When is the right time to buy?

There is never a simple answer when asking the question, when is the right time to buy? There are so many factors that go into decision making and a lot of unknowns in the process. Reasons that are good for you to buy now may not be the same for someone else and visa versa.

 

  • Affordability
    • Don’t worry too much about the market because let’s be honest no one really knows what prices are going to be like. Yes, people can predict but that means nothing. If you can afford the house right now, just get it, who knows how much it will be worth later on.house

 

  • Size Matters
    • How long are you planning on staying? If you plan on living the house for awhile go ahead and get your dream mansion. If you plan on selling in the new future a smaller house would be better because they appreciate more than larger homes.house2

 

  • Where are you?
    • Depending on the location means there will be different utility costs, taxes and homeowner fees. Though a house may be cheap that doesn’t necessarily mean that living there will be too.house3

 

  •  Inspect
    • This may cost you a little bit of money but better safe than sorry. The inspector may be able to find things you couldn’t and end up saving you thousands of dollars.

 

 

  • There is no right answer to home buying. But make sure you are thinking about all the little things that could end up costing you huge in the end. If it feels right it usually is.

 

Tips and Advice from Professional Movers

Relocating can be a daunting task. In addition to having to deal with all of the logistical details and potentially stressful situations, you are facing the uncertainty of a new environment. To relieve your anxiety we put together this simple step-by-step timeline guide. Now you can check the items off the list and move into your new situation with confidence and peace of mind.

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Four to Six Weeks before the Move

  • Clean out your closets, cupboards, toy chests, shelves, attic, garage and basement. It is a good idea to discard anything you do not want or need. A rule of thumb is if you did not use something in the last year or two, chances are you do not really need it. Consider having a garage sale, gift unwanted items to friends and neighbors or donate them to charities. You may be able to collect a tax receipt on the value of your donation.
  • Arrange to collect any advance or security deposits on utilities or rentals. These could be a nice addition to your tight relocation budget.
  • Evaluate whether to ship your appliances and old furniture. Consider how old they are and how well they will fit into your new decor. Make sure you do not bring a gas stove into an electric home. Also, if your refrigerator, washer or dryer will not fit in your new home, consider leaving them behind.
  • Make a complete list of items to be moved. Decide which plants will come with you and which will stay behind.
  • Use up your food. Frozen foods can not be shipped safely. It is likewise unnecessary to carry a heavy load of canned or packaged foods with you.
  • Notify the security company and all other regular service providers such as lawn or snow removal companies of your moving date.
  • Notify your post office, subscription publications, and other correspondents of your moving date and provide them with your new address.
  • Check your homeowner’s insurance and make arrangements to renew your policy. You should contact an insurance company at your destination.
  • Check the status of your club memberships. The money you paid in advance may be refunded or you might consider transferring the membership to a friend.
  • Consult your veterinarian regarding your pet’s travel needs and make the necessary preparations
  • Collect the items you lent to your friends such as books and CDs and give back all the items you borrowed. Do not forget to return library books and video rentals.
  • Research schools in your new neighborhood and register your children. Make arrangements to transfer all necessary school records.
  • Check your checking and savings accounts. Plan for transfer of deposits so you will not lose interest. If needed, your bank or Credit Union can be used as a credit reference.
  • Plan your moving date and take into consideration your travel plans and the closing date of your new home.

Two to Three Weeks before the Move

  • Verify the date of your departure and contact the telephone, electric, gas and water companies to confirm the date to discontinue services. Notify your realtor or landlord. Make arrangements with utility companies at your new location to start services on the date of your arrival. Absence of vital utility service is very uncomfortable and often leads to unnecessary expenses for temporary accommodations and meals.
  • Discontinue newspaper delivery, sanitation and any other regular services.
  • Make sure to check fitness club, school or gymnasium lockers for stored belongings.
  • Ask your friends or your current doctors for referrals in the new location. Transfer medical records and get all necessary prescriptions. If any family members have ongoing medical or dental treatment programs, arrange for prorated payments with professionals in your new area.
  • Check the contents of your safety-deposit box. It is advisable to carry all valuables (such as jewelry, insurance policies, legal documents and important collections) with you or send them by insured or certified mail.
  • DO NOT SHIP combustible or flammable items such as oil-base paint, bleach, cleaning and lighting fluids, matches, ammunition and aerosol cans, including hair sprays, shaving creams, deodorants and household cleaners.

One Week before the Move

  • Keep detailed records and receipts of all your moving expenses. In Canada, depending on your situation, Canada Revenue Agency allows you to claim these expenses on your income tax as long as you are moving farther than 40km.
  • Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, chain saws, snow blowers, gas grills and kerosene heaters. If you are shipping cars and motorcycles they should have only a quarter of a tank of gas.
  • Prepare a “safety box” for last on and first off the van. Include all essentials from your kitchen and bathroom as well as medications and first-aid supplies. Also, include a set of tools with a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, nails and screws.
  • Prepare your children for the move by encouraging them to prepare their own special treasure box with toys, games and snacks for the trip.
  • Defrost and clean your fridge and freezer at least a day before the move.
  • Remove snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways and steps.
  • Put linens and pillows in dresser drawers to have handy for making up your beds the first night. Place draperies lengthwise on hangers and hang in a closet, the movers will place them in wardrobe cartons.
  • Keep your telephone connected throughout your moving day.

