Author: Tommy

What is an Executive Relocation Package?

Written by Tommy on February 21, 2025. Posted in Relocation Strategy and Policy. 2 Comments on What is an Executive Relocation Package?

For any HR team, detailing out an executive relocation package isn’t easy. More so, when it comes to relocating the owner or the CEO.

Relocation packages cover a wide spectrum and can come in a variety of forms. Quite often, with the difficult economic times, you may need to work with a tight budget.

To help you out, we have compiled the main features of a typical executive relocation package and how to put it together.

What Does An Executive Relocation Policy Include?

In most cases, relocation packages and policies for employees vary depending on the seniority or the position. Most companies offer a generous package that addresses all the concerns of an executive. The aim is to make it attractive enough for an executive employee to accept the offer.

Here are some important benefits that should be included in relocation packages for executives.

Real Estate Assistance

The issues related to selling a home are one reason that prevents many top executives from relocating. At times the mortgage balances tend to be higher than the market value of a house. A forced sale at a considerable financial loss for relocating is not something an executive will accept.

So you need to consider the real estate market conditions and include the necessary incentives (such as a relocation mortgage) in the relocation package. These can help in covering any losses, buyer incentive features, and other housing-related benefits. It should also include assistance in buying a new property in case the old one can’t be sold in time. Other features can include legal assistance for canceling leases and assisting in obtaining mortgages.

It’s also necessary to include rental support in typical executive relocation packages. In case you are relocating millennials, leasing a property might suit their needs better. Considering that renting a property is an affordable option in many US cities, employees might avoid homeownership in a new location.

The Movement of Household Goods

This is one benefit that is a must for any executive relocation package. Some companies pay lump sums as a part of the relocation package to cover these expenses. This saves the time and effort of the HR team. However, some employees appreciate direct support during this important phase of relocation.

Instead of making this part of relocation a DIY project for an executive, you can take the help of professional relocation services. This will help in reducing the stress of the employees and make the entire relocation process easier. It is also a practical choice if you don’t have the necessary experience in managing relocation services. In addition, this may give you an edge over your competitors.

That brings us to the point of choosing the right relocation company. Keep in mind employee dissatisfaction with the transportation of household goods can result in a negative impact on the company. It’s necessary to hire a trusted service that delivers the best results.

In reality, each employee has unique needs related to their personal possessions and pets. The right relocation company should come with deep experience in executive relocations. Also, the company should have a dedicated team of professionals who can work as an efficient team for handling the relocation smoothly. Ideally, there should be a single point of contact with whom the employee can coordinate.

Shipping household goods includes a wide variety of items and various categories require different methods of packing and handling. So the company should have sufficient resources for handling the entire relocation process of goods efficiently. At the same time, the entire process should be completed within the scheduled time frame.

Concierge Services

Premium concierge services represent a vital component of executive relocation packages, designed to handle the numerous personal logistics that accompany a high-level move.

These services manage everything from securing preferred schools and arranging utilities to coordinating home maintenance and setting up new banking relationships. For executives with demanding schedules, this personalized support ensures a seamless transition to their new location.

The concierge team also assists with lifestyle integration, helping executives and their families discover and connect with local resources that match their interests and needs. This might include introductions to exclusive clubs, recommendations for medical providers, or arrangements for specialized services such as private security or household staff.

Tax Treatment

For an employee, the relocation will involve various out-of-pocket expenses. While proper tracking of such expenses is necessary for annual tax reporting, it’s a cumbersome process. This may cause unnecessary stress for an employee and result in errors in the financial records.

A relocation package for executives can offer record-keeping and invoicing assistance that can help in tracking all the related expenses.

To make the process smooth, you can offer the management of tax filing, and tax gross-up benefits to an executive. It is also necessary to help an employee understand the tax implications of all allowances and reimbursements paid to them.

Relocation Allowance

The relocation allowance forms an important part of an executive package, addressing the many expenses that emerge during relocation.

Beyond the major costs of moving, executives face numerous incidental expenses – from temporary living arrangements to family transportation and meals during the transition. A well-structured allowance ensures these expenses don’t become a source of stress during the move.

Executive relocation allowances need to reflect the position and lifestyle of senior leaders. This typically encompasses multiple pre-move visits for house hunting, premium temporary accommodations, and additional support for family needs such as childcare or elder care arrangements during the transition period.

Most organizations now provide this allowance with built-in flexibility, recognizing that each executive’s circumstances differ. This approach lets executives direct funds where they’re most needed, whether that’s extended temporary housing or additional family support services.

Guaranteed Buyout Option

For executives relocating from high-value properties, a guaranteed buyout option provides essential security and peace of mind. This benefit ensures that executives can move forward with their relocation without the burden of maintaining two properties or risking significant financial loss.

Under this program, the company or relocation service provider purchases the executive’s home if it doesn’t sell within a specified timeframe, typically at a price determined by independent appraisals.

The buyout option becomes particularly valuable in challenging real estate markets or when the timing of the move is critical to business operations. It removes the uncertainty of a pending home sale and allows executives to focus on their new role and responsibilities rather than managing real estate transactions.

Other Features

A good executive relocation strategy should be designed to anticipate any problem the employee might face during the process. Such issues are more important for any executive with a family.

For such employees, you can think of engaging a service that can help in finding the best schools for the children or the best social support in a new environment. Since high-level executives have stronger community ties, they may need more support in a new location.

Since most employees will have a working spouse, spousal support can also be a part of the relocation package. This will help in making the spouse the best career choices in a new location.

Another important factor is to include free visits to the new location before the actual relocation. This will allow an executive to learn more about the new spot and get accustomed to it.

Is a Relocation Payback Clause Necessary?

While a top-level executive may demand an attractive relocation package, these packages can be costly. As an HR manager, you need to ensure that the gains from the relocation will outweigh the overall financial costs.

