Easy Step By Step Checklist For Your Move

2 Months Before

___     Create a moving binder

This will be invaluable as you get organized for your move. The more organized your move, the less stressful it will be.

___     Back up your files

Before packing up your computer (in the coming weeks), back up your files and photos. Keep the backups in the box mentioned above. Your files will probably be fine, but it’s not a risk worth taking.

___     Research and gather quotes from moving companies

If you’re planning to rent a moving truck, begin looking into rates.

___     Start packing your first box

Keep your vital documents and small valuables here, separate from other household items.

___     Create a room-by-room inventory of items throughout the house

It’s not as tough as you think, and has benefits beyond moving day.

___     Sell or donate what you don’t need

Hold a garage sale, or sell your stuff online

1 Month Before

___     Decide on a moving company

Whether you’re using movers or renting a truck, it’s time to either sign the contract or make the reservation.

___     Buy packing supplies

Having enough of the right packing supplies can make your move much easier.

___     Plan your new home

Measure your furniture, get the room dimensions in your new home, and start planning how you’ll make it your own.

___     Care for your car

A long-distance drive or a new climate are both good reasons to check with your mechanic if there are any tune-ups or changes to make before you head out.

___     Contact your internet, TV, and utilities providers

Set your disconnect date. Begin researching which providers you’ll use at your destination and schedule connection of your services.

___     Fill any prescriptions

Be sure you’ll have enough to get you to your destination, with extra time to search for a new doctor and pharmacy. Now is a good time to get shot records.

___     Plan your new home

If you have the room dimensions at the new place, start planning how to arrange your furniture.

___     Make travel arrangements

If necessary, book your flight, hotel, rental car, etc. If you’re driving long-distance, plan your route and stops

2 Weeks Before

___     Change your address

Let the post office, your insurance provider, and your bank know about your new address. Cancel or redirect scheduled deliveries and subscriptions.

___     Confirm dates with relevant parties

• Real estate agent(s) ___
• Landlord for move-in/move-out. ___
• Moving company or truck rental ___
• Storage Unit ___

___     Begin Packing

Be sure to create a packing list to keep in your moving binder. Schedule enough time to have the packing done at least two days before your move date

1 Week Before

___     Begin cleaning empty rooms

Even if you’re not working to get a security deposit back, you should do a thorough clean.

___     Collect all keys and garage door openers

They will need to be handed over to the real estate agent or new owners.

___     Schedule a final walkthrough of your new home

Moving Day

___     Check the truck

If you hired movers, check the USDOT number on the side. It should match the number on the contract you signed.

___     Sign the movers’ inventory list

Make sure they provide you with a copy. This record of what they’re moving ensures that nothing “disappears”

___     Have specific information for your movers

Contact information, address of the new place, and maps for getting there.

___     Final walkthrough

Double-check every room to make sure no damage occurred during the loading process.

After Arrival

___     Set up your security

As soon as possible, make sure your family and belongings are protected.

___     Check your utilities

Water, lights, plumbing: make sure it’s all working properly.

___     Change the locks, if possible

___     Get to know your HOA

Make sure you know what yours requires, and more importantly, what it can do for you.

___     Plan your housewarming party

This is a good way to start getting to know your neighbors, which is essential.

Don’t Buy a New Construction Home Without Your Own Agent

 

Real Estate FAQ:

Q: Should I have my own realtor if I am going to build a home?

A: Many buyers assume that the builder’s rep will help them with the purchase of their new home. They also assume that working with the internal representation will result in getting a better deal on their purchase.

However, the builder’s rep is working for the builder – not for you! Their success relies on getting the best deal for the builder, who is their employer. There legally can be no discounts passed on to you if you don’t use a Realtor, there is no savings.

You, the buyer, may not realize…

You may not know that the commission for buyer representation is legally part of the purchase price. If you are not using your own Realtor, the builder simply receives an extra 3% from your purchase. Basically, it’s free for you to use a Realtor. Free.

