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Relocation - What is it and Who is doing it?
By Gary Mancuso
 Relocating to me is not going to live across town, that´s just a move. Relocating is an entirely new location, across the nation, across the world, or only one state away. It´s a new environment, new people to meet, new community to get to know and become involved with. It means new schools for the children, new church and yep even a new grocery store to memorize. "Now where are the lima beans again?" Relocating is challenging, exciting and a little scary all at the same time. Our office prides itself in being relocation experts and can help you with every aspect of the relocation process.
On a popular job seeking website, nearly 50% of job applicants are willing to relocate. Does that mean that most job seekers are looking for a change of scenery all together? It appears so. It used to be that we would go to school, graduate from college, marry our high school sweat heart and live sometimes next door or at least in the same town as our parents. In 2007, it seems everyone is transitioning in one form or another. We are a generation of being on the go. I shouldn´t say generation, that is too marginal. I should say we are a people who are on the move, ready to tackle new places, new jobs, and an entirely new environment. When you relocate, you want to be sure you will have the same or better quality of life.
Relocating to Oak Park and the surrounding suburbs are fast becoming popular places for families, singles and seniors. Small to medium sixe towns offer a much needed break from the fast paced metropolitan area of Chicago.
Some of you on the verge of retirement may be choosing Oak Park area to be closer to your grown children or grand children. Maybe a new job opportunity or transfer will bring you to Oak Park or River Forest Real Estate.
Baby Boomers are finding second homes in Oak Park Real Estate. There are a wide assortment of homes with little or no outside maintenance. A second home may be a town home or condo, bungalow or traditional apartment in Forrest Park or any of the West Chicago Suburbs. Be sure you ask about the active adults programs in the community as well as Clubs and volunteer opportunities. You will want to ask a qualified Tax Accountant about the tax laws pertaining to owning a second home.
You may also have opportunities available to you with a 1031 Exchange, you can sell the investment property you currently own and buy a second home of equal or lesser value and have the capital gains tax deferred until the sale of the second home. Or a Reverse Annuity Mortgage. This is a way to convert the equity in your present home into a monthly income for you. New Home developers are also changing the way they are building communities, keeping the active adults and senior citizens in mind as they plan.
The new communities will have features such as intranet within the community so residence can communicate with the maintenance and management groups, and online programming for local events and social gatherings. 
If your one of the millions of families that are now looking after their elderly parents you will need to consider different aspects of relocating to a new city or state. Where are the nearest hospitals? Or what is the transportation service like for this city? Where are the parks and recreation areas ? Some homes in Oak Park have what is called "Mother in Law Suite" which is practically a separate living space with its own entrance. When the relocation day draws near you will want to inquire with your homeowners insurance to see if you have coverage for a move.The American Moving and Storage Association say that one in five customers of moving companies end up with a loss or damage claim against the moving company.
Pets and children raise other important dimensions to consider when relocating. Where are the elementary schools located? Are there plenty of outdoor sports activities for my child? Do we have a crate big enough to fit Spot, the St. Bernard?
Who ever you are or what ever the reason for relocating to our area, you can be sure our office can provide you with all the necessary information you will need to settle you and your family here in Oak Park.
Contact Our Office For More Oak Park Real Estate Relocation Information!
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