Once a substantial amount has been invested for the relocation, it will result in a considerable loss if the employee leaves shortly after relocating. For this reason, you can think about including a payback or repayment clause in an executive relocation package.

Under such a clause, the employer’s expenses have to be reimbursed if the employee leaves the organization within a specified time period. However, some employers prefer not to include such a clause as it might discourage a new employee from relocating.

Conclusion

While developing relocation packages for executives, keep in mind that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Basically, an executive relocation package should match individual needs. Personalization of the package based on needs is an important factor for any top executive.

As an industry leader in relocation services, ARC offers the complete spectrum of relocation services to its clients. From household goods shifting to tax and legal compliances, our professional teams are ready to tackle all the issues related to any executive relocation package in the best possible manner.

Feel free to get in touch with us for a consultation.

Move Management Services: Industry Leading Relo Services

Written by Tommy on January 22, 2025. Posted in Relocation Strategy and Policy. No Comments on Move Management Services: Industry Leading Relo Services

Communication and planning are the keys to a successful corporate relocation. If you’re moving your business and it’s employees, you need to plan accordingly to maintain a positive outlook for both the employees and shareholders.

This is where move management services come into play. HR professionals and managers only have so many hours in the day and coordinating a corporate relocation will only take valuable hours away from running the business. Instead, many businesses elect to hire move management companies to handle as much or as little as they want.

What Are Move Management Services?

The best thing about move management companies and professional relocation companies is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all option. You don’t have to choose from an endless list of packaged services and be forced to take on certain things you don’t need. The best relocation companies like ARC will offer a unique set of services to help you with your relocation. The services you receive might be different from someone else and that’s okay. You have your own business with its own unique challenges and we understand that.

Where move management companies really come into play is with the planning and strategic movement of employees. Moving your “stuff” is simple. We help you package up whatever you want, coordinate the transportation, and get it moved to your new location. Anything you don’t want, we assist you with disposing or selling it.

But taking care of employees is the time consuming and challenging part. These are real people with families and roots planted in your current community. Tearing them away from their home is not an easy thing to do and it’s up to you to make the process as easy and painless as possible.

ARC Relocation not only moves your stuff, but we move your people too. We’ll work with you to develop relocation policies that provide your team members with the funds they need to sell their home, move their belongings, and purchase a new home. We’ll also act as a liaison that they can turn to whenever they’re struggling with something. You can still be available as much as you like but when you’re busy, we’re there to step in and help.

Move Management Services We Offer

Now let’s talk more specifically about some of the services we offer to you and your employees.

Corporate Relocation

At the center of all we do is corporate relocation. If your business or employees are moving from one location to the next, you’ll want to hire a corporate relocation company to help you with that. Again, we can provide as much or as little assistance as you like. If you’re looking for a company that will simply take over and handle everything from A to Z, we’re here for you.

Relocation Strategy

Many business owners don’t realize the amount of strategic planning that goes into relocating a company. There are so many moving parts and that’s why we’re here. We’ll put together a relocation strategy that helps maintain employee morale while making the move as simple as possible. Our ultimate goal is to take as much off your plate as possible so you can continue focusing on running and growing the business.

Global Mobility Planning

International relocations are a whole different ball game. There are tax requirements, currency exchanges, and a bunch of paperwork that I’m sure you’d rather avoid. Understanding global mobility is not exactly easy but we do this all the time. That’s the advantage of hiring a company like ARC. This is all we do so we know how to handle every twist and turn.

Financial Planning

You can’t simply take an employee and tell them that they’re being relocated and make them take care of everything themselves. Companies offer relocation packages to help make the move more desirable. These packages include funds for shipping supplies, time off work, purchasing a new home, breaking a lease, fuel, and more. Determining how much to pay the employees is nearly impossible without an expert.

Final Thoughts

Move management services are so much more than simply helping move “stuff.” We’re moving people, we’re changing lives, and we hope it’s always for the better. To learn more about ARC Relocations move management services, click here to book a free call today.

Hello World!

Written by Tommy on November 5, 2024. Posted in Uncategorized.

Hello World!

Hello World

Written by Tommy on November 5, 2024. Posted in Hello World.

Hello World!

How to Save Up For a House: Planning to Purchase Your Future Home

Written by Tommy on February 6, 2024. Posted in Realtor Rebate. No Comments on How to Save Up For a House: Planning to Purchase Your Future Home

Purchasing a home is a significant milestone in many people’s lives, but the prospect of saving for a down payment can be daunting. However, with careful planning and disciplined saving habits, you can turn this dream into a reality.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective strategies to help you save for a house down payment. By following these steps on how to save up for a house, you’ll be well on your way to owning your dream home.

How to Save For a Down Payment: How Much Do You Need to Save?

Before you embark on your savings journey, it’s crucial to determine how much you need to save for a down payment. This will depend on several factors, including the purchase price of the home, the mortgage loan’s terms, and the down payment percentage required by lenders.

It’s generally recommended to aim for a down payment of 20% of the home’s purchase price to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI).

However, depending on your circumstances, you may be able to secure a mortgage with a lower down payment. It’s essential to evaluate your financial situation, consult with lenders, and understand your options.

By calculating your target down payment amount accurately, you can establish a clear savings goal.

How Long Should You Plan to Save?

Once you have a clear understanding of the amount you need to save, it’s time to establish a timeline. Saving for a house is a long-term goal, and it’s important to set realistic expectations when learning how to save money for a down payment.

Assess your current financial situation, including your income, expenses, and debt obligations. Analyzing your monthly cash flow will give you an idea of how much you can save each month.

Here is a table that breaks down how much you can save based on the amount you save and time you have:

Savings Amount per Month	Years to Save	Total Savings Amount
$25	5	$1,500
$100	5	$6,000
$250	5	$15,000
$500	5	$30,000
$750	5	$45,000
$1,000	5	$60,000
$25	10	$3,000
$100	10	$12,000
$250	10	$30,000
$500	10	$60,000
$750	10	$90,000
$1,000	10	$120,000

Consider the desired timeline for homeownership and how it aligns with your financial goals. Understanding the relationship between time and savings will help you set achievable milestones and track your progress.

