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Michelle Sandlin – On the Move, Houston Chronicle
Latest “On the Move” articles By Michelle Sandlin in the Houston Chronicle
Houston newcomer shares experience, advice
April 24, 2018
By Michelle Sandlin in the Houston Chronicle

Jessica Donahue
Moving to a new city and settling in can be daunting and stressful in the best of times. So, image moving to Houston and experiencing a major weather event like Hurricane Harvey just three weeks after arriving.
That’s exactly what happened to Jessica Donahue, who relocated to Houston with her husband last year from Redding, California.
But surprisingly, the flooding and devastation that they witnessed didn’t discourage them or cast any doubts about their decision to move to Houston.
Much to the contrary, it strengthened that decision, and gave them deeper insight into the people who call Houston home. They were exposed to the kindness of their new neighbors, and experienced firsthand the sense of community that is so well-known among Houston residents. Read More.
What newcomers need to know about Houston area property taxes
April 15, 2018
By Michelle Sandlin in the Houston Chronicle

Jeremy Fain

Pat O’Connor
Although most people are probably thinking about their income taxes this weekend, it’s also a good time to be thinking about property taxes, as the deadline for filing a protest is May 15.
This is an important topic for people who are moving to Houston, because they often experience a bit of sticker shock when they learn about our property tax rates, which can be substantially higher than in other parts of the country.
Also, newcomers are often unaware that there are specific actions that they can and should take to potentially reduce their property taxes, including the right to protest. Read More
Overcoming challenges when moving back to Houston
January 19, 2018
By Michelle Sandlin in the Houston Chronicle

