During the pandemic, many people left Illinois for Florida and other states expecting to work remotely for the rest of their careers. Now some employers are asking people back to the office, and a move that felt permanent has a new deadline. If that sounds like you, this is how we would plan it.
Start with the real deadline
- Is it a hard start date, or is there room to negotiate a hybrid or remote arrangement while you move?
- Does your employer offer relocation support, such as temporary housing or help with moving costs? Get the terms in writing and ask a CPA how it is taxed.
- Decide how many days a week you will actually be in the office. That drives how close to it you need to live.
Know what you would net in Florida
Before you choose a date, get a value estimate and a net sheet for your Florida home: what it is likely to sell for, and what is left after commissions, closing costs and any mortgage. That number sets your budget in Illinois. If you have a homestead exemption in Florida, ask the county property appraiser and your CPA what changes when you sell.
Choose the order: sell first or buy first
- Sell first: you know your budget and you are not carrying two homes, but you may need temporary housing while you search.
- Buy first: you land in your next home sooner, but you may carry two homes for a while.
- Backups: contingent offers, rent-backs and short-term rentals can bridge gaps when closing dates do not line up.
Search the Illinois side early
You can narrow your options from Florida before you ever travel. We work in Naperville and about a 20-mile radius around it, from Warrenville, Lisle and Wheaton out to Geneva, St. Charles and Yorkville. Tell us where your office is and how you will get there, and we can focus the search, then line up focused visits so a short trip accomplishes a lot.
Budget for the differences
- Illinois property taxes are generally higher than many Florida homeowners are used to and vary by town and school district, so compare the tax bill, not just the price.
- Winter means heating, snow removal and seasonal upkeep.
- Florida has no state income tax. Illinois does, though it generally does not tax Social Security or most retirement income. Ask your CPA about your situation.
One plan for both ends
Steve is licensed in both Illinois and Florida, so we can manage your Florida sale and your Illinois purchase together, with one plan and one point of contact. Our free Relocation Guide covers both directions, and we have referral partners in every other state if your move involves one.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm details with your lender, attorney and tax advisor.