The biggest challenge of buying a home in a new area when you are relocating is not figuring out whether there are houses you like. You’re fully capable of knowing what kind of house style, size, and layout appeals to you. Instead, the hardest part is figuring out where to look for a house. Think about it: when you are searching for homes online, you can look at a listing and find out just about everything about a particular property. You can see all of the pictures of it, and have an idea of its condition, the size of the yard, what all the spaces look like, how old it is, whether it has a finished basement, and lots of other details.
That said, there are definitely local quirks of homes and properties on the Main Line that you are unfamiliar with. So while you may not know what knob and tube wiring is, why you might want to test for radon or why you should concentrate on whether there’s ever been any water in the basement, I do. Answering the questions you don’t even know to ask is one of my specialties.
The bigger challenge than identifying houses you might like to tour is how you determine what different neighborhoods feel like. Where is the information that explains whether it’s the kind of place where people sit out on their porches, and wave to their neighbors, or more the kind of place where people enjoy more privacy? Is a certain neighborhood more likely to have a July 4 neighborhood celebration or a garden tour? Babysitting group or wine tasting club? How do you know what the “flavor” of the place is? And what kind of amenities and activities are nearby? Are there places to buy vegan food? Is the “right” train line nearby? What about archery lessons for your child? Are there off- leash dog parks in the area?
Those kinds of things (or whatever specific features or amenities are important to you) actually influence the experience of living somewhere often more than the house itself. Online home searches have not reached a level of sophistication where you have the ability to filter for attributes like those. You’re not just moving to a new house. You’re moving to a new neighborhood and community and you don’t want to make a mistake and end up somewhere that doesn’t suit you.
Helping you find a great house in a neighborhood that is a good fit is my focus. Think of me as your personal concierge for everything relating to moving to and living on the Main Line. I will guide you through the daunting experience of relocating to a new area. I’ll help you navigate the entire home search and buying process. And I don’t disappear the day after closing. I know that finding your new home is just the first step in getting settled in a new place.
When you need a recommendation for a plumber, a landscaper, or veterinarian, or a dry cleaner, call me. When you need help figuring out what the local day camp options are or need a recommendation for activities to do with friends who are coming to visit, call me. Getting the picture? I am your soup to nuts Main Line relocation resource, beginning at our initial contact and ending…never.
My aim is to provide a full concierge relocation experience, not just find you a house!
Your partner in this move,
Jennifer
