Richard Ives

If you're in the early stages of relocating to a new community you probably have many questions. It can be hard to know where to begin. That's why I've compiled a short list of tips that can help you remember key steps to a successful relocation.

1. Start Early
   While time constraints are often beyond your control, it's critical to get the ball rolling as soon as you become aware of the future move. If you currently own a home, you should begin the selling process. If renting, you need to check with your landlord regarding the status of your lease and potential penalties you may incur by moving. You will need to look for a home in your new city. If pressed for time, it might be more appropriate to search for a rental before committing to the purchase of a home. A trained real estate professional can be of great assistance in all of these areas.
   
2. Clear Clutter
   Arrange a garage sale, give unwanted items to friends or donate them to charity. Start organizing your move and purchase boxes and other moving supplies.
   
3. Details, Details, Details
   File change of address forms and make the necessary arrangements for your children at school. Call all your utility companies and schedule the cancellation of service for at least 1-2 days after your planned move date. Remember, many utility companies will charge you an extra billing cycle if not given enough notice.
   
4. Pick the Right Moving Company
   Decide how much involvement you need from your moving company (packing, unpacking, etc.) and investigate moving companies. Your real estate agent can provide suggestions. Get a full estimate and ask the moving company representative any questions you may have. Consider the benefits of moving insurance and check with your insurance provider to see what protection they recommend.
   
5. Don't Forget the Kids
   Moving can be very hard on your children, but there are steps you can take to help alleviate your children's fears. Communicate with them as to exactly what's going on, and get them involved in the moving process and the search for a new home. If they have a favorite toy, pack it last so it is easily accessible.
   
6. Moving Your Pet
   Maintain your pet's daily routine until the day of the move. Take your pet for a routine veterinary appointment and obtain all necessary records. Moving by car is the least upsetting for the animal, but if flying is the only option be sure to plan early. Space for pets on commercial airliners is often limited. You may wish to consider a pet transportation service, which can greatly help your pet with the transition.
   
7. What About Your Car(s)?
   Your moving company may be able to accommodate your car, but it can be costly given the fact that most general moving companies charge based on gross weight. There are companies that specialize in car shipping. Other services can have your car driven to its destination. Check with your auto insurance company about coverage during transport.
   
8. Get Settled
   Make a move-in shopping list, check all smoke and security alarms, set up utilities, and start unpacking!

These are just a few pointers to help you organize your relocation. My website has additional resources available, and I'd be happy to help you with any and all aspects of your relocation. Please call me and let me know how I can be of assistance.

Have a real estate puzzle that you need solved?

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

U.S. Department of State

With all of the recent changes in the passport process, it's taking longer than normal to receive your passport. After submitting all of the necessary forms, it can take up to 12 weeks for it to arrive in the mail.

The U.S. Department of State has complete details about obtaining a passport.

According to the U.S. Department of State, as of Oct. 1, 2007, all U.S. Citizens traveling outside the United States will be required to present a valid passport to enter and leave the country. Americans are no longer exempt from meeting the entry requirements of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region. Many of these regions require a passport, certified birth certificate or other evidence of citizenship for entry.

For more information please refer to the U.S. Department of State's web site by clicking the link at the top of this post.

For all your real estate needs contact Richard Ives of RE/MAX At Home.

Happy Autumn!

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Richard Ives

Broker/Instructor

RE/MAX At Home

AT HOME

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, RECS, AHWD, SRES

Real Estate Broker

Accredited Buyer Representative

Seniors Real Estate Specialist

At Home with Cultural Diversity Certified

e-PRO Internet Certified Specialist

Real Estate Instructor

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

The world of real estate can seem like an intimidating place. Whatever your particular need, a real estate professional such as myself can help you navigate these potentially hazardous waters.

Your REALTOR,

Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Dear First Time Buyer,

If you are currently in the market for your first home, you probably have lots of questions. You are about to be making an important decision for your future, a great investment of both money and time. I have a wealth of experience helping first time buyers like you make sound, informed decisions. Here are some tips that can help make your home buying process successful:

• Tip #1: Do Your Homework
  The perfect home won't find you by itself. The key step in buying a home is doing the proper research. Educate yourself on local schools, neighborhoods, and the kinds of homes available. By visiting my website and reviewing properties, you can start to put together your idea of the perfect home.
  
• Tip #2: Start Planning
  Most decisions benefit greatly from proper planning, and home buying is certainly no exception. By marking your favorites, you'll start a file that we can review together. My website is a great resource for property information.
  
• Tip #3: Get PreQualified
  Getting prequalified for a loan normally only requires a short phone conversation with a lender, and can greatly help your home search. Prequalification does not guarantee you a loan, but it does provide you with an estimated monthly payment and a price range to use as a guide when shopping for homes. Being prequalified can also often indicate to sellers that you are a serious, prepared buyer.
  
• Tip #4: Look for Value
  When shopping for homes, it's important to consider potential value. Even if you're not planning to sell the home some time down the line, it's a good idea to consider the future value of the home. You may not think of a new home as a means to make money, but it's an important investment that requires careful consideration.
  
• Tip #5: Decide What You're Looking For
  Settle on the home features that are important to you (covered parking, hardwood floors, architectural style, etc.) and make a prioritized list. Having well established guidelines will help narrow down your search and will prevent you from being shown properties that lack your key amenities. It can help you make the decision not to buy an attractive property that doesn't really fit your needs. My website has a search feature that allows you to filter thousands of listings based on attributes that you select. If you know you want a brick house with gas heat and a garage, you can get the results you're looking for.
  
• Tip #6: Relax
  You don't have to make an offer on the first home you see. Make sure to look at other listings in the area to get a feel for the marketplace. When you decide to make an offer on a house, consult with your real estate professional so that all of your questions are answered.
  
• Tip #7: Shop Around for Your Mortgage
  Deciding on the financing for your home can be as important as choosing a home itself. The first step is deciding what kind of loan best fits you: a fixed rate mortgage, or an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM). There are benefits to each form of loan, and your real estate professional can provide you with more information.
  
• Tip #8: Protect Yourself
  B Paying for a quality home inspection is absolutely critical! You can save yourself thousands in repair costs by having a professional evaluate the soundness of the home you are considering.

More information for first time buyers can be found on my website, or by giving me a call. I'm confident that I can provide the kind of exceptional service that will make this process a rewarding one. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have, I would love to be of assistance to you.

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD, SRES

Broker/Instructor

RE/MAX At Home

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/