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First Quarter 2016: Real Estate Market Report: Dutchess Market Overview
The Dutchess County housing market started the year with a massive spike in sales activity, which had only a modest impact on pricing.
Sales. Dutchess County single.family home sales surged again in the first quarter, with transactions up a whopping 43% from last year. This marked the sixth quarter in a row with year on year sales increases, leading to a rolling year where sales were up almost 30%. With 2,300 sales over the rolling year, Dutchess is now closing homes at a rate that rivals what we saw during the last seller’s market.
Prices. In our last Report, we noted that we were starting to see the first “green shoots” of price appreciation in Dutchess. That continued in the first quarter, with the average and median price both up a tick. The rolling year numbers are still not positive, but we think it’s only a matter of time. With these types of sustained increases in sales activity, we are bound to see an impact on pricing this year.
Inventory. We measure inventory by looking at the “months of inventory” that are available, given the current absorption rate of properties on the market. Generally, the industry regards six months of inventory as a demarcation for a seller’s market. In Dutchess, we are nowhere near that, with inventory still above 14 months. But the market is definitely tightening, with the months of inventory falling over 25% in the past year. As inventory tightens, we would expect prices to start going up.
Negotiability. The negotiability indicators show that Dutchess sellers might be starting to get some leverage. Homes were selling for a little closer to the asking price, with the listing retention rate up above 95% for the first time since the last seller’s market. And the days on market fell again, now down below six months, indicating that homes are selling a little more quickly. If homes are selling more quickly, and for closer to the asking price, that means sellers are gaining a bargaining position with buyers.
Condominiums. The condo market was also robust, with sales up over 28% compared to the fourth quarter of last year, and up over 22% for the year. Pricing was disappointing, though, with the average and median down for both the quarter and the year. Inventory continues to tighten, though, which could stabilize pricing in 2016.
Going forward, we believe that if Dutchess continues to see sustained increases in sale activity, we are bound to see meaningful price appreciation by the end of the year. With a stable economy, low-interest rates, and homes still priced at appealing 2004 levels (without even controlling for inflation), we believe that Dutchess is poised for a strong 2016.
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
First Quarter 2016 Real Estate Market Report: Putnam Market Overview
Putnam County sales and prices both spiked in the first quarter of 2016, with transactions again reaching levels we have not seen in over 10 years.
Sales. Putnam sales surged again in the first quarter, with single.family home sales spiking over 35% compared to last year and now up over 21% for the rolling year. Sales have now been going up for over four years, with transactions up in seven straight quarters and 15 out of the last 16. With 976 sales for the rolling year, we’re approaching the 1,000-sale mark that we have not hit since early 2006 at the tail end of the last seller’s market. We saw the same results with condos, with sales up over 35% for the quarter and the year.
Prices. After a disappointing 2015, single.family prices started the new year with a bang, spiking over 12% on average, 10% at the median, and up just a tick in the price-per-square foot. For the rolling year, prices were up at a similarly torrid pace, rising almost 4% on average and 8% at the median. Even though these types of increases are not sustainable, we do believe that Putnam’s pricing will continue to appreciate this year, particularly as inventory continues to tighten.
Inventory. Indeed, the “months of inventory” indicator fell 24% from last year’s first quarter and is now down to under 8.0 months for single.family homes. Obviously, we’re already seeing the impact of the declining inventory on pricing, and we expect that to continue through the spring market.
Negotiability. The negotiability indicators were flat, with both the listing retention rate and the days on market relatively stable. We would expect homes to start selling more quickly and for closer to the asking price as the market heats up.
Condos. The story was different for condos prices, which were down sharply for the quarter, even while the rolling year prices were relatively flat or up slightly. The condo market is very small, though, so it’s prone to skewing by a few outliers.
Going forward, we believe that these levels of buyer demand will continue through a robust spring market, although we do not expect that the spike in prices is sustainable over the long term. The fundamentals of the market, though, are good, with prices still at attractive levels, buyer demand high, interest rates low, and the economy generally improving.