Additionally, keep in mind that the longer you save, the more time you have to take advantage of potential market appreciation and interest on your savings.

8 Ways How to Save Up For a House

Here are eight of the most popular ways to start stacking more change for that big down payment:

1. Create a Budget

Implementing a budget is the foundation of effective savings. Start by tracking your income and expenses to get a clear picture of your financial situation. Categorize your expenses and identify areas where you can reduce spending.

Look for opportunities to trim unnecessary costs such as dining out, entertainment subscriptions, or impulse purchases.

By having a comprehensive overview of your finances, you can make informed decisions on where to allocate funds towards your down payment savings. Use tools like Mint or Rocket Money to help you track all of your personal spending and savings.

2. Reduce Unnecessary Expenses

While it might seem obvious, you probably need to spend less if you want to save more. In addition to creating a budget, it’s important to scrutinize your expenses and identify areas where you can make significant cuts.

Evaluate your monthly bills and look for alternatives to reduce costs. Consider negotiating lower interest rates on credit cards or refinancing high-interest loans. Explore options for lowering utility bills by adopting energy-saving habits or switching to more efficient appliances.

Every dollar you save on unnecessary expenses can be directed towards your down payment fund.

3. Increase Your Income

For some of us, we can’t sacrifice the things we love and if that’s the case for you, you’re going to have to find a way to make more money if you want to buy a house. Boosting your income is a powerful way to accelerate your savings progress.

Explore opportunities to increase your earnings, such as taking on a side hustle or freelancing.

Consider leveraging your skills or hobbies to generate additional income. Additionally, you can explore the possibility of negotiating a raise or promotion at your current job. Alternatively, investing in your education or acquiring new certifications can open doors to higher-paying opportunities in your field.

4. Automate Your Savings

When working on how to save up for a house, setting up automated savings is an effective way to ensure consistent contributions to your down payment fund.

Open a separate savings account dedicated solely to your down payment savings. Speak with your bank or financial institution to establish automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account.

This “set it and forget it” approach eliminates the temptation to spend the money and ensures that a portion of your income is consistently directed towards your down payment goal. By automating your savings, you’ll make saving a habit without the need for constant manual transfers.

5. Cut Housing Costs

Housing expenses typically account for a significant portion of one’s monthly budget. Consider ways to reduce your housing costs to free up more money for your down payment savings. One option is to downsize your current living situation.

Assess whether you can comfortably live in a smaller space or explore affordable housing alternatives.

Additionally, consider finding a roommate to share rent and utility costs. Splitting expenses can significantly reduce the financial burden and accelerate your savings progress.

6. Save Windfalls

Take advantage of unexpected windfalls and channel them directly into your down payment fund. This can include tax refunds, work bonuses, or monetary gifts from family and friends.

Instead of treating windfalls as disposable income, view them as an opportunity to make substantial contributions to your savings.

By resisting the urge to splurge and redirecting these unexpected funds towards your down payment, you’ll make significant strides towards achieving your homeownership goal.

7. Get a Realtor Rebate

When purchasing a home, consider leveraging a realtor rebate program to save money on your real estate purchase.

A realtor rebate is a cash incentive provided by a real estate agent or brokerage to buyers at closing. This rebate is typically a percentage of the agent’s commission and can be a substantial amount.

By working with a realtor who offers a rebate program, you can receive a portion of the commission as a cash-back rebate, which can be directed towards your down payment.

At ARC Relocation, we offer a realtor rebate that beats the competition. Our rebates are higher, we have a large realtor network, and we’ll match any rebate you find! Click here to register today!

8. Explore Down Payment Assistance Programs

When working on how to get a down payment for a house, there are many local, state, and federal programs that provide down payment assistance to eligible homebuyers. These programs offer grants, loans, or tax credits to help individuals and families overcome the hurdle of saving for a home.

Research available down payment assistance programs in your area and determine whether you meet the requirements. The application process may involve income verification, attending homebuyer education courses, or meeting specific criteria. By leveraging these programs, you can significantly reduce the amount you need to save on your own.

How to Save For a Down Payment On a House: FAQs

How long will it take to save for a down payment?

The timeline for saving for a down payment can vary significantly depending on factors like your income, savings rate, target down payment amount, and more. Generally, it takes most people 3-5 years to save enough for a 20% down payment. The more you can dedicate to savings each month, the faster you’ll reach your goal.

What percentage down payment do I need?

While 20% is recommended to avoid paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI), you can get a mortgage with as little as 3% down. However, the lower your down payment, the more fees and higher interest rates you’ll typically pay over the life of the loan.

Are there any programs to help with my down payment?

Yes! There are various down payment assistance programs and relocation loans available at the state, local, and national level that provide grants, forgivable loans, or tax credits to eligible homebuyers. Your income, credit, and other personal factors determine qualification. Reach out to your state and local housing authority to learn about opportunities for down payment help in your area.

Should I save for a down payment or pay down debts first?

It’s generally wise to pay down high-interest debts before dedicating all extra funds to a down payment savings account. This helps improve your credit score and debt-to-income ratio so you can qualify for better mortgage rates. Once high-interest debts are paid off, focus on saving aggressively for your down payment goal.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to save up for a house requires discipline, patience, and commitment. It may seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies and a clear plan, you can achieve your goal. Remember that saving for a down payment is a long-term endeavor, and it’s essential to stay focused and motivated along the way.

Start by calculating your target down payment amount and establishing a realistic timeline based on your financial situation.

Implement the strategies mentioned in this guide, such as creating a budget, reducing unnecessary expenses, increasing your income, automating savings, cutting housing costs, saving windfalls, exploring realtor rebate programs, and researching down payment assistance programs.

