Handy Moving Checklist

When my sign is in your yard, it's time to call the movers! By preplanning your move and using a checklist, you will find that the numerous tasks involved go smoother. Here are some helpful suggestions.

Movers
One of the first things you need to do is decide on a mover. Always obtain a written cost estimate for each moving company you consider. Fees for local moves are usually determined on an hourly basis. After selecting a mover, arrange a moving date and use the follow check list to plan your schedule.

One Month before your move

• Start to clean out things you won't bring. Lighten the load. Plan a yard sale. It's not free to ship, so if you don't need it, get rid of it!
• Decide if you want to pack yourself or have professions pack for you.
• Insurance. While shopping for a mover, check out insurance and call your homeowner's insurance agent to see if you are already covered. Check to ensure you'll be covered during the move.
• Start talking to young children the impending move. Preparing young children in advance gives the child plenty of time to prepare for the move.
• Start Packing. Buy boxes, packing supplies (markers, etc.) and tape. Pack rarely used china or off-season clothes (if they still fit). When packing, keep in mind that it's most important to fill boxes to capacity. Under-filled boxes can get crushed and over-filled boxes may fall apart. Pick the right size box for the job--boxes should be between 25-35 lbs each.
• Save all your bills. Remember to save your last bills--they have crucial information like account numbers and customer service telephone numbers that will help you change your utilities, credit cards, magazine subscriptions, etc.
• Change magazine subscriptions to new address – sooner rather than later.
• Get a copy of medical, dental and prescription records. If necessary, transfer them to a new physician in your new location.
• Submit your change of address forms to post office.
• Obtain documents for school transfers, if you have children.
• Give your new address to friends and family.
• Fill out an IRS change of address form.
• Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations.
• Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings.
• Make arrangements for transporting pets.
• Start using up food items, so that there is less left to pack and possibly spoil.

One to Two Weeks before your move

• Cancel your local newspaper or change the address.
• Notify all financial accounts. Banks, credit cards, brokerages (401k, personal stocks/mutual funds, other investments) all need to know your new address. Make a list and call/write them.
• Return rented movies, books to library, borrowed items, etc.
• Dispose of things that won't be moved (including flammable materials).
• Begin packing and labeling boxes in earnest.
• Switch utility services to new address -electric, gas, water, telephone and cable companies.
• Arrange for help on moving day.
• Have appliances serviced for moving.
• Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving.
• Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
• Dismantle outdoor play equipment.
• Review moving plans with your moving company, confirm date/time.
• Develop a floor plan to show movers where you want your belongings placed.
• Organize and pack an "essentials" box for arrival (toiletries, paper plates, small tool kit, etc.).

One to Two Days before your move

• Disconnect major appliances. Refrigerator, washer and dryer, etc. should all be disconnected, defrosted, and dried out. Place deodorizer or charcoal inside to control odors.
• Finish packing!
• Carry valuables with you or in a personal suitcase. Passport, jewelry, cash, house deeds and other important documents should be set aside and stored in a safe place.
• Leave your address in a conspicuous place for new occupants to forward anything to you.
• For each member of your household, pack a couple of nights' worth of survival items (clothes, bedding, toilet paper). It could take you some time to UNPACK on the other end!

Moving Day

• Relax! Since you've prepared so well, just let the movers load your well-packed boxes onto the truck!
• Strip beds of linens.
• Remember to eat.
• Start early.
• Check every room and storage area. Check back of drawers.
• Turn off all lights and lock the doors.
• Give the keys to the new owner or real estate agent.
• There will be many more items to add to your personal list. Can you have your new phone ready to use when you arrive at your new home?
• Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty.

After Arriving At Your New Home

• Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags.
• Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
• Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees.
• Locate the hospitals, police station, veterinarian and fire station nearest your new home. [where: 75230]

Dallas Real Estate Recovery 2011

Here we are about half way through the year, so lets take a look at the North Dallas real estate market. This is the year we've all been expecting to see a recovery. And we have - just not fast enough for most folks. Keep in mind that this recovery is like a freight train leaving the station. It's awfully slow at first, but it's heading in the right direction and will gain speed. But it's not the bullet train some people are looking for.

Comparing this same period last year, area sale are both up and down depending on the price. Sales of homes priced under $400,000 are down, while sales of homes priced $400,000 to $700,000 are up. Sales of homes priced $700,000 to $900,000 are down, however sales of homes priced over $900,000 are up. Experts like Britt Fair of Hexter Fair tell us that this is a reflection of the 2010 tax credit that had sales under $400k spiking last year.

