Moving Your Pets

Moving Your Pets

As you prepare for your move, you should plan on preliminary preparation for your pet so they too can be well prepared. There are many things you can to do make the move less stressful for your pet. This guide will help make your pet's transition into a new home much easier.


Get the Facts
•Once you've made the decision to move to a new home, you will need to do some research. Certain localities may have stringent requirements or restrictions regarding pet ownership. You may need permits or registrations.

•Don't forget to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your pet should have a check-up before moving. Be sure to attain your pet's veterinary records so that they can be forwarded to your new veterinarian.

A Short Move
•For local moves, it probably makes the most sense to transport your pet in the car with you on moving day.

•Remember to make sure that your pet is safe. Keep your pet in an unused room, or perhaps even outside. And of course, as always, your pet should have plenty of fresh water, and enough toys to occupy their time.   Moving Pets by Car •Many dogs and cats may find car travel extremely distressing. Some may even get car sick. You will have to be ready to make many stops along the way. Several small pets (such as birds, guinea pigs, birds, etc.) can be easily transported via automobile. A good, simple way of keeping them calm and quiet is to cover their cage with a cloth.

•Long distance moves may required an overnight stop. Remember to call hotels in advance to make sure that they will allow your pet to stay in the hotel.

Moving Fish
It's wise to visit your local Aquarium or Pet Shop and ask for special fish containers to safely transport your fish. They should be able to offer suggestions on what's best for different types of fish.

Creating A Pet Pack
If you're moving your pet by car, there are several things you should plan on taking with you on moving day:

•An old bed sheet or blanket will protect your car upholstery.

•A favorite toy or two, and an old T-shirt or rag with your scent on it.

•Two plastic containers - one should have fresh water, the other should have food and treats.

•Medications that your pet may need.

•A leash for when you make rest stops with your pet.

•Even if your pet doesn't typically get car sick, it is better to be safe than sorry…bring paper towels, a sponge, and plenty of plastic bags.

Pet Transport
Depending on the temperament and size of your pet, as well as the distance you're moving, it may be make sense to enlist the help of a pet transporter. Reputable pet transporters can organize every aspect of moving your pet from beginning to end. Services provided may include the following:

•Sensible advice on preparing your pet for the trip

•Specific details about requirements or restrictions on pet ownership in your new locality

•Collecting your pet at the airport

•Boarding your pet until you arrive

•Delivery of your pet to your new home.

If you will be transporting your dog or cat by air, you must have the following details in order:

•A recent health certificate provided by your veterinarian

•A pet carrier that complies with airline regulations

•Don't forget to confirm rules and regulations with your pet transporter so that you can purchase any pet products that may be needed.

Trip Tips
•Always take your dog for a long walk before the trip.

•Remember to advise your pet transporter of any specific requirements for your pet.

•You should keep your cat indoors for at least 24 hours at your new home.

•Never feed your pet too much before the trip.

•Unless it is absolutely necessary, it is best not to sedate your pet.

Other Bits and Pieces to Consider
•If your new home will be rented, prepare a pet resume for prospective landlords. Your vet may agree to write a referral letter.

•Always remember to get a new pet ID tag with your new address and contact phone numbers.   Source: "Moving Your Pets", 123Movers.com

Helping Your Kids Handle the Moving Process

Helping Your Kids Handle the Moving Process

Finding moving companies can be challenging enough, moving with a family can be even more difficult. There are a lot of changes going on for you and your family. That's why it is critical to spend some time helping your kids cope with the changes going on around them. The advice set out in this guide will help your move go more smoothly.


When to Move School Age Kids

When your kids are school age, you might be tempted to plan your move for the school holidays. In reality, this can actually make things harder for your kids. School is most likely the first place your kids can be assured of making friends. Thus, moving during the school holidays places your child in unfamiliar and new surroundings at a time when their chances of making friends are low.

•As school resumes, your child may feel even more left out. As the first day return to school is filled with the excitement and hustle and bustle that occurs after a holiday vacation, your child may feel like a stranger.

•When you schedule your move during the school year, it allows your kids to go from one social setting to another.

•The teacher and the other kids will be more willing to show your child some extra special attention when they are the only new person.

