516-605-3001

Complete Guide: Selling Your Long Island House for Job Relocation

Congratulations on your new job! Whether you’re relocating across the country or just moving to a new state, selling your Nassau or Suffolk County home doesn’t have to complicate your transition. This guide walks you through your options, timelines, and how to coordinate your house sale with your move.

No obligation. No pressure. Cash offer in 48 hours or less.

Close in 7-14 Days

Match your job start date

No Two Mortgages

Avoid double payments

Sell As-Is

No repairs or staging needed

Coordinate Your Move

We work with your timeline

Table of Contents

Should You Rent Out or Sell Your Long Island Home?

This is the first decision every relocating Long Island homeowner faces. Your answer depends on your timeline, finances, and whether you plan to return to the area.

When Renting Makes Sense

Your Situation:

  • Your relocation is temporary (2-3 year assignment)
  • You plan to return to Long Island eventually
  • Long Island rental market is strong ($2,500-3,500/mo)
  • You can afford two mortgages temporarily
  • Long Island property values are expected to appreciate
Financial Reality Check (Monthly)
Mortgage Payment $2,000 - $4,000
Property Taxes (High in LI) $800 - $1,500
Landlord Insurance $150 - $300
Prop. Management (10%) $200 - $350
Maintenance Reserve $200 - $400
Total Cost: $3,350 - $6,550
Avg. Rent Income: $2,500 - $3,500
Net Cash Flow: Often NEGATIVE $500 - $2,000/mo

Long Island-Specific Challenge:

High property taxes (average $10,000-18,000/year) make rental cash flow difficult compared to other markets. Plus, you face out-of-state management issues like frozen pipes or tenant screening.

Bottom Line: Renting works if you're definitely returning to Long Island within 3-5 years AND can afford negative cash flow.

When Selling Makes Sense

Your Situation:

  • Your relocation is permanent (or open-ended)
  • You need cash for down payment on new home
  • You can't afford two mortgages (or don't want the stress)
  • You don't want landlord responsibilities from 1,000+ miles away
  • You want a clean financial break

Why Most Relocating Professionals Choose to Sell:

Financial Benefits:
  • No more Nassau/Suffolk property tax burden
  • Eliminate mortgage payment immediately
  • Immediate capital gains tax exclusion (up to $500k)
Emotional Benefits:
  • Complete closure on Long Island chapter
  • Full focus on new job and location
  • No emergency flights back for repairs

Timeline Advantage:

Traditional Long Island sales take 60-90 days. But if your job starts in 30 days, cash buyers can close in 7-14 days, eliminating the two-mortgage problem entirely.

Bottom Line: Selling makes sense if your relocation is permanent OR if you value simplicity and financial freedom over potential appreciation.
Most Long Island professionals relocating for work choose to sell rather than rent because they want to focus on their new opportunity without Long Island landlord responsibilities. If you're uncertain, consult with your financial advisor or the relocation specialist your employer provides.
Discuss Your Situation: 516-605-3001

When to Sell: Before, During, or After Your Relocation?

The timing of your house sale significantly impacts your finances, stress level, and transition success. Here's how to decide.

