Right now rates are low and home choices are plentiful. But no matter which way the market is leaning, it’s essential to work with a professional. REALTORS have an objective eye and are experienced in seeing things from both a buyer’s and a seller’s ®
perspective. Now more than ever, you need a REALTOR to help you achieve your goals and realize your dreams. ®
Every market’s different, call a REALTOR today. ®
Ask if your agent is a REALTOR,®
a member of the National Association of REALTORS®
©2007 National Association of REALTORS®.
National Association of REALTORS® www.REALTOR.org
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine Homes & Land has been connecting homebuyers and sellers for more than 34 years. We understand that whether you are a first time or seasoned homebuyer, quality information about the sales process can put your mind at ease. The articles in Move Magazine will help you navigate the process of buying and selling your home.
What Makes a REALTOR® Your Best Professional Resource?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The Path to Home Ownership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Buying
The Difference between Wants and Needs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Process of Borrowing Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 What’s in a Title?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 My Offer Was Accepted. . . Now What?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Homeowner’s Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Selling
The Right Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Ready to Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Setting the Stage for Your Open House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Moving
It’s Packing Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . It’s All in the Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Things to Consider. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Your Move and Your Children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Your Move and Your Pets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 22 23 24 26
Remodeling
Building and Remodeling Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Building on Your Investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Home Maintenance Check List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Important Phone Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Move Magazine is published by Homes & Land Affiliates, LLC, P.O. Box 5018, Tallahassee, Florida 32314, Telephone 850-574-2111. Copyright © 2007 Homes & Land Affiliates, LLC. Reproduction of any photographs, artwork or copy is prohibited without the prior written permission of the publisher. The articles in this magazine are provided for informational purposes only. Homes & Land Affiliates, LLC is not responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, omissions, or typographic errors. Written by Gabrielle Sertich Chavers; edited by Carolyn Hicks and Caroline Berryman; designed by Michael J. Reino.
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine — 3
WORKING WITH A REALTOR速
Contracts and Negotiation Realtors® are trained to understand and negotiate the terms of contracts. They are well-versed in the language of real estate and will help you navigate through the homebuying process. If problems arise, Realtors® have the expertise and training to hold transactions together.
Up-to-Date Knowledge In order to maintain an active real estate license, Realtors® must take continuing education courses on a regular basis. These courses keep them up-to-date on trends in the real estate industry. Realtors® must also complete coursework on real estate law, and can elect to fulfill additional education requirements in areas including market trends, sales techniques, technology and marketing.
Marketing and Sales Experts
What Makes a REALTOR® Your Best Professional Resource?
Realtors® have the ability to network within their profession and to place homes for sale on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). They can customize marketing and sales programs specific to the property. These programs can include advertising in Homes & Land Magazine and other print media, the Internet, and sending direct mail to a large database of potential customers.
Code of Ethics Realtors® must have a current license in good standing with the state agency that licenses real estate professionals. Compliance with these agencies and The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) code of ethics is critical; it is the basis against which real estate practice is measured.
Specialties Many Realtors® are accredited in areas of specialty that offer additional benefits to customers. For example, some agents may have a specialization in luxury or second home sales, some may focus on first-time homebuyers and others may have expertise in farm or rural land sales.
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine — 5
The Path to Home Ownership Buying a home can be an emotional event. When we find the perfect house for sale we quickly become connected and the house resonates as “home.” However, there are many steps involved in buying a home, and these steps take time. Focus on the process and stay organized to avoid any emotional ups and downs. Rely on sound advice from your real estate professional and use the resources available to you, such as this publication, to help you stay on track.
How Much Can You Afford?
Assess Your Monthly Expenses
Some sources say that people can generally afford a house that costs from two to three times their annual income. For example, if your annual household income is $100,000 then you could afford a house worth $200,000 - $300,000. This is a general rule of thumb and does not take into account any debt or general lifestyle expenses. Before leaping to a set price range, make sure you know the mortgage payment you can comfortably afford.
If you don’t have one already, create a budget that lists and totals all of your current financial obligations and living expenses. If you pay a quarterly or annual payment be sure to include the monthly portion in your expense list. It is important to identify the “grand total” of your monthly expenses. This is because your mortgage company will review the expenses compared to monthly household income in order to determine the loan amount for which you will qualify. The higher your percentage of total debt obligations, the less you will be qualified to borrow.
Establish Your Priorities Establishing the difference between what you want and what you need in a home is a critical first step. Do you need to be located near public transportation or in a certain school district, or are you at the stage in your life where unobstructed views and privacy are your priority? You need to think about these issues early on.
Home ownership offers a sense of security and accomplishment. It also has the potential to offset your taxes and provide a return-on-investment.
THE PATH TO HOME OWNERSHIP
Set Money Aside When you find a home and wish to make the seller an offer, it is often customary to supply a good faith deposit to demonstrate your genuine interest in the property. This amount is usually written into the contract and applied to the sales price if your offer is accepted. Deposits may be as low as $500 - $1,000 or, in some cases, a percentage of the sales price between 1% and 10%.
