9 Excellent Tips For a Successful Relocation to South Florida with Pets

9 Excellent Tips For A Successful Relocation To South Florida With Cats and Dogs

If you’re planning to relocate to south Florida with pets, here are 9 killer tips to help make your move easier.

Moving with pets takes planning. These 9 tips for a successful relocation to south Florida with cats and dogs will help make it easier.

RESEARCH THE AREA YOU ARE RELOCATING TO

If you are not familiar with the different areas of South Florida, go online and do some research. Research the city you’re going to, where you will be working or your family lives, and figure out how near or far you are willing to be.

If your move involves a job, will it require a long commute every day? Or is there a possibility of living closer? Are you willing to commute and, if so, how long of a commute?

FIND A PET-FRIENDLY BUYER’S AGENT IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Once your basic research is done, make contact with a trusted buyer’s agent. A buyer’s agent in Boca Raton or the city you plan to be living in will be a wealth of information for you.

Buyer’s agents in south Florida will not only help you find a place to live, they should know the area well. They know the ins and outs, traffic patterns, how long it takes to commute and the best places to live.

Ask questions! Not all buyer’s agents are created equal.

If you plan on buying new construction, take a buyer’s agent with you. Yes, that’s right! Don’t make the mistake of going to the builder alone. This could wind up being a very costly mistake.

You don’t save any money going directly to a builder. In fact, it will probably cost you more. Buyer’s agents are familiar with new construction, location, and which community may be a better fit for you. They also know which options can be added later, for far less money than you’ll be charged by the builder, and which are the best and worst lots. No, the salespeople are not going to tell you. They are there for one thing – to sell.

Interview a few buyer’s agents until you find one you feel comfortable with and trust. Comfort and trust are key. You will be working together as a team to find your new home in a new city. You want someone you are comfortable with and can trust, someone who will be on your side – not the listing agent’s side or the builder’s side.

PLAN TO VISIT SOUTH FLORIDA

Plan to visit your relocation city in South Florida before moving. Make at least a weekend trip or a take a few days to find your new home. What city or town are you looking in? Boca Raton? Delray Beach? Boynton Beach? Highland Beach?

Are you looking for a condo? Townhouse? Single family house? Do you want to live in a gated community in Boca? Or are you a beach person who would prefer a condo in Boca, Delray or Highland Beach? Remember, you have pets, and it’s always more difficult to find pet-friendly housing in Boca Raton or neighboring towns and cities.

You’ll want to see where you’re going to be living. See if you like it, it feels right, and if it’s a good fit for you. Do you like the area?

Is there shopping near by? Schools? Places to walk the dogs? Dog parks? Medical facilities and houses of worship? Are there banks, dry cleaners, restaurants and recreation? Is it close to the I-95 or the Florida Turnpike?

These are all things you need to think about. Discuss your concerns with your buyer’s agent. They will help you, so you can ultimately make a good decision.

BUY VERSUS RENT IN SOUTH FLORIDA

In most areas of the country today, rents have gone so high that it pays to buy versus rent, as you will actually end up saving money. This is true in Boca Raton and the surrounding areas, as well. Your buyer’s agent and a good mortgage broker can help you with this.

RELOCATION WITH PETS

Do you have pets? I know if you have a pet or two or three, they’re definitely moving with you. Be sure to tell your REALTOR® about your furry friends. In fact, if you have pets, you would be best served by a Pet-Friendly REALTOR®.

REALTORS® who love cats and dogs get it. They understand. They will find you housing that will accept your furry friends.

In other words, if you’re looking for a pet-friendly condo and you have a Lab, they won’t take you to a condo that accepts pets up to 25 lbs. Not if they’re truly a pet-friendly real estate agent. Make sense?

Or, if you have more than one pet, say a cat and a dog, they won’t take you to a condo that accepts one pet. They get it; they really do because they live and work it every day. They, too have pets of their own.

Get a copy of your pets’ medical records from your veterinarian. This is easily done on disc or online today. You might even get a recommendation for a new vet from your old one. You never know!

HOUSE TO SELL

Do you have to sell your house before moving? Interview a few local agents and decide on one to get your house sold as quickly as possible. Your buyer’s agent in Florida is a good source to find a local agent too.

If your house is in great shape, you’re ahead of the game. If it needs a bit of curb appeal added, your real estate agent can make some suggestions. Consider hiring a home stager. Staged houses sell well, usually for more money and get you packing now.

MOVING TO SOUTH FLORIDA

Whether it’s cross-country or a long-distance move, think carefully about what to take with you. Long-distance movers charge by the pound, so it may be more economical to replace that worn sofa than pay to move it. If it’s grandma’s prized possession and means the world to you, by all means, take it.

Moving is a good time to declutter. Whether you plan to use a professional mover, a U-Haul or a POD, it’s a good time to get rid of stuff you don’t need. There are many websites and apps where you can sell your stuff. Donate things you no longer need but are still usable, or if in bad condition throw them out.

If you plan to use a professional mover, get recommendations. Interview a few and check their reviews online and with the Better Business Bureau.

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS

Once you’re found a home, don’t forget to set up accounts with the local electric company, water company, cable company, gas company and whomever else you may need.

If you’re getting a mortgage, you will need to get insurance. If you’re paying cash for your new home, insurance is not required, but get it anyway. It’s always a good idea to have home insurance.

If you’re buying a condo, insurance is probably included in your condo fees. You may only need interior (from the drywall in) insurance. But always double check!

Again, your buyer’s agent can help you with phone numbers and recommendations of who to call to set up various things.

File a change-of-address card with your local post office. This can be done online today.

Don’t forget to pack several days or a week’s worth of clothing and medicine for you, your family and your pets. Bring a familiar bed or blanket, food and some treats for the cats and dogs too. You understand what’s going on; they don’t. It’s all very new to them.

ARRIVAL IN RELOCATION CITY IN SOUTH FLORIDA

You’ve done all your prep work and now it’s time to go. Whether you drive, fly, take a train or bus, the big day is finally here. Arrival in your new home in your new city!

Think of the adventures and memories yet to come. If you moved because of job relocation, great. This should be a successful move. If you moved to be closer to family, that’s great too. It’s wonderful to have family nearby.

Whatever the reason, after settling into your new home, get out and learn your about new city. Find places of interest, whether it be dog parks, restaurants or the beach. Take it all in and enjoy!

Thank you for reading! I hope these 9 killer tips will help make your move a successful one.