Timeline: List and sell 60-90 days before job start date Advantages:
  • No two mortgage payments - Biggest financial benefit
  • Use proceeds for new home down payment - More buying power
  • Can oversee showings and repairs - You're still local
  • Less stress at new job - One less thing to manage
  • Tax benefits maximized - Capital gains exclusion if 2+ years residency
Timeline Breakdown:
90 Days Before:
  • List with agent OR get cash buyer offers. Begin decluttering.
60 Days Before:
  • Accept offer. Schedule inspections. Begin packing.
30 Days Before:
  • Close on Long Island sale. Transfer utilities. Book movers.
Day of Move:
  • Already closed. No property stress. Focus on relocation.
Challenges:
  • Need to secure temporary housing if you close early
  • Might need storage for belongings
Best For: Professionals with 60-90 days notice, those who want financial clarity, and anyone buying immediately in new location.
Timeline: Listing house while actively relocating Advantages:
  • Don't need temporary housing locally
  • Can move directly from Long Island to new location
Challenges:
  • Showing coordination nightmare - You're not local
  • Two mortgages immediately - New home + Long Island property
  • Divided focus - New job starting while managing sale
  • Lower offers - Vacant homes often get lower offers
Cost Reality Check (3 Months)
LI Mortgage ($3k/mo x 3) $9,000
LI Taxes ($1.2k/mo x 3) $3,600
Insurance & Utilities $1,500
New Home Mortgage $7,500
Total Extra Cost: $21,600
Best Mitigation Strategy: Use a cash buyer to close within 7-14 days of move date. This eliminates the "two mortgage" trap.
Timeline: Sell after settling into new location Advantages:
  • Can focus on new job without sale distraction
  • Take time to get best price (no urgency)
Challenges:
  • Months of double payments - Typically 3-6 months minimum
  • Vacant property risks - Vandalism, pipes freezing
  • Emergency trips - Expensive flights back for issues
  • Tax complications - May lose capital gains exclusion
Financial Impact (6 Months)
Mortgage ($3k x 6) $18,000
Prop Taxes ($1.2k x 6) $7,200
Maintenance/Utilities $4,500
Emergency Flights $1,500
Total Cost: $31,200+

*This often exceeds the difference between a quick cash sale and waiting for "top dollar."

Better Alternative: If you're already relocated and carrying the Long Island property, consider a cash buyer NOW rather than months more of expenses.

Recommended Strategy for Most Relocations

Sell BEFORE you move using a cash buyer if timeline is tight (under 60 days). This avoids the two-mortgage trap, frees up capital for your new home, and lets you focus on your new job without Long Island property stress.

Understanding Corporate Relocation Packages & How They Work

Many employers offer relocation assistance when transferring employees. Understanding what's covered—and what's not—helps you make better decisions about selling your Long Island home.

What Corporate Relocation Packages Typically Include

Common Benefits:

Moving Expenses:
  • Professional moving company costs (packing, transport, unpacking)
  • Temporary storage (30-90 days typical)
  • Transportation of vehicles
  • Travel costs for house-hunting trips
Housing Assistance:
  • Temporary housing at new location (1-3 months)
  • Home sale assistance (may cover realtor fees)
  • Closing cost assistance (buyer's closing costs at new location)
  • Mortgage rate protection or buydown

What's Usually NOT Covered:

  • Loss on home sale (if you sell below a certain price)
  • Improvements/repairs to make house sellable
  • Carrying costs while house sits on market
  • Dual mortgage payments
  • Breaking lease penalties (if you're renting)
Long Island-Specific Note: Because Long Island property taxes and home prices are higher than many areas, your relocation package may not fully cover the transition costs. Calculate your actual expenses carefully.

How Relocation Companies Work (Corporate Buyout)

Some large employers hire relocation firms (like Cartus, SIRVA) to manage employee moves. Here's how the Home Buyout Option works:

Step 1: Appraisal Relocation company orders 2-3 appraisals of your Long Island home. They use the average to determine "fair market value."
Step 2: Buyout Offer Company offers to buy your home at appraised value (typically 96-100% of average appraisal). This is a guaranteed sale.
Step 3: Quick Closing You close with the relocation company (usually 30-60 days), receive proceeds, and move.
Advantages:
  • Guaranteed sale at fair price
  • No showings or marketing hassle
  • Relocation company handles repairs
Disadvantages:
  • Offer might be conservative
  • You can't choose your own agent
  • Timeline still takes 30-60 days

When This Works Best: If your Long Island home is in good condition and you're confident the appraisals will be fair.

Working With Relocation Companies & Cash Buyers

Can You Use a Cash Buyer If Your Employer Has a Relocation Package? Yes, often you can.

