Have you noticed an increase in the number of "for sale" signs around your neighborhood, and for good reason: Studies show that home listings increase this time of year, as homeowners want to get their families settled before the next school year begins. If you are thinking of selling your home in today's tough market, the experts recommend completing a few projects that will help your home look its best and stand out from the crowd.

 These projects don't have to cost you a lot of money or take a lot of time. "There are four easy and inexpensive projects that I recommend every homeowner complete before they stick that 'for sale' sign in their front yard."

Improve curb appeal

Curb appeal is, quite simply, what prospective buyers first see when their car pulls up to your house. According to the National Association of Realtors, half of all buying decisions are based on curb appeal. "Your mother's advice holds true here - nothing is more important than a good first impression, Strong curb appeal will help set a positive tone for the rest of the house."

Walk out to your sidewalk and take a look at the front of your house, checking for anything that needs to be cared for. A good first step is to update your exterior hardware, including house numbers, which often become dirty and dated over time. Today there are several great options on the market that incorporate some color and style, which can be customized to your home.

Another quick project is to replace your mailbox. Choose one with a more modern, sleek design such as the Postmaster Amboy Mailbox in black, which looks great on any house and is easy to install. This updated fixture, although small, can do wonders for the overall curb appeal of your home.

Create a luscious green lawn, lush lawns always receive a lot of attention. Help your lawn reach its full potential by providing it with the proper lime, fertilizer and grass seed. Make sure that your lawn receives between one and one and a half inches of water per week, including rainfall. Watering in the morning 4 to 5 o’clock is the best time to water. You want your lawn dry at night.  

Groom your garden and prune the bushes, nothing compliments a great lawn more than a well-manicured garden. After the cold winter months, gardens and flowerbeds can be left looking unruly. Prospective buyers are searching for outdoor spaces where they can enjoy spending time, so it's important that you tidy up these areas.

An easy way to do this is by spreading new mulch. Also trim and prune the shrubs and trees to create a refined look, A 'jungle theme' makes the home look unkempt.
Finally, give your garden a pop of color by planting inexpensive annuals, such as marigolds and snapdragons.

Now on to the interior spruce up with paint and remove the old carpet, If you know that you have wood under the old carpet, I feel it is much better to remove the old carpet and either leave the wood to be re-finished or have it redone if it needs it.

 Then spend some time on the interior painting, painting is one of the most inexpensive and simple projects that homeowners can do, and, it makes a huge difference!" Choosing neutral paint colors over bold ones won't distract prospective buyers and will help them visualize making the space their own.  

Just some ideas, to sell fastest, when the home goes on the market it wants to be the best home, in the price range that it is in, looks matter.

For Your Clients: 12 Tips to Make Your Move Simple and Stress-Free

By Gregory Karp

RISMEDIA, July 13, 2010—(MCT)—Packing your belongings and moving is often fraught with high emotions and involves a to-do list a mile long. So, it’s tempting to give only passing attention to hiring a mover and the related incidental costs. That could be a mistake—for your wallet and your peace of mind. Moving can be quite expensive. A typical full-service interstate move costs about $4,300, while the same in-state move might cost about $2,500, according to the American Moving & Storage Association. And while the moving industry has many fine companies, it is notorious for fraud and dirty tactics by so-called rogue movers.

Here are 12 tips to make your move simple and avoid the hassle.

Choose a type of move: You have three basic choices: do-it-yourself, full service and a relatively new hybrid of the two. Going it alone is the cheapest alternative, costing the rental price of a truck, gasoline, packing materials and, perhaps, pizza and beer for friends you rope into helping. With full-service moves, moving within a state is charged by the hour, while moving across state lines is charged by weight and mileage.

With a hybrid move, a mover will drop off a large container at your home for you to pack. The mover will then load the container onto a truck, drive the belongings to your new location and drop off the container for you to unload. Because you’re doing the manual labor of packing and unpacking, it’s far less costly than a full-service move.

Hire a quality mover: If you hire help, get at least three price quotes and do your homework before selecting a mover. Seek recommendations by talking with family and friends, even your Facebook circle. Investigate a company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), Yelp.com and possibly the paid-membership site Angie’s List (angieslist.com). Check a company’s complaint history at the federal government site, ProtectYourMove.gov.

