Buying a home, building a 

future family legacy

Buying a home can be an overwhelming process. From financing to negotiating to closing, there are a lot of moving pieces that can leave home buyers bewildered.

A real estate agent can help guide you through each step of the buying process, offering sound advice along the way. By working with Ann Wilson who knows the ins and outs of the real estate industry, you’ll not only end up with a great home, but you’ll also walk away with a great experience.

Here are some of the key areas that an agent can help you with:

Getting pre-approved by a lender

By providing Ann with some basic information about your income, savings, and debt, we can assist you in getting pre-approved by a reputable lender. The lender will then go over your financing options, what monthly payment amount you can afford, and what you can expect for down payment requirements and closing costs.

Choosing a home

For most buyers, choosing a home is an emotional process. Our team can assist you in this process by offering objective information about each property you look at. From local community information, like neighborhood schools and zoning, to home-specific details like condition and amenities, an agent can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Making an offer

Once you’ve found the home of your dreams, we will research recent comparable sales of similar homes in the area to help determine a fair sellin’re looking for.

Closing

Closing, or settlement, can be a complicated process. In the Northern Virginia area, you can choose to hire either a title company or title attorney to handle the closing process. This is an important decision, and as your trusted real estate advisor, we are happy to recommend companies and attorneys we trust to do a great job. Regardless of who you choose, we will help ensure everything goes smoothly while the home is in escrow.

We will thoroughly discuss your needs and wants before we focus on your housing search.

Here are some things you can consider in preparation for our conversation:

• Describe the style of house you like: two-story, contemporary, ranch, etc.

• List your priorities in home features, such as number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a two- or three-car garage, gourmet kitchen, an open floor plan, large yard, separate home office, etc.

• Think about your lifestyle. If you don’t like yard work, ask us to show you condominiums, townhouses, or garden homes with smaller yards.

• Drive around the neighborhoods you’re considering, and talk to the neighbors. Consider the identity of the neighborhood. A neighborhood and area that caters to your needs is an important factor when choosing a home, and the overall impression given by an area is key to its value. Home values are enhanced by well-maintained properties. Conversely, be cautious of areas with unkempt yards and homes, and businesses mixed in with residences (unless a home/office combination is a priority).

• Ask us about the property tax assessment in the area, including any special assessments or pending bond issues.

• Pay attention to neighborhood zoning. Many residential communities are zoned to keep out commercial and industrial users. Ask about other regulations in the neighborhood, such as on-street parking and find out if the area is governed by any covenants.

• List which community services are important to you. Do you need to be close to shopping, a school, or a mass transit stop?

• Decide which imperfections you can live with, and which repairs you may be able to make yourself. You may be able to finance some repairs via your mortgage.

Once we’ve determined what kind of home you are looking for, in what sort of neighborhood, and in what price range, we can start viewing homes. Many people consider this the most exciting part of the home buying process. Because we will have already carefully considered your needs and wants and pre-qualified you for a loan, this will be a fun and efficient process; you won’t waste time looking at undesirable or unrealistic properties.

As we view a home for sale, drive through its neighborhood, stroll its perimeter, and thoroughly explore its interior, we will help you imagine living there and making the home your own. This is the time to put aside your predetermined ideas and use your observation skills and intuition to imagine daily life in the properties you view.

Of course, sellers want to make their property as attractive to buyers as possible. If they have done their job right, the home will look clean, comfortable, inviting, and well cared for. Take as much time as you need to thoroughly inspect the environment. At the same time, we will help you determine if the home is really in good shape, or if it has simply been prettied-up for a quick sale.

Some things we will point out include:

• Quality of paint, interior and exterior: Are there spots of cover-up paint visible? Any signs of peeling, cracking, fading, or mildew? Are rooms painted with the proper type of paint

• Landscaping: Is the property planted with well-established trees, shrubs, and perennials, or have a bunch of bright annuals been hurriedly shoved into the ground? Do the grounds look cared for?

• Roof and gutters: It’s not a bad idea to take a close look at the home’s roof. Are there signs of dry rot? Signs of recent patching? Are the gutters clear and attached firmly?

