For anyone who knows what its like to move, it is hard enough to move within town, but to make a major relocation, it really helps to have someone working with you that you can trust and depend on. In this posting, you'll find some ideas that will help you with your relocation move to the San Jose, CA area.

First off, you need someone you can rely on, who is punctual, and who returns phone calls. You are making a big move here, and you need to count on someone for assistance.

You need an individual who knows the housing market you are moving to well. I think this is even more important than when working with someone in your local area. If they don't, how can they really advise you, or help you get the information you need about an area you don't know? Do they know their market conditions (buyer vs. seller's market) and how things are selling? Do they know about the homes for sale? This will help them to understand YOUR situation and the issues you are facing. And if they themselves have relocated, so much the better.

Even though I grew up in San Jose, I moved to Colorado for college and moved even more afterwards. I've made in-town moves, in-state and interstate moves. In all, I've lived in 7 states and have moved 15 times. I've done the corporate relocation move, the U-Haul move, within the complex move, etc. You name it, I've done it.

Relocating to a new home is exciting, but stressful. And timing issues can complicate the process. Make sure you plan ahead, to the extent possible, and develop contingency arrangements in case things do not go according to your master plan. Pay attention to the dates that are set, but also expect that some may need to change, either due to your personal situation or others (such as your movers changing the scheduled move date). Expect that Murphy's Law may pay you a visit so you won't be too surprised. I know that in my own 15 moves there were always things that did not quite go according to plan. Being flexible and having other plans, is critical.

You will want to feel a certain level of comfort, and a personal chemistry. But you will also want to feel that the person you are talking with REALLY wants to help you and is committed to doing so. They need to have your interests are heart and to work on your behalf. After all, you are the client. And if you are a first time buyer, this is even more important.

You will need to plan some house hunting trips to find your new home. Will this agent help you with that? What will they actually do for you? Set up tours? Pre-screen homes? What can you expect when you get to your new location for your house hunting trip? Can they devote a day or two, or more, to your home search?

Finally, once you have identified the home, and perhaps made an offer, there is lots of work to be done. Do you feel you can trust this person to handle things in your absence, to keep you informed at all times, answer questions, and assist in problem solving? Remember that paperwork needs to flow back and forth by fax, e-mail or snail mail -- is this person comfortable doing that? And keeping you aware of all needed disclosures and other documents unique to your new home state is just a part of the job.

It's a big task to find the right agent for you, but asking the right questions and making sure you have good chemistry with the agent will make for a smoother transition. Happy relocating!

If you are looking for affordable living, consider the condominiums at Midtown Plaza in San Jose. Built in 2004 by Kaufman and Broad, the Midtown complex boast elegantly designed homes with large floor plans perfect for the buyer wanting the most for their dollar. Granite counter tops, fine cabinetry, large walk-in closets, formal entry ways and double vanity master baths, present these modern homes perfectly.

The complex offers a wonderful community with the conveniences of city living surrounded by lush landscaping, a common green space and park. A short two block walk has you at the Midtown Plaza Safeway or Starbucks Coffee shop. Two blocks in the other direction has you at the light rail station that will take you to downtown San Jose or Campbell. Santana Row shopping is a quick ten minute drive from your doorstep.

The community also offers secure underground parking through a gated garage. The homes also offer central air conditioning, laundry connections available inside, secured entry access from the street, a pool, hot-tub, and gym. There is also a beautifully decorated club house with complete kitchen available when you need to entertain larger groups.

If you are looking for an affordable home that offers low maintenance, security, modern amenities and is convenient to the shopping, cultural activities, and mass transit, look no further. MORE...

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Tip #1 - Make sure that your cell phone can get a signal from the home that you are previewing. Imagine if you purchased the home and could never use your cell phone because of a weak cell phone signal. Many homes are in drop out zones that no cell phones can work properly. If you rely on your cell phone for business, avoid these homes.

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Taking the lead in offering affordable luxury living close to shopping, dining and entertainment, visionary developer Barry Swenson has created The Lofts, a boutique community of 40 two-story condominiums with floor plans as desirable as their downtown location. Here high and low tech converge in a harmonious blend of... More.