Does Age Make a Difference?


•Generally speaking, the younger the child, the better they will cope with the transition of moving to a new home.

•Very young children and infants may be confused. It is a good idea to try to explain to them what's happening and make it like an adventure.

•The biggest worry that school age children endure is whether they will make new friends and fit in easily at their new school.

•Because teenagers' friends provide them with a sense of identity, it is more difficult for teens to feel comfortable with the idea of moving to a new home.

Before the Move

•As you start making plans for your move, remember to focus on what your kids can look forward to.

•After all, if you see your move as an exciting adventure, your kids will also be very enthusiastic.

•Right from the start, you might want to take them with you on house-hunting adventures. In cases where it might not be practical to have them tagging along, don't forget to bring back pictures of hot prospects you're considering.

•After you've found the new home, be sure to take pictures of local places of interest.

Communication is the Key

•Don't forget to keep the channels of communication open. Before and during your move, encourage your kids to tell you about their uncertainties.

•Most likely, you're probably feeling a little nervous about moving too (no matter how promising your new situation is likely to be).

•After your move, spend time together with your family. Listen to each other's stories so that you can be sure how everyone is coping with the change.

Getting the Kids Involved

It's only natural that your kids will want to be involved with what's going on. Some examples of ways to get your kids involved are:

•Asking them to help plan for and organize your garage sale. They could make colorful posters to stick up around the neighborhood.

•Allowing them to choose a small number of toys or other items to keep with them on moving day.

•Empowering them by letting them pack and label a few of their own boxes

•Making sure they have a special job to take care of on moving day. This will help them feel as if they're making a valuable contribution.

•Allowing them to decide how their new rooms should decorated and arranged.

What About Childcare?

•Undoubtedly you will be offered a lot of conflicting advice whether you should keep your kids with you on moving day or arrange childcare.

•Keep in mind that you are the best judge of what's right for your kids.

Saying Goodbye

•It is critical that your children have the enough time to say good-bye to the family members and friends they're leaving behind.

•You should encourage them to exchange contact information. Fortunately, for most of us today, our friends are only a few keystrokes away via e-mail.

Settling In

Understand that it is like that there may be a grieving period for children…it may last a few weeks, perhaps even a few months. Here are a few easy things you can do to make moving easier for your kids.

•Investigate and explore your new neighborhood together. Look for new and exciting things.

•Go to your new child's school with them beforehand…walk around the new school together to help them find their bearings.

•Accompany your kids on their route to school until they are comfortable traveling by themselves.

•Seek out after-school activities where your children can make new friends with similar interests.

•Don't forget to encourage them to keep in touch with old friends.

Keeping an Eye Out for Early Warning Signs

•A major change is always difficult for a child. Even the most well adjusted child can have difficulty coping with moving.

•Be watchful, it's important to pick up on early warning signs that your child may need extra help adjusting.

Here are some things to watch out for:

•Withdrawn behavior

•Loss of appetite

•Problems sleeping, or regular nightmares

•Outbursts of anger or tears

•Reluctance to stray far from the house or family

•Difficulty making new friends

Additional Hints for Moving Kids

•There are children's books that help kids come to terms and understand an upcoming move, and cope with some of the feelings they may be experiencing.

•If you've got young children, it's important to remove dangerous situations and to child proof your home.

•The sooner you teach your kids your new address and phone number, the better.   Source: "Helping Your Kids Handle the Moving Process", 123 Movers.com    

10 Benefits of Selling Your Home During The Holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to sell a house? There’s always that question whether or not you should keep your house on the market for the holidays. You figure that potential home buyers will be preoccupied with buying gifts, planning parties, cooking meals, and visiting relatives; the last thing on their mind is searching for and purchasing a new home, right? For this reason, many home sellers choose to temporarily remove their home from listing, then wait until the new year to relist.

Before you hold off on listing your home until the new year, consider the benefits of listing your home for sale during the holidays, such as:

•Many home sellers either hold off from selling or take a break from selling during the holidays. Inevitably, the amount of listings on the market drop down, which means less competition for your home. With less competition, you could potentially sell your home faster, for more money. Once the market comes back up in the spring time, a lot of sellers will list their homes all at once for lower prices, which may drive the whole market down.

