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Market Madness [part 2]: Handling the Hassle of an Open House

Brendan — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:02 +0000

Last year, my wife and I put our home up for sale. It was our “five-year house” and we were in year 11, with two growing boys and a dog crammed into a home the size of an average two-bedroom apartment. In part 1 of this series, I detailed how we took our first steps in selling our house. The next step was actually showing the house. While we were lucky that most of our showings occurred in good weather during the summer, it was still a tedious process. First, our agent booked showings as soon as our listing hit the Multiple Listing Service and various real estate agent websites. She told us that we should expect a lot of activity and interest within the first two weeks, and then it dissipates from there, with most of the activity essentially expiring after the sixth week. And boy, was she right. We had a flurry of showings the first week, seriously testing our ability to keep our home in "showable condition" with a house full of active boys and an excitable dog. One of the keys to success was the decluttering we initially did, effectively removing most of the non-essentials that often make up the normal mess. The other was the 12-hour prior notification rule we established with our agent. That gave us just enough time to prepare our house -- and our dog -- for guests. One positive from this whole situation is that while we were cleaning and decluttering, it gave us a great opportunity to create a home inventory of all our stuff, which will be helpful when we update our insurance in our new home. Individual showings were fine, as we’d make sure to leave the house for 30 minutes or so, giving the potential buyers enough time to look around. But the next step was a bit more difficult: The Open House.

Open House

Our first open house was planned for the second weekend our home was on the market. But more to the point, we ended up doing five or six open houses during our extended time on the market…that’s where the good fortune of nice weather played an important role. While leaving your home for two to four hours during an open house is a minor inconvenience, doing it a half-dozen times with two kids and a dog during a busy summer full of sports and activities can be disruptive, to say the least. It’s a situation many home sellers may run into, and while going to a kid-friendly restaurant or birthday party center isn’t an option with a dog in tow, we came up with a great solution: On most "open house afternoons," we took the whole family to the local forest preserve park and enjoyed some quality family time in the great outdoors. On rainy days, we kept the dog at home in a secure pet carrier, and took the kids to local museums. Making the best of what can be a difficult aspect of the selling process can help your family handle an extended selling cycle. I can say with confidence that putting a little thought into the time we needed to be away from home during open houses made all the difference in both our morale and our ability to work through a longer-than-expected selling cycle.

Check out parts 3 and 4 of Market Madness in coming weeks for more insight into selling your home.

Green Moving Tips: How to ‘Eco-Boost’ Your Move

MyMove.com — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:22:44 +0000

If your resolution for 2013 was to curb your carbon footprint, you might find it a challenge when there's an impending move: the dozens of cardboard boxes, rolls of packing tape, the white ocean of Styrofoam packing peanuts, reams of plastic bubble wrap. Then there’s the moving truck that’ll haul thousands of pounds of your household goods to the other side of the city, or—cringe—across the state or country. However, if you’re moving, there’s a way to fulfill your resolution, celebrate April as Earth Month and take part in a popular trend: green moving. It’s household moving with a conscious effort to choose the most environmentally-friendly packing materials, share and reuse supplies, and reduce carbon emissions during transport. Read our tips for making your move green, as well as interesting statistics about how moving affects the environment. Also, find out what you need to do to make your household energy-efficient and start things off right in your new digs.

Get Smart about Supplies

The average move uses 60 cardboard boxes—that’s the equivalent of a half-ton tree. If you consider that an American moves 11 times in his or her lifetime, that’s 660 boxes, or 5 1/2 tons of wood, per person. Reusing a friend’s cardboard boxes is a good first step. Depending on quality, a cardboard box can withstand three to 10 uses, at which point it will likely need to be recycled. But there are some more eco-friendly alternatives to cardboard boxes, as well as other traditional packing materials.