Get the Low-Down on Down Payments The final procedure in which documents are signed and recorded and the property is transferred is commonly known as the closing. Down payment refers to the amount of cash the buyer needs to present at closing. At one time, the norm was a down payment of at least 20% of the home’s cost. However, in recent years, lenders have offered mortgage options with lower down payment requirements. Talk to your lender about your options. Be advised that the less you put down, the more it will increase your monthly principal. Additionally, since most sellers are looking for a quick and smooth closing they will be more likely to entertain offers from buyers with proven financial qualifications and higher down payments.
Consider Closing Costs Additional costs will be charged to both the buyer and seller at closing. Closing costs can include title company and/or
attorney fees, home inspection costs, title search fees, taxes, bank fees, and termite inspection fees. Many of these costs are based on services required by your lender and others are legally required depending on where the home is located. Closing costs will vary from market to market, but can range from 1% to 5% of the value of the home.
Review Moving Options Whether you hire a moving company or do it yourself, moving costs vary. You can create savings by determining what items you can pack and move on your own.
Now You’re Ready After you have set your priorities and reviewed your expenses to determine how much house you can afford, the next step is to start looking for a home.
Personal and Living Expenses • Grocery bills • Utilities, phone, cable and Internet • Medical bills and prescriptions • Children’s school expenses • Pet care • Entertainment • Clothes • Memberships
Debt Obligations • Credit cards • School loans • Automobile loans • Alimony • Child support • Existing mortgages • Insurance policies
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine — 7
Buying
The Difference between Wants and Needs Create a priority and wish list; stay organized to find your best match Looking for a home to buy is similar to any shopping excursion. You can either impulse buy and risk buyer’s remorse, or target your needs and find the perfect house. Before you shop, arm yourself with a list of priorities. Include features that you need versus features that you want in your new home. Research printed materials and real estate websites like HomesAndLand.com to get a feel for the market. Preparation will not only pay off toward finding the right home, it will give you a better understanding of the market and inventory that’s available.
Evaluate Prospective Homes Now that you have set your priorities, you can begin your search. As you find homes of interest, put them in a file and note which features match your list of needs. Ask your Realtor® for listing sheets describing the specifications and key features of the homes you tour. After seeing even just a few homes, it can be difficult to remember certain attributes, so it is important to take notes. Compare each listing sheet with your graded priorities sheet. Focus on your “A” items, and your “must-haves.”
This exercise will help you focus your attention on the features that are most important to you. Using the letters A through C, grade each item below by level of priority. In some instances, you may have to write-in additional information to clarify your desires.
A = Mandatory
BUYING
B = Neutral
C = No Desire
___
One Story
___
Covered Porch
___
Two Story
___
Outside Deck
___
Minimum Number of Bedrooms ____
___
Brick Exterior
___
Minimum Number of Bathrooms ____
___
Siding Exterior
___
Jacuzzi Tub
___
Wood Exterior
___
Separate Shower
___
Stucco Exterior
___
Half Bath
___
Hardie Board Exterior
___
Garage for ____ Cars
___
Swimming Pool
___
Carport
___
Fenced Yard
___
Great Room
___
Large Yard
___
Formal Living Room
___
Landscaped Yard
___
Formal Dining Room
___
Natural Gas (water heater, kitchen, fireplace)
___
Upgraded Kitchen Appliances
___
Septic Tank
___
Granite or Upgraded Kitchen Countertops
___
Sewer System
___
Breakfast Nook
___
Waterfront Property
___
Storage/Closet Space
___
Golf Course Property
___
Basement
___
Located in _______________ school zone(s)
___
Bonus Room/Play Room
___
Close to public transportation
___
Fireplace
___
Located within _____ miles from work
___
Hardwood Floors
___
Located within ____ miles from _________
___
Inside Laundry Room
___
Located in a homeowners’ association
The Process of Borrowing Money Understanding Mortgages When a mortgage is obtained to buy your house, the property acts as collateral on the loan. If you default on your loan payment, the lender can take possession of the home to satisfy the debt. The mortgage agreement officially binds the homeowner to the terms of the mortgage which include: principal (the actual loan amount), interest (the additional percentage for borrowing the principal), property taxes and homeowner’s insurance.
Three Categories of Loans FHA-Backed Loans The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a government agency within the Department of Housing and Urban Develop-
There are two basic types of mortgages containing many financing alternatives. Fixed Rate Mortgages Fixed rate mortgages provide loans where the interest rate is locked-in and you will not pay more or less interest if the national rate fluctuates over the time of your loan. Fixed rate mortgages are usually provided in 15 and 30-year terms. Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) ARMs usually offer lower interest rates than fixed rate mortgages for the initial life of the loan. That period could be the first 3, 5, or 7 years, depending on the lender and their various programs. After the initial period, your interest rate would adjust to the market. If you choose an ARM, be sure that the lender’s program specifies a cap that restricts your interest rate from increasing beyond a specified level.