“People think a good reputation equals expensive, but that’s not true,” said Laura McHolm, co-founder of NorthStar Moving in Los Angeles. “You don’t get a good reputation by overcharging people.”

Look for two things when hiring a moving company: A full-service mover should visit your home in person, not give a quote over the phone or online, and should provide a written estimate, experts say.

Declutter: No matter what type of move you’re making, taking less stuff is cheaper and less hassle. Set up a staging area, perhaps in a garage, with various piles, such as throw out, recycle, donate and sell.

For many items, use the rule of thumb, ‘If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably don’t need it.’

Be flexible: Like airline fares, moving rates depend on when you book. The busiest time for movers, and thus the most expensive time for consumers, is summer weekends near the 15th and 30th of the month.

If you have time flexibility, ask what rates would be for different days or seasons. If you have extreme flexibility, ask about moving standby: waiting until the mover has extra space and needs to fill a truck.

Save on boxes: Buying new boxes from a moving company is the most expensive choice. To save some money on packing materials, ask if you can buy used boxes from your moving company.

Cheaper yet is finding free boxes, ideally from somebody who just moved. Ask your real estate agent to connect you with other clients who recently moved or look on Craigslist.org. Specialty boxes, such as wardrobe boxes, might be cheaper to purchase at a do-it-yourself moving store, such as U-Haul, than from your mover.

Save on packing materials: If you’re packing your belongings yourself, fill suitcases, laundry baskets and plastic containers with unbreakable items. Use pillows, scarves and towels to wrap fragile belongings.

Mail books: If you have a large collection of books, pack them yourself and ship them at the postal media mail rate as it might be cheaper than paying a mover—a 70-pound box would cost less than $30.

Consider consolidation: For long-distance moves, ask about consolidating your stuff on a truck with other people’s as most homeowners can’t fill a full-size moving van. You might have to be flexible on delivery dates and times, but consolidation can be cheaper.

Insure it: Check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to determine whether it provides coverage for your belongings while in transit. If not, you’ll probably want more than the basic free valuation coverage a full-service mover provides. The standard valuation is 60 cents per pound per item. That means breaking a 10-pound, $1,000 stereo system would net you $6. You’ll want full replacement-value insurance, which reimburses you what it will cost to replace broken items. But don’t necessarily buy that insurance from the moving company. Moving insurance is likely cheaper from a third party, but be aware that you probably cannot get insurance on boxes you packed yourself.

Be prepared: Plot out where furniture and boxes will go before moving day arrives. The less time movers spend rearranging, the less expensive it will be.

In urban areas, reserve a space or two in front of your new home for the moving truck by parking your own vehicle there ahead of time. If the movers have to park too far away to unload, you could incur a ‘long carry’ surcharge.

Stake your claim: If you’re moving for a job, negotiate the best relocation package you can. Un-reimbursed expenses might be tax-deductible. For details, see Publication 521 Moving Expenses at IRS.gov.

Tip: Tipping each mover $3-$5 per hour is customary, said Stephen Coady, marketing manager for Gentle Giant Moving Co. in Somerville, Mass.

Recently my wife, who enjoys a good walk like no one else I know, posted a blog entry and although she did not intend it to be, it is an apt description of what type of neighborhood someone might find in the Attleboro area.  I hope you enjoy it.

http://andreagardens.wordpress.com

 7 Things All Borrowers Should Know About FHA Loans

A national FHA condo approval service, has developed a list of facts speaking to the top misconceptions associated with FHA loans in order to help home buyers better navigate an already confusing market. FHA loans are mortgages issued by qualified lenders and insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).


1. FHA Loans Are Not Only For Lower-Income Borrowers. FHA loans are available to everyone. In fact, even Bill Gates can get one. There is no maximum income restriction associated with FHA loans. Borrowers do need to substantiate income and assets by submitting proper documentation. This requirement ensures that borrowers are well-vetted and truly able to afford their future homes.

2. FHA Loans Are Not Only For First-Time Buyers. Many people believe FHA loans are available only to first-time homebuyers. This is not the case. Whether borrowers are making their first home purchase or their fifth, they can look to FHA loans as a home financing option.