You can usually decline the buyout and handle the sale yourself to close faster (7-14 days). Compare the numbers:

Corporate Buyout
Offer: $475,000
Closing: 45 Days
Carrying Costs: -$5,400
Net: $469,600
Cash Buyer (Us)
Offer: $465,000
Closing: 10 Days
Carrying Costs: -$1,200
Net: $463,800

Difference: $5,800 - But you close 35 days earlier, avoid stress, and focus on your new job immediately. For many, peace of mind is worth the difference.

Key Question to Ask HR: "If I handle the home sale independently with a cash buyer and close quickly, will you still provide the other relocation benefits (moving costs, temporary housing)?" Often, the answer is YES.

Tax Implications of Relocation Benefits

Since 2018 Tax Law Changes: Most employer-paid relocation expenses are now taxable income. This includes moving costs, temporary housing, and buyout benefits.

What This Means: If your employer provides $50,000 in benefits, you pay tax on that amount. Check if your employer offers a "Tax Gross-Up" (extra money to cover these taxes).

Home Sale Gain Tax Exclusion (Still Available):
This is separate from relocation benefits. If you've lived in the home for 2 of the last 5 years, you can still exclude up to $250k (single) or $500k (married) of capital gains.

View IRS Publication 521 - Moving Expenses →

Have Relocation Package? Let's Discuss Options

Long Island-Specific Relocation Challenges (And Solutions)

Selling a Long Island house during relocation has unique challenges compared to other markets. Here's what Nassau and Suffolk County homeowners face.

High Property Taxes = Higher Carrying Costs

Nassau and Suffolk County have among the highest property taxes in the United States—averaging $10,000-18,000 per year. This means carrying costs while your house sits on the market are $800-1,500 per month just in taxes. Impact: Every extra month your Long Island house doesn't sell costs you more than in lower-tax states. Solution: Cash buyers eliminate this by closing in 7-14 days, saving you thousands in tax payments.

High Home Values = More Capital Needed

Long Island median home prices (Nassau: $600K+, Suffolk: $500K+) mean you need significant down payment for your next home. If your equity is tied up in your Long Island property, you can't access it until you close. Impact: You might miss out on your dream home in the new location because you don't have down payment funds yet. Solution: Quick cash sale releases equity within 2 weeks, giving you buying power at new location immediately.

Seasonal Market Fluctuations

Long Island real estate has distinct seasons:
  • Spring/Early Summer: Peak selling season
  • Winter: Slowest (November-February)
Impact: If your relocation happens in winter, selling traditionally could take 4-6 months instead of 60-90 days. Solution: Cash buyers purchase year-round regardless of season. December relocation? No problem.

Distance Coordination Difficulty

If you're relocating to California, Texas, or another distant state, coordinating Long Island showings, inspections, and repairs becomes a logistical nightmare. Time zone differences complicate communication. Impact: Agent calls interrupt your new job. Emergency repairs require expensive flights back. Solution: Cash buyers handle everything remotely—virtual walkthrough, offer delivered, digital closing. Zero return trips needed.

Older Housing Stock = More Repairs

Many Long Island homes (especially in Nassau County) were built 1950s-1970s. Getting your 1960s colonial market-ready could cost $30,000-60,000. Impact: You're in California starting your new job, trying to coordinate contractors in Long Island. It's nearly impossible. Solution: Cash buyers purchase completely as-is. Your 1965 kitchen with original cabinets? Not a problem.

Competitive Market = Longer Time

Long Island has high inventory in many areas. Buyers are selective. Traditional sales average 60-90 days, often longer if your home needs work or is priced optimistically. Impact: Every extra month is more carrying costs, more stress, more divided focus from your new job. Solution: Bypass the competitive market entirely with guaranteed cash buyer close—no competing with other listings.
Bottom Line: Long Island's high costs, older homes, and seasonal market make relocation sales more challenging than in many other markets. Cash buyers were designed specifically to solve these relocation challenges.

How Cash Buyers Simplify Job Relocation Sales

When you're relocating for work, speed and certainty matter more than squeezing out every last dollar. Here's how cash buyers help Long Island professionals relocate smoothly.

Close on YOUR Schedule

Need to close before your job starts in 2 weeks? Done. Want to wait until after you find a new home in 30 days? No problem. You control the timeline.