Recycled plastic bins. Ask your mover if they offer reusable bins made out of recycled plastic. Plastic bins can be used up to 400 times. They are typically stacked and wheeled into your place on a dolly, left there for you to fill, packed by the mover, and then left at your new place for a week or two for unpacking. The provider then collects the bins, and there’s no worry on your part about collapsing, recycling or donating cardboard boxes. If your mover doesn’t offer bins, there are plenty who do: RentAGreenBox.com, EZBins, EcoBox.com and Zippgo are just some examples. Prices range from $2.50 to $5 per 4-cubic-foot box, per week. (U-Haul charges $3 for a 4.5-cubic-foot box).
Biodegradable replacements. There are green alternatives to plastic bubble wrap, packing peanuts and foam wrap. Often, the alternatives are literally green in color, to alert you to the difference. As effective as their polystyrene forebears, green packing peanuts are made from bioplastics, a form of plastic derived from renewable sources like vegetable oils or corn starch. A 12-cubic-foot bag of green peanuts costs $19 at Uline. Geami wrap, a die-cut recycled paper split by a machine to form protective packaging, is another alternative to bubble wrap.
Getting creative with what you have. Perhaps the most resourceful way to securely pack your fragile belongings is to wrap them with towels, bedding and clothing you already have lying around the house. It’s a two-fer because you need to pack these items anyway. Check out this visual tutorial on how one woman used her scarf collection to pack breakable picture frames.

Know Your Shipping and Fuel Options

Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance will greatly affect the amount of gas your moving truck uses and the carbon dioxide it emits. How much stuff you have, the size of truck you use, and the way you drive will also make a difference—a small truck gets about 9 mpg while a large truck gets roughly 5 mpg. According to carbon dioxide calculations from the Environmental Protection Agency, and based on average truck sizes from national carriers, a short-distance move under 10 miles using a small truck will emit 22 pounds of CO₂; the same move with a large truck will emit 40 pounds. Conversely, a cross-country move of 3,000 miles in a small truck will emit roughly 6,500 pounds of CO₂, while the same move in a large truck will emit almost twice that at 11,760 pounds. Whether you’re staying in the neighborhood or accepting a job offer on the other side of the country, you can look for greener options.

Biodiesel fuel. Some moving companies have converted their trucks to run on biodiesel fuel. Ask each mover who gives you an estimate—you should get an estimate from at least three different companies—if they’ve made the upgrade.
Car shipping via rail. Do you have to transport your car? Instead of having it shipped by truck, consider train transport. On average, trains are four times more fuel-efficient than trucks.
Declutter and donate. Lighten the load. The less stuff you have to ship, the smaller truck you can use and the less waste you’ll pump into the atmosphere.

Start New Habits in Your New Home

Once you’re in your new home, get into a habit of saving energy, creating less waste and recycling. Here’s a checklist for getting started.

Replace incandescent light bulbs around the house with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights), or, better yet, LEDs (light-emitting diodes). CFLs require less energy than incandescents, but LEDs blow the CFLs away in terms of efficiency, and, unlike CFLs, they don’t contain mercury.
Stop air leaks under doorways, window panes and out of the roof. Get a professional to inspect these areas and give you recommendations for how to fix them.
Unplug appliances, electronics and phone chargers when not in use. Buy power strips to make unplugging several electronics at once a one-switch process.
Everyone knows to recycle. Need a new hobby? Start composting your organic refuse.
Upgrade to ENERGY STAR appliances, which have met energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA
Generate renewable energy by installing solar panels on your roof. Solar panels may require a large investment up front, but eventually they offer clean, renewable energy sans the electricity bills.

Cheers to Mother Nature! Carolyn McKibbin leads the MyMove.com editorial team. Her raison d'être is to make moving easier by providing insightful and time-saving advice in articles, videos and blog posts. She loves to share moving stories and photos on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Recommended By the Editors:

5 Steps to Transporting Your Car During a Move

MovingInsider — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:05:26 +0000

You are moving cross-country, and all of your household belongings are loaded up in a moving van. So, how exactly are you going to transport your car to your new home at the same time? Towing your vehicle can be a great option that allows you and your family to ride in the moving van together. It can also combat driver fatigue because you can share the responsibility of driving a single vehicle, which may also help you save gas. Here is some helpful advice for choosing the right towing equipment, some tips for loading and unloading, plus special precautions to take while transporting your car.

Step 1: Determine which type of trailer you need.