•Home buyers are generally the most motivated during the holiday season, greatly aiding sellers. Although there will be less buyers looking at homes this time of year, the buyers who do look are more serious about closing. “While the traffic is down, the buyers who are out there — when it’s soggy and dark at 4:45 p.m. — they’re not just poking around for the fun of it,” said Billy Grippo, a broker for Windermere Cronin and Caplan Realty Group. “They’re wanting to buy a house.”

•Looking back on statistics, interest rates tend to drop the most at the end of the year. “If we look historically at interest rates, cyclically we’ve seen drops every December through January,” says Rich Hayden, senior loan officer for Home First Mortgage Corp. “While rates are now at all-time lows, we could dip even lower,” he says. Tyler agrees, “Interest rates have to come up sometime but it won’t be during the holidays.”

•Many people purposely choose to purchase a home before the new year to receive a tax write off. Home buyers who close before the end of the year could be eligible for tax credits, such as deductions for home mortgage interest, real estate taxes, and PMI premiums.

•Large companies normally transfer employees in January. Those relocating usually need to buy a house right away and simply cannot wait.

•In the winter months, homes typically show better. The decorations, smell of cookies baking, and a roaring fireplace all give your home a “warm and cozy” feeling. Just make sure you don’t cover up your homes best features with too much holiday decor. Stick to tasteful and simple decorations and learn proper staging techniques for the holidays.

•A lot of companies give their employees time off work for the holiday season, which means potential buyers have more time for showings.

•While all the malls and retail stores may be packed, Lenders and title companies aren’t as busy and can process loans faster. “November and December are historically slower months in the mortgage business, so things get done faster,” says Brad Walbrun, a mortgage consultant for A and N Mortgage Services.

•Most become so consumed in buying gifts for their friends and family, that they completely overlook all the holiday sales and specials on home appliances and hardware. Remodeling, decorating, appliance installation and other home services become more available and at less of a premium.

•Late spring and summer are usually thought of as the best times to put a home on the market because buyer demand builds steadily through spring. If you sell your home in the winter, you’ll have your pick of tons of houses for sale in the spring time.

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean the whole housing market comes to a freeze during the holidays! Buyers... start a new year in a new home!

Be sure to contact your real estate agent to learn how to make the selling process as painless as possible.

Source: "10 Benefits of Selling Your Home During The Holidays " , ShowingSuite.com

How to Organize a Closet For Selling Your House

How to Organize a Closet For Selling Your House - What to Do With Your Stuff

If you are planning to list and sell your house, then you will have to get mean with your stuff. You may be used to seeing it, but for those important "showings" you need to make it look like you have a lot of space, so just how do your organize a closet to look like a showroom and not like you really live there? It is not too hard once you get started.

How to Organize a Closet - If you have been cleaning the house and clearing clutter, remember you can't just stuff it in the closets, as that is one of the first places people look when going through a house. A real estate agent friend of mine, once told me, that when he brings clients through a house for sale, they instantly open closets first, then kitchen cabinets and so on. So, they need to know they have enough space in your house for their own stuff. So you can't jam it all in the garage either!

So, the point of this exercise, is to look like you have clean, organized and roomy closets. To organize a closet to look clean, simply means, taking a lot of it out. But you may want to go further than that. If you have one of those closets where the kids open the door and kick their shoes inside it, (you did tell them to put their shoes and boots in the closet right?) more than likely there are marks on the walls. Closets take a beating, and many times they don't even get a coat of paint at all, or maybe just the painters grade in new houses.

Closets get forgotten when it comes to painting a room, because no one wants to empty them, so they may be sporting the same color as the bedroom color which may now be totally different.

These marks and dirt may not show up much with a stuffed closet, but if you want a showroom style closet, you need to empty it right out. Lightly wash the walls and then paint it. I know this seems like a lot of work, but nothing looks cleaner than a fresh coat of paint in a closet. Stick to your neutrals or the same color as your trim. Not dark colors, something light and fresh. Make sure you cover the carpet in the closet with a drop cloth.

