Vol. 1, Issue 1
Relocation Properties Management – linking transferee needs to organizational goals
RPM – helping you get On the Move
WELCOME to the first edition of the Relocation
Properties Management (RPM) newsletter, On the Move.
On the heels of our 20th anniversary, RPM has
decided to bring our clients and their transferees an
insider’s look at what our company can provide, a
glimpse at current market conditions and answers to
some common relocation questions.
Although often rewarding, relocation can be a
stressful experience. We realize you may have important
questions, whether they involve moving your own family
or perhaps hiring someone who may need relocation
services. On the Move will address such issues, while
keeping you connected to the RPM staff.
In this and future issues, look for current market
information in “Market Update.” Find homeowner tips in
“Where you hang your hat,” and meet our diverse group
of vendors in “Spotlight.”
With more than 60 years’ combined relocation
experience, the RPM staff is ready and eager to help
with your relocation needs. Have questions? Drop
us a line by snail mail or e-mail – or give us a call. One
of our helpful coordinators will be glad to help you get
on the move!
Meet the RPM staff (Left to Right): Front-Michelle Cox, Kathy
Buchanan, Robin Scites, Middle-Debbie Esque, Jolinda Anson,
Kim Davis, Donna Adkins, Back-Ishmael Stevens, Linda Moser
Contact us
Relocation Properties Management
500 Diederich Blvd., Russell, KY 41169
(888) 581-2857
Name
Jolinda Anson
E-mail
[email protected]
Phone (888) 581-2857) +
Option 3
Kathy Buchanan
[email protected]
Option 5
Michelle Cox
[email protected]
Option 2 (International services)
Kimberly Davis
[email protected]
Option 4
Debbie Esque
[email protected]
Option 6 (Inventory property)
Robin Scites
[email protected]
Option 1
Linda Moser
Ishmael Stevens
[email protected]
[email protected]
419-425-7026
ABOUT US
Relocation Properties Management
(RPM) is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Ashland Inc., a Fortune 500,*
diversified chemical company, with
sales and operations in more than a
hundred countries worldwide.
RPM was established in 1988 to
support and assist Ashland transferees
in managing all aspects of real estate
transactions related to their moves.
As a result, our staff has garnered
decades of knowledge and experience
in all facets of relocation. We put it to
use for you by providing:
• One-on-one assistance, from the
most friendly, helpful,
conscientious and experienced team
of relocation experts you’ll ever
meet. Our staff is adept at handling
both individual and group moves.
• Unmatched cost-savings. As part of
a Fortune 500 company, we benefit
from “big company” discounts and
pass those savings along to you.
RPM does not retain part of your
discount.
• A fixed service fee, with one final
billing. (No need to dread the
mailman!)
• Administrative services. Need help
deciphering your relocation policy,
keeping track of relocation
expenses or preparing management
reports? We can do that for you,
too.
• Unsurpassed customer satisfaction.
We’re proud of the work we do and
want you to be pleased with us, too.
* Fortune 500 is a registered trademark of
Time Inc.
Moving your most precious cargo
Have you ever been the new kid? If so, you may know what it is like
to walk into a room of 30 or more unfamiliar faces and try to
concentrate on learning and fitting in at the same time.
Children usually have little knowledge about relocating and may
be apprehensive, especially during a first move. For children of
school age, concerns often surround their new school.
One of the most important things you can do to help is talk with
your children. Ask about their interests, concerns, personal learning
styles and extracurricular activities.
You may think you know many of the answers to these
questions. However, you may discover your children have distinct
ideas about what they want in a new school.
Once you know their points of view, do some research.
Checking out school districts in your new area is a good base to cover
even before house-hunting. The more children know about their new
school, the less anxiety they will experience.
After choosing a school, begin looking for houses within the
district, to avoid paying tuition or lengthy commutes.
What else should you look for in a school? According to the
U.S. Department of Education, teacher training and quality are key
areas to investigate.
Browse the Internet for websites of schools in the area that
provide enrollment statistics, dropout rates, percentages of teachers
who have achieved national certification, etc.
After researching schools, make appointments with school
counselors. Visit the campus, taking your children and a list of
important topics to discuss with you. Ask about class size, teacher-tostudent ratio, student discipline policies, parental involvement and
community support.
Studies show that students in smaller classes have a better
chance of excelling. This means more time for the individual child. In
addition, discipline policies should be reasonable and supportive to
students. A reputable school will invite active parental involvement
and receive ample community support.
Now you are ready to discuss school options with your family.
Through discussion, research and advanced preparation, that first day
in a new school may just be a little less stressful for everyone.
Question: I've just learned my family and I
are relocating. What are the first steps I should
take to make the move go smoothly?
RPM: Give us a call. From the moment you
learn of your pending move until your transfer
is complete, your RPM counselor will guide
you.
(888) 581-2857
Spotlight: Walker Transfer
Walker Transfer is a family owned
moving/relocation business, with the
added distinction of being a certified
Woman-Owned Business, active in
the Women’s Business Enterprise
National Council (WBENC).
Based in Kenova, W.Va., the
company employs 42 individuals,
including office staff, drivers,
packers/loaders and warehousemen.