Qualifying for a Mortgage Qualifying for a mortgage is based on several guidelines. First, you will be evaluated on the ratio of your expenses to your household income. As a general rule, monthly expenses and long- term debt should not be higher than 36% of your household’s gross monthly income.
ment (HUD). The FHA does
If your percentage of debt is higher than this, you may need to pay off some loans, work toward providing a higher down payment or consult with your lender to determine the best approach. Second, the lender will look at your credit report. The better your credit and financial status, the better interest rate and/or higher loan amount will be offered by the financial institution. In addition, the lender will examine all of your financial records and accounts as viable proof that you can afford the home and are a qualified buyer.
VA Loans
Organize your documents, fix your credit blemishes and you’ll be ready to shop for the most appropriate mortgage to buy your home.
not lend money to borrowers directly or regulate interest rates. The FHA secures funds provided by FHA-approved lenders. If you go with an FHA-backed lender, mortgage insurance costs (premiums) will be built in to your initial monthly payments.
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) provides loans that are partially guaranteed up to a certain amount for qualified veterans. Those eligible include only active military personnel, veterans or surviving spouses of veterans. Conventional Loans Conventional loans are usually provided by private lenders. Conventional loan options are relative to the amount of down payment a buyer can afford. Any down payment amount under 20% of the cost of the home will likely incur private mortgage insurance (PMI) charges. PMI insures the lender if the buyer defaults on payments. PMI is calculated by a set cost per “point.” A point is a mortgage term that equates to the cost of a loan. One point is one percent of the loan amount. The less cash you put down, the more points you must “buy” to insure the loan. The cost of the points is usually built in to your monthly payments.
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine — 9
Documents Required by Lenders: In addition to getting your general information such as all legal names, social security numbers, dates of birth and present addresses of all buyers who will appear on the loan, the lender will need many personal documents to process the application. Save time by collecting and copying the following: • Salary documents – most current W2 and two most current paycheck stubs • Verification of any bonus, commission or stocks cashed • If self-employed, two years of 1099 forms, previous tax returns and balance sheets
Obtaining Good Credit and Securing a Loan What is credit, exactly? Credit is your entire financial and public records history. Your financial history is created when you owe money such as a car payment, student loan or credit cards. Your public history includes anything that would be recorded by the courts such as outstanding taxes, liens on your property, bankruptcy or judgments (by the court or lawsuits against you).
• Current accounts/bank statements; include checking, savings, money market accounts, 401K, IRA or life insurance • Documents of any retirement or Social Security income • If disabled, statement of disability income • Copies of any rental leases that are in effect
Your credit history is recorded by third party companies like Experian® and Equifax®. A grade between 300-850 is applied to your credit history. This grade is known as your credit score. The higher your score, the better credit you have and the greater your likelihood of qualifying for a loan. A mortgage company or bank will check your credit immediately when you apply for a loan. Therefore, it is important to maintain good credit over time.
• A copy of the deed from any other property you might own. If you own free and clear, provide proof such as the satisfaction of mortgage statement
BUYING
Cleaning Up Your Credit Score If you are a first time buyer and don’t have a credit history you can provide the financial institution with a non-traditional report. Make copies of your rental checks, car insurance and utility bills to demonstrate on-time payment. You can also ask your landlord or utility company to write a letter endorsing you as a responsible customer who makes timely payments.
If you have a credit history, review it carefully to make sure it is accurate. Make sure you fulfill payments on the items that are owed and correct any errors you find in your credit history. Most importantly, be sure to obtain proof from each lender on every charge that you reconcile. If you have a history of late payments, this will work against your credit rating. The best remedy is to start paying your bills the day you receive them in the mail. Build consistency over time to demonstrate that you are reliable and will pay the money you owe. Finally, it is best to avoid making any large credit card purchases or applying for any other loans such as tuition or car financing when preparing to purchase a home. If possible, don’t make employment changes until after the home buying process. Any change in financial status or acquiring new debts can signal instability and cause a delayed process or denied loan. Once you establish good credit, get preapproved and pre-qualified with your financial institution. With a documented mortgage status, buyers and sellers will have confidence in accepting your offer. Moreover, the most common deal-killer is finding out that you don’t qualify for a loan after submitting an offer on a house.
What’s in a Title? Understand the Road to Rightful Home Ownership In the old days, the method used to convey ownership of a property included a public assembly where townspeople would witness the transfer from buyer to seller. The owner announced his relinquishment of the property and symbolically gave a handful of earth to the new owner as a sign of the good deed.1
Deed & Title Defined Today, the deed is the written document and instrument that conveys one’s legal ownership of a property. Similar to earlier times, it is not considered official unless the transfer of the property is witnessed and served publicly. For these reasons, witnesses and/or a notary will be present at your closing. Your title – essentially your right to the property – will be properly recorded with the local government.