If you want to save the maximum amount of money on your home purchase, register now for the ARC Realtor Rebate program!

Moving Assistance Programs: What Are They and How Do You Qualify?

Written by Tommy on February 6, 2024. Posted in Realtor Rebate, Uncategorized. No Comments on Moving Assistance Programs: What Are They and How Do You Qualify?

When planning to move, it is common to feel stressed and excited. There are many steps involved in the moving process, such as packing up all of your belongings, scheduling your move, finding a new home, and budgeting to prepare for all moving expenses.

Moving assistance programs can help take some of the financial burdens off of you throughout your move, as they can provide you with rebates to help pay for your closing costs or other expenses associated with your move.

With the help of the ARC Realtor Rebate, you can save thousands on your home purchase. Click here to learn more about it!

What Is a Moving Assistance Program?

A moving assistance program is a program that is designed to help those moving with resources to help pay for expenses associated with their relocation. These types of programs help make the moving process more affordable, as well as more manageable.

They are geared towards anyone buying or selling a home, whether they are relocating for their job or personal reasons. Typically, you will receive a cash rebate based on your home’s sale or purchase price.

How to Qualify for a Moving Assistance Program

Anyone who is buying or selling a home can qualify for a moving assistant program. However, specific relocation assistance programs are available for those with a low income, and those qualifications are more comprehensive.

Moving assistance programs that offer rebates for your move, such as the ARC Realtor rebate, only require you to buy or sell your home to qualify.

What Is the ARC Realtor Rebate?

The ARC Realtor Rebate is a real estate program offered by the American Realty Council (ARC). If you are buying or selling your home, you can qualify to receive a cash realtor rebate on your property’s sale or purchase price if you work with a participating ARC real estate agent.

This program enables you to save money throughout your move, as a portion of the real estate agent’s commission goes back to you as a cash rebate. This rebate can allow you to save money during the transaction.

Benefits of the ARC Realtor Rebate Program

The ARC Realtor Rebate Program has many benefits when buying or selling your home.

Opportunity to save a significant amount of money
A minimum of 3 percent commission
The cash rebate can be used for multiple purposes, such as moving expenses, furnishing your home, or reducing closing costs
Offers an incentive for you to work with an experienced and participating real estate agent
It can help expedite the sale of your home, as it may appear more attractive to buyers

How Do You Get a Rebate for Buying or Selling a Home?

To get a rebate for buying or selling a home, you must first follow a few steps to ensure you qualify. The first step is looking for a real estate agent that offers the rebate, such as an ARC real estate agent providing the ARC Realtor Rebate. Once you choose your real estate agent, you can buy or sell your home with the realtor’s guidance.

Once your transaction is completed, you will receive your cash rebate. The cash rebate is based on a certain percentage of your real estate agent’s commission. Your rebate amount can vary depending on the terms of the moving assistance program as well as the value of your transaction.

Fill out the form below to register today!

What Benefits Do Moving Assistance Programs Offer When Selling or Buying a Home?

There are various benefits of using a moving assistance program for help with moving costs throughout your relocation.

More Flexibility

Having more flexibility throughout your moving process is often one of the most favored benefits of using a moving assistance program. These types of relocation programs to help move out of state offer financial savings, which can help you have more flexibility and freedom in making decisions.

The flexibility can give you more options when choosing a better moving company, negotiating the price of your new home, making any necessary repairs, and having access to more money throughout the moving process.

The ARC Realtor Rebate program offers you the ability to choose your realtor. We have a large preferred network, click here to learn more!

Financial Savings

There are many costs associated with moving that can strain your finances. These costs include closing costs, moving fees, and unexpected expenses that often arise throughout the moving process. When you receive financial assistance with moving, you can get rebates to help offset these costs.

The cash rebate from the ARC Realtor Rebate program can help with relocating by reducing your closing costs, hiring professional movers, purchasing new furniture for your new home, or any other expenses needed to get you settled in your new home.

Power to Negotiate

Having negotiating power is ideal when you are involved in a real estate transaction. You can better negotiate using the ARC realtor Rebate program because of the cash rebate.

You can effectively negotiate with other real estate agents to reduce purchase prices, negotiate better terms, lower any fees associated with the move, and do anything you need to maximize the value of your transaction.

Strong Relationship With Your Real Estate Agent

When moving assistance programs offer rebates, you often develop a strong relationship with your real estate agent. Your realtor is committed to your fulfillment throughout the moving process. When working with a real estate agent who offers cash rebates when buying or selling a home, you can trust that your realtor will be loyal and trustworthy.

What Do Homebuyers Use Moving Assistance Rebates For?

Relocation assistance programs help with moving expenses and other factors associated with your move. These rebates can be used for the following:

Closing Costs

Closing costs are one of the most substantial costs of purchasing a home. A moving assistance rebate can help moving to another state become easier by covering a portion of your closing costs, which helps ease the financial burden of moving. Closing costs cover fees that come with buying or selling a home, such as appraisal fees and searches on the title of your home.

The specific closing costs can vary depending on the type of loan you have for your mortgage and where you live.

Making Repairs and Upgrades

You may need or want to make repairs or upgrades to your new home. Common home improvements include painting, flooring upgrades, remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, finishing a basement, and landscaping. Having extra funds from a rebate can help pay for necessary repairs or desired upgrades.

New Furniture

When moving to a new home, it is a typical expense to purchase new furniture and home decor. You can use the money from your moving assistance rebate to help buy these items for your new home.

The cost of new furniture can be costly, depending on if you are furnishing multiple rooms, or just one room, and how many home decor items you plan to buy. Typically, the cost of new furniture for a living room can range between $4,000 and $6,400, and new bedroom furniture can range between $2,500 and $6,000.