• Windows and screens, drapes and carpets: Are these items clean and in good repair? Do windows, screens and drapes open and close as they should? Check for quick cosmetic cover-ups.

• Cabinets and closets: Are these functional, clean, and in good shape? Empty or sparsely filled storage spaces may look larger than they actually are. Think about the amount of storage you really need, and measure where needed.

• Appliances and fixtures: Test them out to make sure they are in working condition. Look carefully for signs of age, misuse, hasty repair, or merely surface cleanliness.

• General cleanliness: Look at baseboards, ceilings, behind appliances, around the home’s exterior. Will this home require extensive repairs and clean-up, or is it in tip-top condition?

• Size of rooms: We will help you determine if your lifestyle would be well-accommodated in the home. Which rooms do you use the most? Are the rooms big enough for your needs? We may remind you to imagine your furniture in place of the existing furniture; sellers will often help rooms look larger by removing items you would normally want or need. We can even take measurements if you can’t imagine your own things in the space.

• Layout of home: As we walk through the home, we’ll discuss if the home’s space is well organized. Is it easy to move from room to room? Would the layout of the house support your routines and living habits? If you regularly use a home office, for example, is there an appropriate room situated in the part of the house you prefer to work, close to the other rooms you use often?

Once you find a home you like, and which meets your requirements, we will begin thoroughly assessing its condition. Property disclosures will provide you with the information you need about the structural features and faults of a home, and a home inspection will fill in any missing details.

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation.

A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed and is usually available within a few days. Before you sign, you do need to be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards.

The standard home inspector’s report

This report will review the condition of the home’s heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure.

Be present at the home inspection

It isn’t necessary for you to be present for home inspections, but we will be - and we recommend that you are. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how it’s maintained. We will help you interpret the written report and make informed decisions based on its findings.

No house is perfect

If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy the house, but you will know in advance exactly what to expect. A seller may adjust the purchase price, or contract terms, if the inspection reveals major problems. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t wish to become involved in future repair work, inspection reports will be extremely important to you.

Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase.

Can I do a home inspection myself?

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction and their proper installation and maintenance. He or she understands how the home’s systems and components function together, as well as how and why they may fail.

Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this lack of objectivity may affect their judgment. In order to be sure you get the most accurate inspection information, it’s best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by a home inspection expert.

The house is in good condition; did I really need an inspection?

Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase in full confidence of your home’s condition. You will also have learned valuable things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and you will want to keep that information for future reference.

Mortgage Rates, Terms, and Fees

Let’s start with mortgage loans, which can have a fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate. Fixed rate loans have the same principal and interest payments during the loan term. Variable rate loans can have any one of a number of “indexes” and “margins” that determine how and when the rate and payment amount change. If you apply for a variable rate loan, also known as an adjustable rate mortgage (“ARM”), a disclosure and booklet required by the Truth in Lending Act will further describe the ARM.

Most loans can be repaid over a term of 30 years or less, and most have equal monthly payments. The amounts can change from time to time on an ARM, depending on changes in the interest rate. Some loans have short terms and a large final payment called a “balloon.” You should shop for the type of home mortgage loan terms that best suit your needs.

Often the price of a home mortgage loan is stated in terms of an interest rate, points, and other fees. A “point” is a fee that equals one percent of the loan amount. Points are usually paid to the lender, mortgage broker, or both at settlement or upon completion of the escrow. Often, you can pay fewer points in exchange for a higher interest rate, or more points for a lower rate. Ask your lender or mortgage broker about your options.

A document called the Truth in Lending Disclosure Statement will show you the “Annual Percentage Rate” (“APR”) and other payment information for the loan you have applied for. The APR takes into account not only the interest rate, but also the points, mortgage broker fees, and certain other fees that you have to pay.

Ask for the APR before you apply to help you shop for the loan that is best for you. Also ask if your loan will have a charge or a fee for paying all or part of the loan before payment is due (“prepayment penalty”). You may be able to negotiate the terms of the prepayment penalty.

Three common types of mortgages:

Conventional, fixed-rate mortgages

This traditional, “tried and true,” mortgage option is a loan with a constant interest rate and level and equal payments over a set period of time, most commonly 30 years. The biggest advantage of fixed-rate loans is predictability; they are particularly suited to people with steady incomes.