There are two types of trailers commonly used to tow a vehicle: a tow dolly or car carrier. A tow dolly lifts your car's front wheels off the road (a low-cost option for front-wheel drive vehicles), while a car carrier lifts your car completely off the ground so that none of the tires make contact with the pavement (good for long-distance moves). The weight, size of the hitch and other specifications of both the tow vehicle and the car to be towed are important in determining which trailer you will need. Consult the trailer manufacturer for specific guidelines to decide which will work best for you. Some companies, like U-Haul, provide a hookup validation process that will qualify your vehicle quickly and easily. Remember, rental towing equipment is designed to carry most regular-production vehicles, so if you have after-market alterations (e.g. over-sized tires) or custom effects (e.g. lowered ground clearance), then you may need to take some extra steps before the towing equipment can accommodate your special vehicle.

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the equipment.

It’s never a good idea to throw your car on a trailer and learn as you go. Take time to learn the proper way to use your equipment and become familiar with the components. Read all of the decals, the owner’s manual and pamphlets, when available. You may also find instructional videos on the trailer manufacturer’s website, or on YouTube.

Step 3: Load your vehicle.

Position the moving van, the trailer, and the vehicle to be towed in a straight line on level ground. Make sure the towing equipment is securely connected to your moving van before driving the to-be-towed car up the ramps. (Don't load your vehicle until the trailer is hooked up). Follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions when loading your vehicle. Some basic and general tips for loading are as follows: The Do's:

Double-check your connection to the moving van before loading the trailer.
Load forward. The heaviest part of the car (where the engine is) should always be loaded closest to the towing vehicle, whether you are using a car carrier or tow dolly.
Use adequate tie-downs, safety chains and tire straps to secure your vehicle.
Be careful getting out of your car after you load it onto the trailer. The trailer fenders may make it impossible to open your door wide enough to get out. You may need to climb out of the window, or consider renting a trailer with fold-down fenders if this is not an option.
When towing a rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle on a tow dolly, drop the drive shaft before towing. Putting the vehicle into neutral is not enough in many cases. Consult a trusted mechanic for questions or assistance. An easier solution for these vehicles may be a car carrier.

The Don'ts

Never load cargo into the vehicle being towed. The weight capacities of trailers are based on empty vehicle weights; yours may not be equipped for the extra weight of your cargo. Cargo in a towed vehicle will also shift the normal weight distribution, which can cause dangerous "sway."
Don’t put pets or people into the vehicle being towed.

Step 4: Drive carefully when towing.

Driving a vehicle combination is different from driving a vehicle alone. You should always take the following precautions when towing a trailer: Before you go:

Make sure your lights are operational. When using a tow dolly, you will need to attach separate vehicle-in-tow lights. Inspect all trailer connections once more before hitting the road.
Check tire pressure on your car and the tow vehicle before you set out.

On the Road:

Anticipate stops, and brake early. The heavier weight of the combination creates a need for longer stopping distances. In clear weather, allow a four-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. Allow at least five seconds when towing in adverse weather conditions.
Reduce your regular driving speed, and slow down even more for downgrades, curves, hazardous road conditions and expressway exits.
Take wider turns.
Always be alert and follow common sense driving behaviors. Fasten your seat belt, do not talk on your cellphone, and never operate a vehicle when you are tired.

At every stop:

Park with a pull-through, where the parking spot in front is clear; backing up can be difficult and could result in damage to towing equipment.
Inspect all trailer connections before driving, including the hitch.

Step 5: Unload the vehicle.

Before you unload your car from the trailer, make sure that the trailer is still securely attached to the vehicle. Position the vehicle so that the trailer is directly behind it in a straight line, and is on safe, level ground. Fully extend the loading ramps and then ensure the area around the trailer is clear before removing your vehicle. While it is not necessary, it is helpful to have a spotter available to guide you off of the trailer. This post comes from the editors at Movinginsider.com; your resource for everything related to moving, storage and organization. Recommended by the editors:

Adapt Your Home for Elderly Parents with a Home Safety Checklist

Sue — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:00:55 +0000

Earlier this year, my 84-year-old mother slipped and fell. Her accidental fall left her with a broken pelvis – and me with the realization that my aging mother could simply no longer care for herself at home. When we made the tough decision for her to move in with my family, I knew that our current home – with its second-floor guest bedroom and narrow stairs – would need to be changed. According to Caregiver.org, about 44 million Americans provide 37 billion hours of unpaid, "informal" care each year for adult family members and friends. While everyone’s situation is different, we all face a shared challenge of adapting our homes for an elderly parent. If you are preparing to care for an elderly parent in your home, you may need to modify your house to meet her mobility needs and to reduce her risk of falling. Consider the following safety checklist to help adapt your home to senior-specific home safety. Main Entrance

Install a threshold ramp and chair railings to make it easier to leave and enter the home.
Repair cracked sidewalks or uneven pavers that pose a tripping hazard.