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
First Quarter 2016 Real Estate Market Report: Orange Market Overview
The Orange County housing market finally showed the long awaited signs of meaningful price appreciation in the first quarter of 2016, with prices up significantly for the first time in almost 10 years.
Sales. Orange sales were up yet again, rising 31% from last year and now up over 28% for the rolling year. This was nothing new – we have now seen sustained increases in Orange transactions for almost four years, with sales up six quarters in a row and 15 out of the last 16. Indeed, we are now seeing sales at historically high levels, with Orange closing over 3,000 sales for the rolling year for the first time since 2007 at the tail end of the last seller’s market.
Prices. What’s new is that for the first time in years, we saw some meaningful price appreciation in Orange, with prices up 3% on average, almost 4% at the median, and up just a tick in the price per square foot. This was important because prices had fallen every single calendar year since 2007 – that’s eight straight years of year-on-year price depreciation. As a result, home prices today are down almost 30% from the height of the market. But for the first time, Orange homeowners have reason to be hopeful that the trend is moving in a positive direction.
Negotiability. Certainly, the negotiability indicators support the view that Orange is due for continued meaningful price appreciation. The months of inventory in Orange fell again in the first quarter, dropping below 10 months for the first time in over 12 years. Similarly, the days on market fell again and the listing retention rate went up a full point, showing that homes are selling more quickly and for closer to the asking price – all of which tends to drive price appreciation.
Condominiums. The condo market also surged, rising over 43% for the quarter and up almost 45% for the year. So we have a lot of demand. Unfortunately, we’re not yet seeing that demand impact pricing, which was down across the board. As we’ve noted before, the problem with Orange condos is that they’re priced too close to single.family homes. If we continue to see meaningful appreciation in single.family prices, that will arrest the slide in condo prices.
Going forward, we believe that Orange is finally seeing the light at the end of the dark tunnel it entered in 2008. We expect that demand will stay strong through a robust spring market that will continue to drive meaningful price appreciation through 2016 and for several years to come.
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
First Quarter 2016 Real Estate Market Report: Rockland Market Overview
The Rockland County housing market started the year strong, with increases in both sales and prices that are now reaching levels we have not seen in over 10 years at the tail end of the last seller’s market.
Sales. Rockland sales were up again, rising over 16% from last year’s first quarter and now up over 20% for the rolling year. We’ve now seen sustained rates of growth for almost four years, with transactions up for the last six quarters and 14 out of the last 15. Indeed, sales totals are now approaching “seller market levels,” with the 1,880 rolling year sales the highest total in over 10 years.
Prices. This sustained increase in buyer demand is having its expected impact on pricing, with prices up almost 3% on average and almost 2% in the price.per.square foot, but falling a tick at the median. For the year, the results are more uniform, with prices up about 3% across the board. After the sharp decline following the financial crisis in 2008, and then a few years of bouncing around the bottom, Rockland prices are now starting their fourth year of modest but meaningful appreciation. They still have a way to go before they gain back the losses suffered after the financial crisis of 2008, but they’re trending in a positive direction.
Negotiability. The negotiability indicators showed that sellers are gaining a bit more leverage with buyers. We saw another dramatic decline in the number of homes for sale, for example, with the months of inventory falling over 21% and now reaching the six-month level that usually delineates a “seller’s market.” Similarly, the listing retention rate rose above 96% for the first time since 2006, and the days on market continued to fall. All together, a declining inventory, with homes selling more quickly and for closer to the asking price, tells us that we’re moving into a strong seller’s market.
Condos. The condo market in Rockland continues to struggle. Sales were up, but not as sharply as with single.family homes. And prices were down slightly, indicating that buyer demand in the market is not pushing appreciation. With condo inventory actually rising a bit, we’re not likely to see any meaningful price appreciation in this entry level market anytime soon.
