2013-2014
On the move? Use these
packing tips Let’s face it - moving is hard. Along with the stress of leaving a familiar place and adapting to new surroundings, moving means packing, loading, transporting, unloading and unpacking everything you own - as well as everything you forgot you owned. A well-thought-out approach to boxing up belongings can help simplify the moving process and bring you one step closer to making your new house a home. Box it up. To be prepared for packing, seek out a large quantity of clean, sturdy containers in a variety of shapes and sizes. When selecting boxes, you may choose to purchase new ones, helping to ensure they can withstand the rigors of moving. You can also purchase dividers, which come in handy for packing glasses and other small, fragile items. Remember not to over-pack. Heavier items should be placed into smaller boxes to avoid too much strain on the box (and your back). Leave it. The easiest packing is not packing items you never use. Moving is the perfect time to clear the clutter out of your life. Decide what to keep and donate any items such as clothing and housewares that you will not use, or have not used in over a year. If you have
not used an item in the last year, you probably won’t use it in the future either. Mind the supplies. The right tools can go a long way toward easing the moving process. Pick up plenty of quality wrapping material, as well as strong packaging tape to help make boxing up your belongings a painless process. Organize and prioritize. Pack from room to room and label boxes based on contents, where the boxes will be unpacked in the new location, and also in priority for unpacking. Get help. Be organized to help the entire moving day run smoothly, so that your volunteers aren’t waiting around for a job to do. Providing tasty snacks and drinks is a thoughtful way to say thank you. Pack a survival kit. Moving can be exhausting, and an all-day move may not wrap up until late in the evening. Don’t spend your first night in your new home unpacking. Instead, pack a survival kit or an “Open Me First” box with essentials to get you through that first night. These simple tips can make moving day a lot less stressful and help you enjoy your new home faster and easier.
The Key to REALESTATE ESTATE
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Are you ready for
home ownership? First-time buyers have a lot to consider as they forge into the world of home ownership – and many wonder where they should begin. Purchasing a home is often the biggest financial decision in a person’s life, so it’s important to take your time, set realistic goals, assess all the costs and get the right advice before you buy. Am I ready? A home purchase is an emotional and financial journey that marks a key milestone in life. Are you ready for the responsibilities and upkeep associated with owning a home? Do you have a stable income? Have you saved up enough for a down payment? Be honest with yourself about your current lifestyle to gauge your readiness and ability to put together a good down payment.
Can I afford it? While you may feel pressure if the market is competitive, to buy something, fight that feeling and buy only when you find a property that meets your needs and lifestyle within your price range. Review your household income and current debt and remember to budget for closing costs, land transfer fees, property tax and everyday expenses. Talk to your financial institution about a mortgage pre-approval so you know exactly how much you can borrow and afford. Who can help me? Your REALTOR® and your mortgage lender are the experts and your most valuable resource. They can help you get a sense of the market and financing options. Arming yourself with more information and planning ahead can help you confidently navigate this first time journey so you can find the home of your dreams.