Bathroom Safety

Install grab-bars by the toilet and in your bathtub or shower.
Add a no-slip rubber mat to the bottom of your bathtub or shower to prevent slipping.
Add a shower chair or bench for enhanced stability and ease of bathing.
Use a nightlight in the bathroom and hallway to illuminate the path from the bedroom to the bathroom at night.

Stair Safety

Reinforce handrails. An adult should be able to securely wrap his or her hands around the entire handrail with ease.
Add a second handrail on the opposite wall, if possible.
Increase lighting on stairs. Use a two-way switch so the light can easily be turned on and off from both upstairs and downstairs.
Remove rugs from the top and bottom of stairs.
If possible, convert a downstairs room into a bedroom to reduce stair use.

Living Space Safety

Remove throw rugs and runners or use double-sided tape and a non-slip backing to securely hold them in place.
Secure extension cords against the baseboards and out of high-traffic areas.
Reduce clutter. Remind children to keep toys and books off the floor.

Kitchen Safety

If your elderly parent will be cooking or preparing meals, place pots and pans at waist level for easy access.
If your elderly parent should not be cooking due to impairment, consider disconnecting the stove when you're not be home to prevent him or her from turning it on.
Place a microwave on the counter (rather than over the stove) to reduce bending and stretching while preparing food.

Caring for an elderly parent at home? Tell us -- how did you prepare your house for your parent’s arrival? Recommended by the Editor:

Secure a Load Safely

Doug Howlett — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:00:34 +0000

If you’ve ever stood outside of a Home Depot, Lowes or discount furniture store and watched consumers try to secure large items to the roofs of their cars or in the back of their trucks, it's probably no surprise to you that sometimes, the loads aren't tied down properly. More often than not, you’ll want to get out of the parking lot and ahead of the person you’ve been watching so as to not be behind them when whatever they just bought goes airborne or topples into the roadway. For your safety and the safety of those around you, learn to secure loads the right way. It’s actually quite easy.

Car and SUV Tops

Secure a load to a car or SUV top by utilizing existing roof racks for best results. If needed, you can attach racks to the roof and follow these tips: For suitcases, boxes, bags and similarly sized items, use a hard-shell rooftop carrier or cargo bag. A cargo bag is great because it folds compactly and can be easily packed in the trunk or the rear of a vehicle until needed. Most can be safely fastened to a vehicle top—with or without racks—in a matter of minutes. Always use quality nylon ratchet or cam straps of at least an inch to 2-inch width to safely secure loads, whether they are in a carrier or simply tied down. They attach easily to racks and loops and can be cinched down to the precise tightness needed without complicated knots. Avoid ropes and bungees. Ropes can come loose if you’re not good at tying the right knots, and bungees can shift with the weight of your load and break easily. Large, bulky items, such as a kayak, a canoe, lumber or a piece of furniture, can be laid evenly across both racks, and you should secure them with at least two cam or ratchet straps. Depending on the size of the load, you may need additional straps. Cam straps may also work better than a ratchet strap if you are concerned about damaging the item by tightening down on it too much, as the cam allows you to stop tightening whenever you wish, while a ratchet tightens in increments. For bikes, use a specially designed rooftop or hitch-mounted carrier. Auto Anything offers great advice on how to choose the right one.

Pickup Trucks

Avoid leaning more than a few long boards on the closed tailgate, as it isn’t designed for heavy loads.

To be sure items are safely secured in the bed of a pickup truck, do the following: The Family Handyman website recommends wrapping long, flimsy materials, such as flashing, conduit and trim that will hang beyond the bed of the truck, with cling film for added support. Otherwise, individual pieces may bounce and whip during travel, getting damaged. Avoid leaning more than a few long boards on the closed tailgate, as it isn’t designed for heavy loads. Instead, lay them flat with the tailgate open and bind them using ratchet straps. Cinch the boards together near the cab, in the middle and near the end, placing shorter boards on top. Family Handyman suggests then crisscrossing the load with two straps, securing one end of each to the bed near the cab and the other to the far end of the load. Appliances, such as refrigerators and washers, can tip when taking a turn. Place the appliance against the back of the bed and use straps across the top and around the side, securing the ends of each strap to the bed of the truck. When transporting lightweight items such as insulation, use a cargo net or tarp and snap it to the hooks inside the bed using the attached clips on a cargo net or D-Ring clips on the tarp. Flag items extending beyond the bed with a brightly colored rag or flag made for this purpose to keep others aware of the potential hazard.

