Moving Tip: 12 of 12

***Tip 12***

The most important moving tip that I can leave with you, is one that you may not even consider during this hetic time. HAVE FUN! This is a new adventure, a new start for you and your family. Take advantage of that and really connect with each other (or rediscover yourself). If you have children, moving is already a little scary, so seeing you having fun and laughing will only brighten their spirits.

By utilizing the other 11 tips that I have given you these past few weeks, your stress will be a lot lower and you can really enjoy this move.

Moving Tip: 11 of 12

***Tip 11***

Maps are your BEST Friend!

If you have not noticed yet, planning is KEY in any move. Whether you are moving across town, state, or the county, you need to plan out the route you will take. Be mindful of construction on the roads (if local) and toll booths (if long distance). Plan your route accordingly. If you are driving the moving truck by yourself, you will need to know what way to go. Try to avoid hills as they are harder on the trucks and will eat more gas. You may add a few hours to the trip, but it will keep your gas budget within reason. Also, think about the times that you will be going through major cities. If it is close to rush hour near a place like Washington DC, avoid that at all cost or try and head out earlier to get ahead of the traffic. Keep that map on you during the move in case you need to re-route.

Yet another awesome week of tips! We hope that you have been enjoying these as much as we have! The most important tip will be posted on Monday. I can not wait to share this last one with you! If you have any more suggestions on tips for moving or what my next cycle of fun information should be, please share! At Houses By Maria, we love to hear from you!

Moving Tip: 10 of 12

***Tip 10***

Design your house!

If you have already picked out the house, then you have a good idea of what it looks like, how big the house is, and the nooks and crannies of each room. While you are living in your old house, keep the new one in mind. Grab a pen and paper and start sketching out the rooms in the new house. Think about where you want the furniture to go, what wall should the dresser go on, what about the that weird shaped shelf that no one wants in their room, but you paid too much to let it go. The more thought you put into it now, the easier it will be when you start unloading the truck. You can direct the furniture to the correct room on the correct wall, saving you time and the panic of “IT WON’T FIT IN HERE!”

Moving Tip: 9 of 12

***Tip 9*** 

Disassembling headache: RELIEF! 

BEFORE you take apart the furniture, take pictures of it from several angles so that you can remember what it looks like. Write down how many pieces go to it – 7 boards, write down the sizes of the boards, write down the order that you take it apart in, so that you know how to put it back together. If you have not moved in a while and have had that entertainment center for what seems like FOREVER, then you may not remember how you got it together in the first place. When you take apart the furniture any screws, nails, pieces that come from the furniture put it in a zip lock bad, label it with permanent marker and tape like crazy. (This will ensure that there will be no holes in the bag as they are easy to rip). You will also want to place them in a box that will be in the front of the truck with you or you can tape it to the furniture that it goes to. Be sure to use masking tape on the unfinished side, to make sure that the tape will hurt the paint (although I have not had this problem, I want to air on the side of caution).

Moving Tip: 8 of 12

***Tip 8***

Use your time wisely!

A move is a BIG deal. You will want to think about how much time you will need to get everything packed. How do you work? How much time are you willing to dedicate each day to packing? Do you have other obligations such as field trips, jobs, or car pool? Make sure you give yourself enough time to pack everything in an organized manner. Do not forget to include the time it will take to disassemble furniture and find the tools to do so with. 

- Check back tomorrow and I will share with you some awesome secrets for disassembling and moving the furniture without a headache!

Moving Tip: 7 of 12

***Tip 7***

Do not move what you do not use!

Over the years, in the course of living anywhere, we tend to buy more than we need. It is just who we are. Before you start packing (and while you are packing), go through the house and REALLY think, when was the last time I used this? If you forgot you had it, or see no reason to keep

it, DON’T! Gather up everything that fits that bill and host a yard sale. Anything that you have left over, donate it. Do not lug that back in the house and take up valuable space (unless you absolutely have no choice). Earn yourself a little bit of cash for the move. Those over the road snack cravings and toll booth can sometimes sneak up on you.

Moving Tip: 6 of 12

***Tip 6***

Utilize your luggage bags!

