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Survey Finds Consumers Want More Help From Movers
By James Comtois
While the U.S.'s economic turmoil continues to keep consumers on edge and home sales slow, the moving industry
is seeing marked changes in consumer attitudes, found a survey from Relocation.com. The survey findings produced
some key insights about moving hot spots in the U.S., how the housing and mortgage crisis is impacting moves and
consumer opinions about using a professional mover.
Approximately 80% of consumers starting their real estate and moving research online. "With the typical
summer moving season spike, our monthly traffic is indicating similar patterns. However, we are seeing a general
up-tick in online searches for moving services that is reflected in the survey feedback," said Greg Hebner,
chief executive of Relocation.com. "The heightened sensitivities consumers are feeling about the economy and
their motives for moving are showing a stronger need for superior customer service support from the moving industry."
Based on the most recent U.S. Census data, about 40 million Americans move to a new residence each year. This
survey showed that the two most prevalent reasons for moving in today's challenging economy are related to job
change (relocating for an existing job or finding a new job) and lifestyle change (downsizing or retirement).
The majority of recent movers went from one rental situation to another with only 15% moving from a rental to
home ownership. This result is a direct correlation with the deteriorating housing market in the U.S. and the tightening
credit markets, making opportunities for home ownership much more challenging than in recent years.
The current real estate market in the U.S. is also likely reflected by the fact that a greater proportion of
the sample (19% versus 15%) went from home ownership status to renter status than the reverse, and only 14% of
these consumers owned their previous residence and moved to a newly purchased home. It also reflects that efforts
from government and consumer groups to combat the rising number of foreclosures have not yet had a significant
impact on consumers trying to keep their homes.
The survey indicates that the more mobile and affluent the consumer, the more likely they are to rely on Internet
sources (instead of traditional sources like the "yellow pages," for example) for finding a professional
mover and/or general information on moving and relocating (including finding a new home or rental). This trend
is especially prevalent in those consumers between 25 and 54.
According to the survey results, California and Texas are the two most popular states for people to move in
2007, based on interstate and intrastate moves combined. Surveys over the past decade have shown that California
(the largest state by population) has always ranked first in terms of destination state for people changing residences.
This trend continues despite the growing mortgage crisis, which has heavily affected many areas of California.
The effect of declining home values combined with the high cost of living has not kept consumers away. Only 43%
of people moving to a new location in California currently live in California; thus 57% of all moves to California
are people moving from other states.
Therefore, California is the number one destination state with 6% of the total sample moving from another state
to California, followed by Florida (5%), Texas (4%), New York (3%) and Georgia (2%).
The top destination state for people moving from California is Texas. Not surprisingly, the "snow birds"
from the Northeast seem to seek more permanence in the temperate climate with the number one destination state
for people moving from New York being Florida.
When dealing with the Midwest states, Illinois and Minnesota consumers choose most frequently to head to sunny
California. Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana residents prefer moving east to the warm Florida climate.
Some consumers prefer to stay close to their most recent residence, with 60% of all moves by Texans remaining
within the state, more than any other state, compared to 46% in Illinois, 44% in California and 37% in New York.
Florida, however, has the most out-of-state moves with 66% leaving the Sunshine State. Recent data shows that Florida
had one of the highest foreclosure rates between November 2007 and April 2008, which likely is a factor behind
many of the moves.
The declining economic and housing conditions in the U.S. likely contribute to the rising proportion of moving
consumers who report a high level of fear or anxiety regarding an upcoming move (compared to similar findings in
2006 and 2007 research). The majority (52%) of the respondents rated moving anxiety or fear levels as high or very
high, with only 8% rating it very low.
This high level of anxiety or fear of moving presents a major challenge for the moving industry because even
small problems, disappointments or failed expectations can be magnified under these highly charged emotional conditions.
For more information about this survey, visit http://www.relocation.com.
Moms Relocating Before Children Enter School
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC and BabyCenter LLC released a new survey which found that children's ages and
needs play a major role in when and why American families move.
The study, which surveyed 2,432 mothers across the country on their opinions and attitudes relative to their
home and family, found that a full 68% of those surveyed who moved in the last 18 months indicated they did so
during their pregnancy or within the first two years of their child's lives compared to just 13% reporting a move
after their children entered kindergarten.