Going forward, we expect a robust spring market that will continue to drive prices and sales upward. With prices still at attractive levels, interest rates low, and the economy generally strengthening, we believe that Rockland will have its best year since the height of the seller’s market.
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
First Quarter 2016 Real Estate Market Report: Westchester Market Overview
The Westchester housing market started 2016 with a surge of activity coupled with a disappointing drop in pricing, continuing a trend we watched for most of last year.
Sales. Market activity is way up, continuing a trend we’ve been watching for over four years. Residential sales rose sharply, up 11% from last year and finishing the calendar year up almost 9%. Year-on-year transactions have now gone up in 16 out of the last 18 quarters. Indeed, the 5,836 single-family, rolling.year sales was the highest 12-month total in almost 10 years, at the height of the last seller’s market.
Prices. Even with this continued strength in buyer demand, though, single.family prices were down across the board: falling almost 7% on average, over 4% at the median, and almost 3% in the price-per-square-foot. And we’ve now seen prices go down for over a year, with the rolling year average dropping almost 4%. What’s going on? We believe that buyer demand is stronger in the lower priced markets, changing the mix of properties sold. Indeed, the price appreciation in the condo and coop markets shows that entry-level demand is strong, which indicates that perhaps we’re also seeing strong demand at the lower price points for single.family homes. We’re just not seeing the same level of activity in the higher priced markets, which is pushing overall pricing averages down.
Inventory. Indeed, the level of inventory available supports the idea that buyer demand is simply stronger at the entry level market. While inventory for single.family homes was relatively flat, we saw another drop in the number of condos and coops available. In other words, the lower end market is sizzling, while the upper end market is more lukewarm.
Negotiability. The negotiability indicators were a bit mixed. The days on market fell significantly, dropping to about six months for all property types. The listing retention rate was basically flat, though, indicating that sellers have not yet taken a commanding negotiating position with buyers.
Going forward, even with the current downward trend in pricing, we believe that the Westchester market is poised for a robust spring market. With inventory at a 10-year low, prices still at attractive levels, interest rates near historic lows, and a generally improving economy, we expect that the strength in the lower end of the market will expand throughout all price ranges.
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
First Quarter 2016 Real Estate Market Report: Westchester & Hudson Valley Market Overview
The Westchester and Hudson Valley regional housing market in the first quarter of 2016 picked up where 2015 left off, with another surge in sales activity that is still not yet having a widespread impact on home prices. With inventory declining throughout the region, though, we believe that we will start seeing meaningful price appreciation before the end of the year.
In our last Rand Report, we welcomed readers to the next “seller’s market,” predicting that 2016 would be marked by increasing sales, declining inventory, and rising prices. So far, we’re right on two out of the three predictions: sales continue to go up, inventory continues to go down, but prices have not yet taken off throughout the region.
Sales. Activity continues to surge across the region. Transactions were up in every single county in the Report, and collectively rose over 23% compared to the first quarter of last year and over 18% for the rolling year. This is nothing new – we’ve been watching sales go up quarter after quarter for over four years, with regional transactions rising in 15 out of the last 17 quarters. Indeed, the region closed over 14,000 single-family sales over the past 12 months, which is the highest rolling year total since the middle of 2006 – at the tail end of the last seller’s market.
Inventory. Available inventory continues to tighten throughout the region. In the real estate industry, we measure inventory levels by looking at the “months of inventory” available at any given time on the market, and consider anything under six months of inventory as an indicator of a “seller’s market.” Well, we are not yet under six months in any of our regional markets, but we’re getting close, with Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland all under eight months. More importantly, inventory is tightening across the board, down sharply in most of the counties.
Prices. You’ll notice on the accompanying graph that regional sales prices have been ticking down for the past year, and went down again in the first quarter. How can that be? Why would prices be going down even while sales and inventory are going up? Well, the explanation is that it’s just an optical illusion. Don’t believe your lying eyes – prices are actually rising.