Leslie Sjurseth
Many people spend their entire career relocating from one city to the next. This is especially true for those connected to the oil and gas industry.
Since Houston is known as the Energy Capital of the World, a large number of people within that industry find themselves moving here not once, but possibly multiple times.
This has been the case for Leslie Sjurseth, a Realtor with Boulevard Realty. Since 1982, she has accompanied her husband on five international assignments through his employment in the oil industry. At the end of each one, the Sjurseths have moved back to Houston, which they consider to be their home.
Their most recent move back to Houston was a year ago, after living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sjurseth said that even for people whose careers take them all over the world, that sometimes the most challenging move can be the one back home. Read More
Archives:
2018
- 01/11/18: HAR’s 2018 chair discusses opportunities in Houston – Part 2
- 01/05/18: HAR’s 2018 chair discusses opportunities in Houston – Part 1
2017
- 12/22/17: What does new year hold for Houston real estate, relocation
- 12/15/17: Houston Relocation Professionals celebrate annual giving
- 12/01/17: Staging relocation listing to sell
- 11/17/17: What the post-Harvey Houston market means for relo buyers
- 11/10/17: Many choose to retire to the Houston area
- 11/03/17: Relo professionals event discusses hot topics
- 10/26/17: Relocation Spotlight: Coldwell Banker United, Realtors
- 10/20/17: Using social media to market relocation listings
- 10/13/17: RDC membership crucial for Houston relocation leaders
- 10/06/17: What newcomers need to know about HOAs
- 09/28/17: Relocation Spotlight: Toll Brothers
- 09/22/17: Easing the minds of relocation buyers
- 09/15/17: Vertical living offers appear for some relocation buyers
- 09/08/17: Real estate, relocation communities active in Harvey efforts
- 08/25/17: Relocation Spotlight: Heritage Texas Properties
- 08/17/17: Mortgage preapproval important for relocation buyers
- 08/11/17: What buyers need to know about option periods, relo addendums
- 08/04/17: Understanding the market when moving back to Houston
- 07/28/17: Relocation Spotlight shines on Beth Wolff Realtors Real Living
- 07/21/17: Technology plays increasing role in relocation
- 07/14/17: Relocation Spotlight: The Woodlands Development Co.
- 07/07/17: Understand relocation home-sale process
- 06/30/17: Experts provide advice on how to keep calm during relo experience
- 06/23/17: Relocation Spotlight on Bernstein Realty
- 06/16/17: Experts offer mid-year look at Houston real estate market
- 06/08/17: Newcomer shares relocation experience
- 06/02/17: Relocation conferences provide valuable networking opportunities
- 05/26/17: Relocation Spotlight: BHGRE Gary Greene
- 05/19/17: Experienced pros tell what it takes to be a relocation agent
- 05/11/17: Relocation Spotlight: Newland Communities
- 05/05/17: The allure of the water beckons newcomers
- 04/29/17: Specialists can make relocation less stressful
- 04/28/17: Houston Relocation Professionals holds spring educational event
- 04/24/17: Houston Relocation Professionals to hold event
- 04/13/17: Relocation Spotlight: Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
- 04/07/17: Understanding property taxes in Houston and right to protest
- 03/30/17: Moving to Houston? Understand the Fair Housing Act
- 03/24/17: Relocation Spotlight: Greenwood King Properties
- 03/17/17: What newcomers need to know about homeowners insurance
- 03/10/17: What newcomers need to know about Texas homestead exemption
- 03/02/17: Katy area continues to attract newcomers
- 02/24/17: Relocation Spotlight: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties
- 02/17/17: Relocation buyers aren’t always looking for their dream home
- 02/10/17: Relocation clients benefit from provider relationships
- 02/03/17: Helping newcomers understand benefits of proper representation
- 01/31/17: Positivity in Houston is undeniable
- 01/26/17: Relocation Spotlight: John Daugherty, Realtors
- 01/19/17: Houston displays remarkable growth
- 01/13/17: HAR’s 2017 chair shares perspectives on local market – Part 2
- 01/06/17: HAR’s 2017 chair shares perspectives on local market – Part 1
2016
- 12/15/16: Experts educate newcomers about Houston’s rental market
- 12/12/16: Senior relocation can be very emotional experience
- 12/09/16: Houston real estate leaders remain optimistic about local market
- 12/06/16: Houston relocation and the spirit of giving
- 11/21/16: Relocation Spotlight: David Weekley Homes
- 11/11/16: Relocation survival guide: Experts weigh in
- 11/03/16: Buying a home before end of year has advantages
- 11/01/16: Relocation Spotlight: Toll Brothers
- 10/20/16: Reflections on Worldwide ERC’s Global Workforce Symposium
- 10/06/16: The life-changing experiences of an expat – Part 2
- 09/29/16: The life-changing experiences of an expat – Part 1
- 09/23/16: Relocation Spotlight: Heritage Texas Properties
- 09/16/16: Keep personal information safe during your relocation
- 09/09/16: Here are important considerations for relocation home sellers
- 09/01/16: Relocation Spotlight: Beth Wolff Realtors Real Living
- 08/16/16: Being well-educated home buyer important when relocating
- 08/12/16: Houston market continues to attract foreign investors
- 08/05/16: Even for those in the know, relocation has its challenges
- 07/29/16: Relocation Spotlight: Bernstein Realty
- 07/22/16: Realtors offer advice for surviving summertime relocation
- 07/15/16: Relo Spotlight: The Woodlands Development Company
- 07/08/16: Agents offer advice to newcomers about leasing in Houston
- 07/01/16: Houston Relocation Professionals supports local community
- 06/24/16: Relocation Spotlight: Better Homes and Gardens RE Gary Greene
- 06/10/16: What newcomers need to know about flooding, flood insurance
- 06/03/16: Local relocation pros give perspectives on Worldwide ERC event
- 05/27/16: Relocation Spotlight: Newland Communities
- 05/12/16: Worldwide ERC’s Americas Mobility Conference coming to Houston
- 05/05/16: What newcomers need to know about fair housing
- 05/02/16: Relocation Spotlight: Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
- 04/22/16: In spite of decline in oil prices, opportunity prevails in Houston
- 04/15/16: Personal experience helpful when working with relocation clients
- 04/08/16: Reid Ryan shares relocation experience at HRP event
- 03/31/16: Houston’s resilient real estate market good news for newcomers
- 03/25/16: Relocation Spotlight: Greenwood King Properties
- 03/18/16: Experience counts when working with a Realtor
- 03/11/16: Here are highlights from Texas Relocation Network Conference
- 03/04/16: Expert learned hard lessons during self-managed relocation
- 02/25/16: Relocation Spotlight: Berkshire Hathaway HS Anderson Properties
- 02/22/16: Corporate relocations continue to have local impact
- 02/05/16: Relocation home sale often involves two distinct transactions
- 01/29/16: Relocation Spotlight: John Daugherty, Realtors
- 01/22/16: Commute times influence where people choose to live
- 01/15/16: Experts offer tips on marketing listings to relocation buyers
- 01/08/16: Houston’s housing market outlook: What it means for relo buyers – Part 2
- 01/04/16: Houston’s housing market outlook: What it means for relo buyers – Part 1
- 01/04/16: Houston Relocation Professionals hold holiday event, toy drive
2015
- 12/18/15: Advice for settling into Houston during the holidays
- 12/04/15: Assisting relocation clients is rewarding for agents
- 11/23/15: Relocation Spotlight: David Weekley Homes
- 11/13/15: Relocation: A symphony of partners
- 11/06/15: Houston offers real estate investment opportunities for newcomers
- 10/30/15: Relocation Spotlight: Heritage Texas Properties
- 10/23/15: Leaders offer local perspectives on Worldwide ERC Conference – Part 2
- 10/15/15: Leaders offer local perspectives on Worldwide ERC Conference – Part 1
- 10/09/15: Local real estate leaders address Houston market conditions at HRP event