7 Things People Forget to Do Before They Move

You packed everything perfectly, including that dining room chandelier, the big-screen TV, the vintage ’70s “Dukes of Hazzard” T-shirt collection. You even got your dog’s medical records from the vet. But something’s keeping you awake at night as your move draws nigh. You know you forgot something.

Don’t worry, keep packing. We assembled this handy checklist of things people often forget to do—or don’t even realize they should take care of—so you can make sure you’re covered and can move and settle down in your new digs with ease.

1 month before: Cancel recurring charges

Taking care of a gym membership or other subscription services may fall by the wayside during the madness leading up to moving day. Worse, those recurring charges will keep mounting on your credit card while you’re in the throes of unpacking. Get a jump on canceling these at least a month before your last expected day of use, especially since many gyms require a 30-day notice.

Can’t get out of your contract or transfer your gym membership to a facility by your new home? Sell it through online classifieds such as GymTransfer (yes, most gyms allow this!). Don’t forget to unload any prepaid class cards, too.

On the flip side, important recurring charges on your credit card—such as mail-order medications—might be canceled if your address change hasn’t caught up with billing information. So compile a list of charges and make the effort to call these companies and give them a heads up to avoid disruption in service.

2 weeks before: Call your car insurance company

The Department of Motor Vehicles advises people in the process of moving to closely manage their car insurance during the transition, as states have varying levels of required coverage. Even if you’re staying in the same city, rates can differ from neighborhood to neighborhood. So call your insurer well before the move to find out the parameters and deadlines for updating coverage at your new address.

2 weeks before: Change your address early

Most people know the U.S. Postal Service offers an online form to quickly change an address for all of your mail, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute to fill it out.

“To make sure mail arrives at your new home in time for your life there, complete the form about two weeks before your move,” says Desmond Lim, founder of QuikForce, an on-demand website that links people with professional movers. That way “you should see the first of your forwarded mail by the time of move-in.”

1 week before: Organize your finances

Important financial tasks are often forgotten in the whirlwind of moving, says consumer finance expert Kevin Gallegos, vice president of Phoenix operations for Freedom Financial Network. Since losing track of bills among piles of boxes is all too easy, Gallegos recommends setting up systems before a move that can easily transition from old home to new. For monthly bills such as phone, rent, or mortgage, it can really help to set them up for autopay, which you can typically do through your bank or the billing company.

“This can help ensure on-time payment during a hectic time,” he says. Whatever system you choose, decide which household member will be responsible for paying which bills. And as moving often incurs unexpected costs, be sure that you’ll have enough money in designated accounts at time of payment.

1 day before: Snap pictures of your electronics

Those cables in the back of your TV and modem that keep your life wired? They don’t make sense now and will make even less sense when they are tangled in a box. A simple solution is to snap a picture of the setup before you take your electronics apart—and coil the cords and label them with masking tape, for good measure.

1 day before: Pack your plants

Do you have a special plant (maybe that hydrangea you planted for your child’s birth or your mom’s prized azaleas)? To make sure you aren’t forced to leave it behind in your rush, make a list of what plants you want to take with you and put a plant plan in place. Don’t put your shovels into the moving van until the last minute—you’ll need them to carefully dig up root balls. Buy large buckets beforehand and use them to transport each plant.

1 day before: Stock a go-to box

Jen Sandlin, an agent with Cornerstone Real Estate in Boston, reminds movers to “set aside one box for the first 24 hours” in your new home. “Pack paper towels, cleaning supplies, clean sheets, towels, paper plates and silverware, toilet paper, and maybe even a bottle of bubbly to celebrate all your hard work, picnic-style.”

Shared from:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/move/things-to-do-before-moving-out/

My Movers Damaged My Landlord’s Property—Am I Responsible?

Moving day is always a pain, but it can be infinitely more so if you damage your landlord’s property while trying to skedaddle out of there with all your stuff. And It’s even worse if you aren’t the one who broke the $500 picture window.

If your mover was at fault, it should offer to pay—but things aren’t always that simple. Here’s what happens when movers won’t pony up.

Your landlord has the right to come after you

Don’t expect your landlord to do the legwork of filing a claim. You hired the movers and invited them into the property—from the landlord’s point of view, it’s your responsibility to pay for damages. So you might have to eat the security deposit while you try to get the money back from the moving company.