Day before the Move

  • If you ordered a packing crew, it will usually arrive the day before loading. Make sure to stay at home and supervise the packing. Pack all valuables you want to take with you by yourself.
  • Make sure fragile items receive special attention. Label each box with the contents and location in the new home.
  • Collect all house keys and arrange to leave them with the new owners, your real estate agent or landlord. You may want to notify the police if your home will be unoccupied for some time.
  • Notify a close friend or relative of your itinerary in case of an emergency.

Day of the Move

  • Compare the mover’s inventory with your records and make sure you agree on the condition of your household goods. You may want to take photographs incase a dispute arises. Make sure you get a copy of the inventory list.
  • Give a last minute check to every room and closet before the van leaves. Make sure the water, furnace and air conditioner are shut off, windows are shut and locked, and the lights are switched off.
  • Check the Bill of Lading for accuracy and completeness before you sign it. Keep a copy for your records.
  • Make sure you have the van driver’s name and contact information, and give him contact numbers at the destination. Confirm directions to your new home with your driver.
  • Turn off the water heater. Set the thermostat at 15 degrees.

Moving in Day

  • Be at your new home before the movers. You may be charged for waiting if you are late.
  • Contact utility companies to verify service start dates.
  • Check the appliances, furnace and hot-water heater. Contact a repair service if something is not working.
  • Place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance, so the movers know where to place each piece of furniture.
  • Check the condition of each box or household item as it is unloaded. Make a list of all missing or damaged items on the mover’s copy of the inventory form. Since you will do most of the unpacking after the movers leave, it is a good idea to make a “subject to inspection for loss or concealed damage” note on the inventory form. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to your salesperson or move coordinator.
  • To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used before they have a chance to adjust to room temperature.
  • Call Canada Post to find out if they are   holding any mail for you and ask the services to start.

After You Settled

  • Obtain necessary IDs such as driver’s license, health card, etc.
  • Register your car at the new address. Most provinces allow 90 days grace period.
  • Contact newspapers and other services for home delivery.
  • Walk in your neighborhood to get a good idea what is around and where to find things.
  • Check opening and closing hours of stores and service facilities.
  • Make friends with your neighbors.
  • Consult an attorney about any local laws that might be different from your previous residence. These will affect your family as soon as your new residence is established.
  • Register to vote.

 http://www.moveinandout.com/moving_tips.aspx

Secrets to a Successful Move

Busy moving season is right around the corner

By Diane Benson Harrington

Planning to move this summer? You’re not alone — summer is the busiest time of year for professional movers, according to the American Moving and Storage Association. It’s an arduous process, but these tips will make your transition much smoother.
  • If you’re planning to use a moving company, call now. As busy as they are, they usually need plenty of notice — often at least six weeks or much more if you’re moving a long distance.
  • Be sure to build in some overlap between the closing/possession date of your new home and the last day of the lease on your rental (or closing date of your current home). Moving always takes much longer than you think. If you want to make any changes to your new home — for instance, paint some walls, put in new carpeting or refinish wood floors — plan enough time to do it BEFORE you move in so your furniture and belongings are not in the way.
  • Pare down your belongings. There’s no sense moving things you don’t need or want. Look through your house for rarely used items. Discard anything that’s beyond repair, have a yard sale to get rid of the rest, and plan to load unsold merchandise into your car right away so you can take it to the charity of your choice.
  • Make notes about your new house — room measurements, door measurements, location of electric/cable/phone outlets — so you can determine exactly where your belongings will go. Measure appliances to make sure they fit the space available. When I moved from Florida to Colorado, I measured my refrigerator’s width but not its depth. I hadn’t taken my new kitchen’s floor plan into consideration, and my fridge stuck out so far that I couldn’t open the dishwasher. I’ve also had friends who bought wonderful overstuffed furniture, only to find they couldn’t get it through the doorways of their new house.
  • If the previous homeowners are taking their curtains and blinds, you’ll want to measure windows in places you want privacy immediately (like bedrooms and bathrooms) and buy curtains or blinds before you arrive.
  • Start arranging now for phone and utility hookups. Phone companies, especially, now need a few days (or even a week or more) to get you connected. Arrange now for the type of internet connection you want (if it’s DSL or broadband rather than dial-up), and order extra phone jacks or cable outlets if you need them. Fill out a change of address form with the Post Office. If you have automatic debits on your bank account, alert your creditors if you’re changing banks.
  • You can buy boxes and packing material from a moving company or other sources, but that can be expensive. Instead, ask grocery stores, electronics stores and office supply stores for their discarded boxes. They usually large enough, sturdy enough — and free. Invest in a tape gun, and start saving up newspapers (ask your friends for theirs, too) so you’ll have plenty of packing material if you don’t want to buy bubble wrap.
  • Be sure to pack a box of essentials — a telephone, a couple of changes of clothes, a few pots/pans/dishes/utensils, toiletries, medications — to get you through the first few days. Also, if your mover is late and there are items you couldn’t live without for a few days (like a computer, if you work from your home), consider taking that in your own car.
  • If using a mover, be sure to pack any small, nonbreakable, valuable items (such as jewelry) separately so you can take it with you in your own car. Large valuable items, such as artwork or electronics, should be clearly noted on the mover’s inventory form in case of damage during transit. Do buy insurance to cover any damage that may occur. (Note: movers generally will not insure anything that you pack yourself unless the box itself is missing.)
  • Take the time to record the makes, models and serial numbers of your electronics and other items in a notebook or on a sheet of paper. Put this information, along with owners’ manuals, extra keys, birth certificates, car titles, wills, insurance information, and other vital documents, in a special folder that you’ll keep with you. In your new home, find a place for this folder (or put it in a safety deposit box), so you’ll always know where these important papers are (and can easily grab it in case of a fire).
  • Clean as you pack. Unpacking is hard enough work without the added effort.
  • If you’re renting right now, be sure to clean your apartment or rental house so you don’t risk losing your security deposit.
  • Before you unpack, get a clean start by wiping out drawers and cupboards, sweeping out closets and solid-surface floors and vacuuming the carpets. Next, make up the beds and put towels in the bathrooms. Then you can take your time with the rest of the unpacking.

Tips to begin the search for your new home

House hunting is never an easy task. But going into this process with a game plan can help you out tremendously. Here are great tips to help you begin the search for your homes for sale in St. George, UT.

  1. Make a list of your wants and needs. This includes everything from the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, floorplan layout and features.
  2. Research and review your desired area (school district, shopping centers, commute to your job and crime in the area). This will help you get a better feel of where you’ll be living.
  3. Know your financial situation ahead of time. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a home you can’t afford.  Contact a lender to see how much you qualify for and get pre-approved for a loan.
  4. Just because you qualify for a certain amount doesn’t mean you have to spend that much.
  5. Save your money to put down a larger down payment on your homes for sale in St. George, UT, pay closing costs and to furnish your new home.
  6. The homes you’ve viewed may start to blend together after viewing many properties. Document this process by taking notes and snapping pictures to remember the specific features of each home.
  7. Patience is key. This process may take some time, but never lose sight of your end goal.
  8. Don’t rush into buying your homes for sale in St. George, UT. This is a big deal and major investment so remember, don’t settle.

Ence’s Simple Home Buying Process

You’ve been thinking about buying a new home. Now is the time to stop thinking about purchasing that home and taking the necessary steps to own a Southern Utah homes for sale. With Ence Homes the process is easy.The first step is to connect with an Ence Representative who will introduce you to the various floorplans you can choose from. Once you pick your floorplan it is time to secure your loan and sign a purchase agreement. An Ence Representative will assist you during this process and they’ll be with you from concept to completion of your project.

The next step is to customize your home to select all the right features for your Southern Utah homes for sale with the help of the Ence Homes Design Center.

Once you have your homes design locked down it’s time to build your home. From there a community specialist and project manager will keep you in the know of the home building process. They’ll be on standby to answer any questions you may have and will send pictures to update you on the various stages of building.

After your home is complete it’s time to close on your home and get ready to move into your new home. A Homeowner Orientation meeting is available to acquaint you with the ins and outs of your home from warranty coverage to maintenance. You’ll sign the title papers and get the finances transferred during a closing appointment. Finally, keys will be handed over to make you the official homeowner.

As you can tell Ence’s home buying process is simple. So, contact a Representative to get started on your Southern Utah homes for sale today.

Tips to Make Moving to your New Home Easier

Moving is a fun and exciting time. But as you prepare to move into your St. George, UT new homes sale there are many things to keep in mind to make your move a smooth and easy process. Ence Homes suggests the following tips to make moving to your new home easier. 

Plan – have a strategy for moving into your new home. Create a checklist to stay organized, pack one room at a time and pack non-essential items first. Hold onto your receipts, keep track of your spending and inventory. Decide where you’re going to place your furniture before hand to situate yourself quicker. You should categorize your boxes with colored stickers or mark them specifically to know what’s in the boxes and where they are going.

 Kicking Kitchen – your St. George, UT new homes sale kitchen will be the heart of your home. Unpacking your kitchen and setting this room up first and making it functional  

Luggage – utilize your suitcases and duffle bags by filling them up with your linens, clothes and bath towels and kitchen towels. You’ll be able to easily spot these items in your new home versus packing them in boxes.

Out With the Old – there is no need to take excess papers and or belongings with you. Go through any clothes you may no longer wear or want and any items you no longer use or need and get ride of them. Check to see if you can donate, recycle, throw away or have a yard sale so you’re not bringing them into your new home. 

Safe Keeping – it’s important to keep your important documents and equipment like birth certificates, jewelry, financial records, school records, prescriptions and other items together and in a safe and easy place to find. Transport these items yourself to your St. George, UT new homes sale.

 

In the Know – Notify all appropriate companies and people of your move including your credit card companies, employers, bank, post office, utility companies and friends of your change of address.