3. FHA Loans Are Not Just Small Loans; In Fact, Loan Amounts Can Be As High As Almost $800,000. The government recently raised the maximum loan amount from its original cap of $362,790 to $793,750 as a way to help stabilize the housing market. The amount a buyer can borrow varies from county to county. Later this summer, condo buyers interested in FHA loans can visit www.checkfhaapproval.com to instantly identify FHA-approved condo associations and review maximum loan amounts for a given location.

4. FHA Loans Are Not Affiliated With The Section 8 Housing Program. While both programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), FHA loans have nothing to do with low-income subsidized housing. FHA loans are simply mortgages insured by FHA. This insurance provided by the federal government allows lenders to lend more freely by assuring them that they will be repaid in the event of default. Most traditional lenders, including Wells Fargo & Co., JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup are able to provide FHA loans to their customers.

5. FHA Loans Are Often More Affordable Than Conventional Loans. While FHA loans typically offer the same interest rates as other loans, borrowers benefit from a much lower down payment of as low as 3.5 percent.

6. FHA-Approved Condo Developments Are More Desirable To Buyers. With 87 percent of home buyers indicating that they plan to use FHA loans, condo associations that are not FHA approved are missing out on a significant pool of prospective buyers. Under rules in place since February 2010, an entire condominium development must now apply to HUD and be granted FHA approval before a buyer can purchase a unit in an association with an FHA loan or before an existing unit owner can refinance into an FHA loan.

Due to the general unwillingness of today’s lenders to extend credit with respect to conventional loans, many borrowers find that FHA is their best bet. Lenders don’t mind lending when the federal government (FHA) assures them of repayment.

Homeowners associations (HOAs) should note that although FHA-insured mortgages might be easier to obtain, they are not “risky” loans, due in large part to the strict “full documentation” requirements placed on borrowers.

Individual buyers or sellers can initiate the approval process or current owners can encourage their HOA to apply. More information about the FHA- approval process is available at www.getfhaapproval.com.

7. FHA Loans Are Assumable. In addition to lower down-payment and credit-qualifying requirements as compared to conventional loans, FHA loans are assumable. This means that when a seller with an FHA loan sells his or her property, the loan and its financing terms (interest rate) can be transferred to the new buyer. This unique feature will certainly make a property more valuable in times of rising interest rates.

I am posting this by Chapters here is the Forward and Chapter 1 If you would like the whole book please send me a request and I will send it out to you.

LEGAL NOTICE

The Publisher has strived to be as accurate and complete as possible in the creation of this report, notwithstanding the fact that he does not warrant or

While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. Any perceived slights of specific persons, peoples, or organizations are unintentional.

In practical advice books, like anything else in life, there are no guarantees of income made. Readers are cautioned to reply on their own judgment about their individual circumstances to act accordingly.

This book is not intended for use as a source of legal, business, accounting or financial advice. All readers are advised to seek services of competent professionals in legal, business, accounting, and finance field.

Table of Contents

Introduction..................................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 1 – Location Is Everything........................................................................... 9

Chapter 2 – Finding A Realtor................................................................................... 15

Chapter 3 – Watching The Market........................................................................... 28

Chapter 4 – Home Inspections 101......................................................................... 38

Chapter 5 - Financing Options.................................................................................. 52

Chapter 6 - Making An Offer...................................................................................... 67

Chapter 7 – Closing The Deal................................................................................... 78

Introduction

You’re at the point in your life where you’re seriously considering purchasing your first home.  You’re sick of paying high rental costs when you know that you’ll never own that property and it simply makes sense to start investing in your own future.

Buying a home is an exciting adventure, and whether this is your first home or your second, it’s important that you take your time when evaluating potential properties so that you end up with a property that truly reflects your style, your preferences, your lifestyle and of course, the size of your family.

When considering properties, you also need to think outside of just the property itself. While that Cape Code on the corner may look like your dream home, what about the neighborhood? 

The property costs in certain divisions? Are land taxes reasonable? Are you responsible for water charges? Sewer charges?  Recycling costs?

Are there any zoning regulations or restrictions that you should be aware of? 

You should also consider your own personal lifestyle and make sure that the neighborhood is reflective of where you are in your life and what you are comfortable with.

For instance, perhaps you’re retired and looking to settle down in a quiet, mature neighborhood only to discover that the majority of families around you are all younger couples, with small children. It’s important to look at the big picture when choosing a property so that it truly offers you the setting and the atmosphere that you are most comfortable with. After all, this is your home and you are going to spend many years building a life there!

