1. What, in your opinion are the biggest obstacles facing people who are relocating?
   The biggest obstacle facing people who are relocating is being able understanding the values of the city they are moving to. Also, realizing the costs they may have to incur to maintain the lifestyle as the city they are moving from. Another obstacle people face is how to surround themselves with the right people who will help to make the relocation go smoothly, i.e. real estate agent, lawyer, banker, and property inspector.
2. What should people who are relocating for a job consider before buying a home?
   One thing most people should consider is the length of time their new position is guaranteed for; is the relocation a temporary one to two year or long term event. Secondly, when looking at properties, people should also consider travel time from a home to the location of their new job. Thirdly, buyers must consider the amenities available in the new location, i.e. schools, daycares, transit and sports facilities. Lastly, people must consider the potential of a home in certain communities to appreciate over other less desirable communities.
3. Do people tend to consider the cost of living when relocating or do they just focus on their new job, salary?
   Obviously the new job and salary are first and foremost in people's minds, but the cost of living in the new city should be a major factor in their decision. Many corporate relocation packages offer a lifestyle adjustment bonus to encourage their employees who are moving to a location with a higher cost of living. Or, if the cost of living is less in the new city, employees should strongly look at a lateral move if the move will enhance their lifestyle. The majority of relocations are generally a move up in position and salary, and not a lateral move, so it's already seen as a benefit for an employee to consider the move.
4. Is it appropriate for people relocating to expect to own a comparable home as the one they are leaving in their new city?
   In most cases yes, but quite often the demographics of the new city are different from the city they are moving from. People relocating need to have open minds and realistic expectations when considering real estate in a new city.
5. What steps do you advise clients to take before looking for a new home? (for example visit a lending institution, know the amenities they want...).
   The more information a client can have, the easier it will be to make an informed decision. Time is usually limited, so gathering information is crucial to a smooth relocation.
   • People must be clear on what their company is willing to do for them, i.e. guaranteeing the sale of their home and the number of trips or amount of expenditures allowed traveling to the new city to purchase a home.
   • Do people have the ability to purchase their new home before their existing property is sold, through corporate bridge financing or personal interim financing? A visit to a mortgage specialist or financial institution is very important. Employees must put themselves in a position of strength by obtaining a mortgage pre-approval prior to making an offer on a property.
   • Choosing an Agent in the new location is crucial to a smooth relocation. If an Agent has been referred, chances are he/she will be more committed to do a great job and work harder. A relocation specialist usually has a system in place to make the relocation a successful one. A buyer must take the time to interview an Agent to make sure they can commit the time and services needed, then commit to that Agent and they will be wholly committed to you.
   • People must check out the amenities a city has to offer and investigate other issues that are crucial to their lifestyle - if schools are an issue to move, people should call the local school boards directly for information on community schools. The Chamber of Commerce in each city offers general information on that city. Also, research on the internet and through the library can help arm a person with a wealth of knowledge. Many relocation companies, along with real estate relocation specialists, will have current, detailed information on community profiles within a city, e.g. average house price and income, amenities, etc. There is an abundance of information available; it's a matter of going to the right source.

Born and raised in Calgary, and having 3 generations of real estate business in the family, Grant and Steve have seen many changes in Calgary's demographics. With Alberta's strong presence in the energy sector, Calgary is a hotbed for corporate relocation. Companies of all sizes have moved their offices and employees to be headquartered in Calgary. With steady migration to Alberta and particularly Calgary, our city continues to grow in both size and population.

With over 25% of Grant and Steve's business resulting from corporate relocation, they understand the importance of supplying buyers with the right information and are committed to ensure that all aspects of relocation are smooth. Grant and Steve try to ensure that the client has a strong and safe investment as most relocations are not permanent and many employees are on the move again within two to four years.