Listing Presentation - Ann Salyer Cox

Ann Salyer Cox

“As an Edmond/OKC native, I have experienced its tremendous transformation from a desolate downtown into an affluent municipality still able to retain its small-town feel. My intimate knowledge of this community, plus the experiences of having lived here my entire life, provide me the enthusiasm and desire to help make my home your home!”

Ann Salyer Cox has lived in the OKC area for more than 50 years. Her wide range of experiences dealing directly with people has provided this Edmond native with the skill set of a highly qualified agent. After receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma, she taught school for eight years and still tutors students to this day when time allows. She implements these teaching skills to help educate her clientele. Ann’s other previous careers include owning and managing her own businesses, plus serving as an insurance agent and private investigator. “The knowledge I learned from these experiences provides me with valuable skills that I use daily in real estate,” Ann explains.

As a proud Chinowth & Cohen Realtors® agent, Ann works with buyers and sellers in residential, relocations, and luxury real estate transactions in the Oklahoma City Metro area. A full-service agent since 2017, she has been the recipient of sales awards each and every year. Ann attributes her success to her problem-solving ability and negotiating skills, along with her compassion, patience, and positive attitude. “I am with my buyers and sellers every step of the way,” Ann says. “I am available any time I am needed during the transaction from beginning to end.”

When not selling real estate, Ann enjoys OU football, yoga, cooking, traveling, volunteering in her community, plus spending time with her two daughters.

Testimonials

We were looking for a home for over two years until we used Ann; she found us a home within a few months. I have known her for many years. However, when I became desperate, I reached out to her, and she was ready and willing to help. She found us our dream home! I love her, and I highly recommend her!

—Stevie

If you are purchasing or selling a home, I highly recommend Ann. She helped me sell my home and also buy a new one. From listing to closing, it was a flawless process. Ann made everything so easy and stress-free. She is a true professional, and you will enjoy working with her.

—Michael

My family was buying the home Ann represented for sellers, and I could not have asked for a better or smoother experience. As her sellers were moving out of state before closing, she was accommodating to us getting into the home early, which was an enormous help for us. We are so thankful for Ann and appreciate her guidance on the other side of the transaction. Highly recommend!

—Amanda

K

Ann is willing to go to any length to make her client happy. She is professional, experienced, and available. She always puts her customers first and does her due diligence.

—Katherine

C

Ann is great to work with. I appreciate her engagement during our home sale process. She went above and beyond in taking care of stuff beyond her responsibility as a Realtor. It was a pleasure working with her.

M

—Aamir A Trust! One of the factors in choosing who I use in any financial, or service transaction is trust. Ann is trustworthy. She communicates well, is very honest & the teamwork is perfection. She is eager to serve you in any way possible to make sure the trust you put in her is honorable. Loved working with her!

—Ann J

B

Ann made finding a home a true joy! Exceptionally responsive and professional, she always made me feel like I was her first priority and was delighted to help us find exactly what we were looking for. I highly recommend her if you want to buy or sell a home in OKC.

—Micah

L

Ann is the sweetest and most clever person I know! She will bend over backward for you to get the deal done. Ann is very well-connected and a friend to everyone. I have known Ann for a very long time, and knowing her professionally is just as wonderful as knowing her on a personal level! “

—Jorden

B

Ann has sold two houses for us and helped us find a forever home. She is so thorough and responsive. I loved that she made it look so easy. You cannot miss with someone like Ann in your corner.

—Elizabeth

H

Ann was beyond helpful. She felt like our friend from the very beginning of our association. Her expertise and casual confidence made selling our home painless. I was able to pick her brain about matters unrelated to my home sale, and she shared her time and experience when she surely had other things to do. I will miss the check-ins from Ann. All in all, a great experience.

