Making Moving Fun For The Whole Family

Moving to a new home can be a stressful experience for anyone.  From the moment the house hunt begins to the day one steps foot into a new abode, relocating can be an intense process – especially when children are involved.  More often than not, the home serves as a special source of security and comfort for children, so it’s no wonder why many families have concerns about leaving their familiar surroundings.  After all, kids tend to be reluctant to change their clothes let alone their addresses, schools and friends!

Talking to kids before a move can help get them ready both emotionally and physically. Parents who communicate with their children that moving is an exciting adventure rather than something frightening or dreadful are likely to reduce some of the stress and help make moving more enjoyable for everyone.

Below are six suggestions for how to make moving fun for the entire family:

Explore the neighborhood.  Between the time you close on a new home and the time the moving truck arrives, spend a “family day” touring the new neighborhood.  This will take some of the “mystery” out of the move.  Pointing out local attractions and introducing children to their new neighbors and school will help get them excited about their new surroundings and reassure them that they will be able to make friends after the move.

Make a family wish list.  One of the best ways to acclimate your child to change is to emphasize the positive opportunities they’ll be presented with once the family makes the adjustment.  Write a list of all of the things your child wants to do once the family is settled in the new home.  By encouraging your child to get involved with extracurricular activities that align with existing interests, you’ll not only keep them busy but help them to feel more at home in their new surroundings.

Pack a treasure box.  It’s no secret that children can become very attached to their belongings.  Consider giving your child his / her own packing box to decorate however they would like and to pack up their favorite things.  Keep the box close by throughout the move.  This way your child can be sure those precious items will not be left behind.

Let loose your child’s creativity.  Kids will appreciate being involved in decorating their new house – especially when it comes to their own rooms!  Bring home paint swatches so that your child can choose a color for the walls.  Then follow up with a special day where he / she can shop for a new comforter, furniture, etc.  Being reasonable with his / her selection and allowing your child to be creative will help make the transition smoother – after all, it’s only paint!

Help your kids create an address book.  Staying in touch with friends has never been easier.  Help your child collect phone numbers, mailing and email addresses for everyone they would like to keep in touch with.

Pre-plan a housewarming party with friends from the old neighborhood. Saying goodbye to friends can be difficult for parents and their children.  Before the big moving day arrives, plan a gathering at your new home with pals from the old neighborhood.  Having a date set in advance will help your child to see that just because the family is leaving behind a particular home, does not mean they are leaving behind friends.

Tips for Moving with Pets

While moving to a new home is very exciting, relocating can be a stressful process for every member of the family – including pets.  More often than not, a move means that all familiarity is gone.  From where to hide a bone to where to nap in the sun, the pet’s sense of security and comfort has suddenly been altered.

Below are five suggestions for how to make moving a little less ruff for four-legged members of the family.

Plan ahead. From start to finish, moving to a new home involves a lot of planning. Pet parents should decide as soon as possible where their pet’s belongings – toys, water dishes, etc., — will go in the new home.  If the pet’s only car ride has been to the veterinarian, pet parents should get him or her accustomed to traveling by bringing them along on visits to the future home.

Take them on a walk-through to get them acclimated. For home buyers with pets in tow, it is important to help their companions become acclimated to their new life early on. During a visit to the future home, pet parents should take their four-legged friend on a personal tour, showing them their new play area and “bathroom.”  By scoping out all of the new scents and sights the pet will start to acquaint itself with their new digs.  Cats may feel more comfortable exploring one room at a time so start in the bathroom, a smaller space, and let them take their time coming out of the carrier to explore.

Get new pet tags. With doors opening and closing and people entering and exiting, pets will likely have more opportunities to get loose during a move than they did while living in the previous home.  As soon as the contract is signed, home buyers should purchase a new tag with their pet’s name, new address and phone number.  If the pet has a microchip, pet parents should also contact the company and have their pet’s ID information updated in their database. If a pet escaped during the move, it would be very difficult for them to find their way back to a home they barely know.

Be extra security conscious. The first few days in a new home can spook even the most laid-back pet. Pet parents should make sure their pet’s collar fits securely and, unless the backyard at the new home is securely fenced in, keep their pet on a leash when heading outdoors.   Also, take a full inspection of the house looking for openings a pet can crawl into or other safety hazards before letting the animal explore. Once they are off their leash or out of their carrier, be sure to keep a close eye on them.

Continue with business as usual.  After moving into the new home, pet parents should try to stick to their pet’s daily routine as closely as possible by feeding them, playing with them and walking them at the same times they did while living in the previous home. Such consistency will enable pets to get used to their new life more quickly.

Pick the Right Agent for You

A trusted real estate agent provides experienced counsel, guidance and unparalleled local expertise – all essential ingredients for anyone on the hunt for a home.  But for first-time home buyers, the first step can be one of the most intimidating.