Driving by a property isn’t enough, and even if you love the layout, structure and design of a home, there are outside factors that should influence your decision to buy. 

Some of these things may include:

• Choosing a neighborhood reflective of your own lifestyle.
• Considering the layout of a home (open concept, 3 story, etc)
• Considering the size of the property and whether there is room to expand.
• Choosing a property with adequate privacy.
• Choosing a property with a backyard, trees or fencing.
• Choosing a property that offers features most important to you.
• Whether the property needs improvements (and costs associated)
• Evaluating the different real estate companies available to you.
• Understanding zoning regulations, the housing market, additional costs.
  
  

There are other factors to consider outside of the property itself as well, so that you can purchase a home with limited risk s involved, including:

• Hiring a home inspection company.
• Financing opportunities, mortgages, and loans.
• How to put in your first offer.
• Setting a closing date that works for you and the seller.
• Understanding contracts, hiring a real estate attorney.
• Moving expenses, hiring a moving company
• Closing the deal and moving in!

There are many things to keep in mind when buying a home, and if it’s your first time purchasing a property, it can become overwhelming.  Rest assured, that your real estate broker and attorney will take care of many of these things, but you want to take a hands on approach when evaluating properties and considering your options so that you can get the best deal possible.

One of the biggest mistakes that new home buyers make is rushing into a deal.  They see a property that they absolutely love. It’s perfect!  The size, privacy, layout – it’s everything they could hope for only to find out that the property needs repairs, or that the land taxes are higher than in a neighboring town.

So, it’s important that you keep an open mind when evaluating potential houses, and take your time!  There are always other homes that could fit your lifestyle and personal preferences, so if you find one that has potential problems, move on!

Careful planning and thorough research will help you make the transition into your new home easier (and more affordable) than if you rush into an offer, or make a last minute decision on a property, so give yourself adequate time to visit properties before you even begin your search. 

If you are currently renting and are considering giving notice to your landlord, make sure that you feel comfortable with the allocated time in finding a new home. 

Depending on your area, you may be required to give your landlord 60-90 days notice, so keep that in mind so that you don’t accrue additional expenses by having to pay for rent when you are no longer there.

When beginning your search for a home, you want to consider all options so that you can get the best deal possible.  This includes:

New Homes vs. Older Homes

Older homes can be more affordable, however you may also be faced with costly repairs, such as replacing old equipment so that it’s up to code.  Older homes often carry higher insurance rates because of an increased risk of repairs.

On the other hand, older homes can make for great starter houses, if you have the ability to do a lot of the repairs yourself.  And in many cases,  you can end up buying a larger house at a fraction of the cost in comparison with a newer home. 

In addition, many people prefer mature properties because of the history surrounding the property, as well as existing vegetation, trees, and greenery, which provides privacy, while often giving buyers the opportunity to purchase more land for future development, than with a newer model.

But there are many pro’s and con’s to both a new and older home and it’s important that you fully understand everything about the properties that you are considering. Get as much history on the property as possible.

Ask the realtor for information about the home, talk to neighbors, check out sale history by searching online. 

Reviewing the history of sale transactions on a home can often give you a good idea as to whether there were problems with the property, especially if it’s been sold multiple times over a short period of time.

Also keep in mind that newer homes include a warranty, protecting you from unforeseen costs in repairs (such as roofing or flooring), while older homes will typically be sold “as is”.

When purchasing an older home, you want to make sure that you pay an inspection company to thoroughly inspect the property, including roofing, heating, electrical outlets, and whether the property is up to code including the type of wiring found throughout the property.

While it’s important to have a home inspection on both new and older homes, if the property is aged, you will want to make sure the inspection includes elements that may not be typically included in an inspection process for a newer home.

Moving into your new home should be an exciting and memorable time in your life, and if you really give yourself enough time to evaluate different properties, and you keep an open mind with both newer and older homes, you’ll be in a better position to get the most ‘bang for your buck’, while ending up with a home that you are happy with for years to come.

Chapter 1 – Location Is Everything

One of the greatest factors in regards to overall costs of property is in the neighborhood or area itself. 

In real estate, location is everything and depending on what your personal preferences are, you should expect the costs of properties to change based on location, even when all other features and factors are similar.

