Planning Your Relocation Here are some of the most important steps you can take to prepare for moving from your current home to a new location: * Arm yourself with information. Before you move to a new location, ask your Realtor to provide you with information about your new city. * Don't overimprove. If your job requires frequent relocations, making a lot of upgrades on your house doesn't necessarily mean you'll recoup the money you spent when you sell it. * Find an experienced, high-quality real estate agent. This is important to make sure everything that has to be done gets done. Argonaut Relocation Services has a preferred broker network of real estate agents who are experts in relocation. * First impressions count. When you are selling your house, the more you can do to make it look good, the better. Start a checklist of everything that needs to be done to your house before the "For Sale" sign is stuck in the lawn. Remember: Paint is worth $10 in the can, but $1,000 on the wall. * Buy a house to sell it. When buying a house, remember that eventually you are likely to be selling it. Ensure that your house continues to maintain the character of homes in your neighborhood. * Investigate the neighborhood. Before you buy a house, check out the surrounding neighborhood. Is the house close to shopping and major roads? Are the schools good? * Get a title without exception. Let's say the builder of your new house doesn't pay the subcontractors. The subcontractor can place a lien on your house. The title without exception protects you from this and many other costly situations. * If storing household goods, plan ahead. Let the movers know which boxes you need immediately and which boxes are going into storage so they can pack the moving truck appropriately. * Include the family. This is especially important for children. Make the relocation a positive event for the entire family by keeping them informed of everything that is happening. Mention all the great things about the new location.