You’ll have to review your insurance—and theirs

Yeah, we know—you did the responsible thing and took out insurance to cover your goods. Right? The problem is it covers only your goods.

Typical insurance provided during a move—such as coverage of 60 cents per pound, per item— “would not cover any damage done to the landlord’s building or property,” says Kim Weaver, compliance manager at Relocation Insurance Group in St. Louis, MO.

Instead, the moving company would have to use its general liability insurance, or its auto insurance if the damage was done by vehicle. Some companies may have only cargo and auto insurance. When choosing a mover, you should search the U.S. Department of Transportation’s licensing and insurance page for any companies you’re considering, Weaver recommends. There, you can view details about what types of insurance the company is registered for.

Just don’t assume a mover has general liability insurance.

“In my experience, to get licensed in most areas, a mover has to have insurance,” says Troy Doucet, lawyer and owner of Doucet & Associates in Dublin, OH. “That doesn’t mean everyone has insurance.”

And therein lies another problem: If movers don’t have insurance—or are operating illegally—they probably don’t want you to find them. So how in the world can you get them to pay?

You try to track them down

If you used an unscrupulous mover, your “options for pursuing reimbursement will be limited,” says Pete Johnson, co-founder ofHireAHelper based in Oceanside, CA.

“The customer could tell the moving company they’re planning to take the issue to small-claims court,” Johnson says. “It might produce results and, if it doesn’t, then they can go ahead and file if they have an address for them.”

That’s a big “if.” Even otherwise official-looking movers may have websites without an office location or employee names listed, making it difficult or impossible to track them down. But if you can, here’s what you should do:

• Review copies of all the forms you signed (the moving company is required to give you copies, so make sure you hang on to them). Did you sign a liability waiver? Even if you did, “it may not be enforceable in your state,” says Alicia Dearn, CEO of Bellatrix Law and trial lawyer. This means the company may have tried to trick you into backing down.
• Get a lawyer—if only for a letter threatening litigation. “A situation like this is best resolved by negotiation—a letter from a lawyer can really work wonders in these disputes,” Dearn says.
• Photograph the damage for evidence.
• File a consumer complaint with the state’s attorney general office.

If the mover still refuses to pay, you’ll be looking at settling in small-claims court—it’s up to you to weigh the cost and decide if it’s worth pursuing.

Shared from:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/move/movers-damaged-my-landlords-property/

Selling Your Home? Better Make Sure It’s Clean Before Moving Out!

Let’s face it: Now that you’ve found a buyer and scheduled the closing, you’re ready to be done with your old home. A clean break! The last thing you want to do is spend the weekend deep cleaning the place for someone else to enjoy. Besides, would it even matter?

Actually, yes, it does matter.

We feel for you—the temptation to skip out on those last few cleaning chores is strong. But don’t give in. How dirty you leave your home isn’t just about etiquette—it could also cause problems with the sale of your home.

While buyers may forgive you if you forget to sweep under the stove, more serious offenses can have serious consequences. Check your contract: Some sellers may stipulate that the place be spotless by the time they move in. If you agree to this (verbally or in writing) and don’t live up to your end of the bargain, you could be at risk for a lawsuit.

So if you leave a pile of filth, the new owner could delay closing—or even bail on the sale altogether.

“In a rare case I had someone walk away from the sale because of the condition of the home at the final walk-through,” says Darbi McGlone, a Realtor® in Baton Rouge, LA.

Odds are your buyer will be incredibly stressed out by closing day, and you don’t want to make matters any worse.

“It could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” McGlone says.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s bust out the yellow rubber gloves and get to work.

Work from the top down

When it comes to cleaning, starting early is easiest.

“I recommend doing a good scrubbing and decluttering before putting the house on the market—it can be very stressful to do at the last minute,” says Wendy Wrzos, certified interior redesign specialist and founder of The Blue Giraffe, a home staging and redesign company in New Jersey.

But if you didn’t start early, don’t panic. If you attack the job with a plan, it’ll get done faster. Try to clean room by room, working from the top down.

Dust the ceiling fans, wipe down the walls, and then sweep, vacuum, or mop. Clean the refrigerator (if it’s staying behind), and give a once-over to the oven and stove—including the drip pans. Check the air vents for filth or mold—and if you spot any, call in a professional. This won’t be a standard broom cleaning.

Once you’re done with one space, move on to the next. And don’t forget the details.

