Research the housing market before you decide to relocate to a new area. Housing costs may be substantially higher than in the city you are moving from.

Explore your options. Find out if, and what, assistance your new employer offers for a job-related move. Many corporations hire a relocation management company to help job transferees in areas such as moving, finding schools, renting an apartment and buying and selling real estate. Packages and expenses covered vary.

Ask about a home purchase program. Some corporations will buy a job transferee's previous home after a specific time period. Generally, the buyout price is based on the average of two appraisals. However, you typically have to market your home for at least 60 days before the buyout clause kicks in. Most companies require the home's list price to be, on average, 105 percent of the agreed buyout price.

Work with experienced real estate agents, both where you live and where you'll be moving to. Agents who specialize in relocation typically are knowledgeable about wide geographic areas and can help you select the community you want to live in. Many real estate companies, such as Coldwell Banker Burnet and Edina Realty, have relocation departments that are contracted by corporations to help make a job transferee's move less stressful. Individuals without a company relocation package also can seek specialized help from a real estate company's relocation department.

Price your home realistically so it sells quickly. Most job transferees need to move to the next city -- and position -- in a short time.

If possible, sell your current home before you buy the next one. You'll be able to apply your equity and make a noncontingent offer on the next home, and avoid the financial pitfalls of two mortgages. Get preapproved for a mortgage before house-hunting.

Scout out the next city for neighborhoods, schools, shopping, child care and home prices through visits and the Internet. That will give you a better feel for the community before you begin serious house hunting.

Make it a family affair. Recent home seller Krista Christensen, who has relocated several times, stressed that "the family has to be united on this decision."

LYNN UNDERWOOD