Future Maintenance and Emergencies

It is always smart to have money set aside for future home maintenance and repairs. Rebates allow you to create a fund to pay for regular home maintenance, such as appliance replacements, new roofs, HVAC repairs, plumbing issues, etc. This ensures you are prepared for common emergencies that come with home ownership.

Moving Costs

A rebate allows you to have financial help with moving costs, such as renting a moving truck, hiring a moving company to move to a new state, or purchasing supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap, tape, plastic bags, blankets, newspaper, or plastic storage bins. Moving costs can add up quickly, so having the extra money from your rebate is helpful to help cover some of these costs.

Emergency Funds

Having money set aside for emergencies is essential in case you need it. You may need access to the emergency funds if there are any unexpected costs throughout your move. It can be comforting to know that you have extra money for these emergencies if needed.

Moving Assistance – FAQs

How do I get moving assistance?

To get moving assistance, research and see which programs are available in your area. It is essential to pay attention to any eligibility requirements, such as your income or particular circumstances, but a rebate program often only requires you to be a homebuyer or seller.

What are the most common moving assistance programs?

Some of the most common moving assistance programs include the ARC Realtor Rebate Program, the Military Relocation Assistance Program, and the Community Heroes Rebate Program. These programs enable you to get a cash rebate for buying or selling a home but have different requirements.

How do moving assistance programs allow me to save money?

You can save money by using a moving assistance program, as you can earn back cash in rebates that allow you to have free money to relocate. The cash rebates allow you to have extra money to pay for moving expenses, such as hiring a moving company, renting a moving truck, purchasing new furniture for your home, or helping pay for your closing costs.

Who can qualify for a relocation assistance program?

Anyone buying or selling a home can qualify for the ARC Realtor Rebate program. For other relocation assistance programs, the qualifications differ.

For example, the Military Relocation Assistance Program requires you to be in the military to qualify. In contrast, the Community Heroes Rebate Program requires you to be a healthcare worker, teacher, emergency personnel, firefighter, law enforcement, or in the military.

How long does it take to receive my rebate?

You will typically receive your rebate within 30-60 days after closing on your home purchase or sale. The exact timing depends on the specific terms of the relocation assistance program. With the ARC Realtor Rebate, you can expect to receive your rebate shortly after completing all paperwork and finalizing the real estate transaction.

Final Thoughts

A moving assistance program can offer financial relief throughout your move, making you feel better prepared to buy or sell your home. In particular, the ARC Realtor Rebate Program gives you a cash rebate to help offset the costs associated with your move.

To start saving for your move today, contact a participating real estate agent and ask about the ARC Realtor Rebate Program.

The 5 Best Car Transport Companies: Ship To Your Favorite Destination

Written by Tommy on February 6, 2024. Posted in Domestic Relocation. No Comments on The 5 Best Car Transport Companies: Ship To Your Favorite Destination

While moving locally is a simple process, a long-distance move may require you to ship your vehicle, making the moving process more complicated than it already is.

Whether you are moving out of the state or country for personal reasons or your job, knowing which car transport companies are the best to get your vehicle safely from point A to point B is essential.

Choosing the best vehicle shipping company depends on multiple factors, such as years of experience, affordability, if the company offers quotes, insurance coverage, and more. These are the 5 best car transport companies to ensure your vehicle arrives safely at your new location.

1. ACME Car Shipping

Best Overall

Pros

A+ BBB rating
Over 10 years of experience
Affordable vehicle transport
Offers insurance coverage upon request

Cons

Does not offer additional services, such as storage or expedited delivery

ACME Car Shipping is the best overall car transport service for various reasons. ACME has an A+ BBB rating, over 10 years of experience, and excellent customer service. The company can ship multiple types of vehicles, including standard cars, sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, SUVs, crossovers, trucks, vans, motorcycles, and classic or exotic cars.

According to many of ACME’s reviews, customers are consistently satisfied with their services. The cost to ship vehicles with ACME is affordable compared to many other car transport companies, costing between $800 and $1,200 depending on your vehicle type and where it is being shipped.

They offer insurance coverage upon request to protect your vehicle if it becomes damaged during transit. Unfortunately, ACME Car Shipping offers no additional services, like expedited delivery, storage, or international shipping.

2. Montway Auto Transport

Customer Favorite

Pros

Extensive coverage nationwide
Offers online tracking
There are various shipping options to choose from
Affordable pricing
A customer favorite according to reviews

Cons

Limited insurance coverage

Montway Auto Transport is a customer favorite for many reasons. Unlike many car transport companies, Montway offers nationwide coverage, being able to transport vehicles across the whole United States. This is especially helpful for those relocating for work, as Montway can ship their car anywhere within the country.

In addition, Montway Auto Transport is affordable and transparent, one of the features that makes it a customer favorite. While many car shipping services offer only open transport and sometimes closed transport, Montway offers those options as well as expedited shipping and door-to-door services.

You can also track your vehicle online, allowing you to see exactly where your vehicle is at all times during transport. The only disadvantage of using Montway Auto Transport is that there is limited insurance coverage.

3. Reindeer Auto Relocation

Best Communication

Pros

Excellent customer reviews
Provides good insurance coverage
Offers various services
Affordable

Cons

Limited availability depending on your timeframe or location

Reindeer Auto Relocation is the auto shipping company with the best communication. Reindeer has some of the best customer reviews, mostly positive, that reflect outstanding customer service and communication.

The reviews state that Reindeer has excellent communication throughout the entire transport process and is reliable, and has prompt delivery. Reindeer Auto Relocation is also affordable and offers competitive pricing. Their insurance coverage is good compared to some other vehicle transport companies, and they offer many services.

These services include open transport, enclosed transport, and door-to-door delivery.

4. ReloTrans

Best Broker

Pros

Best car transport broker
Has over 10 years of experience with vehicle transport
Offers many additional services
Provides affordable pricing

Cons

Limited availability depending on your timeframe

ReloTrans is one of the best car transport companies that is also a broker. Relotrans acts as a broker for car shipping services. They mediate between the customer and the carrier, allowing the customer to get reliable transport for their vehicle. Relotrans negotiates rates, coordinates logistics, and manages the entire transportation process on behalf of the customer.

