By G. Smith
There are a lot of decisions that have to be made when considering a move to a new home. Of these decisions one that will affect every aspect of your life is the area in which you choose to live. It is not really possible to spend too much time researching areas when buying a home. You as the buyer will need to be comfortable and feel safe in your new home and the location has a lot to do with that feeling of security that we all deserve in a home.
When beginning the process of finding the right area there are a few ways that you can go about it. The best way is to simply head out to the area and spend some time looking around. Find out where the daily necessities are for you. If you have to commute to work, is there transit readily available? If you drive to work, what is the traffic situation like? Are there schools nearby for your children if you have them? Are there social services close by like hospitals and doctor's offices? Also take into account the proximity of shopping, recreation, entertainment and other extras. After this has been considered, don't be afraid to talk to people in the neighborhood and ask about what it is like to live there. Have there been any problems in the past? Also try to find out if there are any development plans for the area. This can usually be accomplished by a quick trip to the local city hall. Future development can greatly affect your property values and is always something that should be considered in the purchase of any property.
Finally, the most important aspect of location is that you feel comfortable there. If you have found a home that suits all your needs, make sure you view it a few times to really get the feel of it. There is nothing worse then having to live in an environment that just feels wrong. Don't jump to a purchase, take your time and make sure it is the right purchase for you.
Greg Smith is the managing Broker of Re/Max Alliance & President of Hinkelman, Smith & associates. Hinkelman, Smith is the premier Colorado real estate company featuring 75 agents to ensure that customers receive nothing but the best service possible. Click here for more info on the Boulder real estate market
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=G._Smith
www.mydreamlocale.com comment- We are never afraid to post an article that we don't wholeheartedly agree with- and this is one. Most of what Greg says is good advice, but we just don't agree with his view that "the best way is to simply head out to the area and spend some time looking around". That may work if you have the time, the money for the gas and where you are moving to is local, but it simply won't work for most folk who are time pressured and have hundreds, maybe thosands of miles to move. For these folk, they need to do their groundwork here and here. Armed with this useful information, then head out to the area with knowledge rather than just aimlessly wandering about....
| permalink
By J Harris
Moving can be scary, but it can also be an adventure. New people, new surroundings, new favorite haunts.
A great way to get to know the new community is to get out in it. Go pick up the community newspaper. Almost every town or city has one. Rather than focusing on the city as a whole, it just focuses on what’s going on in your area of town, such as events, restaurant openings, ads for shops and anything that might pertain to you.
Research your new community online. There’s always a wealth of information on anything you want to find on the internet. The Newspaper Association of America has a website on how to find local papers with a map and search engine that will find events and information going in the are that you reside in.
Head to the library. They usually have community bulletin boards and all kinds of local information on how to get plugged into the new area. Get a library card so you can get all you need to be prepared in the new area. Be sure to get a map of the area’s transportation system. This will give you a guide to the train, trolley, bus, and subway maps for free.
There are often free magazines that many cities publish in stores and street corners about area happenings. They contain events such as restaurant reviews, theatre events, readings, concerts, festivals, and all kinds of activities. They are geared toward all ages, whether you are in your twenty-something or have a family already or are older.
A great way to get to know a new community is through the recreation centers and community halls. They offer a variety of activities form fitness center to yoga classes, gym classes, and every kind of sport class imaginable.
Maps are great to find things like churches, hospitals, schools, recreation centers, and libraries. Be sure to pick up a tourist guidebook while you’re learning the area. They can give you a background on the town, ideas on where to eat, activities, and many other useful ideas.
John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more information please visit Del Mar Homes for Sale
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Harris
www.mydreamlocale.com comment We would recommend spending 20% of your time weeding out the 80-90% of places that are just not right for you BEFORE you jump in the car to go check them out. Time spent this way can say you lots of $$$$, frustration and heartache. Start by using the power of the internet here
| permalink
By J Harris
Those who are planning to move and have children have special concerns. They have to make sure the children are placed in a school that makes them feel safe and secure and makes the move seamless for them.
