Relocating from outside the United States to Maryland: International Relocation to Maryland from another country poses some unique challenges that are outlined below. Skip this section if your relocation is within the United States. Otherwise, consider the following:

• Should we rent or buy?
• What are the tax consequences specific to us?
• Who do we consult about taxes?
• What are the legal considerations about owning property in the U.S?
• Do you need to consult an attorney?
• Which local attorney handles these matters?
• What would be the cost of legal advice?
• What about the cost of living in the U.S?
• Should you ship your household goods or sell them and purchase new in the U.S?
• What is the cost of purchasing a used automobile?
• What are the costs associated with operating a vehicle in the U.S?
• How does a grocery list from your home country, translated from kilos to pounds for example, compare in price, factoring in exchange rates?
• What do appliances cost in U.S. dollars?
• Will my family be happy in this community?
• Look at schools within the community to see how the children would fit in with existing curriculum and school environment.
• Visit schools and talk with faculty and administrators.
• What about timing your move? Do you need a short-term rental? Should you send your family ahead or will you precede them?
• How long will it take to process your work Visa and how will your relocation schedule fit with that timetable?
• Current money exchange information is available at this website.

Relocating from within the continental United States to Maryland and before you leave your state, consider the following:
Address Change

• Post Office: Give the Post Office your forwarding address;
• Send a change of address to your charge accounts and credit cards;
• Subscriptions: Don't forget to provide forwarding information to any subscription you want to continue receiving. This often requires several weeks’ notice in advance of your move.

Bank

• Transfer funds and arrange check cashing in your new city;
• Arrange for credit references from your place of origin. Your mortgage company of choice will need the names, addresses and account information.

Insurance

• Notify your insurers of your new location so they can take the necessary steps to adjust your coverages: life, health, fire & auto.

Utility Companies

• For information about gas, light, water, telephone, fuel, garbage, etc., check this link: Local Utility Companies, for the utility companies in the Maryland area;\
• You may be owed refunds of deposits on your existing utility accounts, possibly with interest. Check it out.

Delivery Companies

• Stop deliveries. Arrange to stop the pick-up and/or delivery of laundry, newspaper. Change over or terminate services.

Medical, Dental, Prescription Histories

• Ask your doctor or dentist for referrals; transfer prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays. Obtain copies of your birth records, medical records, etc.

Pets

• Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags, quarantine, etc.

And Don't Forget to....

• Empty freezer; plan use of foods;
• Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator. Place charcoal to dispel odors;
• Have appliances serviced for moving;
• Make arrangements for your TV and antenna;
• Return your cable TV box and get your deposit back;
• Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them moving-wrapped;
• Check with your moving counselor, insurance carrier, packing and unpacking labor, regarding arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment;
• Plan for special care needs of infants and pets.

Compare the cost of living, estimated in U.S. currency, between U.S. geographic locations. Visit this website for a cost of living comparison program.

From 6 Weeks to Move-in Day:

Engage a regionally capable relocation real estate agent and look for these services:

f you are interested in renting a home, you will find single family homes, apartments, condominiums, duplexes, town homes and rooms for rent in Maryland. There is a significant demand for rentals and when rentals come on the market they are soon rented. If you need to rent a home, contact your "The Answer Team Real Estate Network" real estate agent for current listings of homes for rent and their guidance on the rates and fees applicable in their area.

Although The Answer Team Real Estate Network real estate agent is your best source for local information on available homes for rent and the rental market, they are also your best source of information on all aspects of Maryland residential real estate. To this end, contact the agent below, meet the agent and discuss the ramifications of renting vs. buying in the geographic area that interests you.

• Check on service of telephone, gas, electricity, water, and garbage.
• Ask the U.S. Postal letter carrier for mail he/she may be holding for your arrival.
• Have new address recorded on your driver's license through the local  Motor Vehicle Administration.
• Visit city offices and register for voting;
• Register your car through the local  Motor Vehicle Administration shortly after establishing your residence;
• Obtain a car inspection sticker and transfer motor club membership;
• Apply for your new state driver's license;
• Register your family in your new place of worship;
• Register your children in school;
• Arrange for medical services, such as doctor, dentist, veterinarian, etc.

Settlement is an exciting day! 

• Before Closing
• What to Bring
• At the Settlement T

Before Closing

• Start looking for Homeowners Insurance – the home Buyer MUST have insurance on the home before settlement.  Talk to a number of insurance companies to get the best rate.
• Get a head start and plan your move – The Buyer should schedule time to get belongings sorted and packed for the move.  This can be a large project for some people.
• Each person on the loan must be present at Settlement – This means that if the Buyer has a co-signer, both parties must attend.  If for some reason one or all parties cannot be present at settlement, a person must be appointed the Power of Attorney to sign for the missing party.  If the Buyer or another party will be absent, be prepared to appoint a Power of Attorney before settlement.
• To appoint a Power of Attorney, a property-specific Power of Attorney document must be signed by all parties (Buyer, Buyer’s  spouse or co-signer, and person appointed) and notarized. This document must be submitted to the lender and title company prior to settlement, along with a copy of a valid government-issued photo identification card of the appointed person. The person who is appointed the original Power of Attorney must be present at closing and verified. The absent person(s) will be asked to verify over the phone that the person who has been appointed the original Power of Attorney is present and has approval to sign for them at closing.
• Your Realtor will get a list of the utility providers and coordinate with the Seller’s agent when to have the Seller transfer the utilities so that the Buyer can arrange to have them turned on and put in the Buyer’s name.
• The Buyer’s Agent will conduct a walk-through of the home within 5 days of the settlement date, ensuring that the home is in basically the same condition as when originally contracted.  Un-repaired damage in the home sustained in the moving process by the Seller or from other causes, can be an issue requiring further negotiation.  Ensure that all the appliances are still working and that everything is in order as expected.

What To Bring

• In addition to meeting all the pre-closing requirements, there are certain items that the Buyer will need to bring to settlement in order for a smooth closing. Without these items, the closing may be delayed.
• The Buyer should verify that all necessary deposits and all paperwork including mortgage, title, homeowners insurance, and any other paperwork required by local or state governments have been completed.
• The home Buyer needs to bring a valid photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport, to settlement. 
• The home Buyer will be required to obtain a check for certified funds or cashier’s check for the balance of funds required for settlement.  This check can be made payable to the home Buyer or the title company.  A personal check for any funds owed by the Buyer at settlement will not usually be accepted by the settlement agent.

At The Settlement Table

• The Buyer’s Agent, Buyer, Seller, and the Seller’s Realtor shall attend settlement.  This is the final step.  All fees are calculated, accounts adjusted, and credit/debits documented on the Housing and Urban Development Settlement Sheet, also known as the “HUD1.”  All invoices from different vendors, the lender, and title company are signed and officially executed.  The outstanding balance of funds as “cash due from Buyer” is to be paid by the home Buyer at settlement.  The title company shall refund any monies due the home Buyer, should the home Buyer provide an amount greater than that owed.
• When all the papers are signed, the home Buyer will be provided with a copy of everything for their records.  These should be kept in a safe place.
• At the conclusion of settlement, the Seller gives the home Buyer the keys to their new home.