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Here are some ideas to help that move go as smoothly as possible. Plan ahead and start early. (Keep in mind that you are packing all the while!)
Week 9. Make a nine-week plan for your move, including a "To Do" list and budget. (According to
Monstermoving.com, the average homeowner spends $9,400 on discretionary items in the 90 days surrounding a move, some of which are tax deductible, so keep all your receipts.)
Week 8: Decide if you're going to do it yourself in a pick-up truck or a rental van, or if you're going to hire professionals. Consider how many trips you might have to make and the time, energy and number of helpers you might have.
Week 7: Start collecting boxes in all types and sizes. Start sorting and packing items in your garage and basement. Start pulling items you wish to discard and make donations to charitable organizations.
Week 6: Get a checkup or check in with your doctor, lawyer, dentist,
veterinarian and accountant. Ask for referrals. Arrange for files to be transferred. Get prescriptions refilled or transferred.
Week 5: Consider your bank. Will it still meet your needs after you move? If not, look for a new one, but you may want to keep your accounts open for a few months past your move for the sake of convenience.
Week 4: Start changing services. Set up shut-off dates with utility and phone companies; give an extra day or two in case something comes up. Open new accounts. Your realtor or employer may be able to help with
names and numbers of utility companies.
Week 3: Fill out change of address forms with your post office. Give friends, family and creditors your addresses via e-mail or postcards. Change any subscriptions.
Week 2: Eat up whatever you find in your refrigerator and cabinets. Pack spices, canned goods, sugar, flour and pasta, but eat, toss or donate anything else. Also take photos of valuables in case they are damaged in the move.
Week 1: It's time for serious packing. Pack one room at a time and label boxes carefully. Set aside a box to open first and mark it well. Take important items, documents and jewelry in your car if possible. Let kids help pack their own rooms.
Three Days: Confirm your move date with moving and rental companies and landlord. Take a deep breath and don't panic. It'll all be over soon.
-adapted from CNN/Money
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Buying a home is a major life-changing event, so do your homework.
1. Set a realistic budget.
Take into account retirement, college, vacations and emergencies. Even though a mortgage broker may tell you how much you can borrow, that may not be the best amount for your budget. Figure out what you can afford on a monthly budget.
According to experts, your total for all debt for a
month should be no more than 36% of your before-tax income (your gross).
2. Be careful selection your mortgage.
Shorter-term mortgages cost more per month. If this is your first time buying a home, check with Fannie Mae (800-732-6643) to see if you qualify for their first-time buyers program, which features lower
down payments and easier qualification limits.
3. Do some research to select the community first, then the home.
Considerations are the location, the schools, access to businesses (like grocery stores), and any special factors in that area. (Is there a busy fire station in the neighborhood or train tracks, so sirens or
train horns might keep you up nights?) Read the local newspaper to see what is going on in that community before you look for a home there. If you have school-age children, talk to the schools, students and parents. Check out test scores, student body composition, student-teacher ratios, class sizes, and percentage of kids who go on to college.
4. Compare costs to see if the price is fair.
Ask your realtor for a CMA, a Comparable Market Analysis, which will provide statistics and figures to help you. Look in local newspapers and see what other homes in the neighborhood are going for.
5. Pick a good real estate agent.
Ask your friends and relatives for referrals. Interview three agents in person to see who you feel comfortable with. Ask for their activity list of properties they've sold in the past year. Make sure they have sufficient experience in the area and price range you're seeking.
6. Check out the neighborhood at various times of day and days of the week.
See if it's on a popular commuting route or if the neighbors have wild parties on weekends.
7. Consider resale.
Look at the house from the perspective of a future seller. Is there adequate storage space and
bathrooms? Sure, you may not need them, but not everyone may find having to use wardrobes instead of closets so charming.
8. Think twice about buying the most expensive house in the neighborhood.
Your property values will be affected by your neighbors' lower home values. Generally, avoid homes that are more than double the value of others in the neighborhood.
9. Have the home inspected.
It is suggested that you find a home inspector yourself and do not rely on the realtor.
(American Society of Home Inspectors on the Internet can help find one in your area.) An inspection can run from $300 to $600. Ask the inspectors what they will look at. A good inspection will cover: heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical works, roof, walls, foundation, structure, drainage, garage, and basement. Also be sure that the home is inspected for termites, radon, asbestos, mold, underground heating oil storage tanks and lead.
10. Remember to figure in closing costs.
These typically run 2-5% of the purchase price and will have to be paid up front. Your mortgage lender will give you a list of what they include, like origination (points) on a loan, escrow fees, title and homeowners insurance, legal costs, property taxes, fees to record your deed and notary fees.
- adapted from CNN/Money
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Planning
a Move?