There are some ways to find a great school in a new area for children. Research it on the internet and find out all information needed about it. Go visit it if necessary. Meet with the teachers and staff. Do they seem friendly or do they act uncaring?
Check with others to see how the principal communicates with the families. Does he or she send home a weekly news bulletin or commicate via e-mail?
Have any of the professors received classroom grants? Does the school work to get parents on a teacher-selection committee or parent council?
In addition, how is academic system set up? Find out if the principals and professors will discuss the curriculum, if the teachers will use outside literature besides their lesson plans? Are the teachers computer literate and how is that integrated into the classwork?
Have there been cutbacks in funding and if so, which ones? Also, how are children’s progress measured? Is it done just by test scores or by other things as well such as accomplishments and portfolios?
Other questions that should be asked are about the library and the hours of operation, computer usage and internet, if the school has an art and music department, after-school programs, and physical education.
Many children are nervous about moving. When ten-year-old Justine was moving, she remembers, "I was 7 years old when my dad told me we were moving out of the city. I was really excited to finally be getting my own room and maybe even a dog. But I was also very scared I wouldn't make any friends or find my way around my new school."
Evan remembers the day he found out he was moving a little differently, "When I had to move at the end of the sixth grade, it was because my parents were getting divorced. It stunk. In one summer, I had to go from Connecticut to California and get used to everything being new - including living just with my mom."
It can be hard leaving the old life behind. Before moving, it would be nice to make a scrapbook of pictures of friends and all of the favorite hangouts and activities that will be great memories. Be sure to get e-mails and adresses of friends and family to stay connected.
Get involved with activities that are individualized for you. If you like Karate, take a karate class. If you’re into writing, get into a writer’s symposium or poetry reading. Try new things like art classes, guitar lessons, or the basketball team or even something else. Get out of your element and meet new people.
http://www.schoolsk-12.com
John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more information please visit Carlsbad Homes for Sale
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Harris
www.mydreamlocale.com comment- This is a very useful article for parents who are concerned about moving their children from area to area. As the article says, make sure you use the internet to rule out those schools which dont make your grade. Check out the schools in the area that you are looking to move to here or here
| permalink
By J Harris
Moving can be stressful with the packing, relocating, and adjusting to new surroundings. One thing that can make it easier is to find a good mover.
Moving companies provide their services on a range of fees and it’s always a good idea to compare several movers before settling on one. Talk to friends to find out which ones they have used. Check with the Better Business Bureau on the company’s record. Another great idea is to find out if the company is a member of the AMSA Certified Mover Program. The members agree to abide by the terms of their agreements and participate in the program. They also have a code of conduct that requires compete disclosure of information to the customer that includes estimates of charges, timely service and responses to claims and complaints. In addition, they will arbitrate disputes up to $5,000 that come from loss or damage to one’s belongings in the move.
Once the list has been completed, the potential movers must be given their destinations and the time of the move. Inquire what they offer and ask for the to go into detail about their estimates and make sure to get a copy to compare it with others to see which one goes best with the budget.
If moving a long distance, be sure to understand all information received and the companies should also provide a consumer booklet called Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.
Be sure when in the market for a mover to find a mover that is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau, that they are insured, licensed and regulated. This can be done by checking state transportation services or by looking in the phoione book under the Public Utility Common or PUC or Department of Transportation or DOT.
Never use a broker. This is because consumer protection laws that protect household good during the move do not apply to Household Goods Brokers. When a broker gets the deal, he or she will sell the job to the highest bidder and is no longer responsible. Always inquire on whether or not if the person is a broker.
Also, do not use a mover simply be he or she has a low hourly rate. It looks great on paper, but often, many moving companies can add costs to the bill. Sometimes they even take longer to finish to move. The best idea is to choose a moving company that is best suited to your situation, not by the price.
If choosing a National Van Line, be aware that they do not have the authority to do local moves.
Be aware that legitimate movers do not require a deposit for the move. So if one does, it could be a scam.
Moving companies hold licenses that are subject to public record. Contact the moving company’s office and ask for the DOT number and then visit http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/p ... c_carrlistand put the number in and click search.