“We keep up with the latest industry
trends, and our staff is fully crosstrained,” notes Gerri Walker,
company president.
With more than 19,000-squarefeet of palletized and temperaturecontrolled storage, Walker
specializes in corporate domestic and
international residential relocation,
backed by more than four decades of
service and expertise.
Established in 1964, the company
has been an agent for Atlas Van
Lines since 1976, earning that
company’s most prestigious Milton
M. Hill Award every year since its
“We strive to make every person we move feel like family.”
Tina Rose, Corporate Account manager
1990 inception. Recipients must
achieve a superior warehouse rating
in random inspections; earn the
Hauling Excellence Award for
outstanding ratings by customers;
and obtain world-class commitment
recognition in 12 critical
performance areas.
Due to its 40 years of outstanding
service to Ashland, Walker also
received Ashland’s Dedicated
Superior Service in the Moving
Industry Award in 2005.
The secret to Walker’s longevity
and success is simple. “We promote
Ahead of the competition
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
Hire a lawn-care specialist to maintain
curb appeal.
Clean windows and mirrors.
De-winterize; check plumbing and
air conditioning.
Display fresh flowers on counters
and tables.
Re-vamp your marketing materials.
Place a new welcome mat and umbrella
holder at front entrance.
Open select blinds to brighten rooms.
Consider staging your home with rented
furniture and props if you are already in
your new location.
family values and keep abreast with
organizations that pertain to our
industry,” explains Walker.
Her professional affiliations
include the Employee Relocation
Council; Relocation Council of
Central Ohio; Huntington Board of
Realtors; and the Society of Human
Resource Managers.
“We currently are obtaining
certification as Global Relocation
Specialists, to enhance our
knowledge of international
relocations,” adds Tina Rose,
Corporate Account manager.
Is buying season
9
9
9
9
9
9
Consult with your RPM counselor
to find a buying agent.
Shop for lenders and obtain
pre-approval.
Discuss your family’s “must-have”
home features.
Research neighborhoods and school
districts.
Find a reliable home inspector (RPM
can help with this, too).
Don’t be surprised with high local taxes
or homeowner association dues; research
this before placing an offer.
It seems every form of media has produced a story
about current housing market conditions. The media
flurry began in 2005, as the market was booming with
transactions. Sellers were profiting. Buyers were
easily approved for mortgages. Realtors and lenders
reveled, but kept an eye to the horizon, knowing this
boom would not last forever.
Finally, as predicted, the “bubble” in the housing
market burst. Homeowners around the country began
to feel the effects. News of increases in foreclosures,
days on the market and housing inventories, plus
drastic decreases in property values, swept the nation.
Areas hardest hit were those whose markets
greatly expanded during the boom – California, South
Florida, Las Vegas and Phoenix, for instance. The
news media concentrated on Michigan, as the bottom
fell out of that market, because of changes in
employment and the auto industry.
But what really happened? The most significant
news surrounds the Federal Reserve Fund rate, cut
three-quarters of a point on Jan. 22. The decision to
cut this rate came as an emergency reaction to those
in fear of Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) resets.
Homeowners with ARMs due to reset will receive
some relief in mortgage payments, according to Doug
Duncan, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers
Association (MBA). However, Sharon Reuss,
spokeswoman for the Center of Responsible Lending
(CRL), regretfully reports the cut will come too late
for homeowners with ARMs who are already
threatened with foreclosure.
The effects of the Federal fund rate drop are
twofold. First, buyers have been encouraged by lower
On the Move is produced
quarterly for clients of Relocation
Properties Management, LLC, at
500 Diederich Blvd., Russell, KY
41169 (888-581-2857).
Editor/Sr. writer: Jolinda Anson
Contributors:
Kathy Buchanan, Michelle Cox,
Kimberly Davis, Debbie Esque
and Ishmael Stevens
Consultant: Lesli Christian
Please send correspondence
regarding this publication to
[email protected].
mortgage rates, while renting becomes less attractive, due
to an average rent increase of 1.9 percent. Purchase
applications already have increased as a result.
The second factor is current market inventory, which
had already dropped, on average, 7.4 percent at the end
of December. A decrease in inventory during December
is not atypical for the month, but such a steep decline is
unusual.
According to Realty Times, this is due to an increase in
refinancing, which took a number of homes off the
market. The steady increase of buyers and decrease in
inventory are causing predictions to sway toward a busy
first quarter, with reasoning pointing to simple supply
and demand.
Homeowners with an average value of $220,000 may
see a drop in their home’s value if they purchased during
the boom. However, the median drop is 1.4 percent,
which translates to about $3,000. This is far less than the
horror stories told of losses in the tens of thousands.
Chances are, if losses of that magnitude are felt, the seller
drastically overpaid for a home during the boom.
The experts tell us the winds are changing; blowing
toward hope for a better market. Who will this affect? Of
course, current homeowners may be encouraged to
refinance at a lower rate. Current sellers can breathe a
little easier, knowing their need to offer concessions to
buyers will lessen, due to decreased competition. Finally,
transferees may rest a little easier, knowing the market
may finally be leveling out and relishing the prospect of a
lower mortgage rate on their new home purchase.
Sources: Realty Times, Bankrate.com, CNNMoney.com