Here are tips to identify the right real estate professional:

Ask around: Friends and family can be the first source of helpful information.  Referrals are the leading source of finding an agent.

Questions for potential candidates: As you meet potential agents, you should feel empowered to determine if the agent’s personality and skills are a good match.  Some of the key questions that might help you make a decision include:

○        What is your experience in the local area?

○        What is the average price point of homes that you help people buy and sell?

○        Tell me about the brokerage firm where your work?  How long has it been around?

Examine their online presence: Many real estate professionals are especially savvy when it comes to marketing themselves online.  They list their areas of specialty.  Some post tours of their local areas, demonstrating their expertise.  If the person is highly-visible and socially active online, it is also a good indicator that he or she is connected to the right tools and technology that come in handy for home buyers.

Go with your gut: After consulting with friends and family, doing research and looking online, the buyer’s instinct is often right on.  He or she will have a good “gut” feeling as to whether a person will be a good fit for the house-hunting process.

Staging your Home for First-Time Homebuyers

When it comes to staging a home for sale, it is important that sellers create a warm and inviting atmosphere that will appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. Today, due to an abundance of low-priced homes to choose from and historically low interest rates, first-time homebuyers account for a greater number of these potential buyers than ever before. But sellers looking to attract this coveted demographic need not do a complete design overhaul. Staging a home for first-time homebuyers is easier than one might think.

Below are simple staging tips to help boost a home’s appeal and give owners the competitive edge necessary when selling a home.

Stage rooms with one purpose. Extra rooms that have a mishmash of uses can confuse and even deter first-time homebuyers, so staging rooms with one purpose is vital. Keep in mind that these buyers are generally young couples without children, and rooms should be presented as areas equipped to meet their needs. So turn those playrooms and storage dens into a home office or the kids’ bedroom into a guest bedroom.

Tackle the easy “do-it-yourself” projects. To ensure that a home is in tip top shape make sure to replace outdated kitchen and bathroom fixtures, apply a fresh coat of paint to a worn wall and refinish the kitchen cabinets. Providing a sleek and modern look wherever possible can make a huge difference in the eyes of first-time homebuyers.

Focus on the living areas. A living room is an area in which potential first-time buyers should be able to envision themselves entertaining friends or gathering with their family. With that in mind, homeowners should make the area appear as large and functional as possible by removing any unnecessary furniture and decorations.

Make sure the master bedroom appeals to both sexes. The master bedroom of a couple’s first home is often the first bedroom they will share. When staging this room, make sure that it appeals to buyers of both sexes.  Remove any feature that seems too gender-specific and paint the walls a neutral color.

Furnish the home, but don’t overdo it. While an empty home looks spacious, it is hard for new buyers to visualize their belongings in a home if they are staring at ceilings, floors and bare walls. Leave the basic components of each room, but make sure there is still plenty of open space.

Don’t forget to spruce up the yard. First impressions often play a role in a consumer’s decision making process.  Make sure the home’s exterior is inviting by trimming the bushes, mowing the lawn and painting faded window trim. Couples looking for their first home often have less yard work under their belts and will appreciate the seller’s attention to detail.

 

Why not own it?

For most people, deciding to purchase a home is the largest financial decision of their lifetime. Rather than sitting on the fence, why not own it? Mortgage rates are near historic lows and with home prices more affordable, right now is the perfect time to speak with a professional real estate agent and seize the opportunity to achieve the American Dream of homeownership.

According to a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors, nearly eight out of 10 respondents believe buying a home today is a good financial decision.  Based on this, here are five reasons why now is a great time to get off the fence and consider owning the fence instead (and the home within it)!

Homes are More Affordable – Home prices remain more affordable than ever

Rates are Low – Mortgage interest rates remain near historical lows, which can mean lower monthly payments and/or shorter lending terms.

Homeownership is Still the American Dream – Lifestyle changes such as marriage, having children and starting a new job are some of the most common reasons that people decide to purchase a new home. But the American Dream of homeownership is much more than just a piece of property, it’s a home.

Financing is Available – Though many people decide they want to purchase a new home based on lifestyle factors, the financial aspect of purchasing a home needs to be top-of-mind.  A potential homebuyer should conduct the necessary research to prepare for the home buying process. Today’s borrower needs to have stable employment of at lease two years; sufficient income to cover the monthly mortgage payment and living expenses; adequate savings to make at least a 3.5 percent down payment; and, in general, a credit score of at least 620.

Timing is Everything – “Timing is everything,” a saying used to describe just about anything, is incredibly true when it comes to home buying.  When preparing to purchase a home, take the time to research other factors that could affect the home buying process.

Five Questions to Ask Prospective Real Estate Agents

Selecting a real estate agent to assist in the largest financial transaction a person will likely ever make is a critical part of the home selling process. In a challenging economic environment where competition among real estate companies is on the rise, choosing the agent that’s right for you can be a confusing task.

