Inminent relocation- help to plan (Richmond, Glen Allen: sales, mortgage, new home)

[xurcov]

I just got a job offer with better pay, benefits, relocation package, etc. Great opportunity.

The problem is that they need the person to start in January 2011. I have not resigned yet from my current job because there is still some HR paperwork to be completed and then the new company will give me green light to do so. That would leave me with 2-3 weeks max to make some sort of arragements to move. Everything turned out to happen very fast.

My plan is to leave wife and kids behind for 4-6 weeks until I get to know the new area and find a place to live permanently.
Since is the first time I relocate, would this be normal procedure or should I ask for more time?

What other considerations I should have to make this a smooth transition for my family.?

Any suggestion or advice on how to proceed . Help!

Thanks

[ShannonMilligan]

My husband and I have moved LOTS of times in the last 10 years and are about to move to Glen Allen next month. Here is what we have done:

My husband has always gone ahead without us and then we would follow later. This current time we have been living apart for 4 months due to building a home. BUT it has worked out well...we were able to check out the area and be familiar where we wanted to be.

The time before we were apart for a few months as well.

If it were me, I would accept the job, and have your family move with you in a few weeks. As you said, it will give you time to get to know the area, make some friends, and have a better idea of what you want. My personal opinion is you will have a lot of housing options come spring as many people do not list their homes until then. Richmond area new home/construction sales were recently up but resale homes had declined. Mortgage rates are still very low and lets hope they stay that way into the spring season!

We are moving to Glen Allen as we really liked the distance to my husbands work. We had checked our Midlothian as well but felt it was a little further out that where we wanted to be.

Good luck!

[PickPatrick]

Great advice Twinmma

[xurcov]

Twinmma thank you for your feedback. I think I'm on the right trackon this. Hopefully everything worked out well.

Thanks