Guaranteed Close

Traditional buyers have 35-40% financing failure rate. Cash buyers pay cash—no appraisal contingencies, no bank approvals. If we make an offer, we WILL close.

Zero Repairs Required

Moving to Seattle next month and your Long Island home needs a new roof? We buy as-is. No contractor coordination, no spending weekends flying back to oversee repairs.

Skip Showings

Traditional sales = months of weekend showings while you're trying to settle into your new job. Cash sale = one walkthrough, done. No strangers traipsing through your house.

Avoid Two-Mortgage Trap

Quick 7-14 day close means you're not paying Long Island taxes + mortgage + insurance while ALSO paying for new location housing. This saves families thousands.

100% Remote Coordination

Already relocated? We handle everything: inspection, title work, closing coordination. You never return to Long Island. Sign docs digitally, receive wire transfer, done.

Traditional Sale vs. Cash Buyer for Job Relocation

Factor Traditional Sale Cash Buyer (Us)
Timeline 60-90 days average 7-14 days typical
Certainty 35-40% deals fall through 100% if offer accepted
Repairs Usually $10K-50K+ $0 - sold as-is
Your Presence Required for showings Remote / One walkthrough
Carrying Costs 3-4 months ($9K-15K) Under 1 month ($2K-4K)
Two Mortgages Very likely Avoidable with fast close
Stress Level High Low
Traditional Sale
Timeline 60-90 days
Certainty Low (Fallthrough risk)
Repairs $10k-50k+
Presence Required
Costs High ($9k-15k)
Stress High
Cash Buyer (Us)
Timeline 7-14 days
Certainty 100% Guaranteed
Repairs $0 (As-Is)
Presence Remote
Costs Low ($2k-4k)
Stress Low
Important: We're not saying cash buyers are always the best option for everyone. If you have 6+ months before relocating, love coordinating contractors from distance, and want to maximize every dollar, traditional sale might work. But if you're like most professionals—focused on starting your new job, avoiding stress, and moving forward—cash buyers provide the certainty and speed relocation requires.
Get Cash Offer for Relocation Sale

Step-by-Step: Coordinating Your House Sale with Your Move

Here's exactly how to coordinate a cash sale with your job relocation timeline.

Day 1
1

Initial Consultation (Day 1 - 15 Minutes)

Call 516-605-3001 or submit form: We discuss:
  • Your job start date and relocation timeline
  • Nassau or Suffolk County property details
  • Current condition of home
  • Whether you'll be local or already relocated
What You Get: Clear understanding of your options. No pressure.
Days 2-3
2

Property Evaluation

We evaluate your Long Island home:
  • Option A: In-Person (Preferred): 15-20 minute tour. Look at systems, repairs, overall condition.
  • Option B: Virtual (If Relocated): Photos/Video walkthrough via FaceTime/Zoom. We assess remotely.
Your Involvement: Minimal—just give us access to evaluate.
Day 4
3

Written Cash Offer

Within 48 hours of evaluation, you receive: Written offer showing:
  • Purchase price (cash, no financing contingency)
  • Your proposed closing date (you choose within 7-30 days)
  • Comparison to recent Long Island comps
What to Do: Review with family. Consult CPA. No pressure—take time to decide.
Day 5-30 (Your Choice)
4

Schedule Closing (You Choose Date)

Once you accept, select closing date that matches YOUR relocation:
  • Scenario A: Job starts in 10 days -> Close in 7 days.
  • Scenario B: Want to find new home -> Close in 30 days.
  • Scenario C: Corporate timeline -> We adapt to relocation company.
What We Coordinate: Title, mortgage payoff, utility transfers. You just sign (can be done remotely).
Closing Day
5

Close & Receive Funds

On closing day (typically at title company):
  • If Local: Sign at Nassau/Suffolk title company. Receive check/wire.
  • If Relocated: Sign via notary at new location. Docs mailed. Funds wired.
Result: Property is ours. You're free to focus 100% on new job. Clean financial slate.

