Jim Lord of Arizona is a realtor who specializes in short sales and relocations. In the following article, Jim Lord explains how a relocation realtor can simplify a move, whether it’s across the state or across the country.

Moving isn’t just any stressful life event — it’s considered by many to be the most stressful life event.

A recent OnePoll study found that 45% of respondents say moving is the most stressful event in anyone’s life, followed by divorce and getting married.

While moving can be challenging and generally requires a lot of work, it doesn’t need to be as stressful as it usually is. One solution: working with a relocation realtor or specialist.

Jim Lord Explains What a Relocation Realtor Does

Whether a person is moving for a change of pace, a new job, or entering retirement, relocation realtors can help significantly.

Relocation is a huge decision that comes with an extensive laundry list of things to take care of — finding a place to live, packing up or selling possessions, and finding help with physically moving, to name a few. A relocation realtor, usually a real estate agent with experience or training in relocation, or a relocation specialist can help ease the process of starting fresh in a new place.

Jim Lord of Arizona reports that relocation specialists aren’t simply good planners. In addition to having years of experience as an agent, they usually have gone through additional training, typically earning either a Military Relocation professional certification or, more commonly, a designation as a Certified Relocation Professional.

Relocation specialists can work with either sellers or buyers — often both. Some assist sellers in finding a buyer for their home as soon as possible while also helping buyers locate the right home in a new place.

A Certified Relocation Professional often works with employees who are being relocated by a company, and a Military Relocation Professional helps those in the military and their families when they are reporting to a new station or base.

Jim Lord of Arizona says that it’s also common for an employer to hire a relocation specialist through an independent company to help with an employee’s transfer needs. However, individuals can also choose to hire a real estate relocation specialist on their own.

Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Relocation Specialist

Jim Lord of Arizona explains that a good relocation specialist will know exactly what each client needs before they even ask.

They are qualified to help with any of the logistics related to traveling or relocating to a new community. Relocation experts can even book travel for clients or make sure they have passports, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance if necessary. They will even help to relocate pets.

Jim Lord of Arizona also states that, more commonly, they help with the fundamentals, especially with finding an apartment, condo, or home and supervising renovations. If a client has children, they can help them find the right school and enroll them, even if the move takes place during a school year.

One of the biggest jobs of a relocation specialist is handling everything that comes with buying and selling properties. They can work rapidly to sell a current home and then also with helping to buy or rent a new one. Specialists can even take care of all the seemingly endless paperwork that comes with real estate.

Oh, and finding the best moving company to pack and ship all the belongings? They will do that, too.

Jim Lord Discusses Relocation Specialist FAQs

How can I find the best relocation specialist to fit my needs?

In addition to being matched with a specialist by an employer or going the independent-hire route, clients can find a specialist through the organization that certifies them, or asking any real estate agency if they employ relocation specialists with their team (most do).

How do I begin working with a relocation specialist?

Jim Lord of Arizona explains that once hired, they begin working with a client as far in advance of the move as possible. Meetings can take place in person or over the phone to thoroughly hammer out all the details related to one’s moving needs and address every detail and special request. Before a move, clients regularly keep in touch with specialists to receive updates or request additional services.

Are relocation specialists trained to help with international moves?

Many are, especially those hired through employers with a global footprint. In addition to being able to find a home in a different country, relocation specialists can also help ship vehicles and pets abroad.

How much do relocation specialists charge?

About 99% of clients work with specialists hired by new employers, and their cost is included in the new employee hiring package. Relocation specialists also often receive referral fees from vendors.