—Laurie

F

Ann is the benchmark for premier Realtors. She is exceedingly knowledgeable in the marketplace and a consummate professional in learning from her clients and meeting and exceeding client needs and expectations. Her level of communication keeps the client updated with up-to-the-minute information so that they always know what is going on. She makes you feel that everything is going well, and you are confident that she always has your best interest foremost in her mind. I can truly say that the day I was introduced to her, I felt like I had made a new friend that truly cared about me. It has been a blessing to me to have her on my team. My husband passed away seven months ago, and I was feeling very alone, but Ann treated me like family, and I felt safe and protected by her. I have other real estates that she will take care of for me, and I will be honored to refer her to my family and friends. I will be doing them a favor by recommending Ann.

—Deniece C

Ann came highly recommended, but we still wanted to meet with her first. After meeting her, we knew she was the agent for us. She was so kind, knowledgeable, and, most importantly, great with our girls. She was always available to show us a house and help guide us through every step of the process. We definitely recommend Ann to anyone that needs a real estate agent.

—Tyler F

I highly recommend Ann. She was professional and answered all of our questions. She was patient and willing to drive all over during our home search. She was amazing to work with and got way over asking for the home we sold.

–Keri D

Ann went above and beyond for us and alleviated so much stress and worry from the process. As an anxious, first-time seller, I appreciated that very much!

—Lauren L

Meet My

Team

MARY FITZPATRICK | BROKER

Mary has joined Chinowth & Cohen Realtors’ Oklahoma City office as Broker. Mary is an Oklahoma City native and has been a full-time Realtor® serving Oklahoma City and Edmond since 2006. She obtained her Brokers license in 2018 and began training and assisting Realtors® just beginning their careers in real estate.

Mary began her career working in sales for Justice Homes, Inc. where she worked closely with clients, helping them sell their current home while assisting them with the selection process of their new home. It was this experience that led her to the decision to enter real estate as a full-time career.

In addition to her Brokers License, Mary holds the credentials of Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Graduate, Realtor ® Institute (GRI) and Mediator for the Oklahoma Association of Realtors® (OAR).

KACIE POSTON | SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kacie was born and raised in Edmond, OK. She attended the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated from in 2018, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Kacie has been with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors® since they opened their Oklahoma City/Edmond branches in 2020. She has a variety of marketing/social media experience having worked in the food and hardware industry. She specializes in Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google. Kacie enjoys spending time with her family and traveling in her free time. She has always had a passion for real estate and enjoys working at her dream job.

JANA THOMASON | GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jana was born and raised in the Oklahoma City/Edmond area, where she has racked up over 26 years of graphic design experience and a BA Degree in Graphic Design from the University of Central Oklahoma. Jana has over 16 years of experience in the horse industry, producing two monthly horse magazines. While working for the National Reining Horse Association, Jana co-developed brand standard guidelines for the Association to follow and created all the departmental advertising and event materials.

Jana enjoys working in the real estate industry. When she's not working she is very involved with her three beautiful grandkids, a few dogs, and a couple of cats. And she loves to go to her lake house whenever possible.

Generations of Support Behind Every Sale

Chinowth & Cohen Realtors® is the largest independently owned real estate company in Oklahoma. The brokerage opened in 2004 with 25 sales associates; since then it has grown to over 700 agents with 15 locations surpassing two billion dollars in sales. Boasting 75 years and three generations of real estate history and expertise, Chinowth & Cohen is rooted in tradition and family.

SHERYL CHINOWTH | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & COFOUNDER

Sheryl began her career working at her father’s real estate company, where she quickly became a top producer, mentored associates and managed offices. In 2004, Sheryl cofounded Chinowth & Cohen Realtors, opening the brokerage with only one office and 25 sales associates. As CEO, Sheryl has grown the company to over 700 associates and 15 offices in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City surrounding areas, making it the largest independent real estate company in Oklahoma. She has won numerous awards including Luxury Real Estate’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Tulsa Business Journal’s “Influential Woman in Business” Award, RISMedia and Real Trends’ “Power Broker” recognition and more.

