Tips on packing.
A substantial amount of money can be saved by packing your household goods. To insure safety for your belongings, care should be undertaken to pack properly.
• Use strong containers, in good condition, that can be sealed with strapping tape. These can be purchased locally from moving companies.
• Keep in mind what the box will weigh after it is loaded. 40 to 50 pounds is considered the maximum.
• Empty spaces in boxes should be filled with crumpled newspaper or bubble wrap to keep things from shifting in transit.
• Books should be stacked on end and generally in smaller boxes than other things due to their weight.
• Label each box after packing, first, so that the movers will know which room to put it in and secondly, to help you to prioritize which ones need to be opened first.
• Remove all breakables from drawers before moving furniture.
• Don't pack valuables such as jewelry, collections, checks or savings books.
• Packing takes longer than you expect so allow plenty of time. Pack items that aren't frequently used first and unpack them last.
• Organization in packing will save you hours of time and frustration in the long run.
• Items that are no longer wanted can be sold in a yard sale or donated to charity and you may be eligible for a tax deduction.


Things to do after the move.
• Notify the sender of any mail forwarded to you of your new address. This is only necessary if there is a yellow address label on it which indicates it has been forwarded.
• Register to vote so that when election time rolls around, you will be eligible.
• Get a change of address on your driver's license if you have moved within the state and make application for one if you have moved out of state.
• Make contact with a local insurance agent to transfer policies. Complete a Household Inventory of your new home.
• Find out when the trash and garbage is picked up and whether there is a re-cycling program available.
• After locating a new doctor and dentist, have your medical histories transferred.
• Ask us for recommendations of good contractors like plumbers, air-conditioning services and the like so that when you need them, you will know who you should call without being at the mercy of the yellow pages.
• Locate new service providers such as banks, pharmacies, cleaners, etc.
• Make a list of the emergency numbers such as fire, ambulance, police, hospital, poison control, and the like so they will be available in an emergency.
• Recognize that moving can be very stressful on people and that you should be considerate of your family members and yourself.


One month before the move.
• Arrange for moving your furniture and personal belongings either by hiring a moving company or renting a truck.
• Accumulate moving supplies such as boxes, tape, rope, and anything else you might need.
• Plan your travel route if you are driving to your new home.
• Some moving expenses are tax deductible, so you should save all moving related expenses including meals, lodging, and gasoline.
• Develop a plan for packing such as packing last the things you use the most.
• Notify the Post Office of your move by using the Change of Address form. Notify friends, family, and businesses of your move.
• Notify federal and state taxing authorities or any other government agency needed.


Two weeks before the move.
• Notify utilities like gas, electric, water, cable TV, and phone companies. Arrange for services at new address
• Notify long distance phone company and arrange for service at your new address.
• Have your car serviced if you are driving to your new home.
• Recruit people to help you on the moving day.
• Arrange for someone to take care of pets during move.
• Confirm moving company or rental truck arrangements.
• If leaving the city, notify your bank about moving.


One day before the move.
• Keep moving materials separate so they don't get packed until you are finished.
• Pick up rental truck if you are doing it yourself.
• Fill up your car with gas and check oil and tires.
• Try to get a good night's rest.


Pre-Approval program
Many buyers are applying for a loan and obtaining approval before they find the home they want to buy.

Here are the benefits
• You look at the "right" homes.
• You save money dealing with a comfortable seller.
• You close more quickly.
• You minimize trauma of not knowing whether or not you qualify.


Tax benefits
• Homeowners can exclude up to 500,000 of capital gain if married, filing jointly or up to 250,000 if single or filing separately. The home must have been the taxpayer's principal residence for the previous two years.
• There is no longer an age requirement for taking the capital gains exclusion.
• Beginning with May 07, 1997, there is no requirement to purchase another home more expensive than the one sold. Homeowners are free to buy up or down with no tax consequences assuming their gain is less than the allowable amounts.


Property Inspection
• You can include a provision in the sales contract that gives you the right to inspect the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural portions of the property.
• There are inspection companies that provide services of this type. You can accompany the inspector to ask questions and receive a written report itemizing any areas of concern.
• If repairs are needed, you can request the seller to make them in accordance with the provisions of the sales contract.


Seven main reasons to buy a home.
• Tax Deductibility of Mortgage Interest
• Tax Deductibility of Property Taxes
• Appreciation Potential
• Capital Gain Treatment
• Capital Gains Exclusion
• Principal Accumulation
• You can enjoy it - Pride of ownership