Making A Move Easy on Kids, and Yourself.

A Move Affects Children and Adults Differently.

Most often, a move represents an important step forward for the adults in the family because of a new job, promotion, transfer to a different office, or financial success has allowed them to buy a more comfortable house in a different neighborhood.

Moving from one house to another is seldom easy and enjoyable for adults (who chose to move), and can be especially troubling for children (who prefer to stay where they are). But if parents are mindful of their children’s concerns and needs, they can minimize distress and discomfort.

Describe the move in a truthful, positive way and plan together to make the new setting feel like home:

• Ask about their favorite activities (e.g., soccer), and plan to investigate youth programs in the new community.

• Ask what they like best about the present house (e.g., the swimming pool) and assure them that you’ll find a place for them to swim in the new town.

• Ask what they like best about the neighborhood (e.g., their friends), and make plans to invite the children on the block to a Welcome To the Neighborhood Party once you’ve settled in.

• Ask what they like the most about their school (e.g., their teacher), and let them know that you’ll request a tour of their new school and a chance to meet their teacher beforehand.

• Ask what they like most about their community (e.g., the video game parlor), and assure them that those activities will be available in the new location.

• Use children’s literature. Books can help children prepare for and understand difficult situations. Story characters who model successful coping strategies are an excellent resource for children.

• If the new home is too far away for the entire family to visit, show the children pictures of the house, yard, and neighborhood. Videotape it if you can. Include pictures of each child’s new room.

• Ask the children to name the house with an inviting description, like “Oak Hill,” for the big trees and sloping lawn.

• Young children need protection from fear of the unknown. Listen carefully to their concerns and respond quickly to relieve their apprehensions. It’s normal, for instance, for a young child to worry that his or her toy box and shelf of stuffed animals might be left behind. Uncover those anxieties by actively involving your children in the process.

• Don’t just promise to let them decorate their own rooms – take them to the paint store and let them bring home color swatches. Shop together for bedspreads and towels and carpets.

• They must leave old friends behind. Plan a They must leave old friends behind. Plan a going-away party and let them invite their own guests to bring closure to that parting.

• Take pictures of everyone and make a photo album. If a child is old enough, send him or her out with a roll of film in the camera and the assignment to photograph the scenes he’ll want to remember.

• Give each of them extra screen time so they can keep in touch with people who are important to them.

• Buy a stack of picture postcards that show positive views of your new community and encourage them to write messages to the friends and relatives they left behind.

• Try to pack children’s things last and include them in the packing process.

• Keep security objects such as a favorite teddy bear or blanket close by. Keep your routine as normal as possible. Regular eating and nap times are important.

Encourage children to get outside and get to know the people and the neighborhood.

Teenagers:

Most teenagers see themselves as adult members of the family, and may feel disrespected if they don’t hear about the move early in the process.

Also, they’ll need time to work through the ordeal of leaving their friends. Ending relationships and saying goodbyes takes time, and is best done before the move. Some relationships will be extremely difficult to bring to an end, and these will require thoughtful, personalized planning. How, for instance, do you move a 17-year-old a thousand miles from her steady boyfriend? Even though teens seem more advanced in their social skills, they may worry a lot about making friends and fitting in. Visit their new school and check out local activities and employment opportunities for young people.

Communities have their own culture and way of doing things, and this is often reflected in the way teens dress. How they look is really important to teens. Before spending money on a new school wardrobe, your teen may want to observe what’s “in.” Purchasing a few new outfits can often help a teen feel more comfortable.

It’s particularly important to let teens known that you want to hear about, and respect, their concerns. Blanket assurances may seem to your teen like you’re dismissing his or her feelings. It may help to explain that the move is a type of rehearsal for future changes, like college or a new job.

At any age, get help if emotional problems arise. Ask a teacher for assistance. Consider professional counseling. Don’t let a serious problem slide.

Eventually, the strangeness and temporary discomforts should diminish. New friends will become good friends. The new house may become the family gathering place that your grandchildren will visit on holidays. In the long run, everything will work out fine.

Big Mistakes Buyers Make And How to Avoid Them

Mistake #1 - Not knowing how much they can afford before they make an offer.

The easiest way to avoid this mistake is to get pre-approved for a mortgage by a Lender so you know in advance exactly how much you can afford.

Most pre-approvals are free and it will give you a basis to make a more informed purchasing decision when you find the house you like.

Mistake #2 - Not realizing that the wrong mortgage can cost thousands of dollars in needless interest and taxes.

Check with your accountant before you make your final decision on which mortgage you're going to choose. Your CPA can tell you what the long-term effects will be on your income, your taxes, and the equity you build in your home over time.

Most people aren't aware that with a standard 30year mortgage they'll be paying two-and-a-half times the amount of the mortgage in payments. With some advance planning and a simple strategy, they can cut the amount of interest they pay dramatically and own their homes sooner.

Mistake #3 - Not realizing in advance whom the real estate consultant represents.

Most people think that the agent they're working with is working for them. But unless they're working as your buyer representative, they represent the seller. There are different types of agency relationships you can have with a Realtor, so make sure you're clear on your options.

Mistake #4 - Not discovering hidden defects before they buy a home.

