Corken Q&A: Tips For A Successful Re-Location

For several years in a row Denver has been making headlines as one of the fastest growing cities in America. According to a recent article in the Denver Post, the city’s population has grown by 15 percent since 2010, with 60 percent of new residents arriving here from out-of-state for better work opportunities and to embrace Colorado’s coveted outdoor lifestyle.

Lori Corken, owner and managing broker of Corken + Company, a Denver-based, full-service real estate firm, has seen a significant increase in clients re-locating to Denver for work in recent years.

A big part of her job as a Denver re-location specialist is helping transferees determine which neighborhoods and housing types will best suite their needs, timelines and expectations.

Here, Corken shares her time-tested tips for making this exciting transition less stressful and more successful as a Denver relocation specialist.

A: Moving is always a little stressful, but Denver re-location is even more so because it’s not a destination move, but a mandated move. And, usually, on a timeline given to them versus chosen by them. There are thoughts of just where are we going? Where will we live? Who will we know? Should we rent or buy? Where will the kids go to school?  Even the little decisions become overwhelming, like finding a new grocery store, doctor’s offices, hair stylist, etc.

The sale of your current home can also be a concern if you are moving from a less active market, or if you weren’t planning on moving for a while and your home is in need of updates, or due to the move you are in a time crunch and know you might be put in a situation to potentially settle for less than expected.

Other worries include finding new jobs, schools and social activities for significant others and children as well as emotional strain caused by separation of family members who may have to move at different times.

A: They need to think about whether they are going to rent or buy a house–do you want to move once or twice and how strong is the real estate market you are moving into? What is your budget for the move and is your company offering any assistance?  What stage of life are they in and how long do they plan on staying with this job or house? Do you have any other family members to consider when choosing a neighborhood to live in and are schools, activities and location important? It is crucial to have a trusted Denver relocation specialist to help navigate you through these tough questions.

A: Your perception of a new place is molded by where you are coming from, what you are used to.  Some people think Denver is still a cow town with wide open spaces and easy commutes. They are going to find a big affordable piece of land in the country. Often people are surprised to find that Denver is actually a pretty major metropolis (with major prices to match) and that living near a light rail station may be a better option than time spent in traffic.

Sometimes, as a Denver relocation realtor, you have to get creative. A common question asked is, “What are you willing to give to get?”  The Denver market might not be what you expected, and is probably different than you’re used to. Do you have to sell your current home, or could you use it as an income property?  If you can’t find a house to buy in your dream neighborhood, can you rent for a while instead?

A: Hiring a knowledgeable Denver realtor that you trust is crucial. During a Denver relocation you will need and want to be able to rely on your realtor to get established in a place that is completely foreign to you.  It’s always best to choose a realtor who you feel comfortable working with and who has experience working in the specific area or neighborhood you are interested in, but it’s also helpful to find a brokerage that specialized in relocation and is armed with the knowledge of multiple services available to meet the needs of your family, whether that involves buying a home, renting an unfurnished apartment, leasing a furnished house, etc. 

Also, try to make the transition as fun as possible. If you can, plan a vacation to your new city ahead of the the move. Even if the main purpose of the visit is to look for houses, try to make it fun by also doing some sightseeing and just spending time enjoying the city as a tourist. Thinking of the move as an adventure will make things easier on both the adults and the children.

Finally, although relocating can be stressful, Corken mentions that the majority of her clients end up finding their forever homes in Colorado. Many of the clients she has helped transition to Denver, as their Denver relocation specialist, come back to her time and time again for long-term real estate solutions as their lives change and families evolve. When asked about her final words of advice for those in the process of moving to Colorado, Corken says, “It’s OK to cry, ” and “Hydrate!”

Corken + Company is a full-service real estate firm that has been expertly guiding clients to creative real estate solutions for more than 20 years. To learn more about how purchasing real estate might help you reach your financial goals, please call (303) 858-8003 or visit Here.