Moving is one of the most stressful processes in our life. However, moving outside the country can be an overwhelming experience since you do not have any information about the country you will move to. You will research thru the internet and gather information from people who already moved here or been here before. However, what will be the best way to find a perfect abroad life?
Check list before coming to South Korea
First, you have to make sure, you will live off-base or on-base. This is a part people often make a mistake. You tour all houses around town and decided which one, but you might end up stay inside the base. Once this part is clear up, find your OHA (Oversea Housing Allowance) or LQA (Living Quarters Allowance). You can check this at Defense Travel Management Office website. Unlike OHA, LQA for GS civilians changed every two weeks, so please check your allowance and inform your realtor & landlord right before you sign the contract. Okay. We are all set. Let’s find a house and let’s find out what is the best way to find perfect off-base housing for you.
Research before coming to South Korea (Osan Air Base)
Osan Airbase is located in the north part of Pyeongtaek-si where 40mins from Camp Humphreys is. The main gate is very close to public transportations like buses (2mins) and subways (8mins). In front of the main gate is called SED and it is short for Songtan Entertainment District. There are various restaurants, bars, and shopping centers, so it won’t be hard to go around the town. Off base housing area separated with three big parts. If you do not have a plan to purchase a vehicle, you have to live near the base. Most of the houses are 10mins walking distance from the main walking gate. If you will buy or bring your vehicle, you can live a little bit further from the main gate. Most of the driving distance rental properties are within 15mins from the base. Now, you decided which area you want to live and it is time to search for houses. Most of the military personal rental properties are fully furnished 3bedrooms and 2bathrooms. If your pay grades are E4-E7 or O1-O3 with or without dependents, you can rent most of 3beds off-base housing near the base. You have to inform your realtor if you need a bigger property and also need to let them know whether you will bring your furniture or not. People often ask single houses, but it could take some time to find a single house within your budget unless you pay out of pocket. Therefore, the most important thing you need to do before you step into the Land of Morning Calm is finding a good realtor.
Finding a perfect realtor for my life style
You might have to spend a lot of time with your realtor since you can’t speak the language. Most of the realtors around Osan Air Base is fluent in both Korean and English. Therefore, finding a good realtor is like finding good assistance while you live in Korea. They are not only your agent who finds you a perfect home but also have to available when you need assistance. People often use Google or Facebook before come to the country. The first thing you need to check is their review. Also, you need to check their posts and articles. Those checklists will show you how much information the realtor is willing to provide when you live in South Korea. Your sponsor or your boss might want to take you to their realtor, but please make sure research before you meet the realtor. You need to compare customer service quality, not quantities of tenants. A good realtor can be your best friend while you are staying in South Korea.
Important Check List
Find out your living situation before you come to South Korea
Check you OHA or LQA
Decide how far you want to live from the Osan Air Base
Vehicle, Scooter, or Walk
Find a perfect realtor
TO BE CONTINUE....
Kim’s HSO Realty will guide you step by step moving process before you come to South Korea and after. Please check our Facebook review. Our customers will tell you their experience of Kim’s HSO Realty’s customer service. Our agents are not only your realtor but also your best friend who will assist you through your rich foreign life experience. Welcome to the Land of Morning Calm.