What does a relocation real estate agent do?

What is a Relocation Real Estate Agent?

Relocation real estate agents are specialists in helping clients who are moving from one location to another, often over long distances, such as between cities, states, or even countries. Their primary role is to make the process of finding and purchasing or renting a home in a new area smoother and less stressful.

These agents are often hired for corporate relocations or by individuals unfamiliar with their new location and/or with limited time to make housing decisions.

What does a Relocation Real Estate Agent do?

Duties and Responsibilities
These are the typical tasks carried out by relocation real estate agents, with the goal of making the entire relocation experience as seamless as possible for their clients:

• Assess Client Needs – They understand the client's housing preferences, budget, and requirements for the new area, including proximity to schools, work, or amenities.
• Local Market Expertise – They offer in-depth knowledge of neighborhoods, housing trends, and the overall real estate market in the new area to help clients make informed decisions.
• Property Tours – They arrange and often conduct virtual or in-person tours of homes for clients who may not be able to visit the property themselves due to distance.
• Assist with Buying or Renting – They guide clients through the process of buying or renting a home in the new location, handling negotiations, paperwork, and other transactional details.
• Coordinate Moving Logistics – They assist with arranging movers, temporary housing, or other relocation-related services to ensure a smooth transition.
• Liaise with Other Professionals – They work with local real estate agents, mortgage brokers, inspectors, and legal professionals to ensure everything is in place for a successful move.
• Post-Move Support – Some relocation agents also offer services to help clients settle into their new community by recommending local services, schools, or activities.

Types of Relocation Real Estate Agents
Now that we have a sense of the relocation real estate agent’s work, let’s look at some different types of these agents, based on the kinds of the relocations they handle and the specific needs of their clientele:

• Corporate Relocation Agents – These agents specialize in helping employees or executives who are relocating for work. They often collaborate with companies that offer relocation packages and assist employees in finding homes quickly and efficiently, sometimes with the company covering relocation costs.
• Residential Relocation Agents – These agents focus on helping individuals or families moving for personal reasons, such as lifestyle changes, family needs, or retirement. They provide personalized services based on the client's preferences for neighborhoods, schools, and amenities.
• Military Relocation Agents – Specializing in helping military personnel and their families, these agents understand the unique challenges faced by military members, such as time constraints and frequent moves. They often have expertise in areas near military bases and understand VA (Veterans Affairs) loan processes.
• International Relocation Agents – These agents assist clients moving to or from a different country. They are knowledgeable about international property laws, tax regulations, and cultural differences, and can provide guidance on everything from immigration requirements to local customs.
• Luxury Relocation Agents – Catering to high-net-worth individuals, luxury relocation agents focus on finding upscale properties, often with special features or in exclusive neighborhoods. They are skilled in handling the more complex transactions that high-end properties often involve.
• Seniors Relocation Agents – These realtors specialize in seniors relocation, helping older adults or retirees downsize or move to retirement communities. They focus on addressing the specific needs of seniors, such as finding accessible housing or homes in age-restricted communities.
• Temporary / Short-Term Relocation Agents – These agents help clients who need temporary or short-term housing, such as professionals on short assignments or families in transition. They find suitable rental properties or corporate housing and assist with short-term leases.

What is the workplace of a Relocation Real Estate Agent like?

Relocation real estate agents can be employed or contracted by a variety of entities. These are among their most common employers:

• Real Estate Brokerages – Many relocation realtors work for real estate firms or brokerages that offer specialized relocation services and have a team of agents on staff.
• Corporations and Businesses – Companies with a large workforce, especially those that transfer employees frequently, employ relocation real estate agents or partner with relocation service providers.
• Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) – These are companies dedicated to managing all aspects of employee relocations.
• Military Organizations – Relocation agents may be employed by agencies or contracted by the military to help service members and their families move, often between bases or across the country.
• Government Agencies – Some government entities hire relocation agents to assist with the transfer of employees, such as diplomats or federal workers, who are assigned to different regions or countries.
• Real Estate Referral Networks – Some relocation agents are part of larger real estate networks, like Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® or RELO Direct, which connect agents with clients moving across different regions or countries.
• Individuals and Families – Some relocation agents work directly with individuals or families looking to move to a new area, whether for personal or professional reasons.

The work environment of a relocation real estate agent is highly dynamic, requiring flexibility and often blending office work with in-person and remote client meetings, travel, and on-site visits.