FOR SELLERS
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Our goal at RelocateMilitary.com is to provide our Military and their Families with Information and Knowledge when selling a home. We also believe that knowledge is power.... the more you know, the easier things will be for you and your family.
If you plan on moving and purchasing another home, please see the “For Buyers” part of our website for informative information and things you must do prior to packing up your home. If you would like moving services, find out about our DITY move by clicking on our Moving Info button. We hope that the information that is provided below is helpful to you. Please contact us with any comments or suggestions of your experiences. Thank You!
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- Important Tax Information Notes:
• You must live in your home a minimum of two years (That will enable you to keep your equity and you won’t have to pay capital gains tax).
• You must also have lived in your home for at least two years but once you have moved out, you can only own it for another three years or less and then you must sell it (if you don’t want to pay capital gains tax).
• Read 1031 Exchange in our “Tax Tips” to see which category you fall under.
• Read “Tax Tips” for more information.
• Knowledge will give you information to make the right choice. -
Closing Costs
Before you list your home, make sure you know what you are getting into. Consult one of our “Mortgage Agents” in the area of your interest. They will be able to give you a good idea of what it will cost you to sell your home. They will also be able to tell you what fees are negotiable and which fees are not, depending on the loan that your buyers will be obtaining. Last but not least they will be able to tell you how much money you will be receiving on the day of closing. That way you can make a knowledgeable decision.
Note:
Keep in mind, when you decide on a listing price for your home, that you will be responsible for paying all Realtor Fee’s at the time of closing. This means that you will be paying the Realtors fees for both the Sellers Agent and the Buyers Agent. This is customary nationwide.
The really special thing about using our website is that after you have found a Realtor from our website and you close on your home, our company will receive what is called a “Referral Fee”. That is because “you did” use a Realtor from our website. Our Referral fee consists of 25% of that Realtors Commission. * This is not an extra fee for you, but a fee that the Realtor pays to us for advertising on our website because we were able to refer him/her a client.
What our company will do for our Military, is Donate 25% of the Referral fee to various Military Charities and Organizations. Just by using the services of one of our Realtors that we have listed on our website, you are helping and supporting our Military Troops and their Families in many ways. Please see our “Donations/Lend a Hand” button for more information.
Look for a qualified and friendly “Title Company Representative”. They will assist you with all of your needs and questions in a knowledgeable manner. Make sure you find a Professional that you get along with. It makes your closing so much easier. - Advantages of Using a REALTOR® to Sell Your Home
As the real estate industry evolves it seemingly becomes easier to market your house without the use of a professional. Knowing whether to use a REALTOR® or sell privately (FSBO) can be difficult to determine. It is important to understand what a good agent will bring to the table. Some of the main advantages of using a professional include: emotional objectivity, knowledge and marketing reach.
Before you decide to take on the job of selling your house privately ask yourself a few key questions:
- Am I ready to emotionally detach myself from my house?
Sellers generally become attached to their home. Most consider their home a sanctuary where they create an environment of relaxation and exhibit their own style. It is difficult to let go of something that has become a part of you over the years.
A home becomes your canvas; a painting of your life. Albums are filled with photos from 10 years of holiday family events: Christmas mornings, Easter egg hunts and 4th of July barbeques with hamburgers, hotdogs and fireworks. Walking across the floor you instinctively know what boards will creak, how to get the toilet to stop running and how to open the screen door in a second flat when no one else seems to have a clue. While some things may have once seemed like an annoyance they are now a part of what makes a home your own.
Additionally, it can be difficult to maintain objectivity as buyers critique your home. Something you find endearing, that make it so special to you, may be the opposite for a buyer. It is important to listen to buyer criticisms and to be open to suggestions for improvement. A REALTOR® will serve as an emotional bridge helping you maintain an air of calm during the selling experience.
- Do I have the proper knowledge to price my house appropriately?
The first step is reaching a listing price. Some sellers have an unrealistic idea of the price their house may sell. Whether your idea is low or high, your agent will play a crucial role in helping come to a sensible price range. After completing a comparative market analysis (CMA) and examining other data, they will offer their respectful suggestion as to the price range you’ll be able to obtain. Once the listing price has been settled the marketing of your house begins.