Once you have it painted, then clean the carpet that is in there too. You don't want dirty carpet in there. If it is really bad and you can't replace it, purchase a nice looking mat to sit on the carpet in there, and place a few pairs of nice shoes on it, so it looks neat and clean.

Closets tell a prospective buyer a bit about you. If they are jammed to the ceiling, this will not look good. They can't see what shape the walls in the closet are in, and now assume they will have to paint in there, plus the fact, it looks like you don't have enough storage.

Now you need to deal with all the stuff you dragged out of there. If you have the time, you should quickly separate this stuff into 3 piles. The stuff you will keep, the stuff you will give away or donate, and then garbage if you have totally worn out sneakers.

Once you have the closet all nice and clean and freshly painted, now it is time to take your keep pile, and you may have to thin this out a bit too. So, if you have a lot of stuff that still needs to go back into this closet, then get yourself a plastic tote, and take the seasonal stuff you are not using right now, and tuck away in this tote.

Now nicely put other things in this closet. I was told by my friend the agent, that putting clothes or coats on a hangers so that they don't touch, makes the closet look big and roomy.

Take your tote with the stuff you want to keep and along with other things you have taken out of the house, and invest in a rental storage unit, just while your house is for sale. You may think this seems like a waste of money, but by getting the extra stuff out of your house and closets and off the property is the best way to show your house. No point in clearing clutter and spending all that time on organizing closets, just to have it all piled up in the garage or shed. They will find it!

Remember, they are looking to buy your home, if they come across a area filled with boxes and totes from cleaning out the house, then they are going to believe that you don't have the storage room in this house.

So do the above to all your closets, and clear out some clutter from the main living areas, and then rent that unit. Your house will look clean and organized. It may seem hard to live in it like this, but if you store off season things and things you don't use much or won't need for the next month or so, your house will look like a showroom, and it will be much easier to keep clean for those last minute showings.

So, if you want to know how to organize a closet to look showroom great? Recap: clear it out into 3 manageable piles to go through for keeping or donating or throwing away. Clean and repaint the inside of the closet, put things back in and don't let the hangers of selected clothes touch, to give the impression of lots of room. Then rinse and repeat for the other closets in the house.

Remember, when you are restocking your closet, don't put your stinky old sneakers back in there, or your dirty laundry, keep your best shoes on the floor in sight, so it looks like you do live there, but neatly!

Source: "How to Organize a Closet For Selling Your House - What to Do With Your Stuff", InfoBarrel

Tips for Showing Your Home During the Holidays

Tips for Showing Your Home During the Holidays
by Michele Dawson

While the holiday season is a hectic time to show and sell your house, there are distinct advantages to staging and showing your home during the holidays - you have a chance to show your home at its very best, adorned with warmth and cheer sure to charm.

Nothing is more inviting than a home brimming with greenery, twinkling lights and holiday decorations.

So as you set out to win over a holiday homebuyer during this traditionally slow time of the year, keep the following in mind as you prepare to show your house:

•Curb appeal. First impressions are important. If you live in a snowy area, make sure walkways are cleared. Or if late fall leaves are littering the ground, be sure to clear them away. Also make sure the path to the stairs is free from ice.

•A few exterior holiday lights or decorations shows pride in ownership and seasonal cheer, but keep in mind that while exterior lights are beautiful at night, they don't add anything during the day when potential homebuyers will be looking at your home, so you don't want to overdo it. Another thing to consider: would-be buyers may view it favorably if the homes are brimming with lights - it shows unity and neighborliness - so you'll want to find a tasteful balance.

*Trim outdoor trees so unexpected winds don't knock down branches that could damage your home or hurt anybody.

•Place a nice welcome holiday mat outside your front door.

•Make sure your door area is clear from bicycles, toys or parcels left by the mail carrier.

•Hang a festive wreath on your door.

•Play holiday music in the background.

*Keep the house cozy. Entering a cold house could leave a lasting chilling impression. Instead, set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature.

•A toasty fire. If you're only stepping out while an agent is showing your house, start a fire in the fireplace. Nothing says home more than a nice cozy fire. But never leave a fire unattended.