If this message, “No record found, please try different search parameters,” this moving company is not licensed and it is recommended not to use them.
Check the company by calling the FMCSA’s Safety Violation and Consumer Complaints hotline at 1-888-368-7238 and ask for the complaint history of the moving company in question.
John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more information please visit Oceanside Homes for Sale
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Harris
| permalink
Its really clear from the feedback that our customers are giving us that they are getting the most insight from the aptly named Local Insight Pages.
There is no other website out on the net that allows people to make a comparison based solely on the towns that they know and like- giving them ranked results in three simple steps.
All of a sudden, the mass of data from loads of different sources is compiled together into really useful results- results that give our customers real power- that which is immediately usable in targeting areas that they want to move to.
No longer are they at the mercy of Realtors who may "encourage" them to buy perhaps the right house in the wrong neighborhood. Now customers can know exactly which neighborhood suits them and give a very precise brief to a Realtor- I want to live in that zip code so give me properties in only that Zip.
Over the weekend, we have changed the home page to make it even easier to find your Dream Locale using Locale Insight. We hope you like it!
The www.mydreamlocale.com team
| permalink
By Peter Craske
Introduction
When you are planning your move, one of the first things you will need to consider once you have a firm moving date is the task of packing. Organising the packing of children’s toys and clothes is relatively easy, but what about the more fragile items that you might have around the house? This article provides useful packing tips on how to deal with some of your more fragile belongings.
1. Pictures and Mirrors
Some family pictures can be priceless and will need to be handled with the utmost care. Sturdy cardboard boxes from your local supermarket of the right size are suitable for stacking frames of similar sizes next to each other. Bubble wrap and polystyrene filler is always useful as a packing material, however some movers make do with old newspapers.
Professional movers often have specially designed boxes which you can hire for moving photographs and mirrors.
2. TV's, Music Centres and Cameras etc.
Always use the original manufacturer boxes whenever possible to avoid damage to your property as these are normally supplied with the polystyrene foam casing for protection. If you do not have these, pack in shallow boxes with plenty of padding, and consider moving these boxed items yourself.
3. Glasses and Cups
Glasses and cups are very fragile and need to be packed properly to avoid any major disappointments at the end of the move. Fill your glasses/cups with tissue or newspaper and then wrap each individual piece, sealing with tape as you go. Pack the wrapped glasses and cups in separate boxes, one layer at a time, using some bubble wrap to separate each layer.
4. Tableware
Wrap your plates individually in newspaper and stack on top on one another in a sturdy box, together with similarly sized plates. Avoid the temptation to stack different sized plates together as this can often lead to movement and damage during your move.
5. Wine Bottles
Some wine can be of high value and if this is the case, to keep the wine in the best condition you will need to avoid causing excessive shaking of the contents during your move. Have a chat with your local wine merchant and ask them if they have any suitable wine boxes that they can let you have.
6. House Plants
Houseplants should ideally be packed as one of your last minute items. Put each plant inside a large plastic bag and water, not forgetting to provide air holes. Place a number of houseplants in a number of large cardboard boxes ready for the move.
7. Antiques and Collectibles
Unfortunately I have too much personal experience of dealing with this little problem due to the fact that my wife is mad keen on car boot sales! The only solution here I’m afraid is to pack with plenty of medium sized bubble wrap and tape securely.
Conclusion
If you follow the packing tips given above you should have no problems in packing the majority of your fragile items before without a worry. It’s always a good idea to check with family and friends who have moved recently just in case they have any packing material left over which they no longer need.
A final tip worth noting is what the limit is on any moving insurance you might have for any one article if you are using professional movers. If you would not get what you deem to be replacement value on a precious or fragile item, then consider moving it yourself.
Steve Wentworth writes for MovingHelpSite.com, first for tips on how to move a piano safely, also visit our site for other moving articles and case studies which will be of interest to you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Craske
| permalink | related link
By Gabriel J. Adams
Finding a great apartment doesn’t have to be hard, but it is going to take you some time. The key to your success is taking the time to look into more than just the location of the apartment and if it is affordable. Find out what type of activities take place in the apartment building as well as the general demographics of those who reside there.