One of the most expensive mistakes is also one of the easiest to avoid, by having a professional pre-purchase home inspection. Don't get stuck with a money pit. The cost of a professional home inspection is usually a few hundred dollars, but the peace of mind it can give you and the expense you can avoid are worth thousands of dollars.

Mistake #5 - Not knowing how much their credit can affect their ability to buy or refinance a home.

Before you buy a home, many of the clouds on your credit history can be cleared up or even eliminated. Your mortgage professional can help you review and prepare your credit file in advance.

Annual Equity Analysis

In our ever-changing world, it's critical to keep up-to-date while ensuring we are looking out for what's best in the long run. To do so, we answer these 5 crucial questions:

1.       What homes/properties near you have sold for and how does this impact you today?

2.       What new tax laws give you deductions or credits on home/property improvements?

3.       What's happening in your neighborhood that will impact the value of your home/property?

4.       What changes have occurred in your life that will alter your goals over the next 5 years, and how to prepare now and take full advantage of them?

5.       What's occurring with your current mortgage and what new possibilities would benefit you now?

The next time you are in conversation with a loved one who is talking about their home/property value, remember the future belongs to the person who prepares. I'll be there to help.

Sellers Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Mistake #1 - Using a Real Estate Agent Instead Of a Realtor

When you're looking for help buying or selling property, it's important to remember that the terms "real estate agent" and "Realtor" are not synonymous. To be a Realtor, you must be a member in good standing of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The equivalent organization in Canada is the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Both are non-profit trade organizations that promote real estate information, education and professional standards. NAR and CREA members adhere to a strict code of ethics founded on the principle of providing fair and honest service to all consumers. Realtor business practices are monitored at local levels. Arbitration and disciplinary systems are in place to address complaints from the public or board members. This local monitoring keeps Realtors directly accountable to the individual consumers they serve. The National Association of Realtors also has earned a strong reputation for actively championing private property rights and working to make home ownership affordable and accessible.

Mistake #2 - Failing to Maximize the Curb Appeal of Your Home

When you're preparing your house for sale, remember the importance of first impressions. A buyer's first impression can determine whether they'll choose to look inside. It's estimated that more than 50 percent of shoppers decide to purchase a home even before they get out of their car. With that in mind, be sure to stand outside your home and take a realistic "fresh look." Then ask yourself (and your Realtor) what you can do to enhance the "curb appeal." It could make a significant difference in your final sales price as well as the speed of your sale.

Mistake #3 - Not Appreciating the Buyer's Point of View

Unreasonable though it may be, a prospective buyer would like to see a perfect home from top to bottom and inside and out. To improve the likelihood of an easy, fast and profitable home sale, we suggest that you attend to the following items:

On the outside

1. Sweep the front walkway.

2. Remove newspapers, bikes and toys.

3. Park extra cars away from the property.

4. Trim back the shrubs.

5. Apply fresh, clean paint on your home, wooden fence, and outbuildings.

6. Clean windows and window coverings.

7. Maintain sprinkler systems.

8. Maintain sealants around windows and doors.

9. Make sure roof and gutters are clean and in good condition.

10. Mow the lawn frequently and plant flowers.

11. Keep pet areas clean.

12. Take down out-of-season decorations.

On the inside

1. The kitchen and bathroom should look and smell clean.

2. Vacuum rugs and carpets; have them professionally cleaned, if necessary.

3. Place fresh flowers in the main rooms.

4. Put away dishes, unless setting a formal display for decoration.

5. Make all beds and put away clothing.

6. Open drapes and turn on lights for a brighter

7. Straighten closets. 8. Put away toys.

8. Turn off televisions.

9. Play soft music on the radio/stereo.

10. Keep pets out of the way and pet areas clean and odor-free.

11. Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables.

12. Consider removing unnecessary furniture and appliances from counter tops to create a greater sense of space.

13. Consider baking cookies or lighting scented candles to create a homey atmosphere.

Mistake #4 - Thinking You Need To be In the Home to Provide Details to Prospective Buyers

Allow your Realtor to do his or her job without you on site. Most potential buyers feel more comfortable if they can speak freely to the real estate professional without the owner present. If people unaccompanied by an agent would like to see your property, refer them to your real estate professional for an appointment.

Mistake #5 - Over-Pricing Your Home

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of selling a home is listing it at the correct price. It's one of several areas where the assistance of a skilled real estate consultant can pay for itself versus trying to sell your home yourself.

If the listing price is too high, you'll miss out on a percentage of buyers looking in the range where your home should be priced. Some people think that if they leave some "wiggle room" in the price, they'll always have the opportunity to negotiate and accept a lower offer. However, chances are the offers won't even come in, because the buyers who would be most interested in your home have been scared off by the price, and won't even take the time to consider it. By the time you correct the price, you've already missed exposure to a group of potential buyers.

The listing price becomes even trickier to set when prices are quickly rising or falling. It's critical to be aware of where and how fast the market is moving - both when setting the price and when negotiating an offer. An experienced, well-trained real estate consultant is always in touch with market trends often even to a greater extent than appraisers, who typically focus on what a property is worth if sold as is, right now.