Blog of Craig's Arizona

Sometime ago I challenged my stager to give me a moving check list to give to clients, after using it with some success, I’ve decided it’s just better to post it for everyone to use and a good place for my clients to find it, so here it is.  Please comment if you feel that anything is missing, thank you.

6 Weeks before Moving

• Gather items to be donated to charity or for a garage sale
• Schedule garage sale or charity pick up
• Make an inventory of everything to be moved
• Contact a few moving companies for estimates
• Select mover and finalize details
• Get packing materials  (Boxes, packing tape, markers, newspapers, twine)
• Start packing things that you do not use regularly

4 Weeks before Moving

• Notify magazines of your change of address
• Contact and make arrangement for picking up your important records (doctors, dentist, legal, vets, schools (if moving far)
• Contact utility, etc companies to move services or schedule turnoff dates
• Collect everything you have loaned out locally and return anything you have borrowed
• Gather all valuables for safe place during move
• Give away or arrange for moving of house plants
• Try to use up your perishable food
• Contact family, friends, or companies and provide with change of address
• Inquire about your new state’s auto licensing procedure
• Contact insurance agent to transfer or cancel coverage
• Continue packing

One Week before Moving

• Have your automobile services for the trip
• Fill out post office change of address forms and submit
• Gather all your vital documents in one place (passports, birth certificates, licenses, stock certificates, bank and insurance records, medical records, etc.)
• Note any significant scratches or damage on your furniture to compare after move.
• Dispose of all combustibles, spray cans, and chemicals according to local law
• Pack and mark a separate box of cleaning supplies and basic tools for arrival at the new location
• Mark “Open First” on boxes containing important items to be unpacked first such as dishes, bedding, towels, light bulbs, alarm clock, and your children’s favorite toys
• Separate and mark personal items and luggage that will be traveling with you
• Finish packing and mark all boxes with the room they will be going to in your new home
• Cancel all newspapers, garden service, etc.
• Make arrangement for cleaning
• Hire babysitter or make plans for your children to visit a friend on moving day.

The Day before Moving

• Defrost, clean and air out your refrigerator
• Make sure you have cash, traveler’s checks, and other financial means for the trip.
• Arrange a simple breakfast for the morning of the move.
• Pick up ice, beverages, and plastic cups for moving day
• Take down curtains and curtain rods.
• Get a good night’s sleep!

Moving Day

• Plan to spend all day at the house for directing movers and any last-minute decisions needed.
• Double check delivery address and date/times with driver of moving company.
• Make sure driver has your contact number during the move.
• Check exterior of house for water hoses and gardening tools
• When movers are done, make a final check of the house, especially closets, drawers, attics, and garages.
• Advise your neighbors that your house is now empty
• Lock all door and windows and provide keys to landlord or selling agent

A year ago, we bought a new SUV, something that would be good for the business and protect my family.  At that time, my daughter was 1 and we made a rather long trip to St. George, UT for a vacation, one of the longest trips of my life, only because nothing could keep my daughter happy on the trip.  After the return, I decided that a back-seat DVD player wasn’t such a bad idea anymore and had one installed.  Continue reading DVD Players and a 2 year old

I sometimes get this question, why do I require an LSR before I will show homes.  This is a basic policy that I and other agents have to protect our time and the emotions of our clients.

Continue reading Why do I and other agents require an LSR?

I was taken back by this question, mostly because if you have a Realtor, why are you asking me this question.  None the less, here is the answer.  To save headaches later, you should always ask your Realtor to call on anything that you are interested in that is Real Estate related.  Much like you would direct all questions or discussions that may have legal implications to your attorney or medical concerns to your Doctor.  The Realtor (Real Estate Agent) is working in your best interest, they represent you on these matters and understand the industry lingo and negotiations, use them to your advantage, they are usually more than willing to help out. Continue reading Should I call on a house or have my Realtor call?

One of my clients was asking me about Reverse Mortgages.  It’s been awhile since I’ve done anything with them that I felt I should brush up on them before getting into too much detail with her.  So after a couple of phone calls, I found a highly recommended expert and I started conversing with her through eMail, next thing I know I’m on the phone with her. 

All I can really say is WOW!  I am glad I found her and spent the time with Teresa Sommers with Bank of America.  She was extremely knowledgeable and very passionate about Reverse Mortgages.  I learned more in 15 minutes on the phone with her than I did in any of  my previous classes on the topic.

If you are over 62 years old and you want to learn more about this topic, you can do no better than to contact Teresa at (623) 255-3427 or teresa.m.sommers@bankofamerica.com

Ask her about how to purchase a home with a reverse mtg  ( for age 62+ )  No credit score requirements & no payments!