At some point, you may want to refinance your loan, or pay it off early to eliminate thousands of dollars in interest. If lower rates dictate that the time is right to refinance, it’s a good idea to compare savings on lower rates to the costs of incurring a new mortgage, such as prepayment penalties and loan origination costs and points.

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs)

As the name implies, the interest rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage changes throughout the term to reflect current interest rates. ARMs are most popular when rates are relatively high and appear to be dropping, and when the difference between the ARM and the fixed-rate is greater than two to three percent. Different lenders offer variations in the front end of their ARM plans, such as points, or discounted initial rates.

To make a useful comparison of an ARM rate, consider the index upon which the rate is based, the margin or spread between that index and the rate paid, and the intervals at which the rate and payments are adjusted.

Tip: Always look at the index plus the margin when comparing ARMs. The larger the margin, the less likely the rate will go down, even if the interest rates drop.

Government loans

Lenders offer Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured loans on new or existing single-family homes for as little as three percent down. FHA mortgages are also assumable. Sometimes a premium is required when the mortgage is assumed, then refunded when the note is paid off. Down payments are usually low.

The Veterans Administration (VA) guaranteed loans guarantee lenders against loss if a property is foreclosed due to default. These assumable loans are available to eligible veterans, and may be used to buy, refinance, construct or repair a house. If the VA property appraisal is less than the sale price, the borrower pays the difference as a down payment.

The Farmers Home Administration (FHA) loans are available to persons of moderate to very low income in rural or non-metropolitan areas.

Comparing Loan Costs

Comparing APRs may seem like the most effective way to shop for a loan, but you must also compare similar loan products for the same loan amount. For example, compare two 30-year fixed rate loans for $100,000. Loan A with an APR of 8.35% is less costly than Loan B with an APR of 8.65% over the loan term. However, before you decide on a loan, you should consider the up-front cash you will be required to pay for each of the two loans, as well.

Another effective shopping technique is to compare identical loans with different up-front points and other fees. For example, if you are offered two 30-year fixed rate loans for $100,000 and at 8%, the monthly payments are the same, but the up-front costs are different:

Loan A - 2 points ($2,000) and lender required costs of $1800 = $3800 in costs.

Loan B - 2 1/4 points ($2250) and lender required costs of $1200 = $3450 in costs.

A comparison of the up-front costs shows Loan B requires $350 less in up-front cash than Loan A. However, your individual situation (how long you plan to stay in your house) and your tax situation (points can usually be deducted for the tax year that you purchase a house) may effect your choice of loans.

Lender-Required Settlement Costs

Your lender may require you to obtain certain settlement services, such as a new survey, mortgage insurance, or title insurance. It may also order and charge you for other settlement-related services, such as the appraisal or credit report, or for other fees, such as loan processing, document preparation, underwriting, flood certification, or an application.

You may wish to ask for an estimate of fees and settlement costs before choosing a lender. Some lenders offer “no cost” or “no point” loans but normally cover these fees or costs by charging a higher interest rate.

Lock-ins

“Locking in” your rate or points at the time of application or during the processing of your loan will keep the rate and/or points from changing until settlement or closing of the escrow process. Ask your lender if there is a fee to lock-in the rate, and whether the fee reduces the amount you have to pay for points. Find out how long the lock-in is good, what happens if it expires, and whether the lock-in fee is refundable if your application is rejected.

Tax and Insurance Payments

Your monthly mortgage payment will be used to repay the money you borrowed, plus interest. Part of your monthly payment may be deposited into an “escrow account” (also known as a “reserve” or “impound” account) so your lender or servicer can pay your real estate taxes, property insurance, mortgage insurance, and/or flood insurance. Ask your lender or mortgage broker if you will be required to set up an escrow or impound account for taxes and insurance payments.

Transfer of Your Loan

While you may start the loan process with a lender or mortgage broker, you could find that after settlement another company is collecting the payments on your loan. Collecting loan payments is often known as “servicing” the loan. Your lender or broker will disclose whether it expects to service your loan or to transfer the servicing to someone else.

