Tips & Tools

Mortgage Averages Up Slightly from Last Week

RE.com Tips & Tools — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:50:00 GMT

Source: Informa Research Services

After weeks of floating closer and closer to 5 percent, the national average rate on a 30-year fixed conforming mortgage increased slightly this week from 5.06% last week to 5.14%, according to Informa Research Services’ weekly survey of interest rates. While the average remains low, there are far lower rates available to qualified borrowers. Informa Research Services, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LSE: INF) suggests looking to online tables to find the best deals.

Checking online rates tables, like those found on RealEstate.com, can help consumers discover lenders with rates below the national average. For instance, all of the 30-year fixed rates currently posted by AimLoan are well below the national average.

Furthermore, unlike some sites, these online resources require only minimal information to retrieve mortgage rates to fit your unique situation. Usually, the only information needed to see what low rates you may qualify for is loan amount, property value, and location of the property.

Shipping Your Car or Automobile

Jason Cook — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:42:00 GMT

By Gina Cappiello www.123Movers.com

Shipping an automobile is similar, but very different from moving your belongings. If you feel clueless about the whole auto transport process, read on for helpful tips on what to do before, during, and after the shipment of your auto:

Are you already covered?
Some auto insurance companies will cover your automobile transport fees, so be sure to discuss your upcoming move with them first and foremost. You may be able to get a fantastic deal from them or find out your auto transport is 100% covered by your existing policy.

Are they covered?
Ask every moving company you want to work with for their insurance certification. Every auto transport company is required to have one by law, so don’t be afraid to ask. Also, ask about their policies especially if they seem vague in the contract.

Get it all recorded!
Get everything in writing from the auto transporter! Even if it seems like common knowledge or a small detail, ask for it to be written down before signing off. If the movers refuse to write the details you request down, move on and find a better auto transporter to work with.

Clean out your vehicle
Remove all of your personal items (GPS, CD player, jewelry, money, etc) from your car before you hand it over to the auto transporters. Not only could these small items add weight to your shipment and damage your car if shifted during transport, but these items are usually not covered if damaged or stolen during transport.

Inspect your car before and after shipment
When you drop your vehicle off, the transporter will perform an examination of your car and write down any/all damages on your car. While the transporter is reviewing his/her list, create your own and compare with the transporter to make sure you both are on the same page. It is also a good idea to take some photos of your vehicle for a visual record just in case. The same inspection happens at the destination to see if damages occurred during transport. This time, check your automobile’s undercarriage and make sure your car starts properly before you accept the vehicle to ensure no mechanical damage occurred while in transport.

Record damages and make a claim
Write down all discrepancies on the bill of lading before you accept the car. If any damage has been done to your vehicle during shipping, write it down on the bill of lading, have the transporter sign it and then contact the auto shipping company for a proper reimbursement. If you are not satisfied with the auto transporter during the claims process, file a complaint with your local Better Business Bureau. You can also contact the U.S. Department of Transportation, but only if your vehicle was transported over state lines. If nothing is resolved from there, take your case to a small claims court to receive the refund you deserve.

Home Buyer Tax Credits - Updated Information for Home Buyers

Jason Cook — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:48:00 GMT

The $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit, passed in February 2009, has been extended through April 30th, 2010 as part of The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act. By most accounts, the first time buyer credit has achieved its goal of spurring homes sales ammong those buyers who did not currently own a home. In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, first time home buyers have accounted for 47 percent of all homes sales this year. That number is up from 41 percent last year and represents the highest percentage of overall homes sales since 1981 (44 percent). Additionally, the home buyer tax credit has been expanded to also provide incentive to move-up or repeat bome buyers.

So, what do you need to know about the home buyer tax credits? We'll attempt to sort through the headlines and get to the basics with a little Q&A:

Q: How are the tax credits calculated?
A: Both tax credits are calculated as 10% of the purchase price. The first time buyer credit cannot exceed $8,000 while the repeat buyer credit is capped at $6,500.

