Moving this Summer?

Summer is here again and many people find themselves moving. Three years ago I found some helpful tips from the NAR and posted them. I figured a repost was in order.

Originally posted here, June 28th, 2013

Summertime is here and many people find themselves engaged in buying or selling a house. This is the busiest time of year for most of the real estate industry. Interest rates are on the rise as I indicated last week (see article). Buyers are jumping in to the market and that means people are moving.  If you are moving this year here are some helpful tips from the National Association of Realtors ®

17 Tips for Packing Like a Pro

Moving to a new home can be stressful, to say the least. Make it easy on yourself by planning far in advance and making sure you’ve covered all the bases.

1. Plan ahead by organizing and budgeting. Develop a master “to do” list so you won’t forget something critical on moving day, and create an estimate of moving costs. (A moving calculator is available at REALTOR.com)
2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.
3. But don’t throw out everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, you're probably right. However, it's possible to go overboard in the heat of the moment. Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if you no longer had it. That will eliminate regrets after the move.
4. Pack similar items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils. It will make your life easier when it's time to unpack.
5. Decide what, if anything, you plan to move on your own. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you. Don't forget to keep a "necessities" bag with tissues, snacks, and other items you'll need that day.
6. Remember, most movers won’t take plants. If you don't want to leave them behind, you should plan on moving them yourself.
7. Use the right box for the item. Loose items are prone to breakage.
8. Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to lift. Keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds, if possible.
9. Don’t over-pack boxes. It increases the likelihood that items inside the box will break.
10. Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes. If necessary, purchase bubble-wrap or other packing materials from moving stores.
11. Label every box on all sides. You never know how they’ll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there.
12. Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.
13. Keep your moving documents together in a file. Include important phone numbers, driver’s name, and moving van number. Also keep your address book handy.
14. Print out a map and directions for movers. Make several copies, and highlight the route. Include your cell phone number on the map. You don’t want movers to get lost! Also make copies for friends or family who are lending a hand on moving day.
15. Back up your computer files before moving your computer. Keep the backup in a safe place, preferably at an off-site location.
16. Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.
17. Make arrangements for small children and pets. Moving can be stressful and emotional. Kids can help organize their things and pack boxes ahead of time, but, if possible, it might be best to spare them from the moving-day madness.

Good luck this summer and enjoy the weather and your new home.

Seller's Keep Your Home Cool!

It's hot outside. All across the fruited plain, this is the warmest time of year. As we begin to celebrate our great nation's independence seller's should remember that an uncomfortable buyer will stick around in the showing to soak up the nuanced greatness of your home. To put it another way, buyers are not interested in purchasing a home that feels like a sauna or steam room. For crying out loud if you have A/C use it! Buyers will linger in the glorious bounty of a cool home when the mercury outside is popping those 90s. Sellers need not cool the house to ridiculous expense. Even a setting of 78 degrees will provide a comfortable recompense in 90 plus heat.

No A/C? No problem, sellers need to follow those classic cooling tips. keep windows open till the temp starts to get warm. Then close up the house and run the furnace fan (if you have forced air) or ceiling fans, etc. In the evening when the temperature settles down, re-open the windows to bring the cooler evening air in. Furthermore, if blinds horizontal are employed in the home, angled them down towards the ground at about a 45 degree angle. (further south in California they can be at 20 degrees) This blind trick allows indirect light to enter the home but keeps direct sunlight from hyper-heating the house. On all but the hottest days this should suffice to keep the home bearable.

I know some sellers and agents are thinking it's a seller's market so why do all this effort. Buyers are still picky and they won't buy a home that makes them feel uncomfortable. Nor will they stay in the house long enough to determine if it is a good home for them. In a seller's market the same rules apply, the more presentable and attractive the listing, the more money it will yield at closing.

Happy Birthday, America! You're a spry 239 years old tomorrow.