Relocation Checklist Generator

Groundwork that makes every later decision easier.

• Write down your must-haves, nice-to-haves and absolute deal-breakers.
• Shortlist two or three areas or corridors to compare rather than the whole metro.
• Talk to a lender licensed in Texas about how your financing will work on an out-of-state move.
• Choose a local agent who can preview homes and areas for you.
• Research short-term rental options so you can land first and shop with local knowledge.

• Plan a focused visit and see your shortlisted areas at more than one time of day.
• Learn how HOA dues, MUDs, PIDs and other special districts change monthly cost in Central Texas.
• Drive any route that matters to you yourself — travel time varies by route, time of day and traffic and cannot be predicted for you.
• Tour model homes and ask each builder for their current written contract, warranty and options documents.
• Compare housing stock by build era so you know which systems questions apply to each home.
• Ask an insurance agent what coverage questions apply to the homes and areas you are considering.

• Confirm with your lender what documentation and timing the specific loan program needs.
• Confirm how earnest money and option fees will be delivered from out of state.
• Ask who the title company will be and how remote or mail-away signing is handled.
• Request association, district and disclosure documents so you can read them before you are under contract if possible.
• For a to-be-built home, ask what stage the home is at and what the builder's written contract says about changes, delays and inspections.

• Schedule inspections promptly and attend by video if you cannot be there.
• Order any specialist evaluations the general inspection recommends.
• Confirm whether an existing survey will be used or a new one is required.
• Track the appraisal and any lender conditions with your loan officer.
• Read the association and district documents you receive and ask about anything unclear.
• Bind homeowners insurance before the date your lender requires it.

• Get written moving quotes and confirm what is and is not included.
• Inventory and photograph anything valuable before it is packed.
• Contact the utility and internet providers that serve the specific address and ask what they require to start service. Verify the current requirement directly with the relevant agency, provider or professional — rules and fees change.
• Start address changes for mail, banking, subscriptions and employer records.
• Request medical, dental and school records you will need in your new city.

• Confirm exact wiring instructions directly with the title company by phone before sending funds.
• Do a final walkthrough, in person or by video, before closing.
• Confirm where and how you are signing, and what identification is required.
• Confirm in writing when possession and keys transfer.
• For a new build, confirm the orientation, warranty handoff and any outstanding item list in writing.

• Re-key or change locks and codes, and test smoke and CO alarms.
• Locate the water shutoff, electrical panel and HVAC filters, and note filter sizes.
• Check the current driver licence, vehicle registration and voter registration requirements with the responsible Texas agencies. Verify the current requirement directly with the relevant agency, provider or professional — rules and fees change.
• Register with the HOA or POA and set up amenity access and any recurring payments.
• Find local providers you will actually need: medical, dental, veterinary, lawn, pest, HVAC.
• Ask the appraisal district and a tax professional about any exemption or filing that applies to your situation. Verify the current requirement directly with the relevant agency, provider or professional — rules and fees change.