How to Protect Your Title
What is a Survey? A survey is the procedure by which a property is measured to determine its precise boundaries. Having a survey conducted is important to the documentation of your ownership of the true property. A survey confirms the original lot lines and identifies any other specific items that might affect it such as easements, common areas, fences and other structures. The survey is usually ordered by the buyer. Your Realtor® can supply you with a list of surveyors or help arrange a survey for you. The survey must be provided to the buyer’s lender and the title company/closing attorney.
Why is an Appraisal Required? An appraisal is simply an estimated value of the home usually required by the lender. It is required so that the lender has assurance you are paying the proper market value for the home. An appraisal should be conducted by a licensed and certified appraiser. The value arrived at by the appraiser will not be based on the price you have offered for the house. The appraiser evaluates similar homes through sales comparisons and cost depreciation formulas.
There is often a long history of ownership behind a property, which is why running a title search and purchasing title insurance are so important. In most cases, the lender Once a buyer goes to conwill provide your real tract, a real estate attorney Title insurance protects the buyer from estate professional with a or title company should perany loss due to a defect in the title that list of approved appraisform a title search to access was not previously exposed. ers. Be advised that if the the records of the property appraised price comes in through the county. They lower than the price you will investigate any possible offered, it may affect your loan. You might have to deter“cloud” or encumbrance on the title, or any previous claim mine whether you are overpaying and/or discuss with the to ownership that might impede the transfer of ownership lender or the seller. Again, your real estate professional will to you. help you navigate the process. If the appraisal comes in at the price you offered or slightly higher, you will likely be in Usually title searches come up “clean.” However, since it is great shape to proceed with your mortgage qualification almost impossible to fully investigate every document and process. previous owner, title insurance is highly recommended. Title insurance protects the buyer from any loss due to a defect in the title that was not previously exposed. Even if your home is new construction, the land that it sits on could have a long ownership history and title insurance is most relevant to this circumstance as well.
1 Florida Real Estate Principles and Law, Linda L. Crawford
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine — 11
My Offer Was Accepted. . . Now What? You found your dream home, made an offer, and it was accepted. What do you do now? There are numerous steps that must be completed before you go to closing. This chart will give you a general idea of what to expect.
Step
When
Who or What
Why
Home Inspection
Immediately arrange for an inspection after your offer is accepted.
The buyer should look for a certified, reputable home inspector with a clean record; one with a construction or engineering background is particularly helpful. The inspector should provide you with a full report within a business week of the inspection.
Legally, the seller is required to disclose any known defects. Inspecting the house helps to unveil any unknown or potential problem areas that might require repair. Based on the findings in the inspection report, you may choose to have your agent renegotiate the terms of the contract with the seller.
Tip: Your real estate professional may be able to provide you with a list of qualified inspectors.
Tip: If there are repairs the seller is willing to make, be sure to follow up with your agent to keep tabs on when the work is complete.
Continuing and Finalizing the Loan Application Process
Call your mortgage advisor immediately after your offer is accepted.
You will need to provide your lender with all of your financial information and other documents throughout the mortgage process.
Upon finalizing all loan requirements, the lender will lock in your interest rate and provide you with appropriate paperwork reflecting all commitments.
Appraisal
During the loan application process
The buyer’s mortgage company often requires an appraisal. Usually, you can obtain a list of approved appraisers from your lender or your agent can help to coordinate an appraisal.
Your lender needs assurance that the price you are paying is realistic to protect its investment in providing you with the loan. The appraiser is independent of all parties.
Survey
It is generally recommended that upon receiving a qualification letter from your lender, the survey is ordered as soon as possible.
The survey is usually ordered by the buyer or the title company. Your real estate professional can supply you with a list of surveyors or help arrange it for you. A copy of the survey usually needs to be sent to your lender.
To indicate any easements or boundary issues with the property and to ensure there are no conflicts in ownership.
Termite Inspection
Within 30 days prior to closing
The seller usually orders the termite inspection, though it may fall under the buyer’s responsibility in some circumstances. The buyer should also check if their lender requires a termite report.
The homebuyer should be aware of any termite damage or need for treatment. Sometimes, if termite damage is found renegotiation can follow.
BUYING
Remember, this chart provides a general overview of the process. Real estate rules are different in every state and can vary from county to county. Always check with your real estate professional or an attorney to confirm the local rules and regulations.
Step
When
Who or What
Why
Purchase Homeowner’s Insurance
Purchase a policy within a few weeks of closing. If buying a property near water, you should look into insurance options immediately since coverage availability has lessened in recent years.
The buyer must research his own policy options. Once a policy is secured, provide the information and policy number to your lender.
Homeowner’s insurance is required by lenders in order to go to closing. In the event that something happens to your property, both you and your lender need to be protected.
