Clustrmaps
Archive for December, 2009
Moving with Pets
There is a lot of information available about the challenges of moving with children, but not as much attention is paid to the difficulty of moving with Fluffy and Fido. Unlike children, who can mostly understand the move and who can communicate their concerns (unless they are very young), your pets aren’t going to know what’s going on. All they know is that their homes are being changed drastically (as you pack) and then they are being brought to an unfamiliar place.
One of the most important things to remember when moving with pets is to keep everything as familiar as possible. Try to not alter your pet’s daily schedule. If you always go for a long walk after dinner, for example, keep the walk as part of your routine, even if you are short on time. Also, try to stretch out the move for as long as possible. Start packing when you decide to move instead of rushing during the last week or two. A slower transition will make the move go a lot smoother, for both you and your pet.
Create a “pet room” in both the home you are moving out of, and the home you are moving into. The pet room should have food and water dishes, a litter box for cats, toys, a sleeping area, and anything else your pet needs to feel secure. Put a sign on the door, asking that no one goes into the room, or lets the animals out. If you will be using a moving crate for your pets, leave the crate on the floor, open, so that the animals can investigate it for a day or two. When you let them out of the crate, keep them in the pet room for a few days, while you set up your new home. Not having to see the home with boxes piled everywhere will help the transition.
Make sure you have new tags, with your new address written on them, made up before the move. On moving day, or even a day or two before, put on the new tags. Make sure your leashes are in good shape and readily available at any point during the move. If your dog needs to go out, you won’t have time to dig through boxes.
If you will be moving to a new town, make one last visit to the vet’s office for a final check-up and to get copies made of your pet’s medical file. You will be able to bring these documents to a vet in your new town, saving yourself more paperwork down the road.
If you will be driving long distance with your pet for the move, remember to stop often, every two hours or so, to give them fresh water and to give them a chance to walk around. Rest areas often have pet-friendly areas just for this purpose. Keep the car at a comfortable temperature, and cover the cages, to help the pet feel more secure.
If you will be flying to your new home, call airlines in advance to ask about their guidelines and regulations. Try to choose the airline company with the best pet-friendly policy, preferably one that offers a non-stop flight to your location, reducing the amount of handling required for shipping your pet. Make reservations as soon as possible, and call the day before the flight to confirm.
It may take several days, even a few weeks, for some pets to adjust to a new home. Other pets will experience very little anxiety, and be excited to explore their new environment. It depends on the temperament of the animal and how pet-friendly you can make the move. Be patient and understanding, and provide lots of extra attention, and your pet will settle into his or her new home in no time at all.
Winning the 2009 Real Estate Game
With foreclosures up, sale prices down, and new homes sitting empty, it’s hard to look back on 2009 as a great year in real estate. The market is way below where it should be, and it’s taking a lot of work to build things back up. There’s been more bad news than good.
Not everything in real estate was bad this year, though. With all of the negative press the real estate world has been getting, here’s a little good news to balance things out a bit. Consider this the 2009 Real Estate Winner’s Circle, the people who actually won the real estate game this year.
First time homebuyers were the big winners in 2009. Not only have interest rates been at a ridiculously low level most of the year, prices have also been low. Add to that the first time home buyer tax credit, and you have a formula for a lot of first time buyers making out very well in real estate this year. There were a lot of homes available, and first time buyers alone were able to put a huge dent in the available inventory.
Investors also were in a position to do really well in 2009. Lower prices and lower interest rates made it easy for investors to scoop up a lot of homes. If investors had cash available, they were able to purchase unfinished developments, foreclosed homes and other troubled properties for as much as 25% off the price they would have paid five years ago.
This was a great year to be a renter. There were more apartments available, and fewer interested renters, so those who moved into a new apartment during the last year could have saved a lot on their monthly rent payments. They also avoided the real estate mess, for the most part. Also, with the home buyer incentive expanded and extended into 2010, these renters are in a great position to buy a home in the coming year.