LEE COHEN | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND COFOUNDER

Originally from New York, Lee learned about real estate from his grandfather who purchased, sold and managed real estate in Manhattan. In the 1990s, Lee owned a commercial brokerage in Miami, Florida, when he created a REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust), which went public in 1996. Upon his arrival to Tulsa in 1999, Lee worked at various residential and commercial brokerages and eventually partnered with Sheryl Chinowth to form Chinowth & Cohen Realtors as well as C&C Commercial Realtors.

LELAND CHINOWTH | PRESIDENT, CHINOWTH & COHEN REALTORS

Leland attended the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine prior to launching his robust real estate career. In his first year as an associate, Leland sold a record $11 million. He has helped mentor and train agents for nearly 15 years and has been the President of Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors, MLS President and has been named one of Tulsa Business Journal’s 20 “Men of Distinction” and was voted one of Tulsa Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.” Leland is currently the President of Chinowth & Cohen Realtors.

TAYLOR CHINOWTH | VICE PRESIDENT, CHINOWTH & COHEN REALTORS PRESIDENT, ELITE TITLE SERVICES

Taylor is an attorney with a degree in Finance from the University of Oklahoma School of Business and a JD from the University of Tulsa College of Law. After becoming a licensed realtor in 2007 and a licensed broker in 2010, Taylor obtained his title insurance license in 2012 and joined the Board of Directors for Bartlesville Association of Realtors in 2015. The following year, Taylor was one of Tulsa Business and Legal News’ 40 Under 40 and later won the Oklahoma Bar Association Business and Corporate Law Award in 2019 and 2020 as well as multiple CALI Awards.

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

THE SALVATION ARMY

REGIONAL FOOD BANK

OUR OFFICES

Oklahoma City Metro

NICHOLS HILLS

2814 W Country Club Dr Oklahoma City | (405) 843-8188

BARTLESVILLE 2321 SE Nowata Place Suite A Bartlesville | (918) 333-2222

BIXBY 7510 E. 111th St. S. | Bixby (918) 943-3009

BROKEN ARROW 2625 S. Elm Place | Broken Arrow (918) 259-0000

COWETA 128 N. Broadway St | Coweta (918) 279-6227

TULSA

GRAND LAKE 29980 S. 566 Rd | Afton (918) 257-7164

EDMOND

2619 Kelley Pointe Pkwy Edmond | (405) 330-0031

LEASING/PROPERTY MGMT. 8988 S. Sheridan Suite J, Tulsa, OK 74133 | (918) 392-0901

MIDTOWN TULSA 1441 E. 41st St | Tulsa (918) 392-9900

MUSKOGEE 1806 Chandler Rd. | Muskogee (918) 537-2263

OWASSO

13512 E 116th St N | Owasso (918) 392-9990

SAND SPRINGS 3702 S Hwy 97 | Sand Springs (918) 419-2333

SKIATOOK 500 W. Rogers Blvd. | Skiatook (918) 578-6820

SOUTH TULSA 3912 E. 91st St | Tulsa (918) 392-0900

WAGONER 122 N. Main St. | Wagoner (918) 279-6227

AWARD WINNING SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING CAMPAIGNS

We leverage the power of our significant social network when marketing your new listing. Using blog posts, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, we place your home in front of a wide audience of potential buyers.

Targeted Social Media posts allow us to laser focus ads to possible buyers based on dozens of behavioral, geographic, and demographic matrix. We use your property location, price, and unique characteristics to users who most closely match your ideal buyer.

LUXURY REAL ESTATE “OUTSTANDING SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY” AWARD

OUR PROVEN MARKETING SYSTEM

THE POWER OF PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO/VIRTUAL TOURS

Our professional video tours establish the sense of ownership that is crucial to nudging clients towards finalizing the real thing. Virtual tours allow clients to tour the property on their own time and at their own pace, giving them a sense of personal connection. You can enhance this sense of connection by adding virtual tours to a suite of other interactive features. The more time and energy they invest, the more likely they’ll feel committed to reaching out to you with an inquiry.