- Am I able to market my home effectively?
The initial marketing of your house is the most important aspect of the marketing process. You’re not just selling a house, you’re selling the intimacy and peace a home should make one feel. Once your agent has viewed your house, he or she writes engaging ads focused on the key elements of your house that make it saleable. These ads may be placed in newspapers, magazines and the local MLS and are crucial to successfully selling your house. While you may be particularly fond of the 1970’s feel of your rust-colored carpet, a modern REALTOR® understands that today’s home buyer will be less fond of this characteristic. Instead they may focus on the uniquely large size of secondary bedrooms, the proximity of your home to parks and schools or significantly lower taxes. Even if you’re able to detach yourself from your house and market it appropriately, will you be able to tackle problems presented during escrow?
- Can I anticipate and respond to problems quickly?
REALTORS® are trained to anticipate and avoid problems or respond to difficult situations quickly. They’ve likely handled countless transactions and run into near deal breakers throughout their careers. The ability to quickly handle problems during escrow can be the difference between a closed deal and one that falls through. Real property vs. personal property can present issues during the closing process. For example, if you are selling your home FSBO and do not stipulate your expensive, antique chandelier will be moving with you, you could run into trouble. An accomplished agent would ensure any questionable items be listed in the Bill of Sale.
- Do you have time to show your home to buyers and will you make yourself scarce?
Most often FSBO homes do not offer access to their home via a lockbox. This cripples the ability for agents to show your home to potential buyers while you are at work. Further, home buyers generally feel intimidated by the presence of the seller during their visit. They rush through the house and tell you how wonderful it is even if they hate it. They feel uncomfortable looking through every nook and cranny even though this is one of the most important avenues a buyer must travel to make the decision to purchase your house. Hence, your presence hinders the sale of your house.
These are but a few of the issues sellers can run into during the selling process. Depending on your personal situation, knowledge and availability, it may be in your best interest to enlist the help and expertise of a professional real estate agent. In doing so you should interview multiple agents prior to signing a contract to ensure you find the agent that is best able to serve you.
- Choosing a REALTOR® to Sell Your Home
You’ve decided to enlist the help of a professional to help you sell your home. Here are some tips to help you find a real estate agent that will serve your needs best:
• Find at least three real estate agent’s to interview.
• Ask friends, family and even neighbor’s for recommendations. Who did they use when sold their home? Would they use that same agent in another real estate transaction? Did they feel safe and trust the agent they used throughout the selling process?
• Use the internet. Buyers are using the internet in increasing numbers to find homes. An agent with a website near the top of a search engine for competitive phrases will likely hold an edge over an agent that doesn’t. Further, it is a great way to evaluate an agent before you even pick up the phone to arrange an interview. Simply go to your favorite search engine and conduct a search. Try different variations like “Your City real estate”, “Your City REALTOR” or even “Your City home for sale”.
• Check out the agent’s web site to see if they include a page that discusses their own achievements, experience and years in the industry. However, it would be wise to not discount an agent simply because they are new and don’t have experience. Generally, new agents have more time to help you and are eager to please.
• Interview the top agents you’ve found yourself or were recommended to you by others. You should be prepared to ask relevant questions to help you determine if the agent will be a good match for you.
- Are you a REALTOR®?
It is usually in a seller’s best interest to find a REALTOR®, not just a real estate agent. REALTORS® generally work full time, are committed financially to their business and have been extensively trained to serve your needs. They are also members of the National Association of REALTORS®.
Some questions to ask your potential REALTOR®:
- How long have you worked the real estate market in this area?
Experience can certainly play an important role in helping you sell your house. New agents may not know how to deal with certain situations that occur during the transaction. An agent capable of handling difficult transactions can be the key to closing the deal.
However, remember new agents generally more time on their hands. They may be more vigorous in their mission to sell your house. In addition, they have extensive backing from their Broker during situations they may not be familiar with. Don’t discount new agents simply because they are new. Take into consideration whether the other agents you interview already have full plates.