Home owners who have owned their home long enough to build up equity were also doing well this year, despite the drop in home prices. Their homes may have dropped in value, but the mortgages on those homes didn’t go upside down. They were protected. Similarly, owners in areas where home values didn’t drop, such as in many areas of the central US, weren’t affected by the recession the same way those whose homes dropped several thousand dollars in value were.
The turmoil in real estate during the year has taught us some hard lessons. We need to think carefully about our finances before buying a home, and we need to make sure we have a substantial savings set aside for a rainy day, to cover housing and other expenses in the case of a job loss or other financial emergency. Banks have been forced to change their policies, and consumers are much more aware of how the real estate market works.
The current state of the real estate market may be bleak, but there have been some good things to come out of it. As we head into 2010, it will be interesting to watch as the housing market continues to pull itself out of the hole and come back stronger than ever.
Tips for Buying a Home from a Builder
More often these days, people go to “parade of homes” events or talk with their friends and family and decide to buy a home directly from a builder instead of looking for another home. This way they get exactly what they want and it is brand new. Buying a home can be challenging though and buying from a builder has its own challenges. Here are some tips for buying from a builder to help make the process easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
Ask your real estate agent for advice
Real estate agents experience many different situations with buyers and sellers and they are a great resource. They will answer any questions you may have or put you in contact with someone with more information. They also can be available to help you talk to builders and lenders and to help negotiate.
Shop around for a lender
You may think it is easy to just go with the builder’s lender, but this may not always be the best choice. They may overcharge you or not really listen to your concerns and needs. It is best to shop around for the right lender that will best fit your needs.
Obtain legal advice
When buying directly from a builder, sometimes they just write up an agreement that is best for them and not the buyer. Make sure to ask plenty of questions and know your rights. Also, make sure you get an agreement that works for you as well.
Hire a home inspector
It always a good idea to hire a home inspector when buying any home. Home builders have certain requirements but it is a good idea to make sure everything is done properly and any repairs are made before you purchase the home.
Ask around about the builders
Make sure the builders have a good reputation for building good quality homes with good construction. It is a good idea to ask other people that went with the same builder or to ask your agent for information on the builders.
These tips will help make the buying process easier for everyone. Buying a home can be challenging, but it should also be an enjoyable and rewarding experience as well. These tips will help make sure everyone is on the same page and help make sure there are fewer problems in the future.
After Closing Tips for Home Buyers
So you have finally found the home of your dreams that is just right for you and your family and it is all yours, but you may be wondering what you do now. You need to pack and move and there are so many things to think about and do. Here are some after closing tips to help the process go a little easier for everyone involved. This way you can settle in with fewer worries and just enjoy your new home.
Ask your Syracuse real estate agent for advice
After you are finished closing on your new home, you may think you do not need your agent anymore, but they are still a great resource of information. They can help you figure out what to do next and give you contacts you may need. They are also good to keep in touch with for any future problems, concerns, questions, or future moving plans.
Set up utilities
Make sure to contact the electric, gas, and phone companies to get everything hooked up and working properly. Also, it is a good idea to look through your closing paperwork and see how far the utilities are paid up by the previous owners.
Make any needed repairs
If any repairs are needed, make sure they are completed and everything is working before moving your family in and your stuff into your new home. It also may be a good idea to paint or repaint and decorate your home before moving your stuff in.
Notify people of your move
It is important to notify the post office of your change of address and to make sure all your mail will be forwarded. Other people that need to be notified are banks, employers, friends, family members, caregivers, and schools if you have kids.
Change any locks on your new home
It is important to have the locks changed on your new home. That way only people you know, will have access to your home. If you use keypads or other security systems make sure these are changed and set up as well. It is also a good idea to make sure all locks are working properly.
These tips and advice for after closing will help make the process seem a little less overwhelming and stressful for everyone involved. The moving process can be hard enough and these tips will help remind you of everything you need to get started. This way you can know everything is set up and ready for your move to your new home. Then you can sit back relax and enjoy your new home with your family.
Tips for Renting Out your Home
The housing market is struggling right now in many areas and many sellers are finding it harder and harder to sell their homes. This means that many sellers are paying mortgages and payments for two homes if they already bought a new one or they are losing money by keeping their home on the market. One way that many sellers could avoid losing any more money and time, is to rent out their house. This may also serve as a tax cut for some people and can be a very wise idea in these times. Here are some tips for renting out your home to get you started.
Ask your Syracuse real estate agent for advice
As real estate agents, they know all about selling, buying, and renting and they are a great resource to help you get started or to find possible renters.
Check if your property has rental restrictions
Some properties in some areas have certain restrictions about renting, so it is a good idea to check with the building and zoning authorities to see if your home has any.
Review your mortgage paperwork
Sometimes certain mortgages have rental restrictions while the mortgage is still active, so it is important to look to see if there are any and what they might be.
Interview possible tenants
It is a good idea to interview possible tenants while you are showing the property. It is also very important to ask for applications, security deposits and rental and credit history. That way you know your tenants are reliable and will pay the rent on time.
Walk tenants through your home
On the day your tenants plan to move in to the home, walk through it with them and make sure they sign a “property condition agreement” and report any problems they see with the property by a certain date. Otherwise you can charge them for damages done to your home after that date.
Every seller wants to of course sell their home for the best possible price. However, with the housing market down that may be tough and this way renting your house will bring some money in and you will not lose as much money. Plus your renters could be possible buyers in the future. This will help put your mind at ease and give you more confidence for selling in the future.
Gift Ideas for New Homeowners
‘Tis the season for last minute shopping trips. If you’re buying for a new homeowner, you might be stuck between trying to find something unique and classy or something practical. You want something useful, but not something everyone else is already getting them.
There are a lot of options. Here are my top choices, based on the new owner.
A gourmet
Any cook knows that you can just never have too many kitchen gadgets, quality baking pans or new appliances. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance that the recipient already has an electric beater, measuring cup set and a blender. You need something different.
Consider a multi-tasking Panini press. Cuisinart offers a model with adjustable hinges, to allow for even the thickest sandwich. It also opens up, giving you a griddle or grill, depending on which of the contact plates you have in place. It’s perfect for everything from frying up eggs and bacon for breakfast to cooking up grilled chicken for supper. There isn’t a whole lot that this small appliance can’t cook up.
The Do-it-Yourselfer
Look, he already has a tool kit, and probably most of the power tools he could ever need, so unless you know specifically what he (or she) is looking for, you need to think just a little outside the box. There is a better alternative to a gift card from Home Depot. Actually, there are two.
A ladder. It sounds basic, but remember, the recipient has probably been living in an apartment for a while, and there just isn’t much of a need for ladders when you’re not responsible for outside maintenance. An extension ladder will allow them to reach even the highest sections of their roof, useful for cleaning out gutters, checking on shingles, or washing the upper windows.
The second option is to look at a subscription to a magazine or two. There are a variety of options out there, from Woodshop News and Popular Woodworking to Smart Homeowner and This Old House Magazine. There is also Do it Yourself Magazine. P
The Fashionista
The Fashionista is all about accessories. She has her own style, and she loves playing with new ideas. Unfortunately, unless you are very aware of what that style is, you’re going to be in the dark for finding the perfect gift idea.
First, think about what she already has displayed. That will give you a starting point. Then, try to find something neutral that will fit her style. A vase or a decorative bowl is a great start. You could also consider a set of picture frames, small statues, or some artistic holiday decorations.
The Homebody
This person wants nothing more than to curl up in the comfort of his or her new home. When you’re looking for gifts, think anything warm and snuggly. A soft throw, a new sheet set, or a set of candles or other home fragrance product will be the perfect gift.
The Outdoors Enthusiast
There’s something about having your own yard. For someone who loves to spend time outdoors, home ownership means having a place to call your own outside of the four walls of your apartment. A volleyball set, an outdoor table and chairs set, horseshoes, or even a grill would be a sure hit. Give them the perfect excuse to play outside this coming summer.