Q: What type of purchase is eligible?
A: To qualify for either tax credit, the purchased home must be used as the primary residence of the buyer. Purchases between family members are not eligible. Additionally, repeat buyer purchases need not exceed the purchase price/estimated value of their current residence to qualify for the tax credit.

Q: Who qualifies for the tax credits?
A: Any person who has not owned a home during the 3 years prior to the date of purchase can qualify for the first time home buyer credit. For the purposes of the current homeowner tax credit, repeat buyers are defined as anyone who has owned and resided in the same property for at least 5 consecutive years during the previous 8 years leading up to purchase.

Q: Are there income limitations on the tax credit?
A: Both home buyer tax credits are available, in full, for single taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $125,000 or less and $225,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly. Above these levels, the tax credits phase out proportionally over a span of $20,000. For example, a single taxpayer with MAGI of $145,000 or more would not be eligible for the tax credit, but a MAGI of $130,000 would qualify a single taxpayer for a reduced credit.

Q: The income limitation is higher now than the previous version of the first time home buyer credit. Are these new limits retroactive?
A: Unfortunately, the income limitations are not retroactive for first time home buyers. Any home purchase made between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009 will retain the original income limitations, which were $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for joint filers.

Q: My modified adjusted gross income is higher than the limit but within the phaseout range. How can I estimate my tax credit?
A: In this case, you would divide your overage by the phase out range ($20,000), subtract that from 1 and then multiply by the full tax credit amount. Sounds simple enough, right?

Ok, maybe not. So, let's look at an example:
Jack is a first time home buyer with modified adjusted gross income of $130,000, or $5,000 over the income limitation of $125,000 for single taxpayers. Jack would take his $5,000 overage and divide it by the overage limit of $20,000, resulting in 0.25. Next, he would need to subtract his result from 1, giving him 0.75. Finally, Jack would then multiply the max home buyer tax credit ($8,000 due to his status as a first time buyer) by 0.75. Now we can estimate that Jack's tax credit would equal $6,000.

Q: This all sounds great, but how do I claim the tax credit?
A: The tax credits will be claimed as part of your normal federal income tax return. A copy of your HUD-1 settlement statement will need to be provided with your return, along with IRS Form 5405.

Q: I'm ready to take advantage of one of these credits, what's next?
A: Remember that buying a home is a major life decision. Both of these home buyer tax credits are wonderful incentives, but you'll need to determine if your current financial situation is conducive to making a home purchase. It is important that each individal/family evaluate their unique circumstances. Also, consult with your tax advisor to ensure that you qualify for the credit and when completing your tax return should you make a home purchase.

Once you've made those determinations, you should consult a REALTOR® and start searching homes for sale in your area to find the home that's right for you! Good luck!

Moving With Roommates

Jason Cook — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:38:00 GMT

By Gina Cappiello www.123Movers.com

Having a roommate can be the best or worst thing to ever happen to you. If you need some tips on how to find and live with somebody new, read on for some helpful suggestions:

Be picky
Screen everyone you are thinking of rooming with closely regardless of if the potential roommates are friends or individuals you are meeting for the first time. Create a list of questions and concerns that are important to you and find out how your potential roommates feel about these issues. Do not compromise about your core concerns, either. It is far easier moving in with someone who respects your beliefs and feelings about a living situation than someone who does not.

Establish boundaries
Once you’ve chosen your roommate/s, it is crucial to sit down and lay down the ground rules together. If you can, discuss everything before signing the lease or moving into your new place in case you find out something about your new roommate/s you cannot handle. Divvy up chores, discuss schedules, and clear the air about any potential issues that may arise. It may sound silly to do, but it is imperative to take care of in the beginning to avoid potential arguments or confrontations.

Get your own room
If you can get your own room in your new apartment or home with roommates, do it. It may be extra, but it’s definitely worth the cost to move into a place where you are guaranteed your own living space. With your own room, you’ll always have a place to escape to for privacy and an area of the home to actually call your own. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about anyone but yourself in there.