Here’s why: right now, the market is strongest in the lower.priced markets, which is disproportionately increasing the number of lower priced sales and thereby skewing the pricing. We see that most clearly in the countywide numbers, with sales up much more sharply in the lower priced markets. While sales in the highest priced market in Westchester are up only 9%, the other regional markets are spiking: Putnam up 21%, Rockland up 20%, Orange up 28%, and Dutchess up 29%. As a result, Westchester sales accounted for only 36% of the sales in the region in the first quarter of this year, compared to 40% last year and as much as 50% in prior years. So it follows that if higher priced Westchester sales are making up a smaller part of the overall transactional mix, then the average price for the region is going to drop.
Indeed, the average price was up in four out of the five counties in the region: rising 12% in Putnam, 3% in Rockland, 3% in Orange, and up just a tick in Dutchess. Prices were only down in – you guessed it! – Westchester, and we believe it’s for the exact same reason: strength in the lower end of the market. Even within Westchester, the demand was much stronger in the entry-level coop and condo markets, which had higher sales increases, rising prices, and lower levels of inventory. It follows that if the condo and coop markets were so strong, then the lowest end of the single.family market was probably also a lot more active than the middle or high end. So don’t read too much into the regional price drop, or even the decline in Westchester single-family homes.
Going forward, we expect a robust spring market. All the fundamentals point to a burgeoning “seller’s market,” with demand high, inventory falling, interest rates low, and a generally improving economy. Accordingly, we expect that sales will continue to go up, and that the strength in the lower priced markets will gradually extend throughout all price points.
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
Tips on Moving from the City to the Suburbs
Living in the city can be an exhilarating experience. With the diversity of people, entertainment, cuisine, and the unending excitement of urban life, it’s safe to say living in the city is never boring. However, after a while, you may feel the need to slow down and look for a living situation that’s a little more low-key. If that’s the case, you may begin thinking about moving to the suburbs. Although this may be the right solution, it’s a significant transition between two very different lifestyles. But, there isn’t any need to worry because we’re going to offer you some tips on how to handle the move.
As you begin your search, don’t look for a house at first; look for a community. If you find a house you like, that’s great, but if it’s in an area you don’t care for, you won’t be able to fully enjoy your new home. You have to look at the whole community to be sure it offers everything you need. Search for an excellent school district; a simple commute; shopping for food, clothes, and other necessities; and most important, affordable housing. Before you begin your search, make a “wish” list of everything you want in a community. Then, as you do your research, check off your requirements as you find them in the communities you research.
You’ll also want to experience the ambiance of the community you like. You may experience a bit of a culture shock while doing this, but it’s best to research the community now to avoid any surprises later. Remember, you’ve been surrounded by culture and all types of influences, and you may find the suburbs to be limited. But, if you look close enough, you will find some hidden gems in and around town that will please you. As you walk around, take careful notice of the other residents and see how they interact with each other. The way people act with one another will give you a clear idea of the camaraderie you can expect amongst the townspeople.
There’s a good chance that, whichever community you look at, you’ll be checking out the Main Street to see the business scene. Don’t base your decision to move on the downtown area. Even if the town’s Main Street has great stores at which you can see yourself shopping, the street may not have everything your family will need. You’ll probably have to do some shopping in other areas, so get out and visit places outside of town to make sure everything you need isn’t too far away.
Your commute to work should also be a primary consideration when thinking about a move to the suburbs. When you live and work in the city, your commute is rather simple because you have easy access to public transportation. In the suburbs, however, you’ll either use your car for the trip, or you’ll have to make your way to the train station and then switch to the tracks. You should check the main roadways throughout your town if you plan to use your car, to make sure there’s a convenient route to work. Or, if you’ll be using public transportation, study the train schedules to make sure they meet your needs.