The real estate recovery in Dallas continues to exceed the national recovery. I believe we'll soon start seeing reports of sales increasing - but that trend will also depend on the number of homes that continue to come on the market. Fewer homes for sale often mean fewer sales overall. We should see home prices in North Dallas begin a slow rise over the coming months. [where: 75230]

North Dallas Tollway fright drive continues

Construction continues to the on and off Tollway ramps in Highland Park, University Park and Preston Hollow as they convert to a cashless tolling system. And while it will speed up on-ramp access in the future, it sure is terrifying to drive through this construction as you accelerate to 60 miles an hour.

The uneven, narrow ramps make me feel claustrophobic enough to hit the gas pedal. Fortunately, the work is scheduled to be finished by November this year. [where: 75230]

Price vs Cost of Buying a Home

The cost of buying a home is so vastly different that the cost of buying almost all our purchases that most people don't really comprehend the cost vs value analysis. The Price and the Payments (cost) of a home can be dramatically different because of financing.

Here is an example:
A $200,000 home purchased with a 30-year fixed rate loan @ 4.625% = $1028 per month today. If you bought that same home at a lower price of $180,000 but rates have risen to 6.5%, it would cost you $1137 per month. In other words, paying less could end up costing more if mortgage rates rise. Use the on-line mortgage calculator on the right and don't confuse Price with Payments. [where: 75230]

Concrete Porch Improvement

One of the best ways to dress up a boring gray concrete patio or porch is with acid stain. Instead of covering up the dull gray with deck tiles or an outdoor rug, why not give the cement itself a makeover with several cool options.

If you hire professionals, they can create all sorts of designs for a memorable patio, walkway, or even driveway. Choose one that reflects the style of your home or go with a simple improvement. Unlike painting, the acid stains are designed to chemically bond to concrete and cement based surfaces so they won't peel, fade or flake. While the stain is permanent, you can seal it for a deeper color and for ease of maintenance.

Go with a nice earth tone color for a rich look. The high end appearance should look naturally variegated. If the area is unshaded, just remember how hot a dark surface is on bare feet in Texas.

What a great way to decorate the surface of a concrete slab.

Dallas 2011 Real Estate Market on Target

These annual real estate sales statistics really paint the picture well. The chart shows the annual sales of residential real estate in the North Texas area by month since January 2004. As you can see, sales typically peak in July and hit bottom in January ( which is why the timing of putting you house on the market can be so important ).

The bright green circle on the chart shows our sales in 2011. While we're lower than most previous years, we're not in the downward spiral that so many people imagine the market to be. Thanks to Hexter Fair Title Company for charting these stats each year. Click on the chart to view it larger. [where: 75230]

Preston Royal Blockbuster Closing

Another local Blockbuster video store is leaving with the shut down scheduled for this Wednesday, July 13th. No word yet on who will fill the space at the northwest corner of Preston and Royal.

Preston Hollow Parade Fun

Happy Independence Day my fellow Americans!

To view additional photos of this annual neighborhood July 4th parade, go to:

http://www.prestonhollowjuly4th.com/

[where: 75230]

Curb the curbside flags

Here is why I don't stick a flag in front of your house for July 4th. Because it distresses me to see American flags strewn around like trash.

While the folks who decorate our neighborhoods with little American flags to celebrate the holiday may be well meaning, if they don't come back and pick up every flag on the 5th, these symbols of our liberty end up in the gutters and streets. It kind of defeats the whole intention. There is nothing festive or patriotic about flags lying on the ground. [where: 75230]

July 2011 Housing Affordability

The housing market still faces many challenges. Unemployment, foreclosures and other distress sales are keeping negative pressure on prices. Of course, this is good news if you are a buyer ready to buy...low mortgage rates and low prices have brought affordability to record levels.

How affordable is housing today? Since 1963, it has cost an average of approximately 43% of per capita (or individual income) to finance the cost of a median priced home (20% down payment with a 30 year fixed rate mortgage). Right now, it's only about half of that cost at about 22%.

You won't find this little history lesson in the news because the news is about the moment and the more dramatic the better. Taking a rational, longer term view of things makes more sense and is particularly true when it comes to a home that is usually owned for years rather than days or months.

Smart buyers are using this affordability advantage to strike the best possible deal on a home today. People are still moving to Dallas and whether they are buying or leasing, they all need a place to live. [where: 75230]