We have those stacks of bags that we used for traveling to a family members house. Put those to good use! Put towels, shampoos, sheets, and even quick food to make during the unpacking spree (Ramen, Mac and Cheese, chips). These duffel bags are easy to pack and will be much quicker to find in the sea of boxes than another box. 

Moving Tips : 5 of 12

***Tip 5***

Give every member 1 box!

Everyone has their own favorite items that they will be looking for when you get to your new house. Give every member in the house one box for those important items that they want to have as soon as they move in. For example, sheets, a couple sets of outfits, favorite toy, a jacket, remote to the tv (yes electronics are always the FIRST thing set up in my house! So make sure that remote and a favorite DVD is available.)

You maybe also want to include school supplies (pens, paper, and notebook) if you are moving in the middle of a school year.

To make it fun for the little ones (moving can be very stressful on kids), give them markers, crayons, and stickers and let them decorate their own boxes.

Moving Tips: 4 of 12

***Tip 4***

Color Code!

Buy the yard sale color dots (small circular stickers). They can be found at dollar stores and other bigger stress. They are relatively cheap and very useful! Pick one color for each room in your house (kitchen could be red, bedroom 1 green, etc.) After you pack every box, place a sticker on the box or take a marker and color a nice size square on the box.

On move day,

BEFORE you go and start unloading the truck, take a piece of paper and tape it to the door or a wall in the room. That way when all your handy helpers start moving the boxes inside, they will have direction without you having to be there.

Also, if you want, write on another piece of paper, STACK BOXES HERE. That way they can be put out of the way of busy feet.

Check back tomorrow for another great tip!

Moving Tips: 3 of 12

***Tip 3 ***

Use Wardrobe Boxes 

I know that I said yesterday to call around to store to get free boxes, but sometimes you do need to buy some boxes. Getting wardrobe boxes are an amazing time saver when moving. You do not want to spend hours taking closets of clothes off the hangers and then spending more time once you are in your new home putting them back on hangers. Utilizing these super tall boxes allows you to keep them on the hangers and saves you time. When you are moving an entire house, keeping track of children, making sure that all the items go where they are needed, you do not have time to spare!

Make sure though, that you do not over pack them! You do not want them to bust, it will destroy the hours that you are attempting to save. 

If you found this helpful, be sure to share it!

Moving Tips: 2 of 12

***Tip 2***

Have MORE than enough supplies!

You never realize how much stuff you have in your house until you start to pack it up or you go to move! It is truly insane; you will discover things you forgot you had. This is why it is important to get more than enough boxes, bubble wrap, newspaper, TAPE!! etc. I will let you in on a few secrets on how to get the best deals on some of these supplies.

Boxes: Call your local grocery stores, Big Lots, Dollar General (smaller stores within a reasonable distance) and ask them if they have any boxes that they are throwing out. Tell them that you are moving and are looking for some and you would love to pick them up if they have any. I have had friends do this on several occasions and it has worked for them every time. You want to start early though! When you know you will be moving, start calling and collecting boxes. If you can at all help it, do not take the tape off of the boxes. It will help save you tape and time later down the road.

Bubble Wrap: Dollar Tree normally has rolls of bubble wrap for a dollar. They are not A LOT, but it does provide you with something. 

News Paper: You can call the same local stores and ask if they have old ads that they would mind giving to you. Explain that you are moving again, and see if they would mind if you picked them up. Start collecting the Sunday paper instead of throwing it out.

Tape: Think about how much stuff you have in your house, and decide on how much tape you will need. If you think 4 rolls, buy 6. You will thank me later. Sometimes tape gets stuck, you may need to double or triple tape in order to keep the box from breaking open that you just happen to over back. Sometimes you may need to tape up a small tear, or tape the top of the box straight up, making all the flaps stick together to where you can place in taller items (Like Baking Pans and Rollers). If you have more than enough tape, you will not start to skimp on securing the boxes and you can also use tape to tape containers of food (like the noodle tubs – lids come off so easy!) or hair spray and cosmetics. Better to be safe than sorry! 

String / Rope: You will want to have some of this on hand during the move day. Making sure drawers and furniture are tied back! 