If you have children, take time to visit local schools to see that they offer everything your children require. When checking out schools, don’t just focus on test scores. Yes, they can tell you how well a collective body of students is performing, but it’s not indicative of how much attention your child will receive from teachers. If a class is fairly small, the students will really get to know their teacher, leading to a connection that will help the student perform better in the classroom. If you’re making the move to the suburbs before your children are old enough to start school, make sure to take a look at all grade levels in the school district to see ensure your children will receive a quality education from pre-school to high school.
It will take some time to get used to living in the suburbs after being immersed in the vibrancy of city life. Even if you have lived in the suburbs before living in the city, you still may need to do some adjusting. Although going through a major move comes with some difficulties, it will also be fun to explore a new place. The suburbs can offer their own excitement; you just have to know where to look. If you don’t want to move too far from the city, choose a community that will allow you to easily visit the city. That way, you can have a foot in both worlds. Take your time to find a community and house that suits you, and you’ll surely find a place where you’ll be happy.
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
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Outdoor Home-Projects for the Spring
It’s the end of March and thankfully the winter wasn’t too bad in the tristate area, being hit with only one snowstorm. Spring is officially here, but given how unseasonably warm the winter was, it felt like spring had arrived early. Now, with spring having started last week, we can focus on seasonal activities. At this point in the year, you’re probably thinking about ways you can add some features to your home that will bring more fun in the gorgeous weather. There are many things you can do to your house when the weather is more agreeable, so here are a few we suggest.
If you have young children and a tree in your backyard that’s strong enough, you may want to consider building a treehouse. Not only will it be a constructive outdoor activity, but it will also give you a chance to spend time with your children if they’re able to help you build. Before you start constructing it, make sure the tree can securely hold the house within it’s branches. Even if the tree is perfectly stable, don’t build the house too high, but rather a height you know your child will be able to climb safely and easily. In the end, this will not only be a great bonding opportunity for you and your child, but will also act as a chance for the latter to earn some experience with tools, if they’re old enough to use them.
Spring has sprung, and so has the barbecue and outdoor-party season. For this, a great thing to include on a back patio is a serving station mounted to the wall. You can use it to provide drinks and/or food, and it will add to the party atmosphere of your backyard by subtly letting the guests know this is a house that’s always ready to have a get-together. This project won’t take up much time and will come in handy for when you have guests over. If you don’t want to have too many food and drink tables taking up much space when throwing a party, a serving station may eliminate the need for a table or two.
Speaking of parties, if you have a few that go into the evening, this will be a wonderful excuse to add some lighting. You don’t want to have to bring your guests inside on a beautiful night when it gets dark out, so having some outside lighting for your patio and backyard will allow your guests to stay outdoors and enjoy your parties late into the night. Adding the right outside lighting can provide your house with an enchanting appearance, and will keep your guests coming back for your late-night get-togethers. Whether you want to drape string lights around your patio, position battery-operated candles throughout your backyard, or go exotic and use tiki torches, lighting up the back area of your house will enhance the party atmosphere and allow your guests to stay until midnight or later!
If you anticipate throwing several parties during the spring and summer, you may want to think about building an outside kitchen. Although a regular charcoal or gas grill may have served you well in the past, having an outdoor kitchen will offer a lot more features with which to cook and offer plenty of food that will keep your guests happy and filled. There are so many different kinds of food you can grill, so having an outdoor kitchen with many cooking tools at your disposal will certainly help in providing unforgettable meals for your fun- and food-loving guests.
Do you have a covered patio and/or porch? If so, you may wish to add a hanging daybed. You can lay on it and take a tap, get lost in a book, or just look out on your backyard and take in the springtime scenery. Imagine yourself sitting outside and listening to the crickets and enjoying those tranquil spring evenings as you gently swing back and forth on your daybed. Once this project is finished, you will have a whole new way to relax outside.
Do you have a green thumb? If so, you may want to start gardening. If you plan on potting some plants, you may want to construct a potting bench for yourself where you can keep everything in order. Seeing as you’ll probably be working with multiple gardening tools and several plants at once, you’ll want to have a place where you can keep all of the necessary materials together. Instead of having your tools and potted plants all over the place as you’re working, you’ll have this station to let you stay organized.