Additionally, ReloTrans has over 10 years of experience in the vehicle transport business, offers affordable pricing, and provides many additional services., These additional services include storage, expedited delivery, and international shipping, making ReloTrans a great option if you move out of the country.

If you are moving for work, your company may offer global relocation services to help you with your move.ReloTrans might have limited availability depending on your timeframe, so it is best to contact the company as soon as possible with your moving date.

5. McCollister’s Auto Logistics

Best for Instant Quotes

Pros

Excellent reputation
Offers various services
Provides nationwide coverage
Offers unique additional services
Instant quotes

Cons

Pricing is higher than other car transport companies
Limited availability due to demand

McCollister’s Auto Logistics is one of the best car shipping companies that offer instant quotes. While this company’s pricing to ship your car is higher than its competitors, it is higher due to the extensive amount of services they offer and the company’s expertise. McCollister’s has decades of experience in the vehicle transport industry, and they can ship various types of vehicles.

Some of these vehicles include luxury vehicles, classic cars, and motorcycles. McCollister’s Auto Logistics offers various services, such as domestic vehicle transport, international transport, vehicle registration assistance, vehicle processing, and storage.

Due to high demand, scheduling your vehicle transport with McCollister’s can often be difficult. The earlier you schedule your vehicle shipping, the better chances you have to be able to ship your vehicle with this company.

The Best Car Transport Companies

These are the best auto transport companies. These companies have at least 10 years of experience, an A+ BBB rating, and provide additional insurance coverage. The average open transport cost is an estimate, and the cost can increase or decrease based on the distance traveled, the type of car being shipped, and insurance coverage.

Car Relocation Service	BBB Rating	Average Open Transport Cost	10 Plus Years of Experience	Additional Insurance Coverage
ACME Car Shipping	A+	$800 – $1,200	Yes	Available upon request
Montway Auto Transport	A+	$700 – $1,000	Yes	Available upon request
Reindeer Auto Relocation	A+	$900 – $1,300	Yes	Available upon request
ReloTrans	A+	$900 – $1,200	Yes	Available upon request
McCollister’s Auto Logistics	A+	$1,200 – $1,600	Yes	Available upon request

What To Look For in a Car Transport Company

As a homebuyer or home seller, there are some important factors to keep in mind when looking for good car moving companies.

If you haven’t sold your home yet or you are preparing to move, click here to learn more about rebates that can enable you to save thousands of dollars on real estate commissions when you buy a new home. These rebates can help you feel more prepared to budget for a car transport company.

Affordable Prices

To get the best pricing, shop around and obtain quotes from multiple car shipping services. While it might take extra time to get the quotes, it is worth your time to avoid overpaying.

Years of Experience

When entrusting your vehicle to the care of a car shipping company, it is best to choose a company with years of experience. A company’s experience in the car shipping industry is a huge indicator of if the company is trustworthy and reliable enough to transport your vehicle safely.

Quotes Guaranteed

It is best to look for a guaranteed quote when searching for the right car relocation service. Some car delivery services increase the price by 25 percent or more between your quote and the final price, which can catch you off guard. If a car shipping company offers you a guaranteed quote, it can help you better prepare for the entire transport cost.

Good Customer Reviews

It can be helpful to read through customer reviews, as they are indicative of previous customers’ experiences. Whether the reviews are good or bad, they help you get a better understanding of the company and can help you determine if it is a good fit for you.

Additional Insurance Coverage

While it is rare for your vehicle to get in an accident during transport, there is always a chance it can happen. It is best to be as prepared as possible in case your vehicle becomes damaged or undrivable. Some auto transport companies have excellent insurance policies, and others do not, so it is essential to do your research before making your decision.

Reliable Pickup and Delivery

When researching car transport companies, be sure to inquire about their pickup and delivery services. You’ll want to confirm they will pick up your vehicle on time and deliver it safely by the estimated delivery date. Reliable companies should provide reasonable delivery timeframes and stick to them.

Responsive Customer Service

Good customer service is key when shipping your vehicle long distances. Make sure to ask about response times – you want a company that will respond to calls and inquiries promptly. They should be available to answer questions before, during, and after transporting your car.

Clear Pricing and Contracts

Reputable car shipping companies will provide clear, comprehensive pricing with no hidden fees. Make sure to thoroughly review the contract so you understand all charges and policies ahead of time. Avoid companies that seem vague about additional costs that may arise. The estimate you receive initially should closely match your final invoice.

The Best Car Relocation Services – FAQs

How do you choose an auto relocation service?

Whether you are moving due to personal reasons, for your job, or as a military relocation, there are multiple factors to consider when choosing an auto relocation service.

You should read through all customer reviews, ensure the company is registered, inquire about cancelation policies, get quotes from multiple companies, and check whether the company is insured and bonded.

Are you allowed to bring personal items in your car?

Most vehicle transport services will let you know what is allowed and not allowed during the transportation process. Typically, vehicles cannot contain large or bulky items throughout the transport, but you may be able to store small items in the trunk. It is 100 percent up to the company and what they do and do not allow.

Does it cost extra to ship an inoperable vehicle?

Most vehicle transport companies will charge an additional fee to ship an inoperable vehicle. The price will depend on the shipping location, car size, and damage extent. It costs more because of the time and effort involved in allowing your vehicle to make it safely to its new location.

How much does it cost to ship a car internationally?

The cost can range greatly to ship a vehicle internationally. International vehicle shipping generally costs between $1,000 and $5,000 for transport by sea, but that cost estimate can change. If you ship your vehicle via airplane, it can cost up to $40,000.

The cost depends on how you ship it and the distance the vehicle travels. For example, moving to Japan can cost a different shipping price than if you were to ship your vehicle to Europe.