For example, if you choose to live just outside of a city zone, a property of the same age and size could be as much as $50,000 cheaper than a property inside of a city zone.   

You will also want to consider what is available in different areas, based on what is most important to you.   Are there grocery stores local to the neighborhoods you are evaluating?  Are there late night conveniences?  Entertainment?  Doctors? Schools?

All of these factors will influence your decision to buy within certain areas, and if you have small children, you’ll also want to consider the quality of the schools in the same way that if you require regular medical treatment, you’ll want to make sure that there are medical facilities near your home.

For many homebuyers, location is the most important component when choosing a property and it’s also the key factor in which they spend the most time evaluating.   You want the conveniences that are of most importance to you! 

If you are considering purchasing a property outside of a city zone based on the savings, you’ll also want to make sure that the lower property rate is justified based on the costs to commute. 

On the other hand, if you are interested in living within city limits, you will want to pay attention to additional costs and factors such as metered water, sewage costs, pet restrictions and any by-laws that you may be affected by.

For example, in many cities there are bylaws preventing residents from having too many pets, and believe it or not, there are even bylaws that indicate what color you can paint your home! 

So be careful in choosing a neighborhood just based on cost alone. You will want to discuss any bylaws or restrictions applied to an area with your realtor before making an offer on a property. 

When considering different locations, you will want to try to spend some time in each area, so that you are able to get a personal feel for the neighborhood.

Consider staying in a nearby bed & breakfast or a hotel for a weekend, so that you can explore the area, walk through the neighborhoods, visit nearby attractions, restaurants, parks, and even speak with the locals. 

While many people overlook this simple step, it can really make a difference in helping you choose an area where you feel safe, relaxed and truly connected to.

If you have children, you will also want to include them in making your decision. Spend some family time around the different areas that you are considering so that there are few surprises when you move in. 

Pay attention the proximity of nearby schools, whether there are local events for your children based on their interests, whether you will be close to amenities or areas that you’ll visit frequently, and whether you can really see yourself living in an area for a long period of time.

When considering whether to purchase a home in the country, city or suburbs, weigh the pro’s and con’s of all three areas, to gain a better idea as to what is suitable for your family.

City living carries many different benefits, including:

• Quick & Easy access to local events.
• Extended business hours for many different amenities.
• More options for stores, restaurants and schools.
• Public transportation.
• Typically offers more cultural events, concerts, attractions.

Just the same, there are also cons to living in the city as well, including:

• Higher population.
• Less property.
• Higher housing costs.
• Higher taxes.
• Higher crime rate.
• Higher pollution rate.
• Limiting housing available.

If considering buying a house in the country, you will also want to weigh the pro’s and con’s including:

Pros:

• More property available.
• Lower tax costs.
• Less population.
• Not as many zoning issues or bylaws.
• Overall cost of living is lower.

Cons:

• Fewer amenities available.
• Further commute to work and shopping.
• Fewer schools & businesses to choose from.
• Issues dealing with wells, septic systems, etc
• Less entertainment, cultural events.

Other Location Considerations

• Weather & Climate
• Road conditions
• Location of property in the neighborhood, and
• Room to expand

You should be thinking ahead in terms of the weather. If you are planning on living in the country, for example, you should pay attention to possible flooding, snow, and other weather that could affect you getting to work.

If the road is a dirt road, you should ask if the county will clear the road and how often they will do so. This is another advantage of living in the city because you could always use public transportation if you do not want to drive.

The location of the property is also important. If the property is located at the bottom of a slope, you may have flooding issues after a rainstorm. Also, as your family grows, you may need more room.

You should find property that can hold a home addition if necessary. Investing in a home requires a great deal of thought and planning. Even if you do not have a family, you should find a home that will allow you to grow as your interests change.

If you are planning on taking out a mortgage, you will find it difficult to move abruptly in the event you discover that an area isn’t quite what you expected, so the more time you spend personally evaluating the neighborhoods and areas you are interested in, the more prepared you will be to make an informed decision.

Another important thing to keep in mind is the crime rate of specific areas.  You can identify and potential problems or higher crime rates by researching areas online.  You can also talk to your realtor about any concerns you have over crime rates, and make sure to compare crime rates to other neighborhoods. 

You also want to pay attention to your ‘gut instinct’ and how you personally feel about an area, when it comes to choosing a property:  

Does a certain neighborhood give you a sense of calm? Does it provoke a positive feeling? Good memories?  Does it seem clean and friendly?

