Relocation Tips

Relocating to a new job or city can be stressful. Here are a few tips to ease your transition to a new locale.

Start Early - While time constraints are often beyond your control, get the ball rolling as soon as you can. If you currently own a home, begin the selling process. If renting, check your lease for the potential penalties you may incur by moving.
Look for a Home in Your New City – discuss your situation with a trusted real estate professional. Have them refer you to work with someone at your new destination.
Clear Clutter - Arrange a garage sale, give unwanted items to friends or donate them to charity. Start organizing for your move by gathering or buying boxes and other moving supplies such as tape, inventory lists, labels, etc.
Details, Details, Details - File change of address forms with the United States Post Office 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. Many utility companies will charge you an extra billing cycle if not given enough notice.
Pick the Right Moving Company - Decide how much help you will need (packing, unpacking, etc.) and investigate moving companies. Get a full estimate and ask the moving company representative any questions you may have. Jot down the name and phone numbers of the person to whom you were speaking. Consider the benefits of moving insurance and check with your insurance provider to see what protection they recommend.
Kids - Moving can be very hard on your children, and there are steps you can take to help alleviate your children's fears. Communicate with them 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.
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, make arrangements 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.
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.
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.

If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.

When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!

Free Resource for Homeowners

Many homeowners do not form a relationship with a real estate professional until they have made the decision to sell their home. People often do not realize that a real estate agent can be a powerful resource for homeowners BEFORE that time comes. As an experienced real estate agent, I’d be happy to help you with any home needs you may have.

I have valuable information on home maintenance, remodeling, refinancing, and other related topics. Much of this information can be found on my website. I think you’ll find that a relationship with a real estate agent whom you trust is a great asset.

If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.

When you are serious about moving, put our TEAM to work for you!

Floor Plan Basics

Finding the right home can be challenging, even if you’ve purchased a home before. When looking for your next home, it’s important to remember that a good floor plan makes life more enjoyable and adds value to the home should you need to sell in the future. Some things to be looking for are as follows:

A well-designed kitchen space with adequate counter space, outlets, and room for appliances.
Determine your entertainment needs so that you will know whether several small, private areas work better for you than a open concept where large groups can cook, visit and dine all at the same time.
Stairways that are located in the front entry or other central location.
Flexible rooms that can be used for different purposes. One person’s second guest room is another’s office or home gym. In order to be considered a bedroom, however, the room must include a closet and window egress in case of fire.
A good bedroom-to-bathroom ratio can make all the difference. Typically two bathrooms for every 3 bedrooms will be sufficient.
Light switches and outlets that have good placement throughout rooms.

As a team of experienced real estate professionals, we can help you determine what features of a home are most important to you. Having a clear picture of your dream home will help you sort out the homes that just don’t fit.

If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.

When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!