Have a life
When living with others, it’s easy to limit yourself to hanging out with your roommates exclusively. Break out of this habit and interact with others to avoid getting burnt out on your roommates. This doesn’t mean you have to exclude your roommates from your life, though. Invite new friends to your home and have everyone hang out with one another to help strengthen bonds. Who knows? Maybe one of your new friends will end up becoming another roommate of yours in the future!

Helpful Tips For Choosing A Mover

Jason Cook — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:53:00 GMT

By Gina Cappiello www.123Movers.com

When looking for a mover, don’t just choose any moving company with a sleek logo and low prices. Do your research! Sure, research can be extremely frustrating (especially while planning a move), but it is paramount when choosing a moving company. Here are some research tips to follow when you’re looking for a moving company:

Find their licenses and insurance
Moving companies in states that regulate moving companies require all of the companies to have licensing from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate. These companies should have a Motor Carrier (MT) and DOT authorization number that can easily be found online. If your state does not regulate movers, you can still research their practices through the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Also, keep in mind that the DOT does not regulate intrastate moves (moves that happen between states), which is why it is imperative to do your research.

Read reviews, write-ups, and recommendations
The best way to find honest feedback about a moving company is through reviews. Some moving companies will have their own employees write positive reviews, so be wary of a company with many similar sounding positive reviews from one or a few different sites. Utilize a variety of moving company reviewing sites, message boards, and blog entries to get a good idea of what a specific company is like before deciding on one. Also, speak with friends and acquaintances for recommendations on moving companies. The recommendations you receive are guaranteed to be honest since the information is coming from your trusted circle.

Get an in-home estimate
Most moving companies will give potential customers a no-obligation free in-house moving quote. This is the best way for them to not only give you an accurate estimate, but also is a great way for you to get an idea of the company you may be working with. This is the best time to ask questions, too, so don’t hold back and ask away. While they answer, listen objectively and observe their body language for any red flags (shifty eyes, nervousness, awkward stances, etc). Since 80% of a message is communicated non-verbally, it is important to observe the surveyors and go with your gut about the first impressions.

These helpful tips should get you started on the process of finding movers and will guide you to the best moving company for your moving job.

How To Tip Professional Movers

Jason Cook — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:47:00 GMT

By Gina Cappiello www.123Movers.com

How much is too much or not enough when tipping movers? Although $20 each (along with a decent lunch and cold beverages) is standard, there are still many factors to consider when tipping a moving company for their services. Here are some questions to consider before handing over a wad of extra cash:

Long-distance move?
If movers are picking your belongings up and have to cross state lines to drop off your stuff, a different set of movers will most likely be dropping everything off at your destination. In this scenario, you should tip both batches of movers. It may be costly, but the movers will not only appreciate your generosity, but will also work extra hard to ensure your move goes smoothly.

Stairs or narrow walkways?
Many moving companies take staircases into consideration while doing your moving estimate. Ask the movers if they charge extra for stairs, narrow hallways, and other obstructions that could make the move a little more difficult. Regardless of whether or not there are extra fees associated with steps/walkways, it would be polite to tip each mover struggling with your steep steps extra for their hard work.

Number of movers?
Use common sense when it comes to the number of movers. If you have 4 movers doing an equal amount of work, a $20 tip for each is standard. However, if you have a lot of things to be moved and only have 2 movers handling everything, consider tossing them a few extra bucks. Be sure to tip each one equally and hand each one their tip directly to ensure that the foreman does not take the lump sum for himself.

Essentially, a tip is based on service regardless of the industry. Use your best judgment for your moving company and moving situation, but consider $20 per mover the minimum tipping amount. Add on more for any of the factors above to be sure that your movers are being compensated right for your move.

Make A Realistic Offer On A Foreclosure Property

RE.com Tips & Tools — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:25:00 GMT

EDITOR'S NOTE: With foreclosure properties still dominating the housing landscape in the U.S., we've asked our friends at RealtyTrac® to guest author some articles to shed light on the foreclosure crisis. RealtyTrac is the most trusted source of foreclosure information in the country. We hope that the information provided here and in other articles will be beneficial to understanding, avoiding and even leveraging (as an opportunistic buyer) home foreclosures.