Just as the flowers grow in spring, you can let your creativity do the same when constructing new outdoor features for your home, as there is so much you can do to your house in the spring, in between the biking, barbecuing, and sports. Take advantage of the wonderful weather and use as much time as you can outside to provide your home with new touches that will get it ready for a fun spring season. All you have to do is pick out a project(s), grab some tools, and get to work!
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
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What to Look for When Buying a Condo
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to downsize, or want to save money, you may want to consider purchasing a condo. If you’re looking to live in a home with less maintenance, but still want to have some kind of ownership, a condo is a great option. With that, here are some factors to think about when you start your search.
When moving into a condo, you have to remember you may not have as much space as you would in a standard house. There’s also a possibility you won’t have a garage or attic. However, some condos will provide you with storage space, so as you look at different properties, ask the seller or representing real-estate agent if the complex offers residents any space in which to store extra belongings. You don’t want to move with all of your stuff and not have enough room for it, so before you make your final choice, just be sure your most important belongings will fit. If you need to, maybe sell some stuff you don’t use anymore so you have more space in your condo for what you actually need.
You’ll also want to see if the walls between units are thick enough that you won’t be bothered by any noise coming from next door. Having lived in a college dorm, I know how annoying it can get to be able to hear any yelling or loud music coming from the resident right next to you or directly across the hall. If you want don’t want to risk losing your sanity as a condo owner, ask the seller or agent if the walls are soundproof. You have to know if your condo has walls that are thick enough to block out any unwanted noise. This way, you’ll have better knowledge of whether or not you’ll be content with your neighbors.
It’s also important to choose a condo complex that has a wonderful management team. When you visit each complex, take some time to interview the manager and ask them any questions you may have, and also talk to some of the residents to see if they’re happy with the method in which the day-to-day operations are run. Having competent management is essential in confirming the rules of the complex will be enforced, so as to ensure the residents will live pleasant lifestyles. Think of your management team as the equivalent of an RA (resident advisor) in a college dorm. They are there to make sure the community is being taken care of and that its residents are happy.
Speaking of rules and bylaws, you should take a good look at them to make sure they help in offering the kind of living you’re looking for. If you have a pet who will be moving with you, you have to see that the complex allows this for their occupants. You’ll also have to make sure your pet will be happy in a condo environment, such as having enough room to play and run around. If you think you would like to create a little garden on your front lawn, especially with the weather becoming warmer, that’s something you’ll also have to consult the rules and bylaws for as well. In terms of renovating, you don’t always get to decide how you want your condo to appear. If you wish to make any major renovations to your condo, you may have to bring it up with the board or condo association to see if they will approve of your plans, whether they be interior or exterior. If you’re the type of person who likes to make significant changes to your residence every now and then, you may not want to go for a condo.
You have to realize living in a condominium complex is a very social environment. Therefore, you have to make sure your neighbors are welcoming, seeing as these are the people with whom you’ll be living in close proximity. You should do this to make sure the community actually provides a sense of community and that you’ll be able to make friends in your development. Don’t just move to a condo because it offers a comfortable home; move there because you know you’ll connect with those you meet. You want to surround yourself with people who you would invite over for parties or game nights, people who will become sort of an extended family.
Condos also offer a great sense of convenience. If you’re someone who wants to live close to your workplace and local stores, condos are often built in close distance to them, so you won’t have to spend much time in getting to them. And, if you’re next to your town’s shopping and business districts, you can bet it will never get boring, as there will always be activity and liveliness throughout the town. There are also several amenities a condo may provide, such as a playground, tennis court, and pool. Having these features will help you stay active during your residency at the complex, and will also encourage you to meet other individuals in your complex as you spend time outside.