MATTERPORT 3D TOURS

Our highly trained Videographers will give your property a true 3-D experience!

Our brains are hard-wired to think visually, constantly calculating distances and depths. Videos are flat and tours with just 360o photos don’t offer that unique Matterport Dollhouse View. Plus Matterport makes it easy to capture large properties with automatic alignment. Only Matterport offers the easiest to create and most immersive experience for marketing Real Estate. It’s the closest you can get to actually being there.

DRONE FOOTAGE

If there is one universal truth about home buyers, it’s that they are terrible at visualizing space. Is your property unique? Palacial? An acrege with natural beauty?

Our drone footage will show it all! Most listing photography does little to help. For example, say your listing has a huge 3 acre backyard, but 75% of it is obscured by trees. The photo on your listing makes it look tiny. With a drone video, you can capture the entire yard in one video and show buyers just how big a space it really is.

STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SHOW

First impressions have a major impact on potential buyers. Try to imagine what a potential buyer will see when they approach your house for the first time and walk through each room. Ask your REALTOR® for advice; They know the marketplace and what helps a home sell. Here are some tips to present your home in a positive manner:

n Mow and edge the lawn regularly, and trim the shrubs.

n Make your entry inviting: paint your front door and buy a new front door mat.

n Paint or replace the mailbox, if needed.

n If screens or windows are damaged, replace or repair them.

n Make sure the front steps are clear and hazard-free.

n Ensure that all exterior lights are working.

n Shampoo carpeting or replace if worn. Clean tile floors, particularly the caulking and grout.

n Rearrange furniture to make rooms appear larger. If possible, remove and/or store excess furniture, and avoid extension cords in plain view.

n Make sure that the pool and/or spa are kept clean.

n Keep everything clean. A messy or dirty home will cause prospective buyers to notice every flaw.

n Clear all clutter from counter tops.

n Let the light in. Raise shades, open blinds, pull back the

curtains and turn on the lights.

n Get rid of odors such as tobacco, pets, cooking, etc. But don’t overdo air fresheners or potpourri. Fresh baked bread and cinnamon can make a positive impact.

n Send pets away or secure them away from the house, and be sure to clean up after them.

n Close the windows to eliminate street noise.

n If possible you, your pets, and your children should be gone while your home is being shown.

n Clean trash cans and put them out of sight.

n Keep the garage door closed and the driveway clear. Park autos and campers away from your home during showings.

n Hang clean attractive guest towels in the bathrooms.

n Check the sink and tub are scrubbed and unstained.

n Make beds with attractive spreads.

n Stash or throw out newspapers, magazines, junk mail.

SHOWINGS

Flexible

Be as flexible and accommodating to the buyer’s schedule as possible. We want to avoid having missed opportunites if at all possible.

Informed

Make sure everyone in the home is informed when showings are to happen so they can keep their spaces clean.

Daily Cleaning

Keep up with daily messes. Wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters before leaving for the day.

Odors

Avoid strong-smelling foods: keep your meal prep as neutral and simple as possible.

Furry Friends

Keep pet areas clean: clean up after your pets immediately and wash their bedding regularly. Hide pet food or litter. Not everyone is a pet person and it may hinder their ability to picture themselves living there.

Natural Light

Open blinds and curtains and let in as much natural light as possible. Leave lights on before you leave for a showing.

Trash

Empty trash cans to avoid any odors. Try and empty trash cans nightly so that the home is fresh when you leave for the day.

Temperature

Keep room temperature comfortable. This demonstrates to buyers that HVAC is working properly.

Personals

Make sure you place all valuables and prescriptions out of site and in a safe place.

Vacate

Having a seller present can make buyers feel awkward. We want to make the buyers feel at home and stay awhile.

THE BUYING ATMOSPHERE

When it comes time to show your property, here are some suggestions that will create a smooth and successful process!