You can also buy your supplies from the truck rental companies. If you buy too many, they can be returned for a refund (as long as they are not damaged).

When packing, make sure you set aside around 10 boxes (various sizes) for last minute items. (Shampoos, last minute dishes, clothes, even sheets and blankets – although I have heard the best place to put blankets is in the dryer or use them to put between table and chairs – if you stack them- or between mirrors for protection). 

Do not forget to check back tomorrow for another tip!

Moving Tips : Tip 1 of 12

***Tip 1***
Make yourself a list. They can be the most crucial thing in a move!
Write EVERYTHING down. When you get to your new home, you will have several things to keep get ready for , new schools, meeting neighbors, turning on all your bills, and not to mention keeping your kids in order during all this crazy-ness! Your head can feel like it is going to explode (all though we recommend taking a

breather before that happens).

So you may be wondering, "What all should I really write down?"-

Create a "packing spread sheet". It can be in a notebook or binder (preferred method as you will want to include other important information in this too). Keep this notebook or binder in a spot / box that has SEVERAL rolls of packing tape, markers, scissors, water bottles (you will thank me later), cell phone, wallet, truck rental papers and anything you will want to keep handy. When packing, you can get into a throw it in a box frenzy, and you do not want to pack up something you may need)

1.) As you pack up the boxes label them with a number, and write down what is in the box on the spread sheet. Do not be afraid of details! When you move in trying to find the forks in the 10 boxes marked kitchen is no fun!

2.)Write down the name of the utility companies, their phone numbers, who you talked to for that move in special. Write down the dates and times that they said they would come in and turn on the utilities.

3.) Write down the name and number of the new schools that your children will be going to.

4.) Write down when you picked up the truck, when you need to turn the truck it. If anything goes wrong with the truck while you are driving it (During one move, a friend of mines moving truck sprang an oil leak and they had to buy a few tubs of oil). Keep any receipts to turn them in when you turn the truck in!

I really hope these tips and tricks help. If you have any others, please feel free to comment and add them! I will be posting the next tip on Monday! Enjoy your weekend!

Selling During the Holidays Is Not All Bad

Buyers can, and do, get serious during this busy time of year. 

Selling a home during the winter months has its advantages. Homes often show their best when decorated for the holidays. 

The holiday season is generally known as the worst time to sell a home. While sales do tend to drop off between November and January, there are actually some good reasons to sell your home during these months: 

• Buyers are more serious. Anyone shopping for a home during the holidays probably has to buy before a certain deadline. January is a popular month for job transfers, so some buyers may be looking to relocate before the New Year. Investors may also want to close before the end of the year for tax reasons. If you live near a university, students and staff may be looking for homes between academic sessions, and if you live near a military base, servicemen and women may be moving to the area. Work with your agent to target these motivated buyers. 
• Buyers have more time to house-hunt. Some buyers purposely wait until their families are together for holiday vacations to start looking for a home. 
• There are fewer homes for sale. Lots of sellers take their homes off the market during the holidays, assuming no one will be buying at this time. But with serious buyers still out there and a lower inventory of homes, your home has a good chance of standing out. 
• Services are more available. Business slows down for real estate agents, lenders, home inspectors, appraisers and title companies during the holidays, so they all have more time to spend with clients.  
• Homes show better in the winter. Decked out in lights and garland, homes often look their best during the holiday months. Read up on staging tips for the holidays. 

The holidays are stressful enough without having to think about staging and open houses, so if you're not truly motivated to sell, it's probably best to wait a few months. But if you absolutely have to sell, don't be discouraged. A good agent can take the burden off of your shoulders, giving you more time to enjoy the season.



See the original article:

By Shannon Petrie, FrontDoor.com | Published: 11/07/2008


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Real Estate is Coming Back!

Have you heard that things are getting worse and worse and now that we have re-elect the President
everything will come to an end with the economy and blah blah!!

I do not believe that! This country is NOT only run by 1 man and that is the beauty of it.

In the past 6 years one of the BIGGEST trembles that this country had was the Real Estate Market.