Mortgage Insurance

Private mortgage insurance and government mortgage insurance protect the lender against default and enable the lender to make a loan that it considers a higher risk. Lenders often require mortgage insurance for loans where the down payment is less than 20 percent of the sales price. You may be billed monthly, annually, by an initial lump sum, or some combination of all of these for your mortgage insurance premium.

Ask your lender if mortgage insurance is required, and, if so, how much it will cost. Mortgage insurance should not be confused with mortgage life, credit life, or disability insurance, which are designed to pay off a mortgage in the event of the borrower’s death or disability.

You may also be offered “lender paid” mortgage insurance (“LPMI”). Under LPMI plans, the lender purchases the mortgage insurance and pays the premiums to the insurer. The lender will increase your interest rate to pay for the premiums, but LPMI may reduce your settlement costs. You cannot cancel LPMI or government mortgage insurance during the life of your loan. However, it may be possible to cancel private mortgage insurance at some point, such as when your loan balance is reduced to a certain amount. Before you commit to paying for mortgage insurance, ask abouts the specific requirements for cancellation.

Flood Hazard Areas

Most lenders will not lend you money to buy a home in a flood hazard area unless you pay for flood insurance. Some government loan programs will not allow you to purchase a home that is located in a flood hazard area. Your lender may charge you a fee to check for flood hazards. You should be notified if flood insurance is required. If a change in flood insurance maps brings your home within a flood hazard area after your loan is made, your lender or servicer may require you to buy flood insurance at that time.

These basic guidelines will help ensure you qualify for the best loan for you - and successfully obtain it.

Do:

• Tell the loan officer everything; disclose all potential problems with regard to credit, employment, and source of funds.

• Disclose all income and debts.

• Disclose all sources of funds.

• Disclose alimony and child support.

• Ask questions.

• Bring a cashier’s check to the closing. Personal checks are not usually accepted.

Don’t:

• Incur additional debt while loan is in progress.

• Apply for new credit during the application process.

• Change employment while the loan is in process.

• Transfer funds between depositories without keeping detailed records.

• Make any large purchases during the loan process.

• Procrastinate providing information when requested.

Every home-buying process is different, but the steps involved in obtaining a mortgage and closing on a home typically remain the same.

1: Complete the loan application

This is the most important step. Now is the time to disclose all material financial data, and discuss financing options available; this can be gathered in person or over the phone. The quality of this meeting is essential to a smooth loan approval. An application fee may be required by the lender.

2: Lender orders supporting documentation

Immediately following the application submission, supporting documentation is ordered. This includes credit reports, verifications of deposits, income, and other mortgages. Documents will be requested, including W-2′s, pay stubs, bank statements, etc. The lending institution will request an appraisal of the home and a credit report and verification of employment and assets, such as bank accounts. While awaiting the return of the verifications, both the Realtor and borrower will receive weekly progress updates.

3: Lender provides loan cost estimate

The lender will provide a booklet containing specific loan information and a good faith estimate of closing and related costs. An estimate of your loan costs, in the form of an Initial Truth in Lending Disclosure Statement (Reg Z), is issued.

4: Lender evaluates the application

The lender evaluates the application, along with supporting documentation.

5: Loan is approved

Pop a cork! The loan is approved, and all parties are notified. Any further conditions required by the lender are handled at this time.

6: Loan documents are transferred for closing

The lender will draw loan documents and send them to the Title Company or Closing Attorney for final signatures.

7: Sign loan documents at closing

At closing, you will sign your loan documents, which are returned to the lender. After review, the loan is funded (funds are sent from the lender to the Title Company or Closing Attorney).

8: Funding is disbursed by lender

The lender disburses the funds to the settlement or closing agent. The seller is paid, and title to the home is yours.

9: Transaction is recorded

Appropriate documents are recorded at the county recorder’s office.

An escrow is an arrangement in which a disinterested third party, called an escrow holder, holds legal documents and funds on behalf of a buyer and seller, and distributes them according to the buyer’s and seller’s instructions.