Home sellers should start by interviewing several real estate agents to find someone with whom they “connect.”  However, chemistry is not the only variable to consider. The length of time an agent has been in the business, his or her home sale success rate and knowledge of the local market can also play a significant role in the decision-making process.

To jump-start the conversation, here are five essential questions home sellers should ask before selecting a real estate agent.

1. How long have you been in the real estate business and what has your success rate been in terms of home sales over the past 12 months? The length of time a real estate agent has been in the business and their home sale success rate demonstrates their knowledge and expertise in the industry. Ideally a home seller will want to work with an agent who has a high percentage of completed transactions within your home’s price range. While this number will vary depending upon how active the local real estate market is, a higher percentage is preferable.
   
2. What was the average amount of time it took to sell those listings? Comparing marketing times between the agents you are interviewing will provide you with an indication of how well that agent markets homes.
   
3. What was your list-price to sale-price ratio? Significant differences between original listing prices and ultimate sale prices can be an indication that the list prices quoted at the outset were unrealistic.
4. What is your online marketing plan to sell my property? According to the National Association of Realtors, 90 percent of home buyers use the Internet as a source for their home search. Therefore, the real estate agent you select should have a strong online marketing presence as well as be visible through social media outlets in order to reach the widest possible audience.
5. Do you have references you can share from past clients? References allow you to gain additional insight into the day-to-day workings with the real estate agent. Gathering reputable references will help ensure that you select the best real estate agent for your needs.

 

To Buy Or To Rent?

“To buy or to rent?” Recent graduates, young couples, relocating professionals and others have all asked themselves this question at one point or another. While each option has its benefits, the decision to purchase a house as opposed to renting, is complex and based on a number of factors. According to a survey from the National Association of Realtors, nearly eight out of 10 respondents believe buying a home today is a good financial decision. The question that remains is whether or not now is the right time to purchase a home for you.

For most people, deciding to purchase a home is the largest financial decision of their lifetime. Before making the jump into homeownership, potential home buyers should consider the “soft” lifestyle issues as well as the “hard” financial ones. Here are financial and lifestyle questions to consider when determining if buying a home is the right decision for you:

1. Do you have a steady income? At or near the top of every potential homebuyer’s mind is whether or not they can afford to buy a home right now. Buying a home remains a sound financial decision for those with documented income and a good credit history, and a steady income can provide a strong backbone for the initial down payment and future mortgage payments.
2. Do you plan to stay in a home for an extended period of time? With proper planning, a home purchase has historically proven to be one of the strongest investments one can make. Along those lines, it’s imperative to understand that investing in a home is much different than investing in a stock portfolio. Homes typically appreciate in value over time while the owner builds his or her equity through monthly mortgage payments. If you anticipate staying in a home for only one or two years, it doesn’t necessarily mean buying is not for you, but you are less likely to see a significant financial return on your investment.
3. Do you plan to sell a house in order to buy a house? A local real estate professional can help you understand current local market conditions and will help you make smart decisions when listing a home on the market. If you do not currently own a home that needs to be sold prior to purchasing a new one, now is a particularly smart time to buy. Even with lenders becoming increasingly more thorough in their approval process, mortgage financing is still widely available for those with a steady income and solid credit.
4. How do your other options compare? For renters, calculating month-to-month housing expenses is as easy as inquiring about the monthly rent and average utilities. The calculation gets a bit more complicated when considering the monthly cost of owning a home. A real estate professional can help you understand a range of financial considerations from annual property taxes to the tax incentives for owning a home.

There is no one right decision when it comes to renting versus buying a home. Each individual should take the time to look at their personal and financial situation to decide what will work best for their needs and lifestyle.

How to List Your Home Properly

When selling a home, establishing a reasonable and, ultimately, profitable listing price is perhaps the biggest challenge that a homeowner faces. A home priced too high may go unsold, but a home priced too low will result in a loss for the seller.

Before settling on an asking price, take  the following steps:

Choose the Right Sales Associate.  While many home sellers use a friend or relative’s referral when selecting a sales associate, it is smart to interview prospective associates and invite them to show their listing presentations.  Pay attention to how they plan to market the home, and find out how many homes they (and their companies) listed in your local market in the past year as well as how many of them were sold.  Finally, because selling a home will require a lot of communication, the seller should ensure he or she connects with the sales associate’s personality. 

Do the Homework. Home sellers should work with a real estate sales associate to develop a written comparative market analysis (CMA). This will provide a list of recent sales prices of similar homes in the area (with comparable numbers of bedrooms, baths, square footage and lot size), the asking prices of homes currently for sale in the neighborhood and other relevant information. Based on the information gathered, a sales associate will provide his or her professional estimation of a legitimate selling price.