You also may not know that the builder is not required to have a licensed agent working for them, and many do not. When you hire your own Realtor you will be hiring a licensed agent who represents you, not the builder! Your Realtor looks out for YOUR best interests. The Builders agent or rep looks out for the BUILDERS best interests. Sometimes the best interests are the same for the buyer and builder, but just as many times they are NOT.

What your Realtor can do for you:

Experience isn’t expensive. It’s priceless. Your Realtor, who understands the ins and outs of home purchasing, can work on your behalf to negotiate a better deal, free upgrades, or simply whatever is in your best interest. Most people wouldn’t consider buying an existing home without a Realtor to represent them. Therefore, why consider going through the even more stressful and complicated process of building a home without someone on your side? In many cases, you are committing to something that doesn’t even exist yet.

It can be very daunting to go through the process of home-building, and dealing with the last minute changes and surprises. Buyers can avoid a lot of bad surprises with good representation of their own Realtor.

If you plan to use a Realtor to represent you…

And we sure hope you do!, be SURE to hand your Realtors card to the builder representative at the door of the model, and tell them, this is my Realtor. It is even better for your Realtor to bring you through the door of the model to make it clear at the very start that you have Realtor representation. There are rules as to how you are introduced to a builder, and when a Realtor is due their fee for working for YOU. Just be very clear and give your agents name, and CARD. If you plan to visit a model, give your agent a call and they can call ahead for you so that the builders rep knows you will be coming and you are represented by a Realtor.

“TO DO” List for Buying New Construction

Here’s a helpful list we’ve compiled – follow these “to dos” when working with a builder to have the best experience.

~Hire a Realtor

This is simply a must. Like we’ve said, your Realtor is working for YOU. Home-builders prefer to monopolize the sale. They may only give you special “incentive” packages if you agree to use all of their representatives: lender, title company, and even insurance company! But your Realtor can walk you through this process and make sure you are protected, as well as make sure you are getting the best deal. If you decide to use the builder’s lender, your Realtor can make sure you get a good rate and fair closing costs. Your Realtor knows the standards, and can make sure the builder doesn’t try to go beyond those standards. By bringing in your own Realtor, you’re asking your builder to be on their “best behavior.” Your builder doesn’t want to get a bad reputation, and will want the potential to create a good relationship with your Realtor, who will hopefully bring buyers their way in the future if the transaction is successful.

~Don’t sign anything until you’ve worked out every detail

Your builder may try to capitalize on the emotionality of buying a new home. Once you’ve become attached to this new home, they may try to get you to write up the contract quickly so you don’t lose it. But you absolutely must know what is in the contract, understand it and agree with it. No matter what the builder tells you, IF IT IS NOT IN WRITING IT WILL NOT HAPPEN. Everything will be done as it is written in the contract, so it’s important that you understand it clearly.

Your Realtor can be a great player on your team when going through and trying to understand the builder’s contract.

~Research the Builder

Your Realtor is an expert on homes in your area. This will include builders and their reputations. You want a builder that is not selling too many properties to investors – this can lead to creating a rental neighborhood and affects pride of ownership. Ideally, you also want your builder to be constructing homes of equal or greater value in your neighborhood to keep your property values high. However, this is difficult in some neighborhoods because the economy is difficult and people are affording and spending less on homes. Your Realtor can help you sort this out and advise you on these items.

In this crazy economy we are in, several builders are on the brink of shutting their doors, just be very sure your builder is not one of them, and you know who your earnest money will be returned if they close during your construction.

~ Research city plans

New neighborhoods are often in newly developing areas. Therefore, you want to know what is likely to happen in the area you are about to commit to. This includes your city’s plans for roads, public spaces, parks, and schools. You want confidence that your neighborhood is going to become a good place to live as it develops.

The perfect source for this? Your Realtor, who likely already has this kind of information available. This makes the job so much easier.

article courtesy of: Carol Choporis / Cindy Crispell

Pinterest and other social media platforms created a need and desire to do- it- yourself projects such as creating wreaths, party planning and baby room ideas, etc. Why shouldn’t you “DIY” to find or sell your home? I have found 6 reasons why you really should leave it to the Realtor.