Final Thoughts

If you are in the process of planning a move, it is essential to know the best car transport companies that can get your vehicle safely to your new destination.

As a homebuyer or home seller, you may encounter a realtor rebate during your transaction. When you work with a real estate agent who offers rebates, you can save a considerable amount of money on your transaction. Register now for the ARC Realtor Rebate Program.

Military Relocation Professionals: Finding and Hiring

Written by Tommy on February 5, 2024. Posted in Military Relocation Guides. No Comments on Military Relocation Professionals: Finding and Hiring

Relocating is stressful, but it can be even more overwhelming as a military member. Military members and their families who need to relocate can benefit from using a military relocation professional to assist with their move.

Military relocation professionals better understand the needs and timelines of those in the military, making them the best kind of realtors to use for military families.

Buying or Selling a Home?

Register Below for Your Cash Back Rebate Worth Thousands of Dollars After Closing!

(a benefit you are already entitled to)

What is a Military Relocation Professional?

A military relocation professional is a certified real estate professional who works with current and prior military service members to find the best housing solutions to suit their needs. Essentially, they are specialized military real estate agents.

They can help military members help find homes at a new base and help you figure out the world of military real estate. Military relocation specialists are uniquely trained and certified in the military home search process, which is why they are best to use when relocating to the military.

Benefits of Using a Military Relocation Professional

There are many benefits of using military relocation specialists. Here are some of the most valuable:

Can Answer Questions Specific to the Military

Military members looking for real estate help will ask different questions than civilians looking to move. Luckily, military relocation professionals can answer military-specific questions regarding relocation. For example, a military relocation professional can answer questions like:

Does the military pay for relocation?
Will the military move a spouse after a divorce?
What are PCS weight limits or what’s the best way to use a DITY calculator?

They can help explain that with a partial-DITY move, the military can reimburse you up to 95 percent of the costs associated with moving until you reach the weight limit. For relocation during a PCS, you can get a dislocation allowance to reimburse some costs.

In-Depth Knowledge of Military Moves

Having a military relocation specialist designation can help you in many ways since they better understand military processes and concerns involved with moving.

Many military relocation specialists have this in-depth knowledge due to direct experience or research. They can actively explain the military market, broker’s market analysis, military relocation, VA financing for active duty vets, and more.

Have Extensive Knowledge of the Military Market

Unlike civilian real estate, you cannot just visit open houses whenever you feel like a military move. Frequently, military moves happen across the county, and you may need to be placed in temporary housing.

A military relocation professional can be helpful in this situation, as you need someone who has a lot of knowledge about what is available in the area. They can quickly match your and your family’s needs to what is currently available on the market.

Understanding Military Terminology

Many realtors without military knowledge are not helpful regarding military acronyms and phrases. A military relocation professional will understand terms like BAH (basic housing allowance), LED (leave and earnings statement), and DLA (dislocation allowance).

Having a realtor who understands these military terms is essential for you to be informed appropriately.

Military Relocation Professional Designation Vs. Certification

You may have noticed that there are MRP designations and certifications. While there is a slight difference between the two, both will get you where you need to be. A military relocation professional designation takes more time and money for the specialist to reach that point.

It is almost like having a master’s degree instead of a bachelor’s degree. An MRP certification is like any other professional development opportunity. Both designations and certifications will be efficient for you to gain the knowledge and help you need regarding your military move.

How to Find a Military Relocation Professional

There are a few ways to find a qualified military relocation professional:

Contact ARC Relocation to find quality realtors that specialize in military relocations
Ask for referrals from friends or family in the military who have recently moved
Search online listings and profiles specifically for real estate agents specializing in military moves
Contact your base housing office for recommendations

When looking for a military relocation pro, be sure to ask about their specific experience helping military families move. Having an understanding of military culture and processes will make a big difference.

Military Relocation Professionals: FAQs

How much does a military relocation specialist cost?

A military relocation specialist’s fees are typically the same as a regular real estate agent’s commission. Military specialists do not usually charge extra fees specifically for their military expertise – you just pay their standard real estate commission.

The exact percentage depends on your state and situation. Since they provide specialized services tailored to military moves, their commissions are well worth the investment for most military families.

Can veterans use a military relocation professional too if they are moving after active duty?

Yes, military relocation professionals are able to assist veterans as well. Their knowledge of VA loans, military terminologies, working with bases, and experience with service members applies to veterans too.

So whether you are active duty, retiring soon, or have already separated, a military relocation specialist can help any military member or veteran who is moving to a new home. They understand the unique needs and timelines of military life, even after active service.

Do I have to use a military relocation professional?

No, using a military relocation specialist is completely optional. Some military members prefer to handle the moving process on their own or with a regular real estate agent.

However, specialists have extensive expertise specifically with military relocations that can simplify the process and help avoid any pitfalls unique to PCS moves. Their familiarity with military terminology, base housing, working with the DOD, and other factors can make the move much smoother.

How ARC Supports Military Members

Before it was discontinued, the USAA Movers Advantage Program offered cash rewards for military customers and their families to help them save money during a move.

The goal of this program was to put money back into your pocket, have a wider variety of real estate agents, and increase your profit. ARC helps support military members by pairing you with a relocation specialist to help make your move easier.

ARC offers a home buying or selling rebate to anyone buying or selling their homes, not just in the military. They will help you find a realtor or military relocation professional, help plan your move, and provide options for moving companies to move your belongings safely.

They can help find insured van lines and moving companies that help with various factors like packing, unpacking, moving furniture, disposing of packing materials, providing packing supplies, assembling and disassembling furniture, and transporting your belongings.

Planning a military move can be complicated. However, using a military relocation professional can be less complicated.

If you are planning on relocating, fill out the form below to claim your real estate rebate, and put $1,000’s of dollars back in your pocket.