Title Insurance
Before closing
Usually, the title company or real estate attorney will order title insurance.
Tip: Don’t be fooled if you have new construction. Title insurance is still recommended as there could always be an issue with the lot.
Title insurance protects your deed/ right to ownership in case there is a cloud on the title. A cloud is any encumbrance on ownership. For example, there could be a previous claim on the property or unsettled percentage of ownership in past records.
To lock in rates
Secure the Loan
Before closing
You and your lender finalize details.
Set-Up Utilities
Arrange ahead by one to two weeks before closing. The start date can be the day of closing as it usually belongs to the buyer.
The buyer should contact the utility provider to arrange for new service or transfer service from the seller’s name for water, gas and electric utilities. Set up phone and any other service.
Obtain a HUD Statement
24 hours before closing
The title company usually by law, provides the buyer with a closing statement (also called a HUD 1) the day before closing. The statement shows all buyer and seller costs and proceeds.
This is to allow review time for all the accounting as applied to the transaction.
Get a Cashier’s Check
Right before your closing/settlement date
The buyer should secure a cashier’s check to cover closing costs and down payment. Personal checks over $500 are not accepted by title companies.
The exact amount of your closing costs won’t usually be known until the HUD form is final. However, if you need more than 24 hours to get your cashier’s check, the title company can usually provide you with an estimate.
Go to Closing Prepared
Day of Closing
The buyer should bring all relevant monies, several forms of identification and previous paperwork to closing.
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine — 13
Helpful Information & Tips • Insurance companies can price your policy to cover the actual structure, your personal possessions, and how much liability coverage you want. • Take inventory of your home. Know its price and consider how much it would take to rebuild if necessary. Determine an estimated value of your personal possessions such as stereo equipment, valuable china, etc. The insurance agent can work with you to design a customized policy. Understand that some items you may want insured might incur additional premium costs. While you can certainly increase the level of coverage, note that most insurers have limits and caps.
Homeowner’s Insurance Financial Peace of Mind Purchasing a homeowner’s insurance policy is both a requirement of your lender and a necessity in life. If your home were destroyed in a fire you would still be responsible to pay back the loan regardless of how livable your house is. Beyond this, the most valuable aspect of a homeowner’s policy is the security of having one of your largest financial assets covered. Ultimately, your decision should not be based on whether or not to have insurance, but on what level of coverage is most appropriate for your needs. You can obtain insurance coverage estimates from any of the brand name agencies or from a local broker. Your Realtor® may be able to refer you to a reliable and resourceful insurance agent. Shop for the sake of cost comparison but make sure that you are comparing “apples to apples” since agencies can vary and policy coverage options can be categorized differently. Additionally, there are separate policy programs for single family homes, condos, mobile homes and income-producing rental units. Homeowner’s insurance policies usually cover damage to the structure and interior fixtures. If you are buying a condominium or townhouse, be sure to get a copy of the homeowners’ association policy to determine what is already covered. Often in condo-style living, anything outside of the interior walls of the unit such as the roof or siding may not be your responsibility.
BUYING
• Take pictures and inventory of your personal items and their worth. Keep this file off premises, perhaps in a lock box at the bank along with other important documents. Submitting this kind of document when filing a claim will speed up reimbursement by your insurer if your home is damaged or destroyed. • Recognize that most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage. The flood insurance policy often needs to be written separately. In some coastal areas, flood insurance may not be available. • Most policies require a deductible to be met before reimbursement. • You may be eligible for discounts on a premium if your home has certain safety features or falls into categories established by the insurance company. These items could include: a central security/burglar and/or fire alarm system; fire resistant material like masonry/brick; installed fire extinguishers; home was recently built or renovated by a licensed contractor.
. . . make sure that you are comparing apples to apples since agencies can vary and policy coverage options can be categorized differently.
Do’s Do weigh the advice of your real estate professional. Do consider offering incentives: • If in a hurry to sell, price the house just below market value • Provide seller financing • Purchase and provide a home warranty • Consider negotiating particular furnishings or appliances into the final contract that might interest the buyer • Offer a closing bonus on top of your agent’s commission if your home is sold before a specific time Do make a list of your home’s special features and any upgrades in
Selling The Right Price
Establishing the Value of Your Home In order to set the “right” price for selling your home you need to know comparable prices, available inventory, and trends in the real estate market. Your Realtor® will help you make a sound decision based on your home’s true market value. Realtors® offer a combination of expertise in sales, market conditions, contracts and the art of marketing and negotiating.
which you have invested. Review with your real estate professional. Do consider your estimated expenditures. Manage your expectations of any potential profit your home might render by calculating the net proceeds. Items that usually affect the seller are original cost and remaining mortgage obligations, taxes, real estate commissions, repairs, closing costs and moving costs.