Take the Emotion Out of It. Sellers often take great pride in their homes, but it is important to set a priced based solely on factors like location, condition and size. A house in a secluded area may be appealing to some buyers, while others will want to be closer to schools, shopping and health care facilities. What is the physical condition of the home? Is it a fixer-upper? Does it make a good first impression? Will it appeal to a growing family, or is it better suited for empty nesters? These are all things that need to be considered when pricing a home.

Determine If It Is a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market.  Home inventory, mortgage interest rates and the economy play a role in determining whether the buyer or seller has a negotiating advantage. 

Do the Math. Do not forget to figure in closing costs, legal fees and other selling expenses when determining the selling price.  The sales associate should be able to provide cost estimates, and negotiate with a potential buyer to ensure a fair sale price. 

Give It the Once Over. After working with a real estate sales associate to get a CMA and considering all the other factors, the listing price will be set.  But there is one more step in trying to ensure that the house sells for that price, or more.  Do as much as possible to improve the home’s appearance: touch up the paint, fix leaks, seal any cracks, clean the home, eliminate clutter and rid the home of any pet odors. The house has only one chance to make a first impression.

Downsizing With Style

While moving into a home of any size can be a large undertaking, for buyers looking to downsize, the transition is often more challenging. But whether they are empty nesters requiring less space, young professionals moving to a new town for job opportunities or families looking to save, more and more buyers in today’s real estate market are opting to downsize.

Though moving to a smaller space may involve making a few sacrifices, having less room does not mean having to scale back on style. In fact, a homeowner with minimal square footage to work with can maximize their home’s overall charm just by using a bit of creativity.

Below are effective tips for how to downsize with style:

• Keep, sell, donate, and trash. Although it is difficult to part with possessions, doing so is often a must for anyone planning to move into a smaller home. Begin by dividing belongings into keep, sell, donate, and trash categories. Post items for sale online, or hold a garage sale; offer unwanted furniture and clothes to a friend or family member or donate it to local charities. Knowing that others will appreciate these things might make parting with the items a bit easier.
  
•  Scale it back. Unless a homeowner is trying to make a dramatic statement with an extra-large couch or coffee table, a small space will likely look and feel better with moderately-sized or even slightly smaller furnishings. In fact, a room with furniture that appropriately fits the space will actually seem larger. It is all about scale.

• Look for multipurpose living room furniture. A piece of furniture with more than one purpose is a downsizer’s dream. Coffee tables and ottomans that double as storage allow guests a place to rest their drinks and feet while the host’s belongings remain hidden underneath. And who needs a guest room when the couch has a pull-out bed?
  
•  “Build” a wall with a simple screen.  The smaller the home, the more purposes each room serves. But this does not mean a homeowner must eat where they sleep. Buyers opting to downsize should consider putting up a screen to divide a room with more than one use into sections. The room will still feel open but the screen will provide some much needed privacy and separation.

• Consider hanging curtains. Just because the new home has fewer windows does not mean its owner has to settle for boring window treatments. Hanging curtains on the side of the window pane can make it appear larger, and curtains that run from floor to ceiling can create the illusion of height.
• Maximize wall space. Homeowners who have run out of floor space and need additional room should look to the walls. Shelves that are hung on walls or above doorways will provide more space and serve as stylish room accents.  Furthermore, while it sounds simple, the addition of a mirror on any wall will add depth and light to a room, making even the smallest space seem larger. Mirrors also add elegance and charm to a home’s décor, often at a reasonable price.

• Utilize new technology. New technology, such as flat screen televisions and laptop computers, allows for more space in the living or office areas while adding a modern touch to the home.

Does Moving Up Make Sense?

Today’s housing market presents considerable opportunities for potential home buyers with the right lifestyle reasons and job security. Prices are stabilizing across much of the U.S., interest rates are near historic lows and inventory levels are high in many areas. Even amid such incentives, many move-up home buyers remain on the fence about making the lifestyle change they desire due to the concern over selling their current property.

Here are five questions to help “move-up buyers” decide if now is the right time to make a move:

1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Home equity can be defined as the value of a home, minus the amount of outstanding debt.  Although equity does not generally develop in the first few years of home ownership, five or more years of home payments may create significant unrealized gains.
2. Has your income or financial situation improved? Homeowners should consider their overall financial situation including current and future expenses in order to make an educated decision on price range for a new home. For example, an increase in salary may allow for an increased mortgage.
3. Has your lifestyle changed? Lifestyle changes are one of the most common reasons people choose to move. Starting or adding to a family may require an extra bedroom or additional square footage, as well as a desire to live closer to work or family may provide the impetus for a move to a larger home.
4. Is your current residence one that could potentially be rented out? For those homeowners who are ready to make a move but are concerned about purchasing a new home before the current property is sold, renting out the current residence may be a viable option.
5. Are interest rates attractive? A low interest rate means lower mortgage payments on homes of the same price.