“Light fixtures are rarely cleaned,” McGlone says. “Wiping down cabinets and drawers inside and out would be nice also—not many sellers ever do it.​”

Take a deep breath

Cleanliness isn’t the only thing you have to worry about before the final walk-through.

“The first thing buyers always notice when they walk inside is if your home has any less-than-appealing smells, whether it is cat litter, a wet dog, garbage, or the fish you cooked two nights ago for dinner,” Wrzos says.

Reality check: Any strange odors—even if temporary—will make the buyers think the home is dirty. (And they may be right.)

Even if you’ve already moved out, go back into the home for a quick sniff before the walk-through. Bring a friend who might not be as nose-blind to your old home as you are, and ask for an honest opinion.

Air fresheners can minimize lingering odors, of course, but you can also try these innovative tips and tricks. When all else fails, call in a deodorization pro. Yes, they exist.

Take everything with you

Many sellers leave behind personal items, because either they think the new owner may get use out of them or they just don’t want to deal with them. But here’s the thing: “No one wants your old shower curtain and matching trash can,” McGlone says.

Unless the buyer specifically asked for something, take everything with you. Double-check attics, basements, storage closets, and the garage for anything you might have missed.

Shared from:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/how-clean-should-sellers-leave-a-home-before-moving-out/

Why You Should Move Before the Baby Comes. Or, Wait—Why You Shouldn’t

I was 30 weeks pregnant and on my hands and knees, scrubbing out the empty fridge of the house we were leaving. My back hurt. My arms hurt. My womb hurt. My toddler pulled at my shirt, trying to get my attention. There was so much more cleaning to be done, and that was just to close out the old place, not to mention the mopping and dusting that the new house needed. And then the unpacking. I looked around the rented townhouse we were leaving, gutted of all our things, fighting off tears. All the pregnancy advice flooding my inbox told me not to move with the pregnancy hormones raging—that it would be too tiring, too physically and mentally demanding during a time when I was focused on more internal things. And there I was, doing just that.

Please, Mr. P

My husband and I had planned to move after the baby’s birth, but an initial meeting with our real estate agent, not to mention a nasty leak in our ceiling, changed our minds. Lori McAlees, our Realtor® in Rochester, NY, said we’d be better off buying before the baby came to distract us—and before the real estate market heated up in the spring. In the brutal month of February, when we found a house that fit our budget and our space requirements, we snatched it up.

McAlees sees plenty of families buying homes with newborns, but she’s in the move-while-pregnant camp; house shopping is a whole lot harder in that postdelivery haze and chaos.

Two years ago, I moved when my first baby was 6 weeks old, which cut into that precious newborn snuggle time, and while I’m happy we moved predelivery this time, some say the postpartum move is the way to go. Why? Read on.

Moving while pregnant? Here’s the upside:

• No open house waits for a breast pump. There’s no room for the weary in real estate. If you’re actively searching for a home, you need to be ready to pounce at a moment’s notice, and nursing, napping, and nappie changes make that awfully hard. And if you miss a bit of the open house, you’ve got even less info on which to base your decision. As McAlees points out, you may spend a total of only 20 minutes in a house before you decide to buy it, and you need to make every second count.

• The nesting instinct is no joke. I found myself with my head deep in the kitchen cabinets of my new home, armed with a toothbrush for scrubbing those hard-to-reach corners. You might reorganize the closets and cupboards, get the linens in order, and even defrost the fridge. You won’t be able to curb the instinct. Research shows that the nesting instinct peaks in the third trimester—better to already be settled in the new place so you don’t have to sort all the baby onesies by color and size twice.

• If you move after the kid comes, you might screw up his or her sleep. Not to frighten those mamas-to-be, already nervous about impending sleep deprivation, but here’s something to consider: One source notes of moving that “well-established sleep patterns can be disturbed as a consequence of change in a baby or toddler’s environment.”Babies thrive on routine. Believe us: If your baby has finally settled into a sleep rhythm, you’ll do anything to preserve it.

• Postnatal recovery takes a lot longer than you think.You just pop the baby out and move on to the next thing, right? Some women feel minor-to-moderate discomfort (we could elaborate on that, but we’ll spare you) for weeks—some face serious problems that can affect daily activity for months.One study suggests that it takes up to a year to recover. Sure, you’re not going to win a weightlifting contest when you’re pregnant by schlepping boxes, but you’ve got to decide which discomfort is worse: pregnancy or recovery.

