General

General Questions

What is Buyer Agency-Buyer Brokerage?
Agents are bound by certain obligations to you as a client. State laws clearly define the duties for each type of brokerage relationship and states have mandated agency disclosure forms that describe the various relationships. When you begin working with an agent, you should ask for a clear explanation of your state's agency regulations. You may also want to request a copy of the agent company's policy to know where their company stands.

Should we wait until school is out to move?
This is a personal decision that needs to be made by your family. Typically, there are two trains of thought. One is to wait until school is out, school activities, sports, hobbies to be considered. The second thought is that it may be easier for children to establish new friends and activities while school is in session.

How will I move my pets?
Pets are most comfortable with their owners. If at all possible, transport your pet to the new location in your personal vehicle. If this is not an option, pets can be shipped by air. Your personal veterinarian is the best source of information on how to prepare your pet for a relocation. It is important that you watch your pet throughout the process because it is stressful on a pet and may make them react adversely to strangers (buyers, movers, realtors) on your property.

 

Travel

Travel Questions

When is your valid passport not really valid?
Some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid not only for the duration of your visit, but also for three to six months after your entry or return from their country - verify before you schedule your international travel, as typical wait time for renewing passports is about 6 weeks.

What do I need to know about traveling with my pet by air?
Pets are most comfortable with their owners. If at all possible, transport your pet to the new location in your personal vehicle. If this is not an option, pets can be shipped by air. Your personal veterinarian is the best source of information on how to prepare your pet for air travel.

Is there a restriction on age when renting a car?
For car rentals, if you are under the age of 25, be sure to let the person booking your travel know so they utilize a rental company allowing younger drivers. Drivers under 21 are rarely allowed.

Do I need a credit card at the hotel if another party is handling room charge?
Hotels require a credit card at check-in, even if the room charge has been handled by another party. The credit card is used for incidentals and rarely can the requirement be waived. If using a debit card, your account will have a hold on it that may be more than the amount you end up having to pay.

What Identification is required for air travel?
Homeland Security has stringent travel requirements that must be met when booking air travel. You will need a valid picture ID like a driver's license or passport, the airline will need your full name as shown on valid ID and birth date when booking flights.  Starting October 1, 2020, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification (passport or passport card) to travel by air.

Tax Related

Tax Related Questions

Who should I direct my questions in regards to my specific tax situation?
If you have specific questions relating to your relocation, it is highly recommend that you speak your Tax Accountant. You may also contact the IRS phone 800.8291040 / website or  State and Local Tax Authorities.

As a corporation, I’d like to move an employee to our corporate headquarters from the regional office. The employee is only about an hour away, but the drive would be too much on a daily basis. Would the move be considered a relocation from a tax standpoint?
To determine who's eligible, the IRS has set up two tests--pass them and you can cash in; fail and you have to eat all the costs of your move. Keep in mind, the IRS lets you take this deduction only if you are moving because of a job. It doesn't matter if it's a new job, the same job or your first job. (Recent college grads, take note.) Your first challenge will be to pass the 50-mile test. That means the distance between your new primary job and your former home must be at least 50 miles greater than your old commute. So if you lived 10 miles from work and your new office is 45 miles from your old home, you lose. You can't deduct your moving expenses. If, on the other hand, your new office is 65 miles from your old home, then your new commute is 55 miles longer and you pass the first test. The second test was designed to prove that you moved for work and not just for a change of scenery. It requires that you be employed full time in the general area of your new job location for at least 39 weeks during the 12 months after you make the move. This means you are allowed to switch jobs as often as you'd like after the move. If your employer transfers you again or even lays you off, the IRS won't hold it against you and will waive the 39-week test.

Why were my total earnings on my W-2 higher than my salary?
Many relocation expenses are considered a taxable benefit to you, whether paid directly to you or paid on your behalf. These amounts are added to your income.

Are there programs to tax protect our organization?
Yes, it is important to be aware of such products as Buyer Value Option (BVO) and Amended Value Option (AVO) when structuring your program. What you select will determine how to tax protect the organization.

Buying a Home

Why should I have a home finding tour?
This tour assists you throughout the entire home finding process. It typically includes conducting the initial property search and follows with the facilitation of the tour. Relocation Today will continue to be a resource for you through your lease signing and actual move-in and will answer any questions you may have during your transition period.

Does every real estate agent handle home buying relocation transactions?
Every agent may say they do, but a true relocation real estate professional has had extensive training in relocation provided by both their agency and the relocation industry. Since specific documents and processes are used for relocation transactions in addition to state level requirements, it is important that they understand how to properly navigate through the relocation process. In addition to the training and experience, they will also have achieved a proven sales record for multiple years.

If I find a home on the internet, should I contact the agent directly?
Properties that are listed on the internet can be shown by any agent. If you are not presently working with an agent, it is important to find an agent that can meet your needs. The agent that has the listing may not necessarily be the right fit for you and your needs. The agent may have strong sales skills, but could be a weak buyers' agent. We recommend you contact your account manager before making contact with any agent. Your account manager will interview the agent to see if they meet our requirements and if they are the right fit for your needs. If not, your Account Manager will recommend a more suitable agent.

Should I get a home inspection when I purchase a new home?
A home's condition significantly affects its value. It is important to have a trained professional examine the property for pest infestation, wood rot, ceiling leaks, radon levels, and other physical components. They will assess the problems and be able to determine what corrective work needs to be done, and what it will cost. Get a home inspection by a reputable inspector. When you hire the inspector, be certain you know what they do and do not inspect. You may also ask about environmental issues such as lead paint, asbestos and radon gas.

