There are many great reasons to relocate to Johnson County. You may have fallen in love with this part of Kansas while on vacation and have a plan to watch for the perfect home and move here eventually. You might be a native who moved away and is yearning to return. But one of the most frequent relocation situations we see is the family moving to Johnson County for a job. You get that perfect new position in the Kansas City area and settle on Johnson County as the best place to bring your family. You need to sell your current place and buy a new home in Johnson County — preferably in that order, and preferably with enough time to spare you get moved in before the new job begins.
Now what?
Start with the right information. Get a firm start date and relocation benefits in writing. This helps you develop a clear timeline for selling your old home and buying a new one.
You’ll also need to gather your relevant financial information. Review equity, savings, and income so you know if you can buy before you sell. If not, you may qualify for a bridge loan. If you must sell first to free up cash, you might need to make some arrangements for a temporary rental, a stay with friends or relatives in the area, or even a spell of commuting. Getting the information will tell you what your options are so you can make plans for the smoothest possible transition.
Choose a buy/sell strategy
Armed with all the information you need, you can decide what your strategy will be. A good agent in both markets will walk you through trade‑offs:
- Buy first, then sell. With a relocation package or bridge financing, you can avoid scrambling for a house under pressure. Find your perfect home, make decisions about when to move the family based on school schedules or professional priorities, and hen calmly focus on getting the best price for your current home.
- Sell first, then buy. This can be easier financially if you need your equity and you know more about how much you can afford. However, you may need temporary housing after the sale if you don’t find a place as quickly as you expect. This option can work well for highly organized people.
- Close your purchase and sale simultaneously. This is the dream, but it can be complex. In fact, it can feel like spinning plates, since you have to hope that everything goes exactly to plan on both ends of the move. It may be worth discussing rent-back agreements (allowing you to stay on in the home as a renter after the sale if need be) and contingency clauses. It might also make sense for the person with the new job to move quickly and let the rest of the family join you in Johnson County a few weeks later.
Make your choice, but recognize that sometimes life can be surprising. One point to consider: when you need to sell and to buy, choosing a Realtor with credentials as a buyer’s agent and a great track record as a seller’s agent gives you an enormous advantage. Ken Jansen is a good example of this kind of Broker. In addition, Ken has a unique network of agents around the U.S. and Canada. And since Ken is also a CIPS, he has access to an international network of real estate agents and may be able to help with an overseas relocation as well.
Be prepared
As soon as you know you’re going to relocate, get started on preparing your house for sale. You can declutter, stage, handle obvious repairs, and arrange for a Matterport 3D tour and a floor plan. Putting the time in up front for these preparations will help you sell faster with better returns on your investment. Be prepared to outsource some of the items on your list for getting your home ready. Doing your own cleaning or painting may not pay off if you have a tight relocation turnaround.
Get a true relocation‑savvy buyer’s agent in Johnson County. A relocation‑trained buyer’s agent like Ken will preview homes, do detailed video tours, and help you narrow your search before you fly in, maximizing limited house‑hunting trips. Ken will counsel you on neighborhoods that match your income, lifestyle, commute, and school expectations. He’ll also help you make strong proposals that safeguard your relocation needs.
Add essential milestones to your calendar: list date, offer deadlines, inspection windows, loan and appraisal dates, and target move‑in dates. This helps keep your relocation on track. With clear constraints, a defined budget, and an expert partner, you can reduce stress and increase your chances for complete success.
Text Ken “CRS ABR” at 913.908.2215 and get started now.