Relocation 1

[Janitor]

I had an interview with a company for a job that I would have to relocate for. One of the canidates for this position turned the job down after running into problems with selling his house. During my interview, HR asked me straight up if I owned a house. I told them I did and the impression I got from them was that owning a house was a strike against me. This was a large company so I was kind of surpised by this. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this just a recent thing? I have been groaning some over the idea that I maybe didn't get the job because I own a house.

 

[msquared48]

It can be a problem, but does not have to be a big one.

Just tell them that you will rent out the house you own, and rent at the new location. Should be a wash as long as you can find someone to manage the rental for you and have good renters.

Later, if necessary you can put it on the market, leaving renters in until it is sold. Just have your lawyer provide that option for you in the rental agreement.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[GregLocock]

Not a wash in some countries as you'll be taxed on the rent on your old house but won't be able to claim the tax on the rent you pay.

I have known companies to buy the old house, but that seems odd behaviour to me.



Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[MikeHalloran]

In decades long gone, they asked the same question, but interpreted the answer differently, linking ownership to likelihood of job stability and perhaps emotional stability.

Things change.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[stanweld]

It can be a strike against you if you are tied to your home; i.e., your relocation is predicated on selling your home. Make it clear to the new company that you are not.

I owned a home in California that took nearly a year to sell after relocating to a position in another State. I simply rented an apartment until the property sold.

 

[IRstuff]

I'm still renting out both of my old houses; my first house has been rented out for about 22 years.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[Twoballcane]

Greg, I have heard it done with levels of director and higher either coming thru the ranks or just being hired. But, for worker bees like me, I don't think so...

Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."

 

[tygerdawg]

Certainly it could be a possible strike against you, same as having a spouse with close family at your current location but none at your new destination. Either condition could make you quit and return, and their company plans in which you were a part are now postponed.

It is even more of a concern now due to the unpleasant housing market.

And, yes, purchasing a new hire's old house in order to facilitate the move is done. Usually for more senior people, or for critical-skill hires. I turned down an offer like that. I was flattered that they would do that and I wouldn't have to hassle with selling it myself. The downside was that they would purchase the property "at market value" and I would have lost a large amount of money.

TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering

http://www.bluetechnik.com

 

[Ron]

Mike is exactly right.