Connie Kennedy

Your Moving Guide To Home Sweet Home

Here is a move preparation list that our company did a few years ago. This would be a great handout to give to your clients!

6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

• If you are planning a garage sale, set a date.

• If you have children, arrange to transfer school records.

• Discover schools in your new community (visit www.theschoolreport.com on the web).

• Notify insurance companies of the move.

• Start a “Move File” for all receipts, papers and estimates related to your move.

4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

• Choose a van line/rental truck company you will use and give them tentative pick-up/delivery dates.

• If you are moving to a new city, be sure and ask your attorney, doctor and other providers for referrals and any necessary records.

• If you have pets, schedule a check-up and be sure to get a copy of their records from the veterinarian.

• Set schedules with real estate agents and/or landlords.

2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE

• Schedule disconnect dates with your local utility companies and cable company.

• Notify new utility companies and cable company of connect dates in the new home.

• If you have a lawnmower or any other power equipment, drain them of oil and gasoline.

• Moving companies will not move them if they are full.

• Cancel newspaper delivery and trash pickup effective on your move date.

• Clean the carpet, floors, and drawers before moving into your new home.

1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING

•· Clean out refrigerator and defrost freezer.

•· Have your car serviced if you will be driving a long distance.

•· Confirm connect dates for utilities in your new home.

•· Be sure to have the Post Office forward all your mail to your new address.

•· Transfer or close your checking account.

•· Be sure to get all items from your safe or deposit box.

•· Pack a survival kit with basic tools, bathroom essentials, kitchen essentials, eyeglasses, address book, checkbook, clock, change of clothes, and directions to your new home.

PACKING FOR THE MOVE

•· Bend from your knees and not from your back when lifting.

•· For large appliances, remove loose fittings and accessories and pack separately. Tie down, tape or wedge all movable parts and doors.

•· WRAP...anything you don't want scratched or broken...with blankets, curtains, sheets, plastic or paper.

•· LABLE...anything you wrap or place into a box.

•· Plants help make a home feel homey so don't forget them. Store them in plastic bags with holes punched for air. Check agricultural regulations on moving plants or fruit trees in your area.

•· Moving can be overwhelming for your pet. Remember to help make the move calm and comfortable for your pet too!

MOVING DAY

•· Spend the entire day at home with the movers.

•· Carry any valuable or family heirlooms with you.

•· Specify a "DO NOT MOVE" area where you place items you do not want the movers to take with them.

•· Right before the movers leave, take a final tour of your home, making sure nothing has been left in drawers or closets and that all doors and windows are locked.

At YOUR NEW HOME

•· When you first arrive, check boxes for external damage. If damage is found check the contents.

•· Plug in large appliances before your large furniture blocks the outlet.

•· Locate your survival kit and put it where you can find it and don't forget it.

•· Obtain numbers needed in an emergency such as the fire department and police.

•· Check with the post office on any mail that is being held for you.

•· Register your cars.

•· Register to vote in your new area.

check out more great resources at: http://homewarranty.firstam.com/

Every Realtor or Lender knows that they need to prospect for business. With all the technology, new methods have developed but there is still no replacement for contacting potential buyers and sellers consistantly as part of a good business plan.

Did you know that a Title & Escrow company like First American can be one of your most valuable business partners to a successful business?

Many people do not know that we do far more than pull "Trios" from Customer Service. We encourage our customers to have a confidential meeting with our Customer Service Manager to help taylor their prospecting "Farming" and learn how to utilize all of the free resources we have. This is especially helpful if you are new or need some help getting out of a slump!

Here are just some of the things you can expect as part of our Customer Service:

~ Specialty types of "farms" by Area, First Time Homeowner, School District, Fixers, Historical Neighborhoods, and many more.

~ Comparable Sales Information - Includes all recorded sales, so you get a complete picture of the market, not just what is available in MLS.

~ And so much more! Subdivision Maps & Sales Information, CCR's, Mailing Addresses, Owner Occupied, Absentee Owners, Investors, Out of State property owners, just to name a few.

Let us help you build your business in 2009!

Before starting my career with First American, I was a Realtor. Discussions with "reps" of Title & Escrow companies would make my eyes glaze over. I didn't want to go to lunch, and I didn't want to be sold. All I cared about was how quickly can we get the clients signed!

The industry of Title and Escrow services has changed drastically over the past 20 years. Technology is critically important in getting Title reports produced quickly and allowing Escrow to work up their files. The "rep" has also changed, giving way to Business Development and a consultative, personal approach to the Realtors, Lenders, Attorneys and other parties to the transactions. What I thought of as a "job" when I first started with First American has developed into a rich are rewarding career.

The best part of my job is learning about the goals, background and expectations of my customers and then finding the tools and resources that will help them grow their business and make a lot of money.

If you have never had this kind of experience with your Title "rep", consider talking to a First American Business Development professional, or better yet, give me a call! It is my pleasure to assist you.