Don’ts Don’t be emotional and argumentative about price. Properly pricing your home increases the likelihood of a timely sale. If you are insistent upon a higher than recommended price point, be prepared to wait it out as there is a chance your house will sit on the market longer. Condition of the home, price and timing are the three main variables in real estate sales. Don’t assume that offering a cash discount for a needed repair is
Realtors® should present you with a listing presentation that includes a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA). A CMA is an evaluation of the price of your home. The Realtor® will examine your home’s offerings against recent sales as well as current and expired listings to arrive at a recommended listing price for your home.
as effective as getting the problem fixed yourself. Buyers often do not want to be burdened with the work involved and would prefer buying a home in working order. Be sure you offer both options to see what the buyer prefers. Don’t expect that every upgrade or remodeling expense will provide a proportionate increase relative to your listing price. Certain items can have an impact or a good rate of return, while other features might simply help in making your home more attractive to buyers. Don’t forget to work with your tax professional regarding potential tax savings or capital gains for the sale of your home. Capital gains tax can be waived if the home was the owner’s primary residence for two out of the past five years. For singles, the first $250,000 is not taxed as capital gains and for married couples, the first $500,000.
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine — 15
Ready to Show Getting your home in picture-perfect condition can inspire great first impressions and offers Tidy-up & Organize One of the most common and cost effective methods of having your house show well is simply
There is a reason that the language of real estate sales includes terms like “showing” and “staging.” When you put your house on the market you’ll gain audiences comprised not only of house hunters, but of the real estate professionals who will be responsible for researching and showing the house.
cleaning and uncluttering. For example: • Steam clean existing carpet, clean tile and grout, and polish hardwood floors • Scrub bathrooms and kitchen to the point of sparkle • Dust and polish all furnishings • Dust or wash blinds; wash or replace window treatments • Clean all appliances inside and out • Clear all clutter such as toys, clothes, paper, files, or piles of anything • Organize items in boxes and create a separate space for storage—don’t stuff the clutter in closets • Clean and organize drawers and cabinets • Don’t forget the garage, basement and attic! While traditionally used for storage, make sure they are clean and uncluttered • Consider hiring a cleaning service on a weekly basis • Keep boxes and packing materials neatly in designated areas and don’t block walkways
SELLING
A home needs to be tidy, clutter-free and camera-ready before it hits the market. Because buying a home is a sensory experience, a home must look, feel and even smell appealing. The property needs to be maintained as such throughout the sales period because a potential buyer can surface at any time. Sometimes it is necessary to spend money before you make money. Fixing any broken items and refreshing the home can make the sale happen faster. These are often nominal expenses but can often result in an even higher sales price. Listen to the advice of your Realtor® and maintain an impartial view so you can address any of the operating or visual offenses that could create a poor impression on potential buyers.
Clean Smell • Air out your home and replace air filters • Keep your indoor pets clean and regularly clean their food bowls, cages, dedicated or enclosed pet areas and litter boxes • Keep your garbage outside of the main living areas and put it out for collection regularly • Consider installing air fresheners in the house but don’t
Make Repairs Most defects are eyesores that can impact prospective buyers’ enthusiasm. Repair broken or non-working items. Patch any decorative finishes like trim or loose tiles and replace functional items such as cracked toilet seats or yellowed switch plates. Make sure doors, drawers, cabinets or any movable items operate smoothly. Fix appliances that will be left behind as part of the contract for sale. Not only is it important to fix noticeable problems but repairing inoperable systems or fixtures that are not easily seen is highly recommended. More than likely, problems will be discovered during the home inspection. You may even consider hiring an inspector to identify issues and have them repaired.
Create Curb Appeal Curb appeal is the term used to indicate if a home is visually pleasing when viewed from the street. This includes the exterior of the house as well as the property. Also remember to address the back of the house; interested buyers will judge the house and land from the perspective of the backyard.
Freshen the Look Everyone’s taste in décor is different but there is a universal sales point in real estate: neutralize. This does not mean making your home bland; however, neutral colors and fresh walls and floors are generally more appealing. A good paint job is a great solution. Additionally, updating décor on the most basic level can add pizzazz, such as new window treatments and shower curtains or bath accessories. Unclutter too many displays of photos, collectibles and artwork. Your tastes may not translate and could hide the shelf or wall space where others might imagine their own pieces.
overdo it—even too much of a pleasant scent can overwhelm people
Curb Appeal • Pressure wash or freshly paint your home’s exterior • Touch up or clean your front door and all other doors including garage door, trim, shutters • Clean and align gutters • Wash windows • Polish hardware • Repair outdoor light fixtures or replace burned out bulbs • Repair or paint porch, fences, gates • Reseal driveway and tend to walkways and steps • Tidy landscaping by removing weeds, trimming lawn and shrubbery • Replace worn door-mats • Replace weathered door bell • Remove out-of-season decorations and tone down ornate lawn or home adornments
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Setting the Stage for Your Open House Holding an Open House is an effective way to market your home to qualified buyers.