Total Timeline: 7-30 Days (Your Choice)

From initial call to closed and funded, most relocation sales take 7-14 days. Compare this to 60-90 days traditional sale, and you save 2-3 months of carrying costs ($6,000-15,000) while also eliminating stress.

Start the Process: 516-605-3001

Common Questions About Selling for Job Relocation

How to sell a house and move into a new one?

The key to selling your Long Island house and moving into a new one is **coordinating timelines** to avoid being homeless or paying two mortgages. Strategy 1: Sell First, Then Buy (Lower Risk)
  1. List Long Island house 60-90 days before relocation (or get cash offer)
  2. Accept offer and go under contract
  3. Rent temporary housing at new location (1-3 months)
  4. Close on Long Island sale
  5. Use proceeds for down payment at new location
  6. Buy new home
This strategy eliminates the risk of paying two mortgages but requires moving twice. Strategy 2: Buy First, Then Sell (Higher Risk) You buy at the new location first, move, and then list your Long Island home.
  • ✅ Move directly into permanent home
  • ⚠️ Pay double housing costs for months ($15K-30K extra risk)
Best for Most Relocations: Strategy 1 (Sell First) Using a cash buyer makes Strategy 1 even better because you know the exact closing date (7-14 days), giving you timeline control.

What is a relocation home sale?

A 'relocation home sale' refers to selling your house specifically because you're relocating for work or personal reasons. These sales have unique characteristics. Types of Relocation Sales: 1. Corporate-Assisted Relocation: Your employer hires a relocation management company (like Cartus, SIRVA) to help you sell. They may order appraisals and offer to buy your home directly at appraised value ("Buyout Offer"). 2. Self-Managed Relocation: You handle the sale yourself (with a traditional agent or cash buyer). Your employer may provide a lump-sum stipend but doesn't manage the process. Long Island-Specific Considerations: Nassau and Suffolk County homes often benefit from relocation-specific programs because high home values mean larger transactions. For Long Island Homeowners: If you're relocating without corporate assistance, cash buyers function similarly to corporate buyout programs—fast close, guaranteed purchase, no contingencies—but you control the timeline and terms.

Why are people moving out of Long Island?

Long Island has seen significant out-migration in recent years. Here are the main reasons: Primary Reasons for Leaving:
  • High Cost of Living: Property taxes ($10k-18k/year) and utilities are significantly above national average.
  • Job Market: Many corporations are moving HQs to lower-cost states like Texas, Florida, and NC.
  • Retirement Economics: Selling a Long Island home unlocks $400k-700k equity, allowing retirees to buy cash in lower-cost states.
Where Are They Going? Top destinations include Florida (35%), North Carolina, Texas, and Arizona. For Relocating Professionals: You're part of a large movement. The infrastructure (movers, relocation services, cash buyers) exists specifically because so many are making this transition.

What decreases property value the most?

When selling your Long Island home for relocation, avoid these property value killers: 1. Deferred Maintenance (-10 to -20%) Visible neglect like peeling paint, damaged roof, or non-functioning systems.
Solution: Sell to cash buyer who purchases as-is. 2. Outdated Kitchens & Bathrooms (-5 to -15%) Original 1960s-70s kitchens are common in Nassau County. Remodels cost $30k-60k and take months.
Solution: Cash buyers factor this into the offer—you don't spend the money or time. What NOT to Worry About When Relocating: Don't spend money on staging, professional photography, or fresh paint. When relocating, your time is more valuable than spending months to potentially increase value slightly.

Can I get a cash offer if I have a mortgage on my Long Island house?

Yes, absolutely. Having a mortgage doesn't prevent you from getting a cash offer. Here's how it works: The Process:
  1. Cash Offer Calculated: We offer based on home value (e.g., $485,000), not your mortgage balance.
  2. Payoff at Closing: The title company receives our cash payment, pays off your lender directly (e.g., $320,000), and wires you the remaining equity ($160,000+).
You never handle the mortgage payoff—it happens automatically at closing. Even if you are behind on payments, the payoff amount will include arrears, and the transaction proceeds normally.