» During the listing period, maintain the home in ready-to-show condition with beds made, clutter removed, dishes put away and so forth.

» Showcase your home as if you are receiving guests. Turn on lights or open drapes, place flowers in vases, hang your best towels, light a fire in the fireplace if it’s cold outside, and play soft background music.

» During a showing, try to step out for a cup of coffee or run a few errands. The potential buyer will feel more relaxed if allowed to view your home without any distractions.

» Make sure your pets are confined to a safe and out of the way place. If at all possible, take your pets with you to the park or on an errand run during a showing. Please hide all pet bowls and supplies.

» In some cases, silence can be golden. If you are present for the showing, it’s best to reserve comments until the buyer has left your home.

» For safety purposes, it’s wise to show the home to a buyer only if the associate working with them is present. You should also put away your valuable items, such as jewelry and collectibles.

ALWAYS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME ANY TIME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, IDEAS OR SUGGESTIONS! 405-202-2822

Selling Your Home

30 days 60 days 90 days

PRICING YOUR HOME AT FAIR MARKET VALUE

Your home receives the most exposure to the greatest number of potential buyers within the first 14–30 days on the market. Pricing at fair market value from the beginning ensures the highest number of interested buyers see the home. As time passes, perceived value decreases, resulting in a lower sales price.

OUR PROVEN HOME SELLING PROCESS

Pre Listing

• Schedule Appointment

• Review Pre-Listing Materials

• Meet with Your Elite Agent

• Discuss Key Selling Points of Home

• Determine Fair Market Listing Value

• Sign Listing Paperwork

• Pre-Listing Home Inspection

• Repair, Declutter and Clean According to Recommendations

• Professional Photography

• Install For Sale Sign with QR Code (where possible)

• Launch Marketing Preparation

• Design Flyers

• Chinowth & Cohen Website

• Complete MLS Data Entry

Contract to Close

• Receive Offers

• Review Offers Together

• Negotiate Offers

• Accept Offer and Begin Title Process

• Possibly Negotiate Back-up Offer

• Home Inspection

• Survey, Termite Inspection, HOA Doc Review

• Clear Title Contingencies

• Schedule Signing Closing Docs

• Remove Personal Items from Home

Active Listing

• Activate on MLS

• Broker’s Open

• Open House

• Social Media

• Private Showings

• Strategy Discussions Based on Feedback

• Weekly Feedback

• Close Sale And Hand Over Key If your Chinowth & Cohen Agent has exceeded your expectations, then we’d love for you to refer her to your friends and family!

WHAT MATTERS

AND WHAT DOES NOT MATTER

IN THE SALE OF YOUR HOME

Pricing your home at Fair Market Value is the single most important factor in selling your home for the most amount of money, in the shortest amount of time. There are several factors we use to determine this value.

Factors Impacting Sales Price:

Location

Lot Size

House Size

House Condition/Features

Recent Sales

Competition

Timing

Financing

Special Conditions

Regardless of what you paid, what you owe, how much you want, or what any other agent may say they can sell your house for, in the end it is the Buyers who will determine the selling price.

What You Paid

What You Need to Buy Your Next Property

What You Owe

Sentimental Value

What You Want What Another Agent Says

What Your Neighbor Thinks

STEPS TO CLOSING THE SALE

What to expect:

Closing is when funds and documents are transferred in order to transfer ownership of the property to the buyer. The escrow officer will look over the contract and find out what payments are owed by who, prepare documents for closing, perform the closing, make sure all payoffs are completed, the buyer’s title is recorded, and that you recieve payoffs that are due to you.

1. Transfer Funds

The transfer of funds may include payoffs to:

• Seller’s mortgage company as well as any lien holders

• Local government, if any property taxes are due

• Third-party service providers

• Real estate agents, for payment of commission

• Sellers, if any there are any proceeds from the sale of the home.

