Step-by-Step Process for Relocating to the Eastport and Annapolis, Anne Arundel County Maryland Area
Relocating from outside the United States (U.S.) to Maryland
Relocating from outside the United States to Maryland: International Relocation to Maryland from another country poses some unique challenges that are outlined below. Skip this section if your relocation is within the United States. Otherwise, consider the following:
Should We Rent or Buy?
What are the tax consequences specific to us?
Who do we consult with about taxes?
What are the legal considerations about owning property in the U.S?
Do we need to consult an attorney?
Which local attorney handles these matters?
What would be the cost of legal advice?
What about the cost of living in the U.S?
Should we ship your household goods or sell them and purchase new in the U.S?
What is the cost of purchasing a used automobile?
What are the costs associated with operating a vehicle in the U.S?
How does a grocery list from your home country, translated from kilos to pounds for example, compare in price and factoring in exchange rates?
What do appliances cost in U.S. dollars?
Will my family be happy in this community?
Look at schools within the community to see how the children would fit in with existing curriculum and school environment.
Visit schools and talk with faculty and administrators.
What about timing your move? Do you need a short term rental? Should you send your family ahead or will you precede them and they will follow?
How long will it take to process your work Visa and how will your relocation schedule would fit with that timetable.
Money Exchange. Current money exchange information is available at this website.
Relocating from within the Continental United States to Maryland and before you leave your State, consider the following:
Address Change
Post Office: Give the Post Office Your Forwarding Address
Send a change of address to your Charge Accounts and Credit Cards
Subscription: Don't forget to provide forwarding information to for any subscription you want to continue receiving. This often requires several weeks notice in advance of your move.
Bank
Transfer funds and arrange check-cashing in your new city.
Arrange for credit references from your place of origin. Your mortgage company of choice will need the names, addresses and account information.
Insurance
Notify your insurers of your new location so they can take the necessary steps to adjust your coverages: Life, Health, Fire & Auto
Utility Companies
Gas, light, water, telephone, fuel, garbage. Check this link: Local Utility Companies, for the utility companies in the Maryland area.
Refunds on any deposits. You may be owed some refunds on your existing utility accounts, possibly with interest. Check it out.
Delivery Companies
Stop deliveries. Arrange to stop the pick-up and/or delivery for laundry, newspaper, change over or termination of services.
Medical, Dental, Prescription Histories
Ask your doctor or dentist for referrals; transfer prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays. Obtain copies of your birth records, medical records, etc.
Pets
Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags, quarantine, etc.
And Don't Forget to ....
Empty freezer; plan use of foods
Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator. Place charcoal to dispel odors.
Have appliances serviced for moving.
Remember arrangements for TV and antenna. Don't forget to return your cable TV box and get your deposit back.
Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them moving-wrapped
Check with your moving counselor; insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment.
Provide information on purchasing or leasing a home.
Your Real Estate Answer Team real estate agent will also assist you with the following:
Provide you with FREE internet access to the real estate agent’s multiple list system (MLS). This will give you access to all the available Homes for Sale in your geographic area of interest.
Accompany you and your family on a tour of homes that interest you.
Conduct negotiations for the purchase/lease of a home.
Coordinate closing procedures.
Assist with utility hook-ups, other move-in related matters.
Assist with any school identification, registration, interview and enrollment administration matters.
Remain available to you for advice and friendly support throughout your “settling-in” period.
Renting a Home: Single family homes, apartments, condominiums, duplexes, townhomes and rooms for rent are available in Maryland. There is significant demand for rentals and when rentals come on the market they are soon rented. If you need to rent a home, contact your "The Answer Team Real Estate Network" real estate agent for current listings of homes for rent and their guidance on the rates and fees applicable in their area.
Although The Answer Team Real Estate Network real estate agent is your best source for local information on available homes for rent and the rental market, they are also your best source of information on all aspects of Maryland residential real estate. To this end, contact the agent below, meet the agent and discuss the ramifications of renting vs. buying in the geographic area that interests you.
Relax, now all you have to do is unpack and settle in to your new home.
Become familiar with the surrounding area. Visit the Information Center to research and review information on relocation, real estate related topics and several thousand website links of interest.