How do I coordinate my Long Island house closing with my new home purchase?

Coordinating two closings in different states is stressful. Here’s the smart way to handle it: Step 1: Get Cash Offer (Day 1-4) Call us to get a written cash offer. You now know your exact sale amount and closing date (100% certainty). Step 2: Plan New Home Purchase (Day 5-30) Now you can make a non-contingent offer on your new home because you KNOW exactly when you'll have your down payment funds. Step 3: Sequential Closings Schedule your Long Island closing 1-2 weeks before your new home closing. Use the wire transfer from the first sale to fund the second. Why This Works: Cash offers eliminate the 35-40% failure rate of traditional sales, allowing you to confidently commit to your new home.

Do I need to be present in Long Island for the closing?

No, you don't need to be in Long Island. We handle hundreds of remote closings. Option 1: Remote Closing via Mail (Most Common)
  1. Title company mails documents to you via overnight mail.
  2. You sign with a local notary at your new location.
  3. Return documents via overnight mail.
  4. Closing happens in Long Island; funds wired to you same day.
Key Handover: If you're already relocated, simply hide keys under a mat or leave a lockbox code. We coordinate all of this so you never have to fly back.

What happens to my Long Island property taxes if I sell mid-year?

Property taxes are prorated (divided) at closing based on how many days you owned the house. How It Works: If you paid taxes for the full year but sell in May, the buyer owes you for the remaining 7 months. The title company calculates this to the penny and credits you this amount in your final proceeds. Escrow Refund: If you have an escrow account with your lender, they will refund your unused balance (typically $2,000-4,000) via check 2-4 weeks after the mortgage is paid off.

Long Island Moving & Relocation Resources

Coordinating a job relocation involves more than just selling your house. Here are trusted Long Island and national resources to help with your move.

Local Long Island Services

Long Island Moving Companies:
Storage Facilities:
Utilities & Services:

These links connect you to verified Long Island service providers.

National Resources

Relocation Information:
Corporate Relocation:
New Location Research:

Official resources for planning your relocation.

Need Help Coordinating?

We work with several Long Island moving companies and can provide referrals to make your relocation smoother. Our goal is to simplify every aspect of your move—not just the house sale.

123 We Buy House Long Island - Helping relocating families since 1999

Helping Long Island Professionals Relocate Since 1999

Over the past 26 years, we've helped hundreds of Nassau and Suffolk County professionals navigate job relocations. We understand the unique challenges Long Island homeowners face when relocating—high property taxes, older housing stock, competitive market, and tight timelines.

We're not a national corporation buying houses by algorithm. We're a local, family-owned business that has been part of the Long Island community for decades. When you call 516-605-3001, you speak with our family directly.

What makes us different for relocating professionals:

We understand time pressure. You have a job start date—we coordinate our closing around YOUR timeline, not ours.

We've worked with corporate relocation firms. If your employer provides relocation assistance, we know how to coordinate with those companies to ensure you receive all your benefits.

We handle everything remotely. Already relocated to Texas but still own your Long Island house? We've done hundreds of remote transactions. You never need to return.

We're transparent about pricing. We explain exactly how we calculate our offer and how it compares to traditional sale proceeds after carrying costs.

We focus on simplicity. Your new job is the priority—we make the house sale the easiest part of your relocation.

  • Family-owned since 1999 (26 years)
  • Serving Nassau & Suffolk County
  • Work with corporate relocation firms
  • 100+ remote closings completed
  • Licensed and insured in New York
Meet Our Team

Ready to Simplify Your Relocation?

Congratulations on your new opportunity! Let us handle the Long Island house sale so you can focus on your exciting transition.

Call for Consultation

516-605-3001

Available 8am-8pm daily
Discuss your timeline & options

Get Written Cash Offer

Request Offer Online

Response within 24 hours

No pressure. No obligation. Just honest guidance for your relocation.

Related Resources

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your employer's HR department, financial advisor, and tax professional before making relocation decisions.

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