•Your tree. This year you'll need to think about your tree more than you usually do. For starters, if your house is on the small side, get a smaller tree. You don't want the tree to appear to take over the entire living or family room. Likewise, you don't want to cram too much furniture into a room just to get the tree to fit. Remove furniture if necessary.

*Keep decorations on the conservative side. Not all home shoppers may celebrate the holidays in the manner you do. You don't want to overwhelm anybody with abundant displays of holiday cheer. You want your house to be noticed, not your decorations.

•If your house is being viewed in the evening, let your agent know which tree and other holiday lights should be turned on. And be sure the agent turns the lights off or you have a plan to be home immediately following the showing.

•Bake holiday cookies and treats often. The enticing smell will be welcome to those viewing your house.

•Be especially careful about ensuring your home security system is turned back on after agents show your house, especially if you have gifts under the tree.

•Windows. Make sure your windows are sparkling clean.

•Let the light in. Open blinds and curtains and turn on interior lights to reduce the dreary lighting that pervades in the dark winter months.

•Leave some holiday treats and hot chocolate for your guests.

Finally, keep in mind that the holiday adornments should accent - not dominate - the house. You want to convey the love, comfort, and joy your family has shared in the house. If conveyed successfully, a new family will be anxious to move in and carve out their own holiday memories.


Source: "Tips for Showing Your Home During the Holidays" by Michele Dawson, Realty Times

Moving: Packing Tips

Moving: How to pack your home

* Wear shoes with good arch support and full-foot coverage. If weather permits, also wear long sleeves, jeans, and socks to help avoid injuries.

* Gather supplies: boxes (small, medium, and large), packing tape, roll of bubble wrap for fragile pieces, permanent black markers, band-aids, ice packs, pain reliever, trash bags, a wardrobe box for each person in the house, a good sense of humor, and anything else you’ll need.

*When acquiring boxes, make a stop at your local liquor or wine store to grab a few boxes with divided inserts. These boxes are perfect for safely transporting alcohol and other kitchen liquids like vinegar and olive oil. (If moving across state lines, check regulations for transporting alcohol and make certain to abide by these laws.)

*Make a hotel reservation for the night you arrive at your new place. Your goal will be to get the best night’s sleep possible so you can start refreshed for your first day of unpacking. You’ll also want a shower after moving stuff all day, and it’s best to not have to worry about making sure these things can easily happen.

*Clear floorspace in your home in four different locations and mark each area: Packed Boxes to Move, Charity Donations, Giveaway/Return, and Sell. These areas are where you will put these items until you’re finished packing your things. You will likely need at least a 10′ X 10′ area to hold the Packed Boxes to Move. Also, the area holding items you intend to sell should be easily accessible from the front door or in your garage so that potential buyers can see the product without having to climb over boxes and mess in your home.

*If you have children under the age of five, see if a grandparent, friend, or babysitter can keep your child occupied while you work.

*Your first act of packing should be a suitcase with two weeks of clothing and supplies. Be sure to include your toothbrush and toothpaste, a couple bath towels, soap, shampoo, hair dryer and anything else that is part of your daily hygiene routine.

*Your second act of packing should be an essentials kit — but don’t tape it up! These will be the last items you take out of your current house and the first items you unpack in your new place. These will be things like cleaning supplies, two or more rolls of toilet paper, a frying pan, a few paper plates and plastic utensils, sheets for all the beds, and anything else you will need the first couple days in your new place.

*Make large print signs for your new home with room names: Living Room, Family Room, Master Bedroom, Sally’s Room, Sally’s Bathroom, etc. These signs will make it easier on you and anyone helping you move boxes into your new place. Bring a roll of painter’s tape with you in your essentials kit and plan to hang the signs immediately upon getting access to your new place.
As you move throughout your home packing boxes, I recommend starting with the heaviest items that will form the base of your Packed Boxes to Move area. Books are almost always a good item for this. Use small boxes, and group similar types together (cookbooks with cookbooks, children’s books with children’s books).

*Label the top and all four sides of a box with a short explanation of what is in the box (Toys) and what room the box should be placed in at the new house (Bobby’s Room). You want to label the top and sides so that the box can be facing in any direction and you can still know what is inside it and where to take it.

*Try your best not to mix different types of things in boxes (your shoes shouldn’t be with your coffee mugs). If this is unavoidable, at the very least do not mix items that belong in different rooms. Only pack kitchen things with other kitchen things, bathroom things with other bathroom things, etc.

*Sort and clean everything before packing it. If you never plan to use eight vases, put some of the vases in the Donate to Charity pile. The key is to not pack to move ANYTHING you don’t want in your new home. Clear the clutter now so you don’t have to spend time and energy moving it.

*Only use trash bags for trash. This will keep you from accidentally throwing something valuable away. If you want to use trash bags for transporting charity items, use differently colored bags (black for trash, white for charity) and write DONATION in big letters on the bag. Be sure to let the ink dry before using the bag.

*Set packing goals the same way you set other goals in your life. Be as specific as possible: Pack the living room on Monday, the garage on Tuesday, or whatever systematic method works best for you.

*Take breaks at least once an hour for five or ten minutes. Your sanity depends on it.

 Source: "Moving: How to pack your home", Unclutterer.com

How to Buy a Second Home

How to Buy a Second Home

by Shannon O'Brien

 

Lots of things are better in twos: heads when making decisions, aces at the blackjack table and houses. That is, if you can afford two of them.

Sometimes the good stuff comes in twos by accident.

Cheryl J. owned a lovely two-bedroom condo in Las Vegas. When she married and got pregnant (with twins!) she and Jack decided to purchase a single-family home with a yard for the kids. Because the market was depressed, they kept the condo, renting it out.

 

Whether you decide to purchase a second home for a vacation retreat or to make some extra income, if you can afford it, it’s a great investment. Affordability, however, is the main criteria when considering a second home.

 

Can You Afford to Buy a Second Home?

 

If you’re less-than-wealthy, you’ll need to crunch some numbers to ensure you can truly afford a second home. Remember: it’s not just the purchase price that needs to be affordable. Plan on the same ongoing expenses with this house as you have with your primary residence: taxes and insurance, for instance.

Then, factor in the additional expenses involved with owning a home that you don’t live in full-time, such as hiring a property manager.

 

If you can’t charge enough in rent to cover the monthly expenses, you’ll need a cash reserve to help out. Financial managers recommend that you stash away enough money to cover a year’s worth of rental income and maintenance.

 

Qualifying to Buy a Second Home

 

Once you’ve determined that you can truly afford a second home, if you can’t pay cash for it, you’ll need a mortgage loan.

You’ll find that the qualifications for a mortgage on a second home are a bit more stringent than when purchasing your first home, according to the experts at Dow Jones’ Smartmoney.com. Plus, the standards for purchasing a vacation property versus an investment property are different. The benefits of choosing to buy a vacation home, rather than an investment property, include:

• Guidelines for purchasing vacation homes are more lenient than those for investment properties.
• Down payment requirements are generally more relaxed.
• Interest rates are typically better.

 That said, you will still need to come up with a larger down payment than you would were you purchasing a home you intend to live in – from 20 to 35 percent of the purchase price, depending on the lender.

 

Lenders also require a higher credit score for loans on second homes. Again, this varies by lender, but the general rule is that you’ll need your credit score to be in the 725 to 750 range. Shop around for a loan because guidelines vary between lenders.

The Second Home and Taxes

 

It’s a good idea to meet with an accountant before finalizing the paperwork on the second home. The deductibility of mortgage interest on your taxes relies heavily on whether the home is viewed as a vacation retreat or a business investment.

 

If it’s truly a second home, and not a rental, you can deduct all of the interest you pay – up to debt of $1.1 million – if the debt is secured by both of your homes.

The same holds true for property taxes. As long as the second home is treated as a home and not an investment, taxes are deductible, according to the experts at Kiplinger’s.

Renting out the home presents a different set of problems and benefits. If you rent out the second home for more than 14 days out of the year, the rental income must be reported to the Internal Revenue Service and you’ll be taxed on it. Rental expenses, however, such as management fees, are deductible.

 

Situations vary, so if you plan to buy a second home, be sure to seek tax advice from a professional.

 

Source: "How to Buy a Second Home", RealEstate.com