You can do it yourself, but you really shouldn’t. Here is a re-post from realtor.com, “Six Reasons You Should Never Buy or Sell a Home Without an Agent.” This is why you should contact me as your Agent in your area!

1. They have loads of expertise

Want to check the MLS for a 4B/2B with an EIK and a W/D? Real estate has its own language, full of acronyms and semi-arcane jargon, and your Realtor is trained to speak that language fluently.

Plus, buying or selling a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. Realtors have the expertise to help you prepare a killer deal—while avoiding delays or costly mistakes that can seriously mess you up.

2. They have turbocharged searching power

The Internet is awesome. You can find almost anything—anything! And with online real estate listing sites such as yours truly, you can find up-to-date home listings on your own, any time you want. But guess what? Realtors have access to even more listings. Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. A Realtor can help you find those hidden gems.

Find homes for sale on
Plus, a good local Realtor is going to know the search area way better than you ever could. Have your eye on a particular neighborhood, but it’s just out of your price range? Your Realtor is equipped to know the ins and outs of every neighborhood, so she can direct you toward a home in your price range that you may have overlooked.

3. They have bullish negotiating chops

Any time you buy or sell a home, you’re going to encounter negotiations—and as today’s housing market heats up, those negotiations are more likely than ever to get a little heated.

You can expect lots of competition, cutthroat tactics, all-cash offers, and bidding wars. Don’t you want a savvy and professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal for you?

And it’s not just about how much money you end up spending or netting. A Realtor will help draw up a purchase agreement that allows enough time for inspections, contingencies, and anything else that’s crucial to your particular needs.

4. They’re connected to everyone

Realtors might not know everything, but they make it their mission to know just about everyone who can possibly help in the process of buying or selling a home. Mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, home stagers, interior designers—the list goes on—and they’re all in your Realtor’s network. Use them.

5. They adhere to a strict code of ethics

Not every real estate agent is a Realtor, who is a licensed real estate salesperson who belongs to the National Association of Realtors®, the largest trade group in the country.

What difference does it make? Realtors are held to a higher ethical standard than licensed agents and must adhere to a Code of Ethics.

6. They’re your sage parent/data analyst/therapist—all rolled into one

The thing about Realtors: They wear a lot of different hats. Sure, they’re salespeople, but they actually do a whole heck of a lot to earn their commission. They’re constantly driving around, checking out listings for you. They spend their own money on marketing your home (if you’re selling). They’re researching comps to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

And, of course, they’re working for you at nearly all hours of the day and night—whether you need more info on a home or just someone to talk to in order to feel at ease with the offer you just put in. This is the biggest financial (and possibly emotional) decision of your life, and guiding you through it isn’t a responsibility Realtors take lightly.
Rachel Stults is a senior editor at realtor.com, covering advice around all things real estate, home decor, renting, and moving. She is also realtor.com’s video programming manager. Contact her at rachel.stults@move.com. Follow @rachelstults

So, you are a buyer trying to buy a home, and you keep losing your bids?  Is your agent as aggressive as you want them to be? (a lamb in wolves clothing) Are you being as aggressive as you should be?

Here’s how you know:
Your agent should be suggesting full price in most scenarios, or over.

If there are multiple bids, then you should definitely go OVER list to snag the house.

You should try to eliminate as many contingencies as possible, while still staying safe in the transaction.

You should put down as much earnest as possible, that you can AFFORD to lose, if you have no contingencies.

You should be offering quick closes, and/or to close when the seller wants.

You should be prepared for temporary housing if your closings don’t line up.

You should be prepared to pay for inspection items that may come up.

You should be prepared to pay for the difference between your offer price and the appraised price, if you went over.

Have your financing in place, and ready to go!

Have your funds ready to go!!

You should be making quick, educated decisions, with your realtor.

Be prepared to lose some offers, even if you have these great offers, because so does someone else.

The right house will come along at the right time, and the right realtor will help you!!
Call me today,
Joie Schubert
Realtor
612-578-9939