As you look at different complexes, it wouldn’t hurt to ask to see the minutes of the association’s latest board meetings, if available. Doing so will bring you in the loop of any issues that may be experienced within the condo community, such as problematic neighbors, boisterous parties, or trespassing. Having an idea of what goes on in the complex will allow you to sort out the details of the environment and determine if you would like to become a resident in this development, or if you would like to look elsewhere.
Although a condo may be easier than a house in terms of maintenance, there are still many important factors you should consider when looking to purchase a condo. The environment of one may be different from others, so take a close look at the lifestyles of each complex and figure out in which one you can picture yourself living. Once you find the condo that’s perfect for you, you can start enjoying everything the development has to offer!
To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, visit their website and Facebook page, and make sure to “Like” their page. You can also follow them on Twitter.
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Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Move
Making a move is a task that many of us undertake in our lives. The thought of moving may seem like a difficult and emotional process, but it’s something that you will always remember as a transition from one part of your life to the next. You can make this time of you life a lot less stressful when you know the mistakes you should avoid. With everything that goes into getting ready for a move, it’s easy to have a misstep or two. But, we’re going to give you a heads-up of the mistakes to sidestep on your move.
Taking EVERYTHING with You: Before you move, you need to have a thorough look at what you’re actually going to take with you. This means going through all of your belongings and figuring out what you don’t use anymore. You’re going to need as much room in the movers’ truck as possible, so having any space taken up by stuff you don’t need is going to be a waste. Moving all of those unneeded possessions, only to toss them away when you get to your new house, is not going to be a good use of your time. Get rid of your unwanted items through a yard sale, donations, or simply discarding them if you know nobody will get any use out of them, and then focus on bringing only the stuff you know will be used in your new home.
“One of the best things you can do is purge all of your unwanted junk that’s collected in your house over the years,” said Yvonne Regan, Relocation Director for Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty. “I would recommend you do this a few months in advance of the pack and load date. Most experts will say if something hasn’t been used in about a year and it’s not sentimental, get rid of it. This clean-out can be very liberating and cost effective. Your household-goods weight load will be less, saving you money with the movers, and of course, less items will mean less boxes and packing supplies. And, if you were to hold a yard sale and possibly sell these items, you can even make some money to help defray some of the cost of moving.”
Using Old Boxes: As you’re packing your stuff away, it’s understandable you’ll want to use some boxes you have around the house, instead of spending money on new ones. However, it would be in your best interest to forgo boxes you’ve stored around the house and purchase unused ones. Any boxes you have around the house are probably dusty and not as strong after having other possessions stored in them. You don’t want to be carrying a box packed with your belongings, only to have them fall through the bottom and possibly break the items or hurt yourself. For any items that are very breakable, make sure to have enough bubble wrap in which to encase them before you place them in a box. With multiple items in any box, you don’t want them hitting against each other and causing damage. After the bubble wrap serves its purpose, you can embrace your inner child and pop the bubbles!
Choosing a Moving Company at the Last Minute: When preparing yourself for a move, you have to take into consideration that the late spring and summer are typically the busy season for moving, especially because you have families with children who want to move to their new home before the start of the next school year. A lot of the best moving companies get filled up with appointments early, so as soon as you know the date, call the moving company to book your move. If you wait until the last minute, you run the risk of not getting an appointment when you need it, and then you’ll probably have to resort to a lesser company.
“Moving companies get extremely busy at certain points of the year,” said Regan. “The moving season really heats up in the summer from May through Labor Day, and the moving companies can be booked solid. You have corporate transferees and families moving to settle in before the school year starts, as well as government and military personnel moves. I recommend you book with the moving company way in advance. Or, if you’re moving on your own, reserve your rental truck as soon as possible. Targeting mid-week or in the middle of the month may be best in terms of availability. If there are any delays or changes in your moving date, contact the company right away.”