How To Sell Your House Fast for Relocation

Written by Tommy on February 5, 2024. Posted in Relocation Real Estate. No Comments on How To Sell Your House Fast for Relocation

While more and more people are working from home every day, businesses continue to shift and change the way they conduct day-to-day operations. Within this is the need to relocate employees in favor of global mobility.

If you find yourself in this situation you may need to sell your house fast for relocation before starting work in your new location. Relocating when you own a house is a challenge but here are some of the steps you’ll need to follow before putting your house for sale for relocation.

Determine What Your Home is Worth

When you need to sell your house fast for a relocation, you don’t have as much time to think about home equity, curb appeal, and the fact that you planned to do quartz countertops next year; you have to sell now.

You want to make sure that whatever you end up selling your house for, it will cover the cost of any remaining mortgage balance plus selling expenses. Expect those expenses to cost anywhere between 5-10% of the overall balance on your mortgage.

The last thing you want is for the relocation to put you in a bad spot financially. If anything, you should come out better than you went in.

Using a home value estimator is a great tool to help you quickly get an idea of what your home is worth.

Of course, you may still want to get a relocation appraisal or have a comparative market analysis done on the home to ensure you’re selling it for what it’s worth. If you can, don’t invest any new money into your home and sell it as it is. You’ll want to have as much cash on hand as possible during and after the relocation when you find yourself in an unfamiliar place.

Take a Look at Relocation Packages

The cost of relocating can range from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000. Having relocation packages in place for employees is a great way to ensure that everything is covered and there are no bottlenecks in the process.

Keep in mind there are quite a few ways to go about this. There are four primary options:

Let’s talk briefly about each of these:

Lump Sum Relocation Package

This is a traditional relocation package where an amount of money is set aside for each employee to help pay for their moving expenses from A to Z. These can cover closing costs, realtor fees, long distance movers and packaging fees, shipping costs, materials, and even time missed at work.

Executive Relocation Package

An executive relocation package pertains to the moving costs and expenses of the upper-management of a business. In some cases, you could be tasked with moving the corporate headquarters and as a result, you need to help with long-term storage, vehicle shipment, and temporary housing for executives.

Relocation Bonus

A relocation bonus is generally used in situations where the overall relocation package isn’t enough. It can cover unexpected expenses like penalties for breaking a lease or a higher cost of living in the area the employee is moving.

Relocation Reimbursement

A reimbursement works similar to the regular relocation package but instead, the employee will pay for everything out of pocket and the employer is responsible for paying them back. This helps ensure that the employee doesn’t run out of money but issues arise when they don’t have enough of their own money to cover the cost of moving.

Can You Deduct Moving Expenses?

Whether you’re the HR Manager, General Manager, or Entry-Level Employee, you’re not eligible to deduct moving expenses related to a job. This may come as a surprise to some people but the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2018 removed your ability to be able to deduct these expenses.

That said, if you’re an active military member, you are eligible to deduct moving expenses. This is the only situation where you can.

Look at the Current Real Estate Market

While this isn’t something you or anyone has control of, you’ll still want to look at the current real estate market and use your findings to help figure out how your home sale and purchase process will go.

Markets fluctuate up and down with seller markets followed by buyers markets so no matter which way you cut it, you’ll likely do fine on one end or the other. For example, in 2022 houses only stay on the market for an average of 38 days.

What does this mean for you? It means that the sooner you start the process, the sooner you’ll be able to sell and you won’t have to worry about paying for a house you won’t live in anymore.

Sell Your House Fast for Relocation: Your Options

When it comes to actually selling your house for a job relocation, you have a few different choices.

1. Cash Offer

If you’re in a hurry due to corporate requirements or whatever else may be motivating you, getting a cash offer can be a great way to get out quickly. According to Allied Moving Services, nearly 42% of relocating employees only had 0-30 days to settle in before they had to start their new job.

That doesn’t leave much time for loan applications, open houses, showings, and inspections. In a traditional home buying situation, it can take as long as 60 days for the buyer to actually close on your house.

When advertising the sale of your home, accepting only cash offers is a much faster way to sell. The downside is, you’ll need to be content with accepting much lower offers because cash offers will generally come from investors.

Selling the house “as-is” is also an option if you’re concerned about the condition of the home. If you want to be able to forgo inspections to speed up the process, selling the house “as-is” requires buyers to purchase the home without requiring you to fix anything.

2. Hire an Agent

The second option is the more traditional route and what you’ll want to do if the company provides a decent relocation package. Try to hire an agent that specializes in relocations or moving homes quickly. If you’re unsure about how to find someone like that, we work with agents who do this type of work all the time.

Take a lot of great pictures, try to improve your curb appeal, and do whatever you can with the time you have to improve the overall appearance of the home. This will make the sale more desirable and will likely drive more buyers in your door.

3. Rent it Out

Have you ever considered being a long-distance landlord? Perhaps the market is looking good for rentals and you don’t mind the idea of being responsible in exchange for making a little extra money every month.

Of course, your home will have to meet a few unique sets of criteria to be affordable enough for most renters. Certain cities are also more popular for renting than others.

Remember that being a landlord is hard but if you’re living in another state you’ll likely need to hire a property management company to oversee everything and be able to fix things at the house when you’re not there.

4. Hire a Relocation Company

Relocating and selling your house for a job relocation is one of the most stressful things you can do and when you’re forced to do it in a hurry, it doesn’t get any easier. Hiring a relocation company like ARC Relocation can really help soften the blow.

We can help in the following ways:

Assess your relocation needs and choose candidates likely to succeed.
Create effective relocation policies to attract and keep the best employees.
Get a great deal on employee shipping and transportation.
Sell and buy homes—we’ll even buy the property ourselves.
Help employees settle in their new location—from finding a home to learning the language.

The difference is, we do this work every single day and if it can happen, we’ve seen it before. If you need to sell your house fast for relocation, learn more by booking a free consultation today with one of our relocation experts!