• You could save money. I moved while pregnant from a rental into our own house, where our mortgage was cheaper than our monthly rent. We were lucky in the affordability of housing in our area, ranked among the top 10 least-expensive housing markets in America. Though we had to pay a fee to get out of our rental lease, we still saved a total of about $3,000 by moving.

• You’ll waste spend less money on baby gear. What’s better for your sanity in the early chaos of mothering than an uncluttered house? Let’s say you have a baby shower. Let’s say you receive every co-sleeping, snuggling, distracting, milk-extracting item you could ever, or never, want—plus a diaper swan. If you’re still carrying the kid, you can sift through that stuff, quietly discarding or passing on the unwanted items, before you pack.

Actually, on second thought, here’s why you should move after the baby comes:

• Oy, your aching back: Baby bumps and moving do not mix. The American Pregnancy Association advises pregnant women: Get someone else to do the heavy lifting. Doing so carries a heightened risk of premature labor, low birth weight, and hernia.

• You’ll have to give up your Formula 409 and rely on vinegar. Nontoxic cleaners like vinegar are safest for pregnant women to use. As much as we aspire to have the greenest household on the block, we have to admit it: Some of those heavy chemical cleaners do a much better job. Pregnant women need to avoid oven cleaners and products that containammonia and bleach. Of course, you might decide to go clean-green after the baby comes, too.
• You’ll know better what you need from a space. Spend a month or two with the kiddo in your old place, and you’ll figure out what’s missing: Man, could I use a bigger kitchen, or a real laundry room, or an office now that the baby junk has consumed my corner of the living room. After some time with your tyke, you’ll have a much clearer sense of what kind of home to look for.

• Bye-bye, baby bump! Even if you’re in those weeks or months it takes to recover from childbirth, you won’t have that big baby bump to contend with as you sort and arrange your new space.
• You’ll make mommy friends a whole lot faster. Babies are a great way to get to know people. Moving with a newborn can feel more relaxing and enhance your social connections in your new home. Many neighborhoods have mommy groups, storytime, and, in some places, mommy happy hour. With a baby in tow, you’ll have instant access to that world of new parents.
• Newborns are easier than you might think (except the colicky ones). Though first-time moms might not believe it, newborns are pretty easy to manage—they basically just sleep and eat. And poop. Keep them fed, warm, and dry, and they won’t even notice they’ve moved.

• You could save time. When your new baby comes, time will get even more precious. You’ve heard the clichés—it speeds up to warp drive (it really does!), and you’ll treasure every minute you have with your new one. If you wait to move until the baby’s an infant, you can enjoy those early days, and if you’re lucky enough to have maternity leave, you can use your leave to bond with your baby, instead of rearranging the flatware or troubleshooting those inevitable kinks in your new house.

But let’s face it: As with all things parenting, no matter what decision you make, someone (probably a member of your own family) will tell you it’s the wrong one. And thus, as with all things parenting, the trick is this: Go with your gut, even if your gut is hiding painfully behind your giant baby belly.

Shared from:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/move/should-pregnant-women-move-before-or-after-baby/

9 Tips for Moving With Pets

Moving with pets is a challenge for everyone who loves their furry friends. So United Mayflower Container Services has nine pet-friendly move tips:

1. Make sure your pet is properly identified with your name and contact information.

2. Get your pet’s inoculations up-to-date and obtain verification and a health certificate from your vet. Your state, city, boarder or airline will probably need this information.

3. Minimize the disruption in your pet’s routine as much as possible.

4. Make your pet feel comfortable by putting them in a familiar crate or taking them to a boarder or neighbor’s when realtors, potential buyers or inspectors come around.

5. Contact the state veterinarian in your new home state to learn about the laws concerning entry of pets and specific pet regulations.

6. Get in touch with your new city’s town hall about license fees, leash laws, fences and other pet restrictions.

7. Contact the airline for rules and regulations, transportation charges and carrier requirements if you are moving your pet by airplane.

8. Create a pet travel kit with food, water, collapsible dishes, favorite toys and treats.

9. Use your pet’s favorite food, dishes, bed, blanket and toys at the new home so there is a sense of familiarity.

Reposted from:  http://www.moving.com/tips/9-tips-for-moving-with-pets/

Relocating to an Unfamiliar Area? Here’s How to Get Your Bearings...