The primary reasons for moving included the traditional responses of more space, wanting a nicer home and being
in a good or better school district. Yet other reasons cited shed light on how much a child's school and family
lifestyle play in family decisions. For instance:
- Those citing moving for an easier commute changed from a high of 34% during pregnancy to just 21% when their
children are in grade school.
- Moving because of a job transfer drops from a high of 27% when children are aged one-to-four to 17% when children
are school age.
- Those citing wanting a better climate as a reason for a move drops from a high of 13% with toddlers to just
2% after the kids enter school.
"We have long stated that lifestyle changes are reasons why people move and having a child is one of those
defining moments in life that might call for a new home," said Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive
of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "The study validates what real estate professionals have explained for
years. Families work their way up in types and locations of their homes and eventually settle into their 'long-term'
home when their children enter school, develop friends and engage in activities."
As mom's engage with their children, education remains a focal point of the family. According to the survey
findings 43% of moms reported that they are nervous about being able to afford a good education for their children.
Additionally, 50% of moms admit to worrying about their children getting a good education and good opportunities.
"The results of this survey reflect the change of women's roles in modern society," said Linda Murray,
editor-in-chief of BabyCenter. "Mothers continue to focus on providing the best possible life for their kids,
including home and education, but are now getting more help from their partners and from technology."
The survey, which was conducted online and offline by novaQuant for BabyCenter and the Coldwell Banker organization,
also found that the kitchen is increasing its value as a cornerstone of family activity.
"Obviously the kitchen has always been a main area of family life," said Mr. Gillespie. "It was
fascinating to see that 39% of the moms surveyed wanted the latest technology to be brought into the kitchen, more
than any other room. Computers, music, television and the like are making the kitchen an even greater gathering
point in American family life. It is also no wonder then that 33% of the moms would welcome a kitchen renovation
more than any other in their home."
Another noteworthy stat from the BabyCenter/Coldwell Banker "Mom's Today" survey found that those
women surveyed felt that while seeing the house as a home first, they clearly understand the investment value of
their home. More than 70% said that at least once a year, they check the value of their home.
For more information, visit http://www.coldwellbanker.com or
http://www.babycenter.com.
Six Ways To Help Recession-Proof Your Career
Since these are tough and uncertain economic times, most financial experts believe that a recession is inevitable
and the slowdown will affect every segment of our economy. According to career counselor William J. Morin, during
every recession people always lose their jobs; it's the quickest way for a business to cut costs.
Mr. Morin points out that although no job is recession-proof and he provided some tips to keep from "recession
casualty:"
- Keep your professional network up-to-date. Call it politics, schmoozing or building alliances - stay close
to those people who can help make you even more successful. Attend meetings, seminars and conferences to make new
contacts and maintain old ones. Make friends with the company stars. Help them attain their goals and you help
yourself. Learn how to market yourself. Understand this is how business operates in the real world.
- Be alert and look at the big picture. You are a business unto yourself - be your own CEO. Constantly be watchful
for key signals. Understand your business. Just because your unit or department is doing well don't assume you
are immune to being let go. Know what's happening with the entire company. Read the business and trade publications
that cover your company and industry. Check out rumors. Most are usually not true but it's how management responds
to rumors that will give you a real indication of their truth.
- Keep your career sales kit up-to-date. As you achieve new goals and gain new responsibilities, keep your resume
current - don't wait until you are looking for a job. Establish your list of influential people now, before you
need it. Write articles for professional publications. Stay in contact with several search firms or employment
agencies; tell them about your achievements. Call or meet with your mentors and bring them up to date and ask their
advice.
- Ask yourself what you should be learning. Are you really prepared for that position you're striving for? What
are the gaps in your knowledge base? Take classes in management, leadership or even public speaking. Master new
software, particularly advanced software used in your profession. What proficiencies are you lacking that the company
values? Do a reality check of your skills.
- Complacency is deadly. Reach inside yourself. Do you really know what your boss expects of you? Strive to become
a better manager/boss. Make yourself indispensable. Do tasks others shun. Even if your future looks grim, keep
a positive attitude and stay upbeat; it may be the difference between keeping your job and the street.
- Don't panic and leave your job because you think you will be let go. Unless you have a firm offer for a new
job, stick with your old one, even if you know the end is near. You will probably be eligible for a severance package
including benefits and job search support.
William J. Morin is chairman and CEO of WJM Associates. For more information visit http://www.wjmassoc.com.