By Rick Sharga, Vice President of Marketing for RealtyTrac

It’s no wonder that the foreclosures market is gaining popularity among first-time buyers and real estate bargain hunters alike. Foreclosure properties can often be purchased at 10 to 30 percent less than their market value, making them an attractive investment in a time of soaring real estate prices. But despite what you may see on late-night cable TV, investing in foreclosure properties isn’t a sure fire "get rich quick" formula. Lenders aren’t likely to give properties away, particularly in a real estate market where prices continue to rise. And homeowners in financial distress still have some leverage to negotiate the purchase price, particularly early in the foreclosure process.

"You have to practice both diligence and patience when looking to buy a foreclosure property," explains Jim Saccacio, chief executive officer for RealtyTrac. "There really are some fantastic deals out there, but you have to be willing to wait for the right opportunity, then make a realistic offer so the seller will view you as a serious buyer."

With interest rates ticking upward, experts predict an increase in the number of foreclosure properties on the market. Web-based services such as RealtyTrac, give consumers access to foreclosure and pre-foreclosure information that was previously available only to professional real estate brokers and investors. Today, homebuyers can use these services to identify and research potential home purchases, as well as to find the tools and professional resources they need to help them close the deal. Sales in this marketplace can move rather quickly, so there’s no time to make uninformed or low-ball bids on properties in a half-hearted attempt to save a few bucks. Nothing turns a seller off faster than a low-ball offer on a fairly-priced property. In most cases, doing so may irritate the seller so much that no further negotiations will be entertained, meaning that you’ve essentially lost any opportunity to buy the property. Conversely, making an uninformed offer that is too high may get you the house you want – along with a never-ending monthly reminder that you overpaid!

Find out what the house is really worth
In order to make a realistic offer, you first need to know what the actual value of the property is. Look at the original purchase price and recent comparable property sales to determine the current value of the property. You can obtain information on recent sales in the area from your realtor or via RealtyTrac’s Comparable Sales Report. Ideally, you should look at sales in the area over the past six months. Then you can drive by each property on your list and note its condition, size, appeal and location. You should also look for properties that are currently listed for sale in the area and research the same information for them. This information, along with a thorough examination of the condition of the property, should give you good feel for what it is really worth.

Find out how much is owed
You should also find out the amount the seller is in default and the remaining loan balance. In order to determine a reasonable offer price, you’ll need to know – at a minimum – how much money it will take just to satisfy the debt to the lender (or lenders). Knowing this will help you determine whether the property is within your price range or unattainable considering your current finances.

The estimated loan amount and default amount are included in the foreclosure documents filed with public records, and RealtyTrac posts this information online for subscribers. Additionally you can order RealtyTrac’s Legal and Vesting Report or Transaction History Report to check for any other mortgage loans on the property. Ultimately, even if you’ve presented what you believe to be a fair offer, you’re likely to receive a counter offer from the seller. That’s to be expected as the negotiation process is a major part of real estate sales in general – even foreclosures. Remember, a successful negotiator in any situation must be informed, prepared and realistic. Again, you must practice patience and diligence in order to get the property you want for a price you are willing to pay.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that real estate purchases can be rather emotional, especially as you grow attached to the idea of owning a particular property. It’s important to know what you are willing to spend on a home, regardless of your emotional attachment to it, so you need to set a limit and stick to it.

Do Your Homework Before Buying A Foreclosure Property

RE.com Tips & Tools — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:18:00 GMT

By Rick Sharga, Vice President of Marketing for RealtyTrac

There are two words that give pause to the most motivated foreclosure buyer: due diligence.

Those words mean researching all the risks involved in a property purchase, which in the past meant extensive legwork and expense. But that’s no longer the case, thanks to exponential advances in information technology and the establishment of Web-based property data aggregators like RealtyTrac.

Don’t be fooled – buying a foreclosure property doesn’t equate to easy money by any means. A savvy player in this market is willing to do a bit of homework. But the tools and resources needed to do that homework are much more accessible now than ever before.

