What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

I am setting up a Relocation Service in Nova Scotia and would like some feedback as to exactly what people would like an agency to cover and what services they might use?

I already have tried and tested real estate agents, property inspectors, lawyers and insurance agents on board. But what else? Best car hire? Accommodation? Trip itinerarys?

Are you likely to be interested in an intensive escorted property viewing tour?

Are you likely to be interested in weekly emails of properties that match your criteria?

I would be grateful for any ideas

Thanks

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

We used a relocation agent called Helen when we moved to Calgary - I would never recommend her as she was also a realtor and really pushed us to buy a house - we found her to be particularly unhelpful with regards to the information we required she was just interested in our money! If you aren't a realtor you could really help with things like cost of living forecasts, b&b's or short term home rentals.

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

With the odd exception I would never use a relocation agent either they are charging you for something you can do yourself OR they are charging\getting back handers from other businesses so will not get you the BEST deal

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

I think you are talking about the same lady that Kerry referred us to. We met her on a research trip, took an instant dislike to her and didn't use her when we bought our house (that gave me a really warm feeling inside).

Since landing we have heard real horror stories about her and are really glad we didn't use her.:D

Most things that a "relocation agent" can do, friends can probably do better as they have no hidden agenda and nothing to sell you.:p

My 5 cents worth anyway :thumbup:

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

However, if you don't have friends and local contacts.... :confused:

Rich.

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

Do some freakin' research, make some contacts, get off your lazy fat british ass? ;)

Hey folks no offence meant to those of you who are using\did use a relocation agent. ;)

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

Mwah. :mad: :sneaky:

Rich.

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

We used her to buy a house in Calgary in 2000. Having now been in Canada for 7 years and having used a couple of realtors since then in different areas, I can honestly say she was without doubt the worst. She was pushy, patronizing and unprofessional. We were very stupid to have used her, and would never advise anyone else to do so. We also know of several other people who feel the same.

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

Maybe I'll just keep all the invaluable information I've collected to myself

How old is the septic? how does it work? When was it emptied?

Fire Hall? Insurance? vehicle testing?

Well? Drilled? Hammered? When was it tested? did they check for uranium?

Sump pump? Submersible or surface? back up generator?

School bus route? snow plough route? mail route?

How old is your furnace? Burns wood? Oil? Changed the filters? Flue cleaned? Oil tanks? How old? What are they supported on?

Cedar shingles? vinyl siding?

property tax assessment? Capital gains tax? assessment appeal?

Fog in summer? blackfly route? Mosquitoes? Bears? Hunters?

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

My home inspector covered all your points, I wouldn't be inclined to pay a relocation agent to hear it all echoed.

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

OK we won't be using an agent but I do understand that some people's companies may want to use one and so , if that were the case I would want:

detailed info about schools, ie I would want the relocation agent to have a deep understanding of us and what we want in a school and have some understanding of matching our hopes to actual schools in the area. This needs to go way beyond a frasercard type approach as the agent needs to know the feel of local places and match those to parents hopes. All parents have differnt hopes and expectations about what is important in making a good school and a good relocation agent would beable to discerne that and present with a credible individualised shortlist for visiting. I imagine the relocation market (as its one paid for by employers) is one that has money and on the whole if coming from Britain certainly is interested in education. This is the same for childcare and spouses working opportunities

Gryphea

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

Thanks for a great reply. Exactly what I need. Much appreciated.

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

Thanks Biiiink, they do cover it but sometimes if you've never seen a combination wood/oil furnace or don't know the cost of electric baseboard heating it can be difficult to know the relative importance. In England if a cellar was damp we would worry, where I am most cellars get damp.

I am sure there is a need for guidance if not a relocation agent.

Did he tell you about snow tires? Locations to avoid. Prevailing winter winds and protection. To wear an orange hat in the woods? Coastal erosion? Cost of household appliances? Best place to get them? High speed internet? Local demographics?

Ok some is common sense but only if you recognise it n the first place.

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

So what does it cost to use a relocation expert? That's what it would all come down to for me. We had a great realtor and home inspector. Alongside that a few phone calls gave us most of the info we needed. Maybe one central person could have been useful but only at a modest cost because it could be argued that some of the service that one was paying for was just for someones opinion. You'll find plenty of those here! :)

Re: What do you need from a relocation agent?
 

Hi ontheboatout,

just wondering where you live? we are hoping to move to Calgary, will we need the same amount of information? How did you collect all your info? Was it on internet, books, websites, all all of them. If you could possibly send me some pointers, that would be much appreciated:thumbup:

I have started the collecting process ourselves and have been wondering about using a relocation agent, we have been talking to Canilink?

Our main problem, is getting as much of an insight to the cost of living, and what we can afford on our salaries ( when we find out what we will be earning).



Has anybody got any recommendation for any relocation agents please?


Thanks to all,
:thumbup: