Cristina McBreairty, CDPE, SFR

The economy is stabilizing. Home prices are holding. It's not just as good a time as ever to buy a house. It's one of the best times ever.

ForSaleByOwner.com presents five overlooked reasons why now is a great time to buy a house.

1. Low mortgage rates serve as an equity shock absorber. When buyers borrow at today's record-low rates, they start building equity as soon as they close. That means they have a little give to absorb a few ups and downs as the still-recovering housing market gains traction.

2. Houses are in move-in condition. Homeowners have continued to spend on maintenance and repair, according to the Harvard Joint Center on Housing. Homeowners who have been holding back kept their houses in good shape while they waited. As those houses enter the market, they are in marked contrast to tattered foreclosures.

3. Terrific houses are coming on the market. Foreclosures are finally starting to clear the system - and this is just the opportunity that owners of many desirable properties have been waiting for.

4. Appraisal regulations are finally aligned with market realities. Fannie Mae has adjusted its appraisal guidelines...again. Now that appraisers have more flexibility to set values that reflect the current market, today's deals will make it over the finish line.

5. Plenty of programs. Homes are more affordable than they have been for years, but communities have stuck by affordable housing programs that encourage middle-class families to buy houses. Buyers who qualify can get a big boost by combining one of these programs with today's low mortgage rates.

Click here for more helpful Tips for Home Buyers.

The Move Advocate, a move management & referral service, offers great advice when relocating your household goods. Here are some moving tips you should take into consideration after your move:

Got power?
Check to make sure the utilities have been connected and be sure to follow up on any delays.

Do you have a connection?
Make sure your phone is connected. Ideally, the phone company should hook it up the day before move-in day.

Where are the pets?
Make sure your pets are safe. Confine your pets to an out-of-the-way room to help keep them from running away or becoming agitated by all of the activity.

Note: To prevent possible damage, televisions, stereos, computers, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.

Click here for a full list of moving tips and a "First night survival kit" .

I am excited to provide my clients with complimentary move management services! If you are moving long distance, across state lines or internationally I can provide you with FREE access to the Move Advocate. Click here for more information!

The Move Advocate, a move management & referral service, offers great advice when relocating your household goods. Here are some moving tips you should take into consideration on the day of your move:

Bedding
Strip your beds, and make sure the bedding goes into a "Load Last" box.

Are they here yet?
Make sure you are on hand when the movers arrive. It's important to have an adult be authorized to take your place if you are unable to be present at any time while the movers are there. Let the agent know to whom you have given this authority.

Spend time with the movers
Always try to spend as much time with the mover as possible. If you have special instructions make sure it is explained to your mover. Communicate well with the movers.

They've arrived!!!
Once the van operator arrives, review all details and paperwork. Accompany the driver as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a detailed description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory.

Are they done yet?
It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed. To insure that nothing gets left behind always do a final inspection of the premises. Do not sign any releases without completing this inspection.

Where is a vacuum when you need it?
Since you'll probably want to clean before the furniture is unloaded, make sure your vacuum is packed last, so it can be unloaded first.

Click here for a full list of moving tips.

I am excited to provide my clients with complimentary move management services! If you are moving long distance, across state lines or internationally I can provide you with FREE access to the Move Advocate. Click here for more information!

The Move Advocate, a move management & referral service, offers great advice when relocating your household goods. Here are some moving tips you should take into consideration 1 week before your move:

Loose ends
This is the time to tie up any loose ends. Check through this guide to make sure you haven't missed anything.

Confirm travel arrangements
Pack your suitcases and confirm your family's travel arrangements (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.). Try to keep your plans as flexible as possible in the event of a change of schedule.

Your new address
Contact a personal move counselor and make sure the movers have the address and phone number where you can be reached if you are not going directly to your new home.

Clean out the fridge
At least one day before moving, empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer. If necessary, prepare your stove to be moved. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors.

Prepare your "First night survival kit"
This kit can contain items such as snacks, beverages and games for the kids to keep them occupied during the move. If your are stopping overnight be sure to pack essentials you'll need while your belongings are in transit.

Click here for a full list of moving tips.

I am excited to provide my clients with complimentary move management services! If you are moving long distance, across state lines or internationally I can provide you with FREE access to the Move Advocate. Click here for more information!

The Move Advocate, a move management & referral service, offers great advice when relocating your household goods. Here are some moving tips you should take into consideration 2-3 weeks before your move:

Do you have power?
Call ahead to have utilities connected at your new home.

What about packing?
Make final packing decisions. Start packing items you don't use often.

Remember the unseen places
Clean and clear your home, including closets, basements and attics.

Bank accounts
Call your bank to find out how to transfer your bank accounts.

Got any safety deposit boxes lying around?
Each year people move without clearing out their safety deposit boxes. Don't be another statistic.

Secret hiding spots
If you've hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.

A reminder about moving plants
Some state laws prohibit moving house plants. Consider giving your plants to a friend or local charity.

Miscellaneous stuff

• Plan meals that will use up the food in your refrigerator and freezer.
• Have your automobile serviced if you're traveling by car.
• Transfer all current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.
• Dispose of flammable items such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer.
• Drain all the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and power tools to ensure safe transportation. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.

Click here for a full list of moving tips.

I am excited to provide my clients with complimentary move management services! If you are moving long distance, across state lines or internationally I can provide you with FREE access to the Move Advocate. Click here for more information!