People buying and selling real estate often open an escrow for their protection and convenience. The buyer can instruct the escrow holder to disburse the purchase price only upon the satisfaction of certain prerequisites and conditions. The seller can instruct the escrow holder to retain possession of the deed to the buyer until the seller’s requirements, including receipt of the purchase price, are met. Both rely on the escrow holder to faithfully carry out their mutually consistent instructions relating to the transaction and to advise them if any of their instructions are not mutually consistent or cannot be carried out.

The escrow process was developed to help facilitate the sale or purchase of your home.

The escrow holder accomplishes this by:

1. Acting as the impartial stake-holder, or depository of documents and funds

2. Processing and coordinating the flow of documents and funds

3. Keeping all parties informed of progress on the escrow

4. Responding to the lender’s requirements

5. Securing a title insurance policy

6. Obtaining approvals of reports and documents from the parties as required

7. Prorating and adjusting insurance, taxes, rents, etc.

8. Recording the deed and loan documents

9. Maintaining security and accountability of monies owed and owing

For a more comprehensive overview of the escrow process, keep reading!

UNDERSTANDING ESCROW

By Nancy Closson, President, Westland Escrow

Once an agreement between you and the seller has been finalized, escrow is ready to be opened. Escrow essentially allows for a disinterested third party (escrow holder) to keep all valuables and documents in trust until certain conditions are fulfilled.

Why You Need An Escrow

As the buyer, you want the assurance that no funds will change hands until all of the instructions in the transaction have been followed. This may include completion of all inspections and any repairs that were agreed upon.

How Escrow Works

The escrow holder is obligated to safeguard the funds and/or documents while they are in their possession, and to disburse funds and/or convey title only when all provisions of the escrow have been complied with.

These provisions are written in the escrow instructions, which are drafted from the provisions agreed upon in the purchase agreements by the parties involved in the transaction.

The escrow officer will endeavor to expedite the timely closing by keeping all parties informed, handling documents and paying all bills as authorized, responding to authorized requests from the principals, closing escrow after the terms and conditions are met, distributing funds in accordance with the instructions and providing a written closing statement of all the charges and credits to your account.

Your Responsibilities During Escrow

Your most important role during this time is to read and understand your escrow instructions. Be sure to ask your escrow officer to explain anything you don’t understand, and make sure any legal questions are directed to your attorney.

In order to expedite the closing of escrow you should respond quickly to any correspondence and ensure any funds requested are delivered in the required form – cashiers checks or wired funds are preferable since escrow can only close on cleared funds and most other methods of funds transfer take more time to clear.

When escrow closes you will receive all your paperwork within a few days. As the new owner, you will receive your recorded deed directly from the County Recorder’s office.

Processing the Escrow

1. Open escrow

2. Review and forward preliminary title report to client and their lender

3. Coordinate loan processing with loan officer

4. Provide access and info (comparable sales) for appraiser

5. As needed, order Pest Control, Roof, Property, Geological, etc, inspections

6. Arrange access for inspectors

7. Review all reports, forwarding them to the client (with interpretations, when needed)

8. Order and schedule all repair work

9. Review and forward all completion notices to client

10. Order and review loan documents

11. Review client’s escrow instructions with escrow officer

12. Schedule and conduct buyer’s Walkthrough inspection

13. Arrange client-escrow officer sign-off meeting

14. Coordinate close of escrow and possession

15. Arrange for transfer of the keys to the property

And handle any and all problems that arise along the way!

WHAT EACH PARTY DOES IN ESCROW

The Seller:

1. Deposits the executed deed to the buyer with the escrow holder.

2. Deposits evidence of pest inspection and any required repair work.

3. Deposits other required documents such as tax receipts, addresses of mortgage holders, insurance policies, equipment warranties or home warranty contracts, etc.

The Buyer:

1. Deposits the funds required, in addition to any borrowed funds, to pay the purchase price with the escrow holder.

2. Deposits funds sufficient for home and title insurance.

3. Arranges for any borrowed funds to be delivered to the escrow holder.

4. Deposits any deed of trust or mortgages necessary to secure loans.

5. Approves any inspection reports, the Preliminary Report for title insurance, etc., called for by the purchase and sale agreements.