Choosing a home in an unfamiliar neighborhood can be nerve-racking, but it’s almost inevitable when moving to a new city—or even across town. There’s a lot at stake: The wrong decision can cost you money and peace of mind.

Here are some tips to guide you in your search.

Mission: Neighborhood reconnaissance

As with any house hunt, you should first figure out your budget and what you would need, want, and like to have in a house and in a neighborhood. But if you’re relocating across the country, your biggest challenge will be doing long-distance recon on your new hometown.

While you can’t gain access to private social networks such as Nextdoor until you verify you have an address in a neighborhood, a little cybersleuthing will reveal insights on day-to-day life and concerns in areas you’re scouting.

Once you know the general area in which you’d like to live, websites such as City-Datacan collect and analyze data from numerous sources to create detailed profiles of U.S. cities, including information from crime rates to weather patterns. Homefacts includes similar information, then drills down further, listing neighborhood statistics such as median home price, homes for sale, and foreclosures.

AreaVibes can help you narrow down a search; after you type a ZIP code or city in which you’d like to live, you can adjust metrics such as amenities, crime, cost of living, and housing prices to compile a list of neighborhoods that match your “livability” needs.

In addition, many regional newspapers or magazines routinely publish online rankings of their best neighborhoods. Listly has lists of five-star New York real estate communitiesand blue chip Massachusetts real estate communities, so it may be worth a search to see whether there is a similar list for an area in which you’re interested.

Speaking of lists, Livability regularly develops city rankings for a range of topics, including small towns, college towns, and overall best places to live.

The Chamber of Commerce in many towns will also provide a guide for people who are relocating. Also, look for news on property taxes in recent years—falling property taxes likely mean that communities have had to cut back on public services.

If you have children, you’ll want to read up on local public schools on GreatSchools.org, as well as determine what day care and after-school activities are nearby. Even if you don’t have children, good schools are a major factor in determining home values in a neighborhood.

No neighborhood is perfectly tranquil, but check CrimeReports.com for crime reports and maps to get a sense of where an area falls on the spectrum. You should also visit theNational Sex Offender registry and FamilyWatchdog.us, which will identify registered sex offenders living in the area. NeighborhoodScout.com will consolidate crime, school, and real estate data in one report, as well as compile lists on safe cities and neighborhoods with good schools.

Draw on a professional’s expertise

If there is one time above all when you’d really benefit from working with a real estate agent with deep knowledge of an area, it’s when moving to a new town.

A knowledgable professional should be able to provide recommendations and compile background information on neighborhoods and homes that fit your needs and price range. Come prepared with a neighborhood or neighborhoods you like, and he or she can give you more information or suggest similar alternatives.

Get down with the locals

Once you’ve done the research and found a neighborhood you like, drive by several times during the day and at night. Look for the following:

• Are there many “for sale” signs on lawns?
• Are there any abandoned or boarded-up houses in the vicinity?
• Is there a lot of trash on the sidewalks?
• Is the neighborhood close to a shopping or business area?
• How well are neighborhood parks maintained?
• Is street parking restricted after school and during rush hour?

Also try to attend a few open houses in your neighborhood of choice. It’s a good way to get a feel for local property values, and to walk around the area. If you see residents out and about, try to talk to them to get their perspective on the community.

If you have time, try to get a drink in a local bar or a cafe and talk to people there. Apps like Meetup and AroundMe will help you connect with people in a town that have similar interests, as well as help you find the nearest hot spot.

These will be your potential neighbors, so they will provide valuable impressions on whether you’ll be pleased with where you eventually live.

Reposted from:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/how-to-get-your-bearings-when-relocating/

Choosing a New Neighborhood

Why is it important to choose a neighborhood?  You are wanting to move to a new house!  Either that or you are a family guy searching for a place to life, or that you are a college student who needs a place to stay, it doesn't matter, you just need to find that perfect neighborhood for you.  What does perfect mean?!  A neighborhood that should match your lifestyle and your life stage too.  Specialists' state that even though this might seem scary at first, if you follow certain guidelines and steps it should be easier.  So, let's discover these steps together!

First of all, you need a community that meets your demands and your budget too.  There is no place for you to dream about something you can't afford; take your time and analyze everything objectively!  The most likely conclusion you'll get - you need to compromise and be realistic!