"While buying a foreclosure property is certainly not without risk, the right examination and due diligence on the part of buyers can significantly improve their ability to make a strong investment," explains James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer at RealtyTrac, the leading online foreclosure marketplace.

Web-based services like RealtyTrac can help investors and homebuyers tap into the previously hidden foreclosure market by providing access to property data formerly available only to professional real estate brokers and investors. Today, homebuyers can use these services to identify and research potential home purchases, as well as to find the tools and professional resources they need to help them close the deal.

It makes sense to give any foreclosure property under consideration a thorough examination – possibly even more thorough than for a traditional real estate property. There are three stages of foreclosure that require different research strategies: pre-foreclosure, auction and bank owned.

Before buying a pre-foreclosure property directly from the owner, run a preliminary title check for all debts secured by the property. You can research the title online using RealtyTrac’s Legal and Vesting Report or Transaction History Report. Subtract the total amount owed from the estimated market value to determine the potential bargain. After making contact with the owner, arrange a walk-through of the property to evaluate its condition. Factor estimated repair costs into your purchase offer. Before you close the deal, hire a professional home inspector to inspect the property and enlist a title company to run a final title check.

In most states, you don’t have a chance to inspect a property before buying at a public auction, which makes this type of purchase more risky. But if you’ve researched the title and determined the amount owed is far less than the market value, you’ll have some margin to cover unexpected repair costs. Before you go to the auction, set a maximum bid based on your research and stick to that bid at the auction.

Although you’ll be able to inspect the property if it’s bank owned, the bank typically knows little about the property and will sell it in “as is” condition. This means the bank will disclose all the needed repairs it knows about, but is not held responsible after the sale for any repairs it did not know about. Factor the known repairs into your purchase offer and have a professional inspection conducted before closing the deal. You should also have a title company run a final title check before closing, although most banks will make sure the title is clear before selling.

Here are eight steps for doing a professional-level property examination for all stages of foreclosure:

Identify desirable neighborhoods – Find specific neighborhoods where you would like to live or own a home. This will limit the search to a manageable size for you and your agent, and give you a sense of relative property values.

Cast a wide net – There are a number of Web-based services like RealtyTrac that can put hundreds of thousands of foreclosure properties at your fingertips. But remember, the best savings are often found in pre-foreclosure properties; therefore, it’s important to check the percentage of pre-foreclosure (vs. REO) properties in any database before subscribing.

Determine the property value – Look at the original purchase price and recent comparable property sales to determine the current value of the property. You can obtain information on recent sales in the area via Multiple Listing Service (MLS) comps from your realtor or by ordering a report such as RealtyTrac’s Comparable Sales Report. Ideally, you should look at comparables sales in the area over the past six months. Then you can drive by each property on the list of comparables and note its condition, size, appeal and location. You should also look for properties that are currently listed for sale in the area and research the same information for them. From this information, you can get a good idea of what the property you are interested in is worth.

Find out the amount in default and the remaining loan balance – In order to determine a reasonable offer price, you’ll need to know – at a minimum – how much money it will take just to satisfy the debt to the lender. This information is available on the foreclosure documents filed by the foreclosing lender and from online foreclosure-tracking websites like RealtyTrac.

Check for other liens – Before purchasing any foreclosure property, make sure it is free and clear of any bankruptcies, tax liens or other financial liabilities. A title search will examine records used to determine the legal ownership of the property and all liens and encumbrances on it. A title company or attorney can run a title search for you. You can also research the title online using RealtyTrac’s Legal and Vesting Report or Transaction History Report.

Assess the condition of the property – In addition to visiting the property yourself, hire a professional inspector to inspect the property to make sure that the property is in acceptable condition, or to determine how much of a rehab budget you’ll need to build into your deal. If you buy during pre-foreclosure or directly from the bank (REO), it’s usually possible to conduct a thorough inspection. But if you buy at the public auction, it may not be possible to view or inspect the property beforehand.

Build a positive relationship with the seller – Before purchasing a property, try to make sure that you’re entering into a win-win situation with the seller, so that they’ll be more willing to do what they can to make the process easy and leave the property in good condition for you.