Tips on Preparing for an Open House • Work with your Realtor® to designate a time frame for the Open House. Traditionally, Open Houses are held on the weekend to accommodate most people’s work schedules. Be mindful of government or seasonal holidays, and community or religious events that might diminish the number of potential visitors to your home. • Be sure your Realtor® publicizes the Open House approximately one week before it occurs. If your home is not on a main road provide specific directions in all advertising materials.
• Arrange for permission to hold the Open House if you are part of a homeowners’ association or CDD (Community Development District). • As a courtesy, notify your neighbors about the upcoming event. Some neighbors will stop in for a visit to satisfy their own curiosity and compare—they can provide good word-of-mouth advertising. • On the day of the Open House make sure directional signs are properly displayed along the most common routes leading up to your street. A prominent yard sign indicating the Open House should be placed in your front yard. • Keep your driveway clear to allow for parking. • Place marketing materials and your Realtor’s® business cards in the front entrance of your house.
SELLING
Securing Your Home It is prudent to take safety precautions and institute measures that deter people from using your things. • Your Realtor® should have a sign-in sheet for anyone who enters. Many companies now ask visitors for identification and record their driver’s license numbers for safety reasons • Pack away and lock up any prescriptions, collectibles, jewelry and valuable items
Staging the House “Staging” is a commonly used word in the real estate industry and means showing your home in its best light. To stage your home you should:
• Arrange for your children to
• Make repairs and get organized before marketing your home in any fashion. This particular rule should apply whether you have already moved and your house is vacant or if you are still occupying the space.
• If appropriate, in colder months have a fire in the fireplace.
• Secure pets off site or in a safe
• Liven up your home with fresh flowers and plants; however, be careful not to overwhelm the space. Safely placed candles can also add to the ambience.
• Keep window treatments and blinds open to provide unobstructed views.
be taken care of by guardians away from your home
and private space within the home where no one can let
• Brighten up dark corners by turning lights on in every room.
them out • Secure financial information and records. Lock away items personal hygiene • Deter people from using your
• Leave a closet door open to make the organized and ample space obvious.
bathrooms by tying down the toilet bowl cover with a pretty
• Play soft and soothing background music.
ribbon and placing a tent card
• Put freshly folded towels in the bathrooms. • Consider baking a pie or cookies to emit the fragrances that trigger “homey” feelings. Or, arrange bowls of potpourri, install air fresheners or burn oils that release proven natural comfort aromas like vanilla, apple or cinnamon.
representing private matters or
on sinks that politely requests they not be used
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine — 19
Moving: It’s Packing Time Moving can be stressful. Starting early and breaking down tasks into manageable time frames will reduce the pressure and potential mishaps. To avoid surprises, allow at least four to six weeks to get organized and follow this chronological checklist.
Before Packing: Off-load and Organize Get organized and dispose of unwanted furniture and possessions. Clean the items you want to take to your new house; it will make packing easier and unpacking will be more enjoyable. You may also want to: • Hold a garage sale or advertise furniture for sale • Give unwanted items away to Goodwill or charity • Coordinate with your sanitation department to cart away bulk items or extra garbage • Clean curtains, rugs or bedding that you are taking to the new house • Check with your moving company and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on what plants you can and cannot take with you—some moving companies and some states do not allow plants to be transported • Drain power equipment and grills of oil or fuel and have it properly disposed of—most moving companies will not transport flammable items
Moving Companies: Research, Get Estimates, Schedule Date In-state moves can generally be more expensive than out-of-state. Movers can add more loads onto the truck and make stops along the way when traveling long distances. Call and arrange for at least three reputable moving companies to come to your house and provide you with written estimates. Estimates: Consider asking the movers to provide you with two estimates—one that includes packing and one that does not. While it will likely cost a significant amount more, having the moving company pack your items for you may save you valuable time. Wardrobe: Ask if the movers will bring wardrobe boxes and if they will pack your clothes and shoes. This service may be an additional cost. Another option is for the movers to supply you with the wardrobe boxes and you do the packing yourself. Big item moving: Ask each moving company how they wrap large objects such as mattresses and box springs. Find out if padding and packing artwork, lamps and mirrors are part of the estimate; otherwise, you may need to pack them in advance. Don’t forget to inquire about packing outdoor furniture, lawn care equipment and oversized children’s play items. Insurance: Check into insuring your possessions. Most movers automatically insure for a nominal amount but this may not cover the cost of replacement. You can purchase additional insurance through your mover. Some homeowner’s policies cover your possessions during a move. Schedule: Be sure to schedule a date in writing and provide a deposit, but do not pay in full until the move is completed. Take note: Unless you pay the moving company to pack your items for you, they usually will only move your boxes and your furniture and will not handle loose items.