Making sure you end up in the perfect house, firstly requires to determine if the house is situated in a good neighborhood.  In other words, it doesn't matter if the house is excelling if the location is terrible.  It will ruin everything...After all, you don't intend to move from one place to another!  It's not a hobby, is it?

You live how you choose to live!

How can you decide what is right for you?  Well, its not that problematic as it might appear, but you have to get a clear picture of what you really need and what stands as a silly ambition.  Figure out what exactly you intend on doing in the future and then start scrutinizing the market.  Next, once you have a list of, let's say three neighborhoods that might work for you, then try to get a snapshot of how you'll be living there.  Which fits you better?  Expose your wishlist properly to your real estate agent  and then take a big breath and choose!

While you may think moving is exciting at first sight, well in the end you'll probably get to a common conclusion - 'It's extremely stressful!'  Here are some of the things to consider when trying to find the perfect neighborhood!

Steps in finding the perfect neighborhood!

Step 1 - Set your priorities

You need to have a clear picture of what matters the most of you and what things you can compromise on.  Before a real estate agent can help you, firstly you need to establish what type of community might meet your requirements.  For instance, do you want to live in a small community where you can have close interactions with your neighbors?  Or, on the contrary, do you want to live in the city center in order to have an active night life?  Everything depends on what you want for your new life!

Step 2 - Sketch a brief description

Once you know exactly what you want from your future neighborhood, you should clearly separate it all into small chunks and explain everything to your real estate agent.  Every neighborhood has its own character and personality, so therefore you have to find the one that gets the closest to your heart.

Step 3 - Check out the amenities

Where do you mostly enjoy spending your spare time?  Pubs, nightclubs or libraries?  Find out what the neighborhood has to offer you.  Does it match your list of wishes?  Before you move, make sure the neighborhood has everything you need to fit your daily habits.  This will have a great impact on your lifestyle too!  Find the neighborhood that is just right for you and don't hurry.

Step 4 - See what transportation options you have

This too should influence your decision when choosing your neighborhood.  Either that you prefer to walk to the market, or that you enjoy the comfort of your own car, you need to decide what type of transportation you want to use on your daily basis.  See if the neighborhood you intend on making your home has what you require, irrespective if you choose a mass transport or a workable environment...

Step 5 - Are children part of the picture?

Do you have children or do you intend to have some in the near future?  Then, you should balance things wisely.  Take into account the proximity to schools or kindergarten and other places you'll need close to you.  It all has to meet your needs, or you'll get to hate the neighborhood at some point.  Too many obstacles and the loss of time will get to be frustrating at some point!

Step 6 - Verify the crime rate

Ask your Realtor about the crime rate in the neighborhood or do the research yourself.  A safe place for both you and your family is a must.  If you want to compromise on something, then this step is one of those you shouldn't.  Safety comes first!  Find your best match and think about it:  no neighborhood is good for whatever buyer!

Step 7 - Make sure you have parks nearby

Anyone would like to have a park near his house to disconnect from the daily routine.  Whether you want to walk the dog or just to have a romantic evening outside with your partner, it would be desirable to have a park nearby.  If you haven't seen one, then look for any sidewalks.  If the sidewalks are accessible, then there is a high probability you have parks nearby.  Hurray for you!

Step 8 - Search for things to do

Keep in mind that you'll probably need something to do in your spare time, something that should make you forget about problems and your daily routine.  And tourist attractions are one of those miraculous solutions.  Do you have that to visit?  Does your neighborhood have cultural value?  If yes, then you're a lucky person!  Moreover, take into account the vibe of the street and general ambiance of the neighborhood.  Have you found what you've been looking for?

Step 9 - Measure disturbing noise level

Train tracks, air traffic, buzzing streets or medical centers should be red flags for you if you want a quiet place to rest. Take a few moments and listen to the ‘voice’ of the neighborhood. Are you on the same track? If not, look for alternatives, if the first impression is not a good one, then the second one probably won’t be either.

Studies show that one of the most influencing factors in what concerns the dissatisfaction of freshly moved, neighbors is the poor quality of silence…

Step 10 – See some reviews

And finally, try to get as much information as possible. Go online, talk to your neighbors and ask your real estate agent spicy details about the environment. In short, do whatever possible to convince yourself, this is the place where you want to live for the following years.