Leverage your timing – Knowing when a property is going to be auctioned gives you an extra bargaining chip when negotiating with a seller or a lender. You can sometimes contact the seller just before the auction to see if a last-minute sale is possible. At the very least, knowing the intended date can help you organize time to research the property as much as possible, review comparable sales, calculate values and potential profits and ultimately determine a bid price so that you’re well prepared to compete with other investors on auction day.

It’s sometimes said that in real estate, selling is about business while buying is controlled by emotion. While this may generally be true, it’s important to keep your head about you and think through the process so that you can make the most informed decision possible. Remember, a little preparation before the sale can help you reap huge benefits. So, it’s worth your time and energy to do a little homework!

Tips for First Time Movers

RE.com Tips & Tools — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:48:00 GMT

By Gina Cappiello www.123Movers.com

Your first move is going to be a big deal. It will be the defining moment of your adulthood and the ultimate declaration of your independence to the world. Although it is an exciting occasion, it is probably going to be one of the most stressful, insane, and chaotic days of your life. Fear not! Here are some tips to point you in the right direction and help you keep your cool during your first moving experience:

Don’t be stubborn!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for assistance. Family and great friends want to help you any way they can, so don’t be too proud to ask them for it. They will be flattered and more than willing to assist you for your first move and many more. No family or friends around to help? Schedule your move with a moving company and they can help you ever step of the way from planning to packing and reassembling furniture.

Don’t stress!
It is completely normal (and easy) to lose your mind during your move with everybody running around with your belongings. Take a step back from the situation and sit somewhere alone for a few minutes to gain some perspective on the situation. Remember that this is just one day of your life. Once it is over, you probably will not have to move for a good amount of time. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and remind yourself that you can and will get through this.

Don’t starve!
With the chaos of moving day and anxious feelings about your new home, it is easy to forget to eat. Make sure to start off the day with a healthy (but not heavy) breakfast to get you energized for your move. Try to schedule at least a half hour lunch for yourself and your movers to ensure you are all running on a full tank of fuel instead of adrenaline and caffeine. Also, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Keep numerous bottles of water handy and be sure to drink plenty of them while you sweat and pack away.

Asking for help, staying calm, and keeping your body energized with healthy foods and water will definitely help make your first move the very best one. Good luck!

3 Moving Secrets

RE.com Tips & Tools — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:41:00 GMT

By Gina Cappiello www.123Movers.com

Pssst! Want to get in on some clever tips to help make your move a little easier? Read on to get the 411:

Pack an Overnight Bag
Treat your move as if you are spending the night at your friend’s house. Pack the essentials for a night away along with a set of moving clothes. This will save you tons of time and effort on moving day. Instead of searching through your boxes for a change of clothes during or after your move, just take a look through your backpack to find everything you need. You can also pack a couple of bottles of water and dry snacks to have on hand in case you get dehydrated or a little hungry while moving.

Bring Entertainment
On the first night in a new home, things can be pretty quiet and boring without cable, video games, and the Internet hooked up. Bring a small AM/FM radio, boombox, or MP3 player docking station (with your fully charged MP3 player) so you can listen to news, music, or talk radio while you relax in your new home. You can even play board games, cards, read, or do a few puzzles during your first night to pass the time. Chances are you will be way too exhausted to even want to do anything, but it is great to have some entertainment handy just in case you can’t sleep.

Cheat!
Who says moving has to be done in one day?! Save time by “cheating” a little! If you can, start bringing items to your new home as soon as it is available and empty. This is a great way to start getting set up with your new home, get an idea of where everything can go, and figure out what else you may need for your new home. It is also a nice way to help your moving company out a little bit on the actual day of your move.

Got all that? Good! Now go share these moving secrets with everyone so they can have an easier move.

Working with a Mover

RE.com Tips & Tools — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:20:00 GMT

By Gina Cappiello www.123Movers.com

When working with any moving company, you have to remember that communicating effectively is vital to a successful move. Here are some simple ways to communicate effectively with your movers:

Be clear
Write down every single item you will be moving and put asterisks by all of your items that are heavy, fragile, or important. Invite moving companies over to your home for an in-person estimate so they can see what needs to be moved. Explain to them what you need moved and how you want everything moved. This will guarantee that the movers will know exactly what needs to be taken care of for your move so they can prepare and quote you accordingly.