Selling a Home

Does every real estate agent handle relocation transactions?
Every agent may say they do, but a true relocation real estate professional has had extensive training in relocation provided by both their agency and the relocation industry. Since specific documents and processes are used for relocation transactions in addition to state level requirements, it is important that they understand how to properly navigate through the relocation process. In addition to the training and experience, they will also have achieved a proven sales record for multiple years.

What is a BMA?
Broker Market Analysis. The broker/agent conducts market analysis to determine a suggested listing price and the most likely sales price for a property. The agent uses comparable sales and competing listings to determine the property's value. Typical format used is the ERC (Employee Relocation Council) form.

Should I consider working with a discount broker?
A discount broker is not competitive with a full service real estate company. Reduced commissions mean reduced services--most likely reduced advertising/marketing of your property. In addition, real estate agents may prefer to show those properties that carry the standard commission rate for the area first, rather than properties with discount commissions.

Should I consider selling my home as a "for sale by owner?”?
Your home is perhaps the largest investment you have and for that reason alone, a real estate professional is a wise investment.

How can I get more showings for my home?
Some things to consider are your homes curb appeal or whether your home is priced right for the current market. Remember that the agents will take buyers to homes that are easy to show. This means the fewer negative aspects the better. Often these negative aspects are very minor and can be easily changed. Try to think like a realtor who is going to show a number of houses. What can you do to make your house one of their favorites? Relocation-Today.com/Transferee Resource Center housing tips for preparing your home for selling and pricing correctly that should be of assistance to you.

Rental Assistance

What are the ramifications if I have to break my lease in my old location?
Every property manager has different terms. Please refer to your lease to find out if there are any penalties involved.

If I have rented a place, can you also help me find a home when I am ready to purchase?
When you are ready to begin your home purchasing process, contact your account manager and they will be happy to recommend a relocation certified agent that best fits your needs. Additionally, they will be able to introduce you to a mortgage provider. Depending on your relocation policy and the timeline, there may be some financial benefit to you by working through Relocation Today.

Can Relocation Today help me find a rental in my new location?
Relocation Today has many resources available to assist you with locating rental housing. Upon learning your specific needs we will work with you to coordinate a solution that meets your personal requirements.

Household Goods Moving

What does HHG stand for?
Household Goods. The transportation of household goods and vehicles. Services can range from self move, to full pack and unpacking services.

Can Relocation Today transport my car even if I am not moving anything else?
Yes. We contract with car transporters that provide this service. Once the departure and destination locations are provided, along with the make, model and year of the vehicle an estimate will be obtained. The estimate is forwarded to you for your approval. If approved, the auto relocation service will contact you to schedule pick up and delivery. In most cases there is a 7-day advance notice to schedule a pick up and a 7–14 delivery spread. You must be available to sign for the vehicle once it reaches its destination.

It only takes me two days to drive to my new location. Why does it take the van line five?
Once your van line is booked you are given a delivery window of time. The actual delivery date of your household goods is dependent on location and weight. In order to account for the expense of running the trucks, trailers must be filled as close to capacity as possible. It usually requires the household goods of two families to fill a truck. Delivery dates will then be prioritized by location and weight. A good rule of thumb is that the heavier your load, the quicker the delivery.

Why is it so expensive to ship by van line?
With carriers, you are paying for their full line of services. The van line also needs to fill up the space inside a semi truck trailer to cover the expenses of labor, fuel and wear and tear on the vehicle. Therefore, the ultimate price of moving household goods is determined by the weight and the amount of cubic space each item takes up. When compared to a self move, a van line is much more expensive. While a carrier does provide more services, you pay for the labor.

Mortgage

Does Relocation Today have any lenders to refer?
National Lender Information Sheet is provided at the onset of your relocation. Some of the advantages of this service are competitive interest rates and expedited pre-approval that gives you an edge when writing an offer on a property. You may also be eligible for pre-billed closing costs if your company covers these expenses. This means you do not need to provide the funds to close and then request reimbursement later.

Technology

Who has access to my information?

All confidential and private data provided on the application is protected by access control mechanisms. Users are granted access only to those modules in the application that they require access to. Further restrictions are placed within applications to limit access to sensitive data.

Can I access my company's information online?
Relocation Today clients and transferees have access to various levels of information via the RelocationToday.com website, including real time financial and status reports.  The portal login is located in the upper left hand corner of each page of the website.

Client Program Administration

Client Program Administration

Are there differences between a domestic and international relocation policy?
Yes. They are two products with distinct differences and considerations for the corporation and the transferee.  Relocation Today is prepared to help you determine specific benefits related to each and work in tandem to develop policies in support of your domestic and international programs.

In what ways can a company contain cost, yet offer a solid relocation benefit?
Developing a policy that reflects the true culture of your company, accompanied with accurate program administration, will result in cost containment. Relocation Today will help you create a policy to meet your financial goals while remaining competitive in the market.

Can Relocation Today benchmark policy to compare current benefits with that of other companies?
Relocation Today perpetually benchmarks relocation trends in policy and current benefits. We share this information directly with our clients so they may manage their programs with confidence and make adjustments when necessary.

Does Relocation Today require a minimum number of moves to form a contract?
No, we embrace every individual transaction without minimum requirements.

How can I help my employees with the soft real estate market?
Relocation Today works directly with corporate clients and their employees to provide individual solutions for every market. Our experience and market exposure help us provide solid options on a case by case basis.

How do you manage client billing?
Client billing is determined by service product. If a client chooses the expense tracking product, invoices are generated monthly. Expenses are consolidated throughout the month to one statement supported by detailed reports. If a client does not utilize the expense tracking product, invoices are generated each time an expense is incurred.

Find a Relocation Management Specialist

If you would like to learn more about the relocation process—whether you are a corporation, non-profit, university, or individual mover—explore our website or give us a call today!

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