This is going to be very important for your happiness. For example if you are a college student, you may want to life in an apartment building with other college students rather than one that is full of retired adults. But if you are a career individual with a small child, you don’t want to live somewhere that is noisy and where people are coming and going all night long.
The internet is a great place to find a great apartment. Many landlords post them online so you can see what is offered. You can easily take a virtual tour to decide if it is an apartment you want to see in person. There are many items inside the apartment you need to look at in detail before you decide to take it. Don’t get caught up in how it looks or where it is located.
Check the heating and cooling elements in the apartment. Find out if they work and if you have control over the temperature or if the entire building is controlled by one network. You want to have your own control system so you can keep your apartment comfortable for you. Don’t forget to check the water pressure as well. This is a very commonly overlooked item when choosing an apartment.
Check how much storage space you have available. If you have tons of clothes and shoes, will they all fit in your new apartment? Most closets have plenty of unused space due to how they are designed. If you don’t think the current set up of the closets will work for you, as the landlord if you can have permission to add a few shelves and a shoe rack. This will help you maximize the space available.
Finding a great apartment that is in your price range, located in the area of town you want, has neighbors that you can relate to, and has plenty of storage means that you should be very happy there. Make sure you check into the temperature controls and the water pressure so you will be comfortable all the time.
Learn about buying a 20 unit apartment, renting an apartment, buying real estate, and more at Property Buddy
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams
| permalink | related link
Moving can be one of the most stressful times in your life, so how does the average buyer do a good job of finding the best place to live in their dream locale?
If you don't already know the area, then research, research, research! Make sure you know the good areas and the bad areas before you end up buying the right house in the wrong neighborhood. Remember, don't go on looks alone. Identify trends because an area that looks iffy may be on its way up while a nice looking area may be in decline.
It's too late when the closing has happened and you get the keys. Realizing that you have made a big mistake at this point is no good. You end up wanting to sell or you put up with something that had you known about it from the outset, you wouldn't have bought the place.
20 years ago, the library was "the" place to get information. In some communities it is still a useful resource for local publications. Now we have the Internet--available 24/7 from the comfort of your living room or kitchen.
However, like a big library the Internet contains a huge volume of information and figuring out the wheat from the chaff is very difficult. A number of websites are now relating all the information into useful data that people can easily compare places with which they otherwise might not be familiar.
Using one of these websites (e.g., Best Places, Neighborhood Scout, My Dream Locale) to narrow down your search for the place of your dreams. Find a locale that you and your family can be happy, will save you valuable time and allow you to be very pro-active with your Realtor.
Just as with buying a car, use the Internet to get the facts before engaging with a salesperson. To be informed is to be in control.
You will be able to tell them exactly which zip code or neighborhood you have identified as being the best match for you. They can then give you details of houses in this area only, rather than trying to direct you into a great house in the wrong area. This will save you time by only looking at houses in the areas you already know are right for you.
Once you have the area figured out, here are tips to make sure that the house is the right house for you:
Shared drives--often look OK to start out with but can turn into resentment as your neighbor parks their cars/deliveries/friends inconsiderately so that you struggle to get to your own house.
Primary roads--may look quiet but after you have moved in you find out that they are bus or commuter routes, or used by emergency vehicles who blast past your house in the middle of the night with their sirens going.
Adjacent to part-time businesses or parking lots--ensure they are not a hangout for people who may cause damage, reducing the value of your house and causing you to incur maintenance cost.
High Power Lines or electricity substations--many people have the perception that they are a health or safety risk, which may impact your ability to sell when you're ready to move.
Near restaurants, night clubs or bars--can subject you to unwanted smells or noise.
Flood plains or coastal areas--in addition to the distress of coping with flood or storm damage, many insurance companies will either not offer coverage or will charge very high premiums. Make sure you can obtain the coverage you want before entering into a purchase agreement.
Doing the right research beforehand and keeping these things in mind when looking for your dream house can shorten the moving period and avoid you making any costly mistakes in what may be your biggest purchase.
| permalink
Back Next
Your Move: Make it Count.
Search