Listen up!
Respect your movers’ thoughts and opinions throughout the moving process. They only want what is best for you and your possessions. If they recommend that you pack your fragile items a certain way, hear them out and give it a go. Chances are their way is the best way.

Stay in touch
Check in with your movers once or twice before you move to be sure you are all on the same page. You’re not being a pest, you’re being proactive. Your movers will not only appreciate your concern, but will be the first ones to reassure you that everything will be fine.

Be respectful
The most important thing to be is respectful. Your movers may be working for you, but that does not mean you can treat them poorly. A little kindness (like providing cold beverages and snacks for your moving guys) will go a long way.

Working with a moving company does not have to be a complete nightmare. Be clear about your needs, listen, keep in touch, and be kind to your movers to guarantee a great working relationship and move.

Moving in the Winter

RE.com Tips & Tools — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:08:00 GMT

By Gina Cappiello www.123Movers.com

Don’t let the ice and snow of winter sabotage your next move! Stay warm, safe, and smiling during your winter move simply by following these helpful tips:

Bundle up!
It’s always great to have a few warm pieces of clothing on hand during your winter move. Have sweatshirts, socks, sweaters, blankets, coats, and boots remain in your home until you are ready to leave permanently. You never know if your heater will break the day of your move or if the wet weather will soak you to the bone.

Don’t slip
Shovel and salt walkways, steps, driveways, and anywhere movers will be walking. A slip and fall while moving is not only embarrassing, but extremely dangerous. Even with freshly shoveled walkways to guide you, walk slowly and carefully throughout your move in case you missed scraping up a slippery spot.

Stay warm
Be sure your heat will be on for moving day at your current and new home. If the heat is not yet on in your new home, bring along some space heaters to hook up before you begin moving your belongings inside. This way, you will have a toasty home to relax in after the move and won’t freeze during your first night in your new home.

Drink (and eat) up
Keep a kettle of warm water for tea or a pot of hot coffee on hand to warm your movers up with. If you want to go above and beyond for your movers, have some soups (Ramen noodles will suffice) and a loaf of crusty bakery bread ready for them to eat during a lunchtime break. They will thank you for the warm gesture during the chilly move!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Don't forget about our other seasonal moving story, Moving in the Summer.

Moving 2.0: How to Pack and Move Electronics

RE.com Tips & Tools — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:03:00 GMT

By Gina Cappiello www.123Movers.com

MP3 players, flat-screen televisions, surround sound speakers, and video game systems are pretty tough, but can get destroyed easily if they are not packed safely for a move. Follow these simple guidelines below to protect your prized (and pricy!) gadgets during your next move:

Packing
The best way to pack your pieces is back into their original boxes with their own pieces of packing foam. This guarantees that the item will safely fit into the box while being protected. If you no longer have the original box or packing foam, get creative. Cushioned packing blankets and durable tape are perfect tools to use to wrap large fragile items like flat-screen TVs and computer monitors up tight. If you do not feel that your items are protected enough by blankets, place them into a box filled with packing peanuts for extra protection.

Moving
If you can afford the extra expense, hire a separate moving company that specializes in moving fragile items. Be sure to choose the company you feel the most comfortable with and that has the most experience with moving high tech items. Do not choose a mover solely based on their estimate. You may be getting the best price on a mover, but you may end up with damaged goods because of it. If hiring a separate company is out of the question, do it yourself! Pack your items into the car in size order (big to small) and use extra blankets or pillows in between empty spaces to reduce wiggle room. If you are using a car that does not have collapsible backseats, don’t worry. Bigger items can be put onto the backseat and strapped in accordingly while smaller items can be placed on the floor or front seat of your car.

Unpacking
It is very important to be patient and work slowly when unpacking everything from your vehicle. Just like packing, unpacking gadgets can be extremely tedious. Before moving your sensitive items into your new home, make sure there are designated spots for them to be placed. Keep all of your items wrapped up until everything is moved into your home. To avoid accidents during the rest of your move, keep your electronics in an area of the house where there is the least amount of moving traffic. If setting up places for your gadgets is impossible to do during your move, keep your fragile items packed (and locked) away until everything else is safely moved in.

Moving is a high-stress activity. Don’t let your high-tech items get damaged during it. Follow the tips provided to guarantee a problem-free move for you and your electronics.

Top 5 Reasons to Love Your Next Move

RE.com Tips & Tools — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:15:00 GMT

By Gina Cappiello www.123Movers.com

Moving does not have to be a negative experience. In fact, a move may be most exciting and important step you take in your life. Take a look at 5 fantastic things to look forward to during your next move below:

New neighborhood
Moving to a new town, state, or city means new surroundings. Think about all of the amazing new restaurants, shops, and places to hang out at that you will soon be discovering. You will also have new neighbors to meet and a brand new living space to make your very own.

New friends
Finding a new group of friends can be daunting and scary, but it is also a very liberating experience. You will now have absolute freedom to choose who you want to be close to without any pressure from your existing core of friends. New friends also mean new perspectives and stories to learn from, which will help you flourish in your new town.

New opportunities
There may be a bevy of different businesses in your new town depending on where you move to. Your move could mean a brand new job in the future with a fascinating company. There will also be new organizations to volunteer for which may unlock a new found love for a cause you never knew was there before.

New you
You’re reinventing your life by moving, so why not reinvent yourself? With a move, you are free to adjust your personality, style, and beliefs to become a whole new person without worrying about your current friends and neighbors judging you.

New culture
New accents, languages, ideals, and traditions will most likely be found in your new surroundings. Embrace your new town’s unique culture and learn as much as you can from it. You will probably become part of it eventually, too!

Moving does not have to be the worst thing to ever happen to you. Focus on the positive aspects of your upcoming move and get excited for the future instead of thinking your move is the end of the world.

Unique Ways to Announce a Move

RE.com Tips & Tools — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:03:00 GMT

By Gina Cappiello www.123Movers.com

What is the first thing to do when you find out you are moving? Tell everyone! Regardless of it is a local or a long-distance move, announce it in a novel way with one of these ideas:

Throw a “Surprise Party”: Send out invites for a surprise party but don’t tell anyone who it is for or why it is being thrown. Ask everyone to bring a food or drink that is easy to “move,” like appetizers, pastries, or cookies. When it is time for the big “surprise,” tell everyone to hide. Say you are going to escort the guests of honor in. When you have been gone for a minute or two, come back into the house and surprise everyone with the news. It’s a fun twist to put on the party and a great way to share the exciting news with everyone.

Send eCards or Personalized Greeting Cards: There are numerous free eCard websites to use to create a fun moving announcement. Some moving companies even provide an eCard template for their clients to customize and send out. If you are feeling ambitious, pick up a pack of cards and personalize each one with a fun message about your move along with your new contact information.

Drop Hints on Social Networks: Everybody is connected through social networking sites online, so why not announce the news creatively there? Start tweaking your online profiles to see if anyone catches on. After revamping your profiles, start dropping little hints in your news feeds, like the name of your new street or referencing the town you are moving to. This will get everyone involved and curious. When you feel like everyone is at the edges of their virtual seats and cannot take the suspense any longer, give them the great news!

No Time Before Your Move?: You can always throw a “moved in” party at your new home. Invite friends, new neighbors, and family members over to mingle. Have a notebook out for your party goers to write well wishes and their contact information in. Be sure to take photos of everyone at the party and post them on a free photo sharing website for all to see. Send out thank you notes shortly after with a favorite photo of the party and your new contact information. A moved in party will not only help you feel more at home, but it will also help bridge the gap between your old and new friends.

Do not forget that the most important part about telling everyone you are moving is keeping in touch after the big move. The Internet and cell phones make it easy to say hello to anyone around the world, so be sure to stay connected and involved with all of your loved ones. No excuses!