2. Transfer Documents

The transfer of documents may include:

• The deed to the house

• Certificate of Title, Bill of Sale, and other real-estate related documents

• Signed closing intructions and/or settlement statement

• Receipts (if needed) for completed repairs, per sales contract

3. Transfer Property

The transfer of property may include:

• Recording of the signed deed (completed by third-party) at county courthouse

• Post-closing agreement, if seller will need to rent back home for specified time-frame

• Exchange of keys, garage door opener, security codes and/or devices, appliance manuels, etc

• Homeownership legally transfers to the new owner when the signed deed is recorded at the seller’s local county courthouse

Your costs

Sellers commonly pay:

• Mortgage balance and penalties if applicable

• Any claims against your property

• Unpaid assessments on your property

• Real estate agents, for payment of commission

• Title insurance policy

• Home warranty

What to bring

Sellers need to bring to closing:

• A valid & current government picture ID

• House keys

• Garage door openers

• Mailbox and any other spare keys

After closing

Keep copies of the following for taxes:

• Copies of all closing documents

• All home improvement receipts

Seller To-Do List

De-clutter: Remove any unnecessary items from your home, and organize your belongings to create a clean and tidy living space.

Deep Clean: Give your home a thorough cleaning, including scrubbing floors, wiping down surfaces, and washing windows.

Repairs: Make any necessary repairs, including fixing leaky faucets, repairing any damage, and replacing any broken items.

Updates: Update any outdated fixtures, appliances or hardware to make your home look modern and appealing.

Landscaping: Tend to your landscaping to create an inviting first impression.

Staging: Hire a professional stager or do it yourself to create an inviting and attractive environment for potential buyers.

Pricing: Work with your real estate agent to set a fair and competitive price for your home.

TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW

APPRAISAL

An estimate of value of property resulting from analysis of facts about the property; an opinion of value.

ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE (APR)

The borrower’s costs of the loan term expressed as a rate. This is not their interest rates.

BENEFICIARY

The recipient of benefits, often from a deed of trust; usually a lender.

CLOSING DISCLOSURE (CD)

Closing Disclosure form designed to provide disclosures that will be helpful to borrowers in understanding all of the costs of the transaction. This form will be given to the consumer three business days before closing.

CLOSE OF ESCROW

Generally the date the buyer becomes the legal owner and title insurance becomes effective.

COMPARABLE SALES

Sales that have similar characteristics as the subject real property used for analysis in the appraisal. Commonly called “comps.”

CONSUMMATION

Occurs when the borrower becomes contractually obligated to the creditor on the loan, not, for example, when the borrower becomes contractually obligated to a seller on a real estate transaction. The point in time when a borrower becomes contractually obligated to the creditor on the loan depends on applicable State law. Consummation is not the same as close of escrow or settlement.

DEED OF TRUST

An instrument used in many states in place of a mortgage.

DEED RESTRICTIONS

Limitations in the deed to a parcel of real property that dictate certain uses that may or may not be made of the real property.

DISBURSEMENT DATE

The date the amounts are to be disbursed to a buyer and seller in a purchase transaction or the date funds are to be paid to the borrower or a third party in a transaction that is not a purchase transaction.

EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT

Down payment made by a purchaser of real property as evidence of good faith; a deposit or partial payment.

EASEMENT

A right, privilege or interest limited to a specific purpose that one party has in the land of another.

ENDORSEMENT

As to a title insurance policy, a rider or attachment forming a part of the insurance policy expanding or limiting coverage.

HAZARD INSURANCE

Real estate insurance protecting against fire, some natural causes, vandalism, etc., depending upon the policy. Buyer often adds the liability insurance and extended coverage for personal property.

IMPOUNDS

A trust type of account established by lenders for the accumulation of borrower’s funds to meet periodic payments of taxes, mortgage insurance premiums and/or future insurance policy premiums, required to protect their security.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

A description of land recognized by law, based on government surveys, spelling out the exact boundaries of the entire parcel of land. It should so throughly identify a

parcel of land that it cannot be confused with any other.