The Gardener
Owning your own home means being able to plant where ever you’d like, and for many gardening enthusiasts, their first home is the first chance they’ve had to really get into growing their own garden. A nice set of gardening hand tools is a great gift idea, combined with a pair of gardening gloves. Books filled with gardening tips or a gift card to a local gardening store are also popular choices. If you can go in with family and friends, or if you feel like spending a little extra, a rototiller is something almost every serious gardener has on his or her wish list.
The Host or Hostess
For your friend who loves to throw the best parties, or who really enjoys inviting friends and family over for dinner, you should be looking for the perfect host or hostess gift. A small wine cooler keeps wine at the perfect serving temperature. A serving set is also a good choice; allow them to serve their guests in style.
Before Moving Out
Once you have sold your home, set a move-out date, and have begun packing, time will probably seem to fly right by. All you really need to do is pack up your stuff and leave, right?
Maybe. You should, of course make sure all of your personal belongings are out, and that you have cleaned up all of your garbage. You will still have to get your keys to the new owners in whichever way was previously agreed upon, but other than that, you’re not really obligated to do anything else.
You could, though. A little extra work and consideration can make moving in a lot more pleasant for the family that will be moving in. A lot of agents will recommend that the home is at least “broom swept” before you move out. Sweep the floors, get rid of cobwebs along the walls and ceiling. Take it a step further, and mop or vacuum and clean the windows and surfaces, such as countertops and sinks. You should also take the time to give the bathrooms one last cleaning.
If it has been several days since the last time the lawn was mowed, that might be a really nice gesture to consider. Rake up leaves in the fall, or, in the winter, shovel the driveway and put down some rock salt to get rid of ice.
Of course, after you’ve gone through all of the work associated with moving, trying to get extra work done is probably not what you want to be doing. If you can, try keep everything neat while you are cleaning, and do any necessary yard work before you start loading the moving van. Then, you will only have a few quick things (a quick sweep and mop) to get done afterwards. This can be even easier if you entirely clean out each room as you get everything out of it. Empty out a room, clean it quickly, and then move on.
If you really don’t have the time, consider calling a cleaning service to give the home a once-over after you have moved out. Yard work could be handled by a neighborhood teen.
So, what do you get out of this extra effort or expense? Nothing, really, other than the knowledge that you have made moving a more enjoyable experience for the new owners. Not having to handle a lot of cleaning in the first few days after they have moved in will mean a lot.
You don”t need to scrub the home from top to bottom, but a little extra cleaning can make a great impression. You’ve loved living in the home you are leaving behind; make sure the new occupants will love it just as much, from the moment they walk through the door.
Ways to Figure out if your Housing Market is Improving
Many areas and cities are seeing slight and even bigger improvements in their housing markets. This has made many possible buyers and sellers wonder if their own housing market has improved at all. Many people are wondering if they should buy a home now or wait and many sellers are wondering if they should try to sell again later. Well, to help answer some of these questions, here are some ways to tell if the housing market is improving in your area. That way you and your family can make the best decision possible and rest easier.
Contact your Syracuse real estate agent
Your local real estate agent is checking market conditions as well. They will be able to offer you the latest statistics and information. They may even be able to offer you advice on when it is best to buy or sell a home in your area.
Look up listings and how much they are selling for
It may be a good idea to do some of your own research and see how many listings there are and what they are selling for. It may also be wise to see if any of the homes have lowered their prices or taken the homes off the market completely. This will let you know how the market is doing.
Read about government programs
It may also be a good idea to keep reading any new or improved government programs that are being developed to help the housing market. This will help let you know what is being done and when improvements can be expected.
Watch employment rates
If unemployment is still pretty high in your area, chances are the housing market is not improving that much. Without a steady income people just do not have the money to put towards a home.
Talk to neighbors
A good source of information may be to talk to neighbors, friends, and family. This way you can find out how many homes are on the market and how long they have been on the market without selling. This will let you know how your local housing market is or is not improving.
These basic tips and ways to figure out if your local housing market is improving will help ease your mind and let you make the best decisions possible. If your housing market is not so good, maybe you can just improve your home. If you are a seller, maybe take your home off the market and relist it at a later time. This way you can stay informed and not waste time and money in the long run.