Forgetting to Ask for an Estimate: Before you choose the moving company you would like to work with, it’s important you first receive an estimate, especially because there are two kinds that are offered: binding and non-binding. A non-binding estimate provides you with an idea of how much the move is going to cost, based on how far you’re moving and the mover’s estimates of your contents and the size of your house. The estimate is given in writing, and you can only be charged 10 percent more than the original estimate. With a binding estimate, you have a legal document that explains all of the charges, which can’t be changed unless you ask for add-on services, such as the movers having to climb multiple flights of stairs they didn’t have previous knowledge about. Prior to making your final decision, it’s recommended you receive at least three estimates, and also ask about any hidden fees. If you’re already spending money on the move, you certainly don’t want to be hit with any unexpected expenses. But, don’t be afraid to spend extra money on a reputable mover because if you find a moving company that charges significantly less than others, it’s probably safe to say they don’t offer top service.
Not Asking Your Moving Company If They Have Insurance: You also can’t forget to check that your moving company has insurance. Once you get to your new house, you don’t want to have any problems arise when you’re so close to finally settling in, so if a mover accidentally damages any valuable items upon the move, you want to make sure the company will be able to pay for them. If your moving company has insurance, I guarantee it will allow you to relax more. After you look into the insurance details of your movers, review your home insurance to make sure it covers your possessions as they move from one residence to another. If you need it, moving companies provide customers with deals on any extra insurance you may want. Lastly, you should inquire if your mover has insurance for workers’ compensation. If you have a small moving company helping you out, which typically has less than five employees, there’s a chance they won’t offer this, which means you’ll have to pay for an injury if a mover gets hurt. In the end, find out as much as you can about the moving company’s insurance, and use that as one of the deciding factors as to which company you choose.
Not Checking Out the School District: If you have children, you’ll want to see if the area to which you’re moving has a school district you approve of. Then, if you like it, you have to make sure it has openings, as you don’t want to move to a new neighborhood and have your children be without a school. Once you pick a district you prefer, keep in contact with them to make sure everything is in order for your child to attend come September. A school may be one of the last things on your child’s mind (I should know, as I was young once), but it should be one of the first things on yours. You want your child to have a bright future, and that begins with finding the right school.
Thinking Your Belongings Will Arrive When You Do: This is a mistake to avoid if you’re moving to a whole other part of the country. Don’t assume the movers will be at your doorstep waiting for you when you get there. If you’re relocating a long distance away from your old home and you arrive at your new home well before the movers, it’s best to have an emergency kit on hand that has enough essentials to get you through a few days. You should include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, extra clothes, and anything else you think you may need to tide you over until the rest of your belongings arrive. It’s an inconvenience to have to wear the same outfit two days in a row, so imagine what it will be like having to do so for longer than that.
Packing Your Tools and Work Gloves Where You Can’t Get to Them: During your move, make sure you have your work gloves and tools easily accessible, instead of having them buried in a box. You won’t only need them for opening boxes, but you may have to remove a door from it’s hinges if you need to get a sizable piece of furniture through. When you arrive to your new home, you want to get all of your belongings inside as quickly as possible, so you don’t want to waste time searching for your tools if they are buried beneath everything else. Having them at the ready will allow you to quickly and efficiently unhinge any doors if necessary.
Not Hiring a Real-Estate Agent: One last mistake to avoid is not using an agent. Having the help of an agent will make the moving process a lot simpler. They have been through hundreds of these cases before, so they will be able to provide you with the information you will need in order to make sure everything goes according to plan during your move. With everything you have to think about when planning a move, it wouldn’t hurt to have some professional help at your side to give you advice. It will help you relax and will give you more assurance that everything will work out.
There’s a lot that goes into planning and making a move, and we know there’s much to remember. But, if you keep a clear head and an optimistic attitude, this task will be easier than anticipated. It’s all about time management, and the more time you allow yourself to prepare, the more focused and less worried you will be about not getting everything done. This is a part of your life that will lead to an exciting change in your life, so despite all of the work that goes into this endeavor, enjoy it!
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