- How quickly will you return my phone calls? Do you have a call back policy?
Some agents return phone calls during specific times each day while others will call you back as soon as they receive the message. Make sure the agent gives you one good phone number that you’ll be able to reach them with at all times.
Don’t conduct your interview as a question/answer interview. Have a real conversation. You need to get a feel for the agent’s personality as well.
Agents that answer your questions stating yes or no are probably not someone you want to deal with. Find an agent that will happily answer your questions extensively so you understand the details of your relationship from the beginning. This will help you avoid any problems down the road.
Ask the agent for references and testimonials from past clients. If they’ve been in the business long enough, they are bound to have quite a few. This can help you weed out an agent that may not be well liked. Don’t just look at the testimonials… READ THEM! How enthusiastic do the sellers sound? Were they ecstatic with the agent’s service? Have they used the agent more than once?
Compare the agents you interviewed to make the final decision of whom to hire. What do you like and not like about each? Make a list and discuss it with family and friends that have been through the process. They may have valuable tips to help you make the right decision.
- BEFORE YOU LIST: Home Inspection
Sometimes Sellers have their home inspected by a Home Inspector “prior” to listing their home. That way there are minimal surprises when you go into contract with a Buyer.
How to find a good Home Inspector and the Process of the Home Inspection
(by Dian Hymer, provided by: doityourself.com)
Ask friends who purchased recently for recommendations. An inspector who is recommended by both your agent and by a friend whose opinion you respect is probably a good bet.
Interview inspectors before you select one. Find out how long the inspector has been inspecting homes in the area. Out-of-area inspectors may not be familiar with local conditions.
Find out how many inspections each inspector does in a year. A good, active inspector will inspect at least two hundred homes a year. Make sure that the inspector’s work full-time doing home inspections and that they are not also in the business of contracting to fix defects uncovered during an inspection.
The state of Texas licenses individuals as home inspectors, but most states do not. In states that do not license home inspectors, virtually anyone can operate as a home inspector. You need to be especially careful hiring a home inspector in a state where licensing is not required.
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is a trade group association for home inspectors. Membership is restricted to applicants with experience. ASHI membership does not guarantee that you will get a good inspection. But, an inspector who is an ASHI member, in good standing, is likely to exhibit a level of professionalism that might not exist with a non-member inspector.
Ask each inspector to describe the scope of the inspection. A home inspector should complete a thorough examination of all the major home components and systems: the --the works. But, some inspectors don't check roofs, others won't check out the drainage system. Make sure that you'll get the kind of inspection you want and need.
Find out what the inspector charges, but don't base your final decision solely on the fee. This is one area where you don't want to skimp. Also, make sure that your inspector has errors and omissions insurance which covers home inspections.
First Time Tip:
Let your home inspector know that you will be attending the general home inspection. This is a must. Schedule the inspection at a time when you can be available, and plan on devoting several hours to this endeavor.
There are several reasons why it's important for you to be there. Attending the inspection allows you the opportunity to ask the inspector about defects while you are at the property. Also, attending the on-site inspection is an excellent learning experience. The inspector will be able to educate you about good home maintenance so that you learn how to preserve your investment.
Transferring home buyers, who are buying long distance, may have difficulty attending inspections. If it's impossible, try to find a friend or relative in the area who can attend the inspection for you and give you a detailed report. Ask him or her, or your real estate agent, to tape record the inspection. The audio tape, and the written report, can be express mailed to you. Call the inspector directly if you have any questions, or for a recap of the inspection.
Your home inspection should be scheduled during daytime hours, on a clear day, and the utilities at the property should be on.
- BEFORE YOU LIST: Maintenance Tips
• Repair leaking taps and toilets.
• Clean furnace and filters.
• Tighten doorknobs and latches.
• Repair cracked plaster.
• Touch up paint.
• Clean and repair windows.
• Repair seals around tubs and basins.
• Replace defective light bulbs.
• Oil squeaking doors.
• Repair squeaking floorboards.