Packing Priorities There are items you will need as soon as you move into the new house. Put these items in boxes marked PRIORITY. Be sure to have a designated spot in the new house and alert your movers to place all priority boxes in that area for easy finding. • Basic kitchen supplies like your coffee maker, certain utensils, one pot, one pan, etc.—supplies that will get you through until you can unpack the rest of the kitchen boxes • A box of bed linens and towels so you don’t have to unpack everything to get to what you need • Toiletries and medications • A few outfits • Basic clothes and school supplies for your children • Pet food and medication for your pets • Handy household items like disposable plates, utensils and cups, light bulbs, trash bags • Tool box
Packing Materials Assuming you are packing your own items: • Price various sized boxes with your moving company and different shipping companies, but also check with local stores to see if they can provide you with free boxes • Save old newspapers—they are great wrapping material. If possible, try to get unprinted paper to wrap those items you don’t want to get ink on • Wear rubber gloves during packing to protect your hands and help grip slippery breakables • Everyday linens, towels, mats and other soft materials make great padding in between delicate items in boxes
• Wrap extremely delicate items in bubble wrap • A few other materials to have on hand include: styrofoam peanuts, packing tape, scissors, box cutting razors, indelible ink markers in a few colors and plastic garbage bags to protect pillows, linens, and towels
A few items you might want to carry with you:
• Your address book or electronic contact device • Personal electronic devices • Lap top computer • Special photos and mementos
If you pack in a systematic way you won’t be overwhelmed by the task. • Pack decorative items first such as artwork and col-
• Critical files such as deeds, insurance documents, bank account information, most recent credit card statements • Sentimental and personal items, and expensive jewelry, heirlooms
Packing Tips
lectibles • Have major valuables appraised and recorded • Clear all of the little things you don’t need on a day-to-day basis • Begin to pack room-by-room rather than jumping around • Mark the boxes clearly on all sides as to what rooms they belong in, and make smaller notes on one side of the box to identify specific items • Mark “fragile” where appropriate • Draw arrows facing upwards to show that a particular box should not be stored in any other position
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It’s All in the Details Change of Address
Utility Companies & Services
Fill out a change of address form at your post office. You can do this well in advance. The form usually asks for a date when the mail forwarding should begin. Also, alert all relevant parties; for example, email or mail postcards to:
Arrange for termination of services with old providers and schedule service dates at the new address for the services below. Note that you will need to keep your gas, electric and water services on low settings until the closing date or when the buyers take ownership.
• Friends, family, businesses, and business associates
• Phone
• Credit card companies and creditors
• Cable or TV access
• Insurance companies
• Internet connection
• Financial institutions
• Water
• Banks – if you must change to a bank closer to your home, arrange for a transfer of funds or close out all accounts at your old banks and open accounts in your new area
• Gas
• Magazine subscriptions
• Pest control services
• Electric • Lawn care providers or pool maintenance
• Clubs, memberships (gym, religious, social) • Newspaper subscriptions
MOVING
Things to Consider Go to the Doctor(s) Tips for Settling In
• Try to get all doctors’ appointments in before the move so you have time to research medical professionals in the new area • Ask your current doctors for any referrals they may be able to provide
• Determine how your additional garbage and discarded
Collect All Records
boxes should be handled
• Ask for a copy of medical records for yourself, family members and pets
• Contact the sanitation depart-
• Collect all school records
ment for a schedule and policy for recycling
• Don’t forget to collect any items you might have in a safe deposit box
• Contact any lawn or mainte-
Get Permission
nance services needed
• Check with the local government or any development association to alert them of your move and make arrangements for any street access, especially if you live on a main thoroughfare
• Make sure your phone company provides you with a phone book • Subscribe to any local publica-
Moving Company
tions, if so desired
• Confirm moving date, provide detailed directions and your new address to the moving company
• Buy maps of your local area
• Make arrangements and be prepared to have someone at the old house and the new house to supervise the move on both ends – most moving companies will require it
• Note the ‘lay of the land’
for all family members
• Get the name and cell phone number of the driver so you can be in touch for estimated time of arrival or if they get lost
and locate the local grocery
• Place “DO NOT MOVE” signs on any items in the house that do not go with you
organizations
• In the new house, place signs on all rooms indicating the name of the room. Indicate specific bedrooms and living areas so the movers know which boxes belong in each room • Keep some cash on hand to tip the movers
stores, shopping areas, restaurants, gyms, clubs, and
• Identify medical facilities, police and fire stations • Transfer insurance policies
Final Walkthrough
• Obtain new license tags and
• Walk through every room of the house and check for missed items. Don’t forget closets, drawers, cabinets, attic, basement, garage and storage areas
registrations for all vehicles
• Clean out your refrigerator and freezer • Service your car if you will be on the road for the move • Make sleeping arrangements at a hotel or bring sleeping bags or inflatable beds to the new home if you arrive before the movers
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine — 23
Your Move and Your Children Moving can be stressful for both adults and children. Stress for adults is generated by the numerