Moving list After you find your perfect home, mortgage is approved, home inspection done and purchase agreement is now firm and binding, its time for the next step.
• Lawyer • Your moving company • Utilities transfer • Appliance check
Lawyer Your Real Estate Lawyer will take care of you as a new home buyer: • Review the Agreement of Purchase and all other legal documents • Ensure there are no claims listed against the property • Arrange for Title Insurance; Ensure you have a valid title upon closing • Ensure property taxes are up to date; Calculate the land transfer tax due on closing • Draw up the mortgage documents • Close the transaction and ensure all legal and financial conditions are met • Exchange legal documents and keys with the seller’s lawyer When selling your home, your Real Estate Lawyer will help you with the following: • Review the Agreement of Sale and other legal documents before you sign • Assist you with the negotiation of the terms and conditions • Prepare the deed to your house • Deal and remedy title issues as they occur • Close the transaction • Ensure all legal and financial conditions have been met • Exchange legal documents and keys with the Buyer’s lawyer
Moving Company Selecting the right moving company is a critical step. You’ll want to be sure you understand all the costs and options involved. Start by asking friends and families if they have any recommendations. Plan to interview at least two companies for estimates, which should be cost- and obligation-free. Your buyer’s representative may also be able to suggest reputable moving companies in your area. Deciding which moving company is right for you involves three key steps: ARRANGING THE INTERVIEWS Call movers and schedule interviews as soon as you know when the actual move might take place, especially if you’re moving during a peak moving period, which includes: • The first or last few days of each month—this is when most closings take place • Holidays—especially those coinciding with school vacations • Summer months—since most families try to schedule a move between school years
Conducting the interview Moving companies should agree to visit your home and provide a written estimate. Ask whether this estimate is binding or non-binding, so you know whether they will still honor it later, when you actually make your move. Also insist that the estimate provide as much detail as possible, so you can make better comparisons with other estimates. Local moves. If you’re moving within a local or regional area, the estimate will probably be based on an hourly rate, depending on how many workers are needed and how much time it will take to pack (if you want this done for you), load, transport, and unload your possessions at the final destination. Interviewing at least two companies will give you a more accurate picture of just what your move will entail and how much it is likely to cost.
Out-of-state moves
If your move is out of state, estimates will be based on the distance of your move and the projected weight of your shipment. To provide you with an accurate estimate, movers will need ample time to walk through your home and inspect each room, as well as all storage areas, viewing everything that will be going to the new location. Many factors can influence the price of your move, including how many optional services you require, such as: • Packing and unpacking—Are you willing to do this yourself, or would you prefer to pay professionals to pack some or all of your loose items? • Boxes—Most movers will sell you new boxes. Prices vary by company. Ask about used boxes, since some movers offer these too at a reduced cost. • Special handling—If you have unique, heavy, or delicate pieces, such as a piano, large exercise equipment, or antique furniture, you may need to pay more for special handling. • Special packaging—Movers may recommend that certain pieces be packed in wood crates. Check the cost versus the advantages of this choice. Insurance. Most movers have some level of liability insurance. You may, however, want to investigate additional insurance coverage, since it’s not uncommon for objects to be damaged during a move. If you want these or other services, make sure you tell each moving company to include them in their estimate
Making your selection Several factors will affect your final decision: • Price—While this may seem straightforward, it may take some effort to accurately compare prices, since weight estimates will likely differ by mover, as will prices on individual services. • Availability—If you move during a peak time, you may find yourself coordinating your move with your mover’s schedule, rather than your own. • References—Request and contact references beyond the letters of recommendation that you should be offered in the interview. If you want to do a little more research, call the Better Business Bureau or the State Attorney General to see if any complaints have been filed against the company. • Customer service—The person who provides your estimates will probably be your key contact leading up to and during the actual move. Are they experienced, confident, a good communicator, and seemingly interested in satisfying your needs?
Announce the move Inform all utility, newspaper, cable, phone, alarm system and internet suppliers of your upcoming move, in advance of closing day. You may have to provide security deposits for hydro or gas accounts at your new home before service is provided. After closing on a house, inform any credit card companies, doctors’ offices, and government departments such as for example your driver’s license. Consider preparing and sending “just moved “cards, with all of your new information, for your friends, relatives and service providers.
Appliance check Check all appliances and home systems as soon as you move in. Most agreements say that the seller warrants that everything will be working on real estate closing date, not one week after closing on a house. If there are any problems, you need to notify the seller immediately after you move in, to be able to bring a claim later for repairs.