- BEFORE YOU LIST: Tips on Hidden Causes of Water Damage in the Home
In addition to causing destruction, water damage also has an adverse affect to the indoor air quality of your home. Damage from water can cause wood rot, insect infestation and mold.
The obvious causes of water damage are leaking roofs, windows, doors, foundation cracks and visible plumbing leaks. These are fairly easy to detect, enabling a quick repair before maximum damage occurs.
The not-so-obvious culprits are moisture behind finished basement walls that are insulated with fiberglass; poor grading around foundation walls and air leaks that occur between the living space and attic. Insulating finished basement walls with fiberglass is not a good idea. Fiberglass will absorb water and not allow it to travel through the wall, preventing a drying effect.
Some people think installing a plastic barrier in the wall is the answer, but this approach only traps moisture. A better way is to use rigid insulation (also known as blue board). This insulation is semi-permeable and allows moisture to travel through the wall, allowing it to dry.
Water can also enter the basement if the grade of the land is pitched toward the house. Grading the soil away from the house and adding rain gutters will guide rainwater away from the house.
Openings from the house to the attic and poor ceiling insulation in houses located in colder climates can lead to ice dams that cause water to back up into the house. Air leakage from the house to the attic will carry moisture in the form of humidity into the attic that can form water on the underside of the roof leading to rotting and mold.
Typical leakage points between the house and attic are:
• Leaky attic hatches
• Holes drilled for plumbing pipes and electrical wires that penetrate the attic and are usually not sealed
• Recessed light fixtures that are not the airtight type
• Exhaust fans that vent directly into the attic
For those who live in warmer climates, water damage can occur within your walls because of poorly designed air conditioning systems. Systems that are oversized (a larger capacity than necessary) will not remove enough humidity which leads to high moisture levels that condense on cooler surfaces. Duct systems that are imbalanced can draw outside humidity through walls that can produce water in the walls. Mitigating these problems requires a professional.
Repairing the attic problems listed above may seem simple enough, but trying to do it yourself doesn't guarantee you really fixed the problem and can sometimes lead to other problems. Hiring an insulation expert who specializes in building science (also known as a building performance specialist) will ensure the job is done properly and safely. These specialists come equipped with tools such as blower doors, pressure gauges, etc. to quantify the measures taken for the repairs.
The same goes for the air conditioning specialist, he should have duct diagnostic tools to test your ductwork to be sure it is properly designed and performing efficiently. If you are unable to find someone in your area, go to www.energyconservatory.com. They are manufacturers of the required testing instruments and they will have contractors in their database they can recommend.
In addition to taking care of the water damage, your home will be more comfortable; you'll save money on your energy bills and improve your indoor air quality.
By: Ed Bishop
- LISTING YOUR HOME: Choosing your REALTOR ®
The most important decision you will make in the sale of your home is the REALTOR you choose. Be sure to find someone you feel comfortable with. If you don't feel you can ask questions or go to your REALTOR, you have the wrong person. Your REALTOR should show you research to back up any recommendations. This includes information about recent sales, current listings, and recently expired listings in your neighborhood. They should also be able to show you a “cost sheet” so you will know how much you’re closing costs will be on the day you sign your closing documentation. This document will be broken down into columns based on which type of loan the buyer might have. Another document they might ask you for is a “Plat”. You will be able to find it in the file you obtained from the title company when you signed the documentation on your current residence. That will show the home and the homes boundaries and show where the easements are.
Choose a local REALTOR. He or she will know your area better than an outsider, will be seen as a source for people looking to relocate in your neighborhood, and will get better co-operation from other agents. It is likely that any amount you might save by having a friend or relative from outside the area serve as your REALTOR will be lost in their lack of knowledge about your specific local market.
Don’t forget to ask for references from the REALTOR. He or she should be willing to give you names of previous clients. Ask your friends and acquaintances for recommendations, but make your final choice based on your needs. Ask the REALTOR to show you what will be done to market your home. Consider the office and company support available to him or her as well as the initiative and professionalism shown by the individual.
Look for a REALTOR who tells you what he or she knows from experience in the market, and not what they think you want to hear. Flattery may sometimes get the listing, but it doesn't sell the home!
- LISTING YOUR HOME: Setting the Price
When pricing your home, you may consider the price you originally paid, add a substantial markup and presume you’re done. This would be a grave mistake; one that could wind up costing you thousands or end in no sale at all. In order to price your home to sell there are many things that should be considered:
Obtain A Few CMA’s (Comparative Market Analysis):
When interviewing agents, you should obtain CMA’s from each agent offering an idea of the price your home should sell. A CMA details the prices of similar homes recently sold, on-the-market homes as well as homes that simply did not sell in your area.
Be wary of agents attempting to “buy” your listing. An agent practicing this technique will often sweet-talk you with their elevated price recommendation waiting only a few weeks to insist on a price reduction. Be mindful: a home on the market for extended periods become less saleable. People begin to wonder if there are significant defects with the property or whether the seller is truly motivated.
Some agents suggest under pricing your home hoping to start bidding wars amongst hungry home buyers. While this technique may work to an extent in some markets, it is often a wiser decision to market your home at an appropriate price from day one.
Calculate the Price per Square Foot
The average square feet of homes in your area can be considerable help in determining a proper listing price for your home. However, it is not recommended you rely on this tidbit of information solely.
Evaluate Market Trends
How quickly are homes selling in your area? Are prices increasing or decreasing? Are you in prime selling season (typically during spring) or attempting to sell in the drooping winter season? How many offers are sellers typically receiving once on the market? These are only a few of many questions that your agent can help answer.
What Major or Minor Problems Exist Within Your Home?
If you’re in a sellers market you may not need to worry about fixing most problems in your house. Buyers are much more open to problematic homes when they are having a tough time finding one in the first place. However, if you’re in a buyers market it would be wise to fix as many problems in the house as you’re financial able to.
Either way, a home with problems will not generate as much value as a home in almost perfect condition (no home is perfect!). An advisable solution would be to evaluate the potential cost of repairs. Determine whether these costs could be recouped during the sale of your property. It is certainly worthwhile to consult your agent as well as other professionals for matters such as these.
Jazz Up the Deal
Often, buyers come to the table with terms that some sellers are not open to accept. Some include quick sales, lease-options, or asking that closing costs be paid by the seller. If you are motivated to sell offer something up front to attract buyers that may be interested in such terms.
Reaching a listing price can be tricky; however, using reliable information with personal feelings aside, you can reach an acceptable agreement.
Benefits of Proper Pricing
When your home sells faster, you save carrying costs, mortgage payments and other ownership costs. A quicker sale creates less inconvenience for you. If you've moved before, you know the energy it takes to prepare for showings: keeping the home clean, making childcare arrangements, and altering your lifestyle. Proper pricing reduces these demands on you, by helping your home sell faster. At market value your home will gain exposure to more prospects that can afford the price.
Sellers who list at a high price are looking for that one buyer who will pay it, often not realizing that they have discouraged many potential buyers who could have afforded the home. The final sales price is probably one that will be affordable by more purchasers. This is because sellers many times accept a much lower price at a much later date since that one buyer willing to pay the higher price never comes.
When salespeople are excited about a home and its price, they make special efforts to contact all of their potential buyers. Knowing that it is priced properly for its market, they expect it to sell soon and encourage their prospects to act quickly. Their excitement is contagious!
Ad calls and sign calls to REALTORS turn into showings when price is not a deterrent. Most serious prospects are well educated about asking prices in the areas they are seeking. They will not waste their time on a home they consider overpriced.
Buyers fear they might lose out on a good home when it is priced right. They are less likely to make "low ball offers." Better pricing attracts multiple offers!
Bottom line, if a home is priced right, the excitement of the market produces higher sale prices. You net more both in terms of actual sale price and in less carrying costs.
- LISTING YOUR HOME: Creating an Effective Home Marketing Plan
While some agents may put an ad of your home in the local paper and list it in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), there are many additional steps that should be taken to effectively market your home enabling a quick sale at the best price. A devoted REALTOR® will actively market your house using at least a few of the following methods:
Advertising in the MLS
Advertising your listing in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is imperative in any marketing plan! It is typically the first place your agent will begin marketing your house and most often directly responsible for the sale of your house. Years ago, it was used as a medium for agents to market homes to buyers agents, however, with the internet evolving it is now available for buyers to search themselves on many real estate websites.
For Sale Sign in Yard with Brochure Box
For sale signs with professionally designed brochures displayed in a brochure box in your front yard is also essential. This is an inexpensive way to ensure all passersby’s get a chance to notice your house.
Prominent Advertising on Your Agent’s Website
While the MLS is available for buyers to search it is of utmost importance your house also be prominently featured within your agent’s website. While your house is not likely the only listing your agent features you may want to kindly suggest they rotate each listing from the “featured properties” page to the homepage. The added exposure just may help you sell more quickly and your agent will likely appreciate your interest to help.
Advertising in Local and/or National Newspapers
Advertising in newspapers is considered traditional advertising and continues to provide REALTORS® an opportunity to market listings. The downside is the potential cost, especially on Sundays, and rarely results in a sale. It is advisable to request your agent put more effort into other marketing avenues instead.
Advertising in Real Estate Magazines
Many specialty real estate magazines exist for the purpose of marketing listings as well. Most often, these publications feature high end homes. However, just as with newspaper ads they rarely produce qualified leads or end in a sale. While you may like seeing your house marketed in this manner a better option would be to opt for additional website marketing.
Holding Open Houses
There are two types of open houses. One if for the public and generally are held on Sunday afternoons. The other is for agents.
Ordinarily, public open houses don’t result in the sale of a house either. Part of the reason public open houses have failed to lead to sales in the past is the lack of visitors. There are two things that can and should be done to promote the open house and persuade buyers to actually visit.
The first of these is website and search engine marketing. Your agent could easily display an invitation to the open house on the homepage of their website a week prior to the event. Additionally, using online ad programs such as Yahoo! Search Marketing and Google AdWords to further advertise the open house will help draw people at a fraction of the cost of most newspaper ads.
An ad by itself is not likely to draw in a large crowd but the promise of something special to eat will always win over a discerning buyer. This is the second way to increase visitors at your open house. Help your agent prepare a menu of items to attract larger crowds of people.
However, having a public open house is not as likely to bring in many serious buyers as a Broker open house. Broker open houses are held for agents instead of the general public. Since agents viewing your home during a Broker open house already have pre-qualified buyers your chances of selling are heightened.
Providing Buyer Feedback
While this is not technically marketing it is a valuable tool to use to help make your home more marketable. Most agents will leave their business card on a kitchen counter or table after a showing to offer buyer feedback to your agent. Your agent will then gather all cards from you at least once each week. After calling each buyers agent your REALTOR® may provide suggestions to help improve your homes appearance. Discerning buyers will likely disclose their likes and dislikes about your home. These details are infinitely important to the sale of your house.
- LISTING YOUR HOME: What Sellers Should Expect When Listing Their Homes
Listing your home is one of the hardest things about moving. People will want to invade your home, you constantly need to have it clean and ready to show and you end up feeling as though you have no life.........Don’t be discouraged!
Being prepared is half the battle. If you know these things in the beginning, it makes it much easier through the whole process. De-cluttering your home by boxing items you will need to ship and won’t need until after you are done moving is a huge help. This will allow you to have the look of a much bigger home by making it look more open and the buyer will be able to imagine themselves as the owners of your home. Putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls and cleaning the carpets will also do wonders from a buyers point of view with little out of pocket expense to yourself. Watching “Design to Sell” on the Home and Garden channel will give you a lot of ideas to make your home the one the buyers want to purchase.
When that is done the next step is to review our list of “Realtor Professionals” and find one that is just right for you. Someone you can talk to easily and comfortably.
The next step is putting your house on the market. Your realtor will normally hold an open house the first weekend after listing your home. See “Creating a buying mood” below for some tips.
When you find a buyer, you will go into contract. The buyer will make an offer and it is up to you (the seller) as to weather you want to accept that off or wait for a better offer. (Remember, having an offer in hand is better than not having an offer at all. Just make sure you are happy with the offer and you shouldn’t have any problems. The buyer will submit a copy of the “earnest money” check. (Earnest money is money held by the buyers mortgage company and will be applied toward the buyers closing costs). It is a good faith that they only want your property. If the buyer backs out of the deal without good cause, the seller will be able to keep the earnest money.
When all of the paper work is done, the first phase of negotiations is complete. The second part of negotiations will be when the home inspection has been completed. The buyers will get the Home Inspection back and have a certain time limit (per the purchase and sale agreement) as to when they need to contact the sellers and let them know of any health and safety items that might need repairing. All repairs are not always done by the seller, but are negotiated. - Tips for Making a Good Impression
In today's age of consumerism, every buyer is comparative shopping. Make a small investment in time, money and effort to give your home a solid advantage over competing properties. Pay attention to detail now because first impressions count with buyers. You only have one chance and it starts with what often referred to as "curb appeal".
Some tips to create a better curb appeal are:
Create A Buying Mood
- Turn on lights.
- Turn on air conditioner/heater.
- Open the drapes.
- Light the fireplace.
Squeaky Clean
- Clean and freshen bathrooms.
- Clean fridge and stove (in and out).
- Clean around heating vents.
- Clean washer and dryer.
- Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds.
At The Front Door
- Clean porch and foyer.
- Ensure doorbell works.
- Repair screen on door.
- Fresh paint or varnish front door.
- Repair door locks and key access
Exterior Appearance
- Keep lawns cut.
- Trim hedges and shrubs.
- Weed and edge gardens.
- Clear driveway and clean up oil spills.
- Clean out garage.
- Touch up paint.
- Make repairs where needed.
Create Space
- Clear halls and stairs of clutter.
- Store surplus furniture.
- Clear kitchen counter and stovetop.
- Clear closets of unnecessary clothing.
- Remove empty boxes and containers. - Moving Checklist
1. Send change of address to: Post Office, Charge Accounts, and Credit Card Accounts, Friends & Relatives, and Subscriptions. Remember that your notice requires several weeks for magazines.
2. Notify your bank. Transfer funds, arrange check cashing in new city.
3. Insurance: Notify new location for insurance coverage (life, health, fire, auto, homeowner's.)
4. Automobile: Transfer car title, car registration, car tags, driver's license, state windshield sticker, and motor club membership.
5. Utilities: Gas, light, cable TV, water, telephone get refund of any deposits made. Arrange for immediate service in new town. Arrange final reading and change of name for billing.
6. Delivery People: Cancel laundry, newspaper and milk.
7. School: Ask for copies or transfer of children's records. Ask For:Medical records of family and pets.
8. Drug and Eye Contact or Glasses Prescriptions to be transferred. Doctor and Pharmacist recommendations.
9. Letters of Introduction to transfer memberships.
10. Pet requirements in new city.
11. Empty freezer; plan use of foods. Defrost freezer-refrigerator. (Place charcoal to dispel odors.)
12. Have appliances serviced for moving.
13. Clean rugs or clothing, before moving; have them "moving-wrapped."
14. Check with your moving counselor: insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment.
15. Plan for special care needs of infants.
16. Plan garage sale.
17. On your moving day: Carry currency, jewelry, documents yourself; or use registered mail.
18. Plan for transporting pets. (They are poor traveling companions if unhappy.) Make sure you can be found if they become lost.
19. Carry traveler's checks for quick available funds. Tell close friends or relatives your route and schedule (including overnight stops). Use them as "message headquarters."
20. Double check closets, drawers, and shelves (to be sure they are empty).
21. Arrange to leave keys with new tenant, owner or agent.
To find a Realtor in the area you are living in, please go to our “National Relocation Directory”. Interview at least three different Realtors before making your decision. It could make closing on your home much easier when you can find just the right person that fits your personality and your needs.