And depending on your lifestyle, you will also want to pay attention to other contributing factors including:

• Is there high speed Internet available?
• Is there cable television available?
• Are there ponds, rivers, lakes or oceans nearby?
• Are there 24-hour conveniences? (drug stores, grocery stores, etc)
• Is the neighborhood aesthetically pleasing?
• Is there garbage pickup?
• What is the average value of a home in that neighborhood?

All of these things will play a part in helping you to decide whether a specific property is suitable for your family, so take the time to research the different locations and start taking notes regarding your findings. 

Having this information readily available will provide you with a snapshot of the different properties and locations that you are considering, making it easier to come to a decision later on.

Pricing Tip, Watch the Market Real-Time

One of the services Realtors offer can help sellers set their initial price for their property to be placed on the market is to prepare what is known as a Competitive Market Analysis, (CMA) for short.

They do this by reviewing the market history of like kinds of homes that have sold in the nearby area over the past 3 to 6 months. Before a house can show up as “sold” on MLS it must be a completed transaction with the new owners of record as owners of the property. In this market this can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, (if it’s a short sale) to close.  When your listing agent has determined the best asking price for you to consider, they should be able to supply you with the information they used to arrive at their number.

Once the topic of price is discussed by the Realtor and the seller, and the initial asking price is agreed to, this often becomes a "set in stone" type of conversation. As a result, it is misunderstood by the property owner that this is what their property is worth.  Contrary to this misunderstanding, a good listing agent will try to explain that pricing can be a moving target, based on a variety of reasons:

• There may not be many or any recent sold comparables, of like kind homes that have recently sold.

• The sold comparables may need a lot of adjustments to determine the true value of the seller's home.  The greater the number and dollar amount of the adjustments, the less valid the comparable becomes - appraisers understand this concept very well, Realtors, on the other hand, may not.

• Has there been a dramatic or watershed event in the market recently?  Think of the August 2007 sub-prime meltdown.  Think of the October-November 2008 Economic/Credit meltdown.  Can events like this can also be positive as well, creating markets that trend up?  Think of 2002-2005 when the market was being artificially inflated.
• Is the asking price reflecting the trends of the market as discussed above?

• What are the demands of current buyers? Where is their confidence about spending money? How safe do they feel about their jobs?

• Is the property competing against foreclosures (bank owned) and/or short-sales? As they sell they do and will bring down the value of the other homes in the neighborhood.

• What is the competition doing?  Are your competitors holding firm on their price but not selling? Are competing property sellers lowering their prices? Did they start out overpriced?

Pricing should be looked at in real-time and regular discussions with your Realtor should take place.  What is the market doing today, this week this month not 6 months ago. While pricing adjustments should be made with care and based upon solid information, and not in a vacuum, as a seller you need to understand that markets are dynamic for all the reasons listed above and to keep an open mind as events unfold.

Moving This Summer? Check Out These Tips

Check out these tips for moving, courtesy of Move.com. It might just help save you a bit of time, stress and heartache.

4 weeks from move date: Get organized and start notifying the right people and companies that you'll be moving soon and give them a date to forward or terminate service. Start looking for licensed and professional moving companies, moving guides and relevant coupons.

Tip: If using a professional mover, get quotes from multiple moving companies to get the best deal that is right for you and your needs. Ask plenty of questions like whether or not they give binding quotes and what kind of insurance is included. Be sure to talk with them about the different options available with full-service moves such as packing and unpacking services and providing boxes and packing supplies.

Tip: Important documents such as your child's school records may need to be accessible during your transition. Make sure to put these items aside and make copies of any records for yourself, in case you forget what box they're packed in.

3 weeks from move date: Once you've selected a mover, begin by taking inventory of your belongings and their worth and decide what will be coming with you to your next home.

Tip: Start cleaning out closets, drawers and storage areas of your home and divide things into categories: "pack," "recycle" and "give to friend." You can always have a garage sale or donate old items to charity. This will make packing day a lot easier and you may reduce the total weight you'll be paying for to move.

Tip: If you're moving yourself or contracting for a self-service move, pack the items you know you won't need until 30 days after the move. It will feel great to get started early.