5 Strategies for Announcing Your Small Business Move

MyMove.com — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:00:35 +0000

By Dawn Allcot, MyMove.com A small business move can be complicated. Not only are you leaving loyal customers and impacting the local community and its economy, but you might have to make the decision of whether to relocate certain employees. Then there are the logistics of planning a move, from packing office supplies, inventory and technology systems to changing your marketing materials to reflect your new location. Follow these five strategies to plan and announce your small business move to help the process go more smoothly.

1. Announce the move to employees.

Whether you have a team of one, five, 15 or more, announce the move—and any details about your new location—to most of your staff simultaneously in a meeting. Uncertainty can be stressful in a time of change.

2. Outline moving responsibilities clearly to employees.

Your IT staff, for instance, may be responsible for packing computer equipment safely and re-establishing the network at the new location. If you don't have an IT department, you may want to hire independent contractors to assist in setting up technology systems following the move. Employees may be responsible for packing their own supplies. You should also outline who will pack general office equipment, kitchen supplies, etc. It's nice to treat employees to lunch on moving day as a thank-you for their work above and beyond normal duties.

3. Create a campaign to announce the move to vendors, clients, your network.

Depending on the size of your small business, your position in the community and your company's impact on the town's economy and tax base, announcing a move can be a sensitive proposition. You might enlist the help of public relations professionals to craft the right moving announcement. If you do your PR in house, don’t forget to communicate the news via Facebook, Twitter and other social media, and send a press release to local newspapers. As with employees, timing and open communication are paramount when it comes to announcing your move to the general public. This announcement may include a significant social media marketing campaign, as well as articles in local newspapers and business publications at your old location and your new home base.

4. Update your marketing materials to reflect the move.

Business cards, letterhead, signage and even your employees' email signatures may need to change following a relocation. Make sure to change your address and phone number on every page of your website, too. Will your move also involve rebranding in the form of a new company logo or new web design? Now may be the time to do it, since you have to change your marketing materials, anyway.

5. Begin to establish yourself and your company in the new location.

Before the last box is unpacked in your new location, you should already be establishing yourself in your business' new community. Research Chamber of Commerce and professional networking organization meetings before the move and prioritize those you'll want to attend during your first months in your new corporate digs. What was the most difficult part of your last move? Dawn Allcot is a writer for MyMove.com You might also like:

The Apartment Walkthrough: Things to Watch Out For Before You Move In

Jamie Grimes - Apartment Guide — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:49:33 +0000

You’ve found a great apartment in your price range and are ready to move in. But before you pack your bags and boxes and load up the moving truck, you’ll want to do an apartment walkthrough. Essentially, it’s like running through a home safety checklist; you walk through the apartment with your landlord or rental agent and determine if there are any issues that need fixing before you move in. This is one of the most important steps in the moving process. An apartment walkthrough will ensure that you avoid any fees for damages (that you didn’t cause) when you move out; if it isn’t initiated for you, make sure to request one. Read on for a list of common problems to look for during a walkthrough.

Come Prepared

The first step to a successful walkthrough is to make sure you come prepared. Bring a camera to take pictures of any problematic areas, and make sure you have a notepad and pen handy to take notes. Also, bring a tape measure and size up the doorways to ensure your furniture will fit through them.

General Checks

Check for any signs of an insect or rodent infestation, such as droppings or chew marks.
Bring a cell phone charger to plug into outlets and check function.
Make sure home phone or cable jacks are available (if you'll be using them) and that they are functioning and accessible.

Safety Checks

Make sure proper fire safety equipment is installed: Check to see that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and in the appropriate areas, and ensure that fire extinguishers are in place.
Find the fire escape plan (if your apartment is in a complex) and make sure you know where to go in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Door and Window Checks

Check all windows and doors to make sure they open and close properly.
Try all locks and doorknobs to ensure they are secure and not wobbly. If there is more than one type of lock, ask to receive a key for each lock.
See if all window coverings are intact, including screens. Check for drafts.