Choosing your neighborhood is such a personal aspect. It stands as the environment where you’ll spend most of your time. See if this is the type of energy you want in your life: a hectic environment, a chilling one or one full of character?

Probably you’ll also have to think about your job location versus your house (some even say that the location of the house is equally important as the house itself), the access to shopping locations, or the quality of the recreation areas. Why? Because you’ll have to get a sense of how your life will be in this neighborhood; you need a comfortable daily life, that’s for sure! See why it should be appealing to you. These aspects will influence the quality of life you’ll have here!

Moreover, the outcome depends on how you evaluate the community and your dream house at first. As you narrow your search, every aspect should meet your demands – finding the right neighborhood will point out if your move was a success or a failure. All in all, stay away from a community with too many ‘For Sale’ signs and neighborhoods which made you a poor first-impression! Good luck!

Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.

1. You’ll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
2. Get objective information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
3. Find the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.
4. Benefit from their negotiating experience. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
6. Real estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.
7. REALTORS® have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.
8. Buying and selling is emotional. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.
9. Ethical treatment. Every member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also required to complete a refresher course every four years.

Reposted from:  http://realtormag.realtor.org/sales-and-marketing/handouts-for-customers/for-buyers/why-you-should-work-realtor

7 Things to Always Do Before Buying a Home

There's no better time to clean up your credit score or kick your credit card habits.

Maybe you’ve decided to take the plunge and buy your first home, or you’re already a homeowner and are ready to move into a new place. Whatever reason prompted the move, here are seven things you need to do before buying a home.

1. Clean up your credit score. Your credit score will be reviewed by lenders, and it plays an important role in determining how much house you can buy. If you know you won’t be moving into a new house for at least six to eight months, you have plenty of time to do some legwork to clean up your credit. Order your free credit report from Equifax, TransUnion or Experian, and make sure it is free of any mistakes. If you do find an error, contact creditors to make sure everything is up-to-date, and have them send corrections to the credit bureaus as soon as possible.

2. Kick the credit card habit. Another step to cleaning up your credit history? Make sure you aren’t buried under credit card debt. Take steps to stop credit card spending, and consider using a balance-transfer credit card to reduce your debt load faster. Improving your credit will give your credit score a boost, and that will make you more attractive to lenders. A bonus? Kicking the credit card habit can help you get a handle on your finances so making mortgage payments isn’t overwhelming.

3. Hash out monthly payments. If credit card and loan payments make up a big percentage of your monthly payments, you may reduce your chances of getting an attractive mortgage loan offer. Taking steps to lower monthly payments can put you in a better financial position for a mortgage and also reduce some of the stress of making that mortgage payment each month.

4. Define exactly what you want. Your home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make, and you need to have a clear idea of exactly what you are looking for before you begin the search. While you should get preapproved early in the process, don’t wait for the preapproval offer to narrow down the search. You need to determine what the non-negotiables are for your future home and what you are willing to compromise on. Take the time to list what features, floor plans and style of home you are most interested in; what type of neighborhood you want to live in; and other key details. A comprehensive list of wants and must-haves can make it easier to shop for a home and compare different properties during the search.

5. Get preapproved. It’s exciting to start the homebuying process by visiting open houses, but it’s a good idea to have a preapproval letter in your pocket before you set foot in your dream home. Your preapproval letter will tell you how much you can really afford and make it easier to narrow down your search. Having that preapproval letter will also give you some negotiating power when you start working with sellers – you’ll have a greater chance of having an offer accepted when you have a letter stating that you are in a financial position to buy the home.

6. Commit to a savings plan. When you start thinking about moving, take the time to reorganize your budget and put together a savings plan for the down payment, closing costs and moving costs. Putting yourself in a position to make a larger down payment can save you money on mortgage payments in the long run and make you more attractive to the lender. Also, if you’re a first-time homebuyer, don’t overlook down payment assistance programs, if they exist in your area.

7. Set your own budget parameters. Even though you may be preapproved for a certain amount, there’s no rule that says you can’t set your own budget that’s less than your preapproval amount. Doing so can give you more confidence with your finances and may free up more money for discretionary expenses. Whether you want to have more money to travel or prefer to live with a higher disposable income, adjust your budget limits to suit your lifestyle.

Reposted from:  http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2014/06/25/7-things-to-always-do-before-buying-a-home