Tip: If possible, take pictures of rooms and areas inside the home or apartment you'll be moving into so you can start thinking about placement of furniture, artwork and other items. This will help save time, headaches...and money...on moving day.

2 weeks from move date: If you choose not to take advantage of full service mover packing services, or are planning to do it yourself and rent a truck, start packing things into boxes. Figure out the logistics of the move, travel plans and if other specialized plans need to be made.

Tip: Now is a great time to call all of the utilities companies that you have been using to have them turn them off or the names changed to the buyers names, I often recommend that the dates to change be a day or two after the move is schedule just in case moving times have to be changed. Also the new home make sure that you call the new utilities and everything turned on or changed to your name. Things like electric, water, cable, gas, phone,etc. 

Tip: If you are using a professional mover find out what items are on their "non-allowables" list and discard those items or find a way to transport them separately.

Tip: Instead of stacking plates, pack them vertically; they will travel safer this way.

Tip: If you are moving long distance, remember travel arrangements for your pets. There are pet-exclusive airlines available such as Pet Airways but regular airlines have travel options for pets as well.

Tip: If you have young children, you may want to make childcare arrangements so you can be 100% focused on moving day and your little ones remain safe and busy with fun activities.

Tip: Schedule "move out" cleaning service, carpet cleaners and heavy appliance disposal if necessary for once you'll be out of the home you're vacating. Even if you're selling your current home, it's a nice welcome for the buyers to move into a clean and tidy home.

1 week from move date: Set aside valuable items and keep those with you. Clean before moving and leave your house or apartment as clean as it was when you moved in.

Tip: Make sure the details for paying the moving company are taken care of. Some will require money orders or cashier's checks upon delivery; know their policy in advance to avoid stress on moving day.

Tip: Start eating all the frozen foods you have, or give them to a neighbor or friend. This way you won't have to throw them away on moving day, or worry about packing an ice chest.

Tip: Also think about necessities for managing moving day like confining your pets and anticipating the amount of time you will need.

Tip: Place necessities such as toiletries, toilet paper, rags, "must-have" cooking supplies and organize them in boxes marked "open first" so it's easy to find the initial items you'll want handy on those first few days of being in your next home. Don't forget the flashlight!

Tip: If possible, take one last tour of the new location and identify water and gas shut off locations, as well as the electrical breaker box just in case something happens in the first few days so you're prepared. Might be smart to drop off a fresh box of light bulbs too!

Moving day and beyond: Take one last walk through and make sure nothing has been forgotten or overlooked. Also, make sure all doors and windows are locked and switches turned off, then you are on your way to your new house or apartment.

Tip: Go back to the photos you took when you began to pack up. Now you can show the movers or those helping you unpack exactly where everything goes with photos.

Tip: Unpack one room at a time according to basic needs starting with the kitchen and at least one bathroom...and don't forget to make a bed as early in the day as possible if you'll be sleeping in your home that evening! Remember, you don't have to unpack everything in one day, or even in one week.

Tip: After you've settled in a bit, introduce yourself to some neighbors, ask for advice on the best places to eat, grocery shop, etc. This way you will feel like part of the community and can get some great local tips.

Often the number one question new investors have is, “How do I get started in real estate investing?” This is the fundamental question to unlocking the potential of a potentially lucrative business of buying, selling and holding real estate. It does take a lot of research and hard work to get to the level of seasoned investors. But even they had to start from the beginning, and having an experienced real estate agent who will listen to what your plans are and who is willing to work hard for you. for the long term is a must.

Knowing your financial position is the first matter to consider before becoming an investor. Your credit rating should be in good shape to get the best financing deals. If your credit rating is less than optimal, a loan is still possible but the terms may not be as desirable. You may also have to find other more creative, ways to obtain property.

Once you know how much you can afford and you have determined your financing options, it is then time to research the market. Your aim is to find the best deal for your particular financial situation and your lifestyle. Do you want to purchase so that you can rent the property or do you want to purchase so that you can upgrade the property for re-sale? Do you want a fixer upper, or do you want to purchase and then just collect the rent? What type of landlord do you want to be? High rent district? Or buildings in less derisible locations that cost less to purchase but rent for less money also?  

You need to know about the city or town you plan to invest in.  This includes the neighborhood, especially if the property in mind is requiring upgrades.  You also will want to know about the local ordinances, building codes and local government, schools and public services.

