Residential Real Estate

BE HOMESMART THE BATSON TEAM – FROM OUR VIEWPOINT

By Al and Jean Batson

It’s always a good idea to ask your Realtor and/or friends to recommend moving services. But there are things you can do to make the process easier and estimates more accurate. • Get at least two estimates • The #1 procedure to following in getting moving estimates - be sure to request a home-visit when calling a moving company. We say that because most movers offer to estimate over-thephone. There is no way to get an accurate estimate until the movers put eyes on everything you’re moving - from the closets to the rafters. Garages, kitchen cabinets & pantries, closets, wall art, televisions, crawl-space storage, underbed storage boxes…those forgotten items can make a big difference in your estimate. The number of rooms you have is the tip of the iceberg. • Be sure to specify if TV’s, fi ne art, large mirrors, delicate lamps etc. will be packed by the owner or the moving company. Packing those fragile items takes a great deal of extra time and packing materials so it’s wise to be sure your mover knows exactly what they’re providing. • If you pack your own fragile items (i.e. fl atscreen, TV’s art), ask the mover if these items are covered by the movers’ insurance replacement program in case of damage. • Be sure you clearly understand how your moving company’s insurance works; you may want additional private coverage. And check your personal homeowner’s insurance.

• If you follow these suggestions as a standard procedure in obtaining estimates, you’ll be comparing apples to

apples. • Preparation for moving (packing and sorting) takes longer than you think. Plan ahead on packing materials and time.

• Boxes can be very expensive. Often, you’ll see notifi cations on websites such as Nextdoor from people who offer them free after their move– or you can buy them at Home Depot and at Storage companies. Packing materials for glassware can be purchased as well and is a good investment in keeping your fragile items safe.

• Label every box as to 1) which room it will go into and 2) what it contains. If the contents are FRAGILE, mark the box accordingly.

• Once you know you’ll be moving, begin the packing process. Even if your home isn’t yet sold. Start going through items – dispose of items you no longer want (gift, charity donation or sale). Begin packing up things you rarely use but plan to take with you. If you don’t have space to stack boxes in your garage, it’s worth it to rent a temporary storage unit.

Making it a smooth process is in your hands.

If you have any questions about real estate, please email me at: Jean@AlandJeanBatson.com

6 Costly Mistakes to Avoid Before Buying a North Valley Home

North Valley- A new report has just been released which identifies the 6 most common and costly mistakes that homebuyers make before buying a home.

Mortgage regulations have changed significantly over the last few years, making your options wider than ever. Subtle changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping, and even small differences in the way you structure your mortgage, can save or cost you literally thousands of dollars and years of expense.

Whether you are about to buy your first home, or are planning to make a move to your next home, it is critical that you inform yourself about the factors involved before you buy. In answer to this issue, Industry Insiders have prepared a FREE special report entitled “6 Things You Must Know Before You Buy”.

Having the right information before hand can undoubtedly make a major difference in this critical negotiation.

To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-277-1959 and enter 2204. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to find out what you need to know before you buy a home.

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