Please take a few to watch this video that Chief Economist from NAR (National Association of Realtors is seen in the last couple of months …

http://speakingofrealestate.blogs.realtor.org/2012/11/20/home-owners-add-760-in-new-home-equity/

This is good news people please stop watching the sad and depress news on TV. If we keep the focus on that we will never get anywhere.

I have review also Forbes magazine and their blog expressed that the 4 signs of housing market
improvement are:

1. This fall, the housing market may avoid the slide that has occurred each of the last three years because of an improving balance between supply and demand, declining REO sale shares and slowly declining foreclosure inventory.
2. A lower likelihood of foreclosures flooding the housing market is beneficial because the marke is more likely to absorb the inventory without dramatic changes in price.
3. Many borrowers in both the boom and “rust-belt” markets lack the means to prevent serious delinquency due to their limited ability to refinance at a lower mortgage interest rate. Policies designed to offer options for borrowers to lower their interest rates further can help decrease the flow of future delinquencies.
4. The current share of non-distressed sales is at its highest level since August 2008, positively impacting home prices, and is a sign of real improvement in the housing market.

Let's keep a positive view on things and we will make the change that we all need.

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Things to Consider When Considering a Short Sale

Here some consideration you should take when thinking is it worth doing a short sale? Or should I just give up and let the house go to foreclosure!!

Issue	Foreclosure	Successful Short Sale
Future Fannie Mae Loan- Primary Residence (Effective May 21,2008)	A homeowner who loses a home to foreclosure is ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage for a period of 5 years.	A homeowner who successfully negotiated and closes a short sale will be eligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage after only 2 years.
Future Fannie Mae Loan- Non Primary Residence (Effective May 21, 2008)	An investor who allows a property to go to foreclosure is ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed investment mortgage for a period of 7 years.	An investor who successfully negotiated and closes a short sale will be eligible for a Fannie Mae backed investment mortgage after only 2 years.
Future Loan with any Mortgage company	On any future 1003 Application (Standard Loan Application), a prospective borrower will have to answer YES to question C, in Section VIII, that asks, “Have you had property foreclosed upon, or given title or deed in lieu thereof?” This will affect all future rates.	There is no similar declaration, or question regarding a short sale.
Credit Score	Score may be lowered anywhere from 150 to over 300 points. Typically, this will affect score for over 3 years.	Only late payments on mortgage will show, and after sale, mortgage will be reported as paid or negotiated. This will lower the score as little as 50 points, if all other payments are being made. A short sale’s effect can be as brief as 12 to months.
Credit History	Foreclosure will remain as a public record on a person’s credit history for 10 years or more.	A short sale is not reported on a credit history. There is no specific reporting item for “Short Sale.” The loan is typically reported as “Paid in full, settled.”
Security Clearances	Foreclosure is the most challenging issue against a security clearance, outside of a conviction for a serious misdemeanor or felony. If a client has a foreclosure, and is a police officer, in the military, a government employee, a security clearance, in almost all cases, clearance will be revoked and position will be terminated.	A short sale, on its own, does not challenge most security clearances.
Current Employment	Employers have the right, and are actively and regularly checking the credit of all employees who are in sensitive positions. A foreclosure, in many cases, is grounds for immediate reassignment or termination.	A short sale is not reported on a credit report, and is, therefore, not a challenge to employment.
Future Employment	Many employers are requesting credit checks on all job applicants. A foreclosure is one of the most detrimental credit items on applicant can have, and in most cases, will challenge employment.	A short sale is not reported on a credit report, and is, therefore, not challenge to employment.
Deficiency judgment	In 100% of foreclosure (except in those states where there is no deficiency) the bank has the right to pursue a deficiency judgment.	In some successful short sales, it is possible to convince the lender to give up the right to pursue a deficiency judgment against the homeowner.
Deficiency Judgment Amount	In a foreclosure, the home will have to go through an REO process if it does not sell at auction. In most cases, this will result in a lower sale price, and a longer time to sell in a declining market. This will result in a higher possible deficiency judgment.	In a property managed short sale, the home is sold at a price that should be close to market value, and in almost all cases will be better than an REO sale, resulting in a lower deficiency amount.

  

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