LIEN

A form of encumbrance that usually makes a specific parcel of real property the security for the payment of a debt or discharge of an obligation. For example, judgments, taxes, mortgages, deeds of trust.

LOAN ESTIMATE (LE)

Form designed to provide disclosures that will be helpful to borrowers in understanding the key features, costs and risks of the mortgage loan for which they are applying. Initial disclosure to be given to the borrower three business days after application.

MORTGAGE

The instrument by which real property is pledged as security for repayment of a loan.

PITI

A payment that includes Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

A written instrument whereby a principal gives authority to an agent. The agent acting under such a grant is sometimes called an “Attorney-in-Fact.”

RECORDING

Filing documents affecting real property with the appropriate government agency as a matter of public record.

SETTLEMENT STATEMENT

Provides a complete breakdown of costs involved in a real estate transaction.

TRID

TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures

PLANNING YOUR MOVE

SIX WEEKS BEFORE

Create an inventory sheet of items to move.

Research moving options. You’ll need to decide if yours is a do-ityourself move or if you’ll be using a moving company.

Request moving quotes. Solicit moving quotes from as many moving companies as possible. There can be a large difference between rates and services within moving companies.

Discard unnecessary items. Moving is a great time for ridding yourself of unnecessary items. Have a yard sale or donate unnecessary items to charity.

Packing materials. Gather moving boxes and packing materials for your move.

Contact insurance companies. (Life, Health, Fire, Auto) You’ll need to contact your insurance agent to cancel/transfer your insurance policy. Do not cancel your insurance policy until you have and closed escrow on the sale.

Seek employer benefits. If your move is work-related your employer may provide funding for moving expenses. Your human resources rep should have information on this policy.

Changing schools. If changing schools, contact new school for registration process.

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE

Contact utility companies. Set utility turnoff date, seek refunds and deposits and notify them of your new address.

Obtain your medical records. Contact your doctors, physicians, dentists, and other medical specialists who made currently be retaining any of your family’s medical records. Obtain these records or make plans for them to be delivered to your new medical facilities.

Note food inventory levels. Check your cupboards, refrigerator and freezer to use up as much of your perishable food as possible.

Service small engines. For your move by extracting gas and oil from the machines. This will reduce the chance to catch fire during your move.

Protect jewelry and valuables. Transfer jewelry and valuables to safety deposit box so they can not be lost or stolen during your move.

Borrowed and rented items. Return items which you may have borrowed or rented. Collect items borrowed to others.

ONE WEEK BEFORE

Plan your itenerary. Make plans to spend the entire day at the house or at least until the movers are on their way. Someone will need to be around to make decisions. Make plans for kids and pets to be at the sitters for the day.

Change of address. Visit USPS for change of address form.

Bank accounts. Notify bank of address change. Make sure to have a money order for paying the moving company if you are tansferring or closing accounts.

Service automobiles. If automobiles will be driven long distances, you’ll want to have them serviced for a trouble-free drive.

Cancel services. Notify any remaining service providers (newspapers, lawn services, etc) of your move.

Start packing. Begin packing for your new location.

Travel items. Set aside items you’ll need while traveling and those needed until your new home is established. Make sure these are not packed in the moving truck!

Scan your furniture. Check furniture for scratches and dents before so you can compare notes with your mover on moving day.

Prepare floor plan. Prepare floor plan for your new home. This will help avoid confusion for you and your movers.

MOVING DAY

Review the house. Once the house is empty, check the entire house (closets, the attic, basement, etc) to ensure no items are left or no home issues exist.

Sign the bill of lading. Once you’re satisfied with the mover’s packing your items into the truck, sign the bill of lading. If possible, accompany your mover while the moving truck is being weighed.

Double check with your mover. Make sure your mover has the new address and your contact informaton should they have any questions during your move.

Vacate your home. Make sure the utilities are off, doors and windows are locked and notify your real estate agent you’ve left the property.