Bathroom Checks

Flush every toilet to make sure the plumbing works properly. Look inside the tank to make sure the handle is sturdy, so you know it’s not going to snap.
Check for leaks under the sink by running every faucet. Look under the sink to make sure there are no drips, water discolorations or odors. Fill up the sinks to make sure they hold water and drain properly.
Make sure the shower head works and isn’t spraying water all over the place.
Test the hot water to ensure it heats up in a timely manner. Check the water pressure.
Check for any cracks or discolorations in the bathroom mirror. If there is a medicine cabinet behind the mirror, make sure the door opens properly.

Kitchen Checks

Turn on each appliance (microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, etc.) and make sure it works properly.
Turn on all the burners on the stove to make sure they light up. Open and close the oven door, and look for all the racks in the oven. Check the broiler and make sure it works.
Open and close the fridge doors and pull out every drawer. Check any musty smells. If there is an icemaker, check to see if it works. Make sure the fridge is chilly and the freezer is cold.
Examine the linoleum or tile for any scrapes, scuffs and cuts, and check the counter tops for any stains, burn marks or chips.
Open and close all the cupboard doors and drawers. Check for chips and dings.

Bedroom and Living Room Checks

Flip every light switch on and off.
Test the air conditioner on both the hot and cold settings. Listen for any strange sounds and be aware of any weird smells, which could be a sign that the filter needs to be changed.
Open and close the blinds to make sure they work properly.
Look for cracks and dents in the walls and baseboards, which could be an indicator of structural damage.
Check for any aesthetic details, like stains on the carpet, chipped paint, peeling wallpaper, nail holes in the wall.
Make sure the fireplace (if there is one) is in working condition.

Once you and your landlord have completed the apartment walkthrough, clarify the terms of the security deposit, schedule any repairs, and make sure to sign a document detailing the agreed-upon condition of the property.

This guest post was provided by Apartment Guide, a leader in apartment search listings and moving, decorating and green living content. Whether you're living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide will help point you in the right direction.

5 Moving Scam Red Flags

MyMove.com — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:00:53 +0000

Moving can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. But if you’re unlucky enough to do business with a rogue moving company, that adventure can quickly turn into a nightmare. The good news is that the vast majority of moving companies aren’t out to take advantage of anyone. But why take a chance, especially when it comes to a whole household of possessions? Choosing a less-than-reputable moving company is often cited as a common moving mistake to avoid. Here are five red flags to watch out for that will help you avoid a moving scam. If you see any of them, you know you need to keep looking for other movers.

The moving company doesn’t insist on coming to your home to perform an inspection prior to giving you an estimate.

Moving companies charge by weight, and, in order to give you an accurate estimate for charges, a professional has to come to your home to perform a walk-through. If a mover offers you an estimate—either over the phone or via email—based on a few general questions, consider it a warning sign. They’re likely to give you a low-ball quote so that you sign on, but when it’s time to deliver your goods the movers can hold you hostage until you pay more.

Requiring payment in full ahead of time, or asking you to fork over a sizeable down-payment.

A legitimate moving company doesn’t ask for money up front. Instead, you’ll receive a bill after services have been rendered. By agreeing to pay any amount of money in advance, you’re basically giving up any leverage you have to ensure that your belongings make it to their destination. Don’t rely on faith when it comes to movers. If they want your money before hand, something’s fishy.

You’re have an interstate move and the moving company doesn’t give you a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.

By law, movers are required to give you this information any time they transfer your belongings over state lines. In some cases, even movers who are performing in-state moves will go to the effort to ensure you get a copy of the pamphlet. Remember, crooked movers don’t want you to know your rights; therefore they won’t make any effort to help educate you. Take this as a sign that you should part ways and find another moving company.

You’re given blank or incomplete documents to sign.

Although this falls under the category of “good old-fashioned common sense” there are still plenty of people who fall victim to this ploy. Call it whatever you want: a false sense of security, blind trust, or naiveté. Either way, attaching your signature to a blank contract can leave you open to all kinds of troubles including drastically increased delivery fees and the discovery of missing belongings. Always read and verify all documents that you’re asked to sign.

The moving company providing an interstate haul isn’t registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).

You can look this up for yourself simply by visiting www.fmcsa.dot.gov and entering in the company’s name. Registered movers have specific DOT (Department of Transportation) numbers—make sure the truck leaving with your goods has the same DOT number as the DOT number on your bill of lading (contract between you and your mover). As a best practice, always do your homework prior to doing business with any moving company. You can find a history of customer reviews, ratings and complaints by visiting the Better Business Bureau website. Ask for customer references and call them. The U.S. Department of Transportation also operates a consumer-protection website, www.protectyourmove.gov, where you can find further information about avoiding moving scams and how to file an official claim against a mover. Vince Font is a writer for MyMove.com

Countdown: A Week-By-Week Moving Checklist for Your New Apartment

Jamie Grimes - Apartment Guide — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:00:29 +0000

Whether it’s your first time or your 12^th, moving can be exciting. But it can also be overwhelming and stressful. From finding a place to live and packing up your things to unpacking boxes and figuring out décor options for your new space, there’s a lot involved in a move. To stay sane during the process, you just need to stay organized. (Don't be afraid to ask for help!). Use this eight-week moving checklist as a guide to help you move and get nicely settled into your new apartment.

Eight Weeks Before Your Move:

Moving notebook: Keep track of all of your moving information in a notebook/binder, and use it as an easy reference guide. This can include receipts, contracts and a list of all the items you are moving.
Sort and purge: Go through your place, room by room, and sort all of your belongings. Determine what you plan to keep and consider throwing (or giving) away things you no longer need. Set aside the items that you plan on taking with you and that you may not need for the next few weeks.
Moving company: Decide if you will be moving your own belongings or if you plan on using a moving company. Tip: If you go the moving company route, request an on-site estimate, which will give you a more accurate quote than if you were to do it over the phone.
Research your new city: If you have kids, research local schools, as well as community resources. Determine the new school locations, and begin asking for recommendations for doctors, health care providers, etc. Begin transferring school and medical records.
Give notice: Be sure you check your lease to see how much notice you need to give before you move out.

Six Weeks Before Your Move:

Change of address: File a change of address form. This is a good time to forward your mail to your new address.
Make arrangements: Contact your new apartment community and discuss your moving day. Finalize move-in details, and determine if special arrangements need to be made, such as special parking, moving hours, etc.
Renter’s insurance: Research insurance companies and arrange for renters insurance at your new apartment. Additionally, set a date to terminate your current policy.
Measurements: Check the room dimensions of your new apartment. This step is important, especially if you have larger pieces of furniture. Make sure your furniture can fit through the doorways of your new space.

Four Weeks Before Your Move:

Valuables: Make a list of valuable items that will require special moving arrangements. (This could include a flat-screen TV, artwork, etc).
Begin packing: Start packing your belongings, and begin with the items you use less frequently. Consider packing a priority box, which will make your move easier.
Use up items: If you have items such as frozen foods or detergent that you will not want to move, start using those items to avoid having too much waste.
Magazine subscriptions: Cancel or transfer your magazine and newspaper subscriptions.
Utilities: Call your utility providers to set up water, power, gas, television and Internet for your new apartment. Additionally, make arrangements to have your utilities canceled after you move out. Remember to ask about deposits and what to do with equipment (like the cable box, for example).
Bank accounts: Call your bank and credit card companies and close any accounts you will not be transferring. Also, ask about the moving process for your accounts.

Two Weeks Before Your Move:

Credit cards: Transfer your credit cards and bank statements to your new address.
Talk with your new leasing manager: Contact your new apartment community manager and confirm the time you will be able to pick up your keys for your new apartment.
Moving truck: Confirm the time that your moving truck and movers will arrive at your current apartment.
License plates: If you are moving to a new state, apply for a new vehicle registration. Additionally, determine how soon you will need to update your driver’s license.
Cleaning: Read over your lease agreement to find out what kind of cleaning is necessary when you move out. Consider calling a carpet cleaner and/or a company to come out and thoroughly clean your apartment.
Safe deposit box: Remove the contents of your safe deposit box at the bank if you are changing banks. Place these items in the safe box that you plan to take with you on moving day.
Prescriptions: Refill any prescriptions you may need during the next few weeks.

The Week of the Move:

Suitcase: Pack a suitcase with enough clothes to wear for the first few days in your new apartment. Don’t forget toiletries.
Double check: Go back through your moving notebook and confirm that you have everything covered. Confirm the moving time with your moving company, and make sure you have written directions to your new home for the moving staff. Make sure these notes include your cellphone number.
Payment: If you are paying the moving company on the day of the move, be sure to have a money order, cashier's check or cash for payment, as well as for the tip. A good tip for a job well done is 15 percent. If you want to go the extra step, provide refreshments for the movers.

Moving Day:

Clean: Perform last-minute cleaning and take out the trash.
Final walkthrough: Walk through each room and make sure you aren’t leaving anything behind.
Priority box: Be sure to keep your priority box(es) in your car.
Arrive early: Be sure to arrive at your new apartment before the movers. Contact the apartment manager and have a walkthrough of your new apartment. Check to make sure the necessary utilities have been hooked up. Once the moving company arrives, take note of items as they are unloaded. Sign final paperwork and keep a copy for your records.
Unpack: Go through your priority box and unpack the items you may need. Then, arrange your furniture and set up the items you may need the most first. Then, work your way through the rest.

This guest post was provided by Apartment Guide, a leader in apartment search listings and moving content. Whether you're living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide will help point you in the right direction.

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Buying a Foreclosure: 5 Dos to Start Off on the Right Foot

Mary Boone, Zillow — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:00:25 +0000

At first glance, foreclosed properties appear to be the kind of bargains you simply can’t pass up. For some, it’s true: Buying a foreclosure can be a terrific investment opportunity. But beware; there often are a number of challenges along the way. These five "dos" should get you on the right track as you begin your buying quest: 1. Do your homework. Read everything you can get your hands on, attend seminars and seek the advice of foreclosure investors. Learning the lingo and understanding the basics of the process will better prepare you for the journey. Additionally, you need to research neighborhoods before you buy a home. What are the schools like? What about crime rates? What have other properties in your desired neighborhood sold for? 2. Do keep an open mind. The current real estate market is certainly chock-full of competitively priced foreclosures. But the same can be said of traditional listings. Traditional sellers may be more flexible about taking care of repairs or negotiating price, and you likely won’t have to assume the previous owner’s overdue debts or liens. Plus, by narrowing your search to foreclosure homes only, you may not end up in your dream neighborhood or your favorite style of house. Being open to many options will ensure you end up with the best house for your money. 3. Do find an experienced agent and attorney. The foreclosure market is complex. Whether you’re looking at a pre-foreclosure, short sale or bank-owned property, you’re going to need the guidance of a professional who has experience buying and selling these types of properties. That doesn’t mean someone who has read about the process. You want to work with someone who has gone through it and knows what can go wrong. Besides, a real estate agent who specializes in foreclosures likely will have long-term relationships with area lenders, so they’ll hear about properties that haven’t yet been officially listed. Foreclosure laws and regulations are tricky, and they vary from state to state. A real estate agent can help you locate properties and make offers, but – unless he is also a practicing attorney – you cannot rely on him for legal advice. Be prepared to consult with a local real estate attorney who understands how these purchases work. 4. Do get prequalified. It doesn’t make sense to fall in love with a home that’s twice what you can afford. If you’re serious about buying, go talk to your lender before you even begin your search so you know how much you can afford to borrow to buy a home and exactly which price point you should be targeting. Even better: Get preapproved. That way, you can move quickly when you decide you’re ready to buy. 5. Do think beyond today It’s best to approach any real estate transaction with a long-term perspective. If your plan is to flip the property and quickly resell it, you need to ask yourself: What happens if it doesn’t sell for six months or a year or longer? Do the math: How long can you afford to carry this property before all your profit goes down the drain? If you plan to live in the house, do some math and determine what it will cost you to remodel and repair the property. Often, lenders are willing to loan money for the property but not the repairs. Can you afford to make this property your dream home? Can you handle the work yourself, or do you need to hire someone to do the repairs? Do you have a realistic idea about these costs? Do the math or you may suffer long-term financial repercussions.

Mary Boone is a writer for Zillow, a home and real estate marketplace dedicated to helping homeowners, buyers, sellers, renters, real estate agents, mortgage professionals, landlords and property managers find and share vital information about homes, real estate and mortgages.

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