6. Fulfills any other conditions specified in the escrow instructions.

The Lender:

1. Deposits proceeds of the loan to the purchaser.

2. Directs the escrow holder on the conditions under which the loan funds may be used.

The Escrow Holder:

1. Opens the order for title insurance.

2. Obtains approvals from the buyer on the Preliminary Report, pest and other inspections.

3. Receives funds from the buyer and/or any lender.

4. Prorates insurance, taxes, rents, etc.

5. Disburses funds for title insurance, recording fees, real estate commissions, lien clearance, etc.

6. Prepares a final statement for each party, indicating amounts to be disbursed for services and any further amounts necessary to close escrow.

7. Records deed and loan documents, delivers the deed to the buyer, loan documents to the lender and funds to the seller, closing the escrow.

Closing the Escrow

Once all the terms and conditions of the instructions of both parties have been fulfilled, and all closing conditions satisfied, the escrow is closed and the safe and accurate transfer of property and money has been accomplished.

Division of Charges

The method of dividing the charges for the services performed through escrow or as a result of escrow varies from place to place. The fees and service charges to be divided might include, for example:

1. The title insurance policy premium

2. Escrow fee

3. Any transfer taxes

4. Recordation fees

5. Costs in connection with any loan being obtained

Unless there is some special agreement between the buyer and seller as to how these charges are to be paid, local custom will generally be followed in drafting the instructions to the escrow holder as to how they are to be divided.

The contingency period is the time allowed by your Purchase Agreement to obtain financing, perform inspections, and satisfy any other contingencies to which your purchase is subject.

Typical contingencies include:

• Approval of the seller’s Transfer or Property Disclosure Statement

• Approval of the Preliminary Title Report

• Loan approval, including an appraisal of the property

• Physical inspections of the property

• Pest inspection and certification

Absolutely! Just use the checklist below.

Four weeks before the move

1. Do-it-yourself movers — line up access to packing materials such as boxes, furniture pads, hand truck, dolly, packing tape, nylon packing string and rope, scissors, markers and utility knife. And, begin packing.

2. Clean or repair any appliances that need it.

3. Use up perishable food.

4. Transfer all prescriptions to your new pharmacy.

5. Update your address with the post office, credit card companies, magazine or subscription box companies, friends and relatives, insurance companies (life, health, auto, etc.).

6. If moving locally, transfer utilities to your new address. If moving long-distance, set up service with utility companies.

7. Stop trash collection at your current address and arrange for trash collection at your new address.

8. Make copies of important documents: school records, insurance, driver’s registration, etc.

9. Have rugs and drapes cleaned and keep them in bags until the mover arrives.

Four days before the move

1. Pack suitcases for the trip to your new house. Put in extra clothes for emergencies.

2. Pack an “Instant Aid” box containing things you’ll need upon arrival: sponges, paper towels, laundry detergent, paper plates, toothpaste, light bulbs, hammer, trash bags, hand soap, toilet paper, scissors, utility knife, coffee cups, tea kettle, snacks, pencils and paper, masking tape, and bath towels.

3. For DIY movers, make an inventory of every item and box to be loaded onto the truck.

4. Set aside valuables and legal documents to go with you, not in the moving van.

One day before the move

1. Point out to packers any extra-fragile items needing special attention. Mark any items you do not want moved. Remember movers pack everything — even the garbage.

2. Leave mirrors and pictures on the wall for the movers to pack.

3. Leave beds assembled; take off sheets and blankets.

4. Do-it-yourself movers: finish packing.

Moving-out day

1. Do-it-yourself movers should pick up the truck early.

2. If using movers, use your inventory list to ensure that all items are loaded on the truck.

3. Let the mover know where you can be reached.

4. Before you sign it, read the bill of lading. Keep it in a safe place until furnishings are delivered, charges are paid and claims are settled.

5. Double-check closets, drawers and shelves to be sure they are empty.

6. Leave house keys with your Realtor.

Moving-in day

1. Check items off your list as the movers are unloading them.

2. Make sure utilities are hooked up.

3. Be on hand to answer questions, make necessary payment arrangements, give directions and examine your furnishings.

Shortly after moving

1. If moving to a new state, register your car and make an appointment to obtain a new driver’s license.

2. Register your children in school.

3. Ask neighbors and new friends for recommendations for doctors, dentists, hair salon, cleaning services, etc.