You will have more leverage to get a good deal if you have money to put upfront. Motivated sellers prefer buyers who are ready to close on a deal. This can often lower the actual sales price.

The key to becoming a good investor is learning how you are going to turn a profit. You must learn your particular buying and selling markets and be prepared to research all properties and options. You must also know the different types of properties that are available and what you would like to buy. The options are many. There are multiple unit dwellings, distressed property, fixer uppers, and repossessions, direct sales by owners or condominium sales. Some beginners will find their best deals in repossessed or distressed property but often these properties will need many repairs and upgrades. Who is going to do the work?

Bank owned properties or REO’s are another viable option. Banks do not want to keep REO’s on their books. They are very motivated to sell these properties, but they need to sell at or close to market value. Many will even provide great financing terms to unload the homes. Understand the financing and lending terms first. Try to go for conditions that don't have points or require any extra fees.

Your agent using MLS or multiple listings can locate just about every type of listing in one place. There are bargain deals out there but you as a buyer need to know how to recognize a good deal. When a property has been listed for an extra long time, the seller may become more motivated to get sell the property and move on. These are great situations to buy low and sell high. If you and your Realtor can set up a quick transaction with the owner then the better the deal will be. Home sellers appreciate a quick, fair transaction that may end up being the deal of a lifetime for a first time investor.

It takes experience to finesse the right deals but with a trusted agent’s research and practice beginners will quickly learn the ropes. There are a lot of ways to make money in the housing market and a lot of people want in on the deal. Flipping properties grow in popularity, due to the down turn in the economy as well as all the reality shows featuring this technique. As you grow as an investor, you may decide to get into rapid turnover of properties. This involves buying houses that need some repairs, correcting those repairs then selling at a profit. Buying a distressed or under valued property in a good neighborhood can help make this work.

There are many ways you can go when answering the question how do I get started in real estate investing. Find out what works best for you and make it happen.

Here are some tips and general etiquette notes that will help you be a more savvy shopper when it comes to visiting open houses.

Always sign in.  If you are working with an agent, protocol is to have your agent call the listing agent ahead of your visit to advise that they have a customer who will be visiting and they will relay your name so that the person hosting the open house will anticipate that you are already working with another sales agent.  When you arrive at the open house, please indicate your agent's name on the guest list.

There are two main reasons why an agent will host an open house, the first and most obvious is to give the best service to their client, the homeowner, by actively showing the house and making it easily available for viewing.  The second reason is to grow and cultivate a list of prospective home buyers, so if you are "just browsing", please let the host agent know it up front to avoid confusion at a later point.

If you are a potential buyer, you might want to know that a good buyer's agent will accompany you to open houses rather than send you out on your own, so don't hesitate to ask them to go along with you for that extra set of eyes and ears.  

If you attend an open house on your own, and you are not currently working with another agent, and you like the house, it is not necessary for you to get another agent in order to make an offer and negotiate the purchase.  The agent you meet at the open house will be more than happy to facilitate the transaction for you.

While you are walking through the house, generally you will be free to roam on your own, but if you prefer to have a tour, just ask.  The attending agent wants you to feel comfortable while you are looking.  In fact, they want you to feel at home.

Ask all the questions you want of the agent, but bear in mind there are some things that you are best to learn on your own.  If you want to know about the quality of the school system, that information is generally public, or if crime rates are a concern to you, contact the local law enforcement agency.

Remember that painting is an easy job, so if you don't like the color of the walls, it is easy to repaint before you move in.  Do not let the color of the walls detract you from an otherwise suitable home.  This same principle holds true for carpeting and light fixtures.  Replacing a carpet or a light fixture is easily done and can be a relatively low-cost improvement to make in your new home, and it will help you on your way to making it your home.

Enjoy your browsing, get a sense of how you feel when you are looking through a house, ask questions, and you will find most agents more than happy to have you come back for a second look if the house feels right to you.

It sounds trite, but house plants really do add life to a home.  With a little attention, a house plant will live for years and years, and when it comes time to show your home for sale, a healthy house plant will help indicate where the good sunlight is, and will even help clean the air. 

Most house plants can be bought inexpensively, and there is a wide variety of affordable decorative plant pots available, so finding a plant pot suitable for the plants and to suit the colors and patterns in the room where the plant will live is a fairly easy task.