Teresa Jones

The key to an easy move is careful planning. There are many action items that need to be taken prior to the move all the way up to the actual day the first box is loaded on the moving truck. Take time to write down and organize the decisions and activities that will need to be accomplished prior to the move such as securing a mover and changing your address. Ideally, you should try to break up the tasks over a two-month period. By doing so, you won't overload your schedule, plus it can save you time and money. To get you started, consider using the checklist below as a guide.

Eight Weeks Prior

• Get estimates from at least three professional movers. If you are going to do it yourself, get estimates on rental trucks.

• Decide which furniture and household goods you'll be taking, which needs to be disposed and which needs to be replaced.

• If you will be moving to a new city, contact the Chamber of Commerce of that town for a new residence packet.

Six Weeks Prior

• Inventory your possessions besides furniture - kitchenware, decorative items, electronics, apparel and so on.

• Complete a change of address form with the post office. This can be easily done online at www.MoversGuide.com for a minimal cost of $1. Make sure you notify organizations, credit cards companies, and publications to which you subscribe of your new address, too.

• Obtain copies of all medical, dental, legal, accounting and veterinarian records.

• If children are changing schools, arrange for transfer of educational records.

• Itemize moving-related costs with the mover including packing, loading, special charges and insurance.

Four Weeks Prior

• Make arrangements for packing your belongings. If you will be using professionals, schedule with the company for packing to take place a day or two before the move. If you will handle packing on your own, purchase adequate boxes, packing materials and tape.

• Arrange for short-term or long-term storage if needed.

• Make travel arrangements for pets including necessary medical records, immunizations, medication and so on.

Three Weeks Prior

• Begin packing items you won't need immediately or that will go into storage.

• Contact utilities on both ends of the move to order termination or turn-on for occupancy date.

• Confirm travel arrangements for family and pets.

Two Weeks Prior

• Terminate newspaper and other delivery services.

• If necessary, arrange and confirm new bank accounts and local services in your new neighborhood.

One Week Prior

• Gather important papers, records, and valuables for protected shipment to new home or safe deposit box.

• Obtain any prescription medications needed for the next few weeks.

Day Before or Actual Moving Day

• Defrost refrigerator/freezer and give away all perishable food.

• Keep a box marked "Last Box Packed/First Box Unpacked" for tools, flashlights, first aid kit and so on. On moving day, this should be the last box placed on the truck.

• Pack items to carry with you such as valuables, financial records, personal papers and so on.

• Give the movers a telephone number and address to reach you.

To be sure, a detailed action plan can get your move well down the road before you ever depart to your new destination.

Provided by:
Teresa Jones
teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS
400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314
202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office)
703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free)
http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/

INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS

To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!

Prudential Carruthers REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Finding a great neighborhood is important because it can have an impact on your lifestyle. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), safety, community amenities, transportation and other conveniences all play their part and can impact your home's value.

Rather than relying on second hand information from Internet websites, below are suggestions to get information directly from the best sources:

• Make a List of the Amenities That Are Important to You >> List the stores, churches, and health clubs you frequently visit and note the activities (movies, golfing, etc.) you engage in regularly. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you're considering to engage in your most common activities.

• Note the School District Academic Achievements >> For the latest information and statistical snapshot on graduation rates and academic achievements of Virginia state public schools, please visit https://p1pe.doe.virginia.gov/reportcard/. Even if you do not have children, a home in a good school district will be easier to sell in the future.

• Check Crime >> Ask the police department for neighborhood crime statistics that include the level of crime, but also the type (burglaries, armed robberies, etc.). Also request information on any trends of increasing or decreasing crime and the location of crime.

• Consider Resale Value >> As your local real estate agent, I can give you information about price trends, inventories, selling times and other information that can indicate how well your home's value will increase.

• Visit Several Neighborhoods >> When visiting your desired neighborhoods, look for tidy, well maintained homes, quiet streets and other indicators of neighborhood stability. Also search for vacant businesses and homes and be sure to chat with the people you encounter for additional insight.

Source: RealtyTimes

Provided by:
Teresa Jones
teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS
400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314
202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office)
703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free)
http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/

INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS

To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!

"...Belle View was awarded the 2009 Community of the Year Award in part due to the "green-friendly" environment that pervades the entire community, as well as the openness of the budget process, the Ad-Hoc Emergency Preparedness Committee's emergency procedure manual, strength of the Covenants Committee's procedures for resolving disputes, welcome package for new residents, annual reserve review, and the community's communication tools including its newsletter and Web site were also criteria that were highly rated. Additional criteria cited include community activities such as the Spring and Fall Yard Sales, the Halloween Party, Movie Night at the Pool, the Tree Lighting Party, and the Doggie Dip. The Neighborhood Watch Committee's work was also highlighted for developing close ties with the local police and creating an environment in which neighbors look out for neighbors.

The Green Association of the Year award was based on several criteria including the changes made in roof colors for replacement roofs; recycling program; sediment control and improved drainage; call for plant diversity and native plants; replacement of PVC piping where necessary; the addition of CFA lights in basements, hallways, and crawl spaces; and the multi-year asbestos removal program..."

For full story, visit: http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=328680&paper=69&cat=104.

Provided by:
Teresa Jones
teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS
400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314
202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office)
703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free)
http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/

INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS

To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!

The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) will complete funding for the Glebe Park project which will include workforce housing, new homes, and redevelopment of the James Bland public housing neighborhood of Old Town Alexandria. The work is to be completed by EYA Development company.

Source: Alexandria Times

Provided by:

Teresa Jones
teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS
400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314
202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office)
703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free)
http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/

INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS

To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!

In Northern Virginia, including Loudoun and Prince William counties, for the week ending Thursday, May 14, 2009, the total inventory of foreclosures and bank-owned properties dropped another 13% compared to the previous week - from 227 to 197. This was the 19th consecutive week showing a decrease in the inventory of these types of properties.

The total inventory of fixer-uppers remained steady at 177.

Provided by:
Teresa Jones
teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS
400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314
202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office)
703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free)
http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/

INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS

To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!