companies?
Benefits of a Texas Relocation
Companies looking at future trends and the possibility of relocation often consider several factors in their decision. Company location may determine future growth and business viability. For example, technology companies might need to consider a location with access to a highly educated workforce, capital markets, and critical infrastructure such as fiber optic technology for broadband internet service. Other companies may consider tax issues, or ways to increase corporate synergies following an acquisition.
What are the Factors That Make a Texas Relocation a Good Business Decision?
When it comes to a Texas relocation, companies consistently cite a few factors as critical to their decision. While taxes often make the news, other factors also have a significant impact on these decisions. Besides taxes, companies note housing affordability and livability for employees, utility costs, labor costs, and business regulations.
Livability is a somewhat subjective term. What makes one place more livable than another place? Examining a few key indicators can help shape a good perspective on livability. Wage differences should be considered with the cost of living in a location. State policies on health insurance may skew numbers—especially if the health insurance is not comparable to what is available in other markets.
A large part of labor costs are the taxes employers pay. While salary and wages make up the majority of direct costs, payroll-related taxes can be considerable. Most of these taxes in Texas have comparatively low minimums. As a result, employers pay less overall in payroll-related taxes in Texas than they would in other states. Also, the vast majority of Texas counties have wages that are lower than the national average.
Source: Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council.
What Does a Texas Relocation Mean for Employers?
Companies may consider relocating their headquarters or other facilities for a number of reasons. Most companies consider factors such as regulations, taxes, and livability as they examine a possible Texas relocation. As a result, Texas consistently rises to the top of the list due to several factors. These include lower tax rates, low energy costs, lower costs of labor, favorable cost of living, and business-friendly policy and tax environments.
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 whether a Texas relocation would be a good move for your company, 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.
African descent family moving into a new home. Mother, father and daughter. Real estate sign. Home in background. Spring or summer season.
Many relocating employees choose a summer move over any other time of the year. However, several factors make this time of the year the busiest for relocation. As a result, the household goods (HHG) moving industry is often running at nearly full capacity to meet demanding schedules.
Factors That Result in Preferences for a Summer Move
1. School Breaks
Families with children prefer to stay in place during the school year. The vast majority of school years follow certain patterns, with holiday or seasonal breaks. The months of June, July, and August are traditionally times when schools are not in session. This includes colleges as well, where students are often on the move back home once they have taken their last final exam. By planning a summer move, schoolwork is less likely to face any disruptions.
2. Weather Patterns
In much of the United States, the months of May through September offer warm temperatures, grounds covered with grass, and a number of bright sunny days. In comparison, other months offer less than ideal weather conditions. Snow and ice make travel difficult, streets and sidewalks may be muddy, and days may be gray with sleet and snow showers.
3. Common Beliefs and Practices
Many home buyers and sellers believe the best seasons for real estate transactions are spring and summer. Although other seasons offer a number of benefits, a summer move is often the result of a busy spring and summer home buying and selling season.
How to Plan Ahead for Your Summer Move
Companies that are planning to relocate employees should be aware of several important points that can make for a smooth and easy summer move. Communication is important to ensure that every relocating employee has a good experience. Employees who have a good experience in their relocation process will arrive at the destination ready to start their new job.
Top 4 Points to Ensure a Smooth Summer Move
1. Engage your Relocation Management Company (RMC) as Early as Possible
Employers looking to arrange an employee transfer or a new hire that will be relocating, early notification to the RMC is best. A best practice is to integrate all of the company’s pre-decision services directly with the RMC. This will help ensure the RMC has visibility for any upcoming summer move, and initial planning can quickly proceed.
2. Leverage Multiple Bids to Obtain the Lowest Costs
With HHG moving demand at its peak, RMCs should provide multiple bids for a summer move. However, this requires companies to provide enough time for the RMC to obtain these bids. The last week of June is the busiest week for moves. Companies that do not provide enough time for the RMC to obtain competitive bids may miss out on substantially lower costs for the summer move. In general, RMCs who obtain multiple bids for a summer move can save companies over $1,500 per move.
3. Providing a Range of Dates is Better Than a Specific Date
As with many things in life, the ability to be flexible works well for planning a summer move. HHG moving companies appreciate flexibility for their scheduling needs. Transferees also have many other things to take care of related to their relocation. Relocating employees who can provide a range of dates for pickup and delivery are often likely to have their household goods picked up and delivered on their preferred date or the nearest alternative date.
4. When Time is of the Essence, Services Can be Provided at Additional Cost
Some situations require an employee to be on site in a new location by a specific date. Critical delivery dates may arise due to home sale closings, expiring leases, and company requirements. These situations may require services that cost extra, above and beyond the traditional summer move cost. Companies that need a transferee to be on site in a new location by a certain date should provide enough time for the employee to make the move.
NOTE: Transferees that are given very short notice for a summer move often face significant issues in terms of cost to move and space for their household goods on moving company vans and trucks. Late requests for space may result in a moving company providing space but only for a specific size such as 10,000 pounds of goods. As a result, transferees with 2,500 pounds of household goods may have no other option but to pay for the extra unused space in order to meet the deadline set by their company. Best practice is to provide a quote that covers only the space needed for the transferee’s household goods. This way, they transferee is not paying extra for space they cannot use.
An API provides a framework for different computer systems to communicate and share information. Employers with a relocation API will have their internal Human Resource Information System (HRIS) integrated with their RMC’s relocation technology. RMCs with industry-leading relocation technology solutions have designed their platforms to quickly and easily integrate with each client’s HRIS.
Global Mobility Solutions’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to leverage the multiple bid process to save on a summer move. Our team can help your company follow industry best practices to communicate early, incorporate flexibility, and understand all of the various options that are available for relocating employees facing a summer move.
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 discuss your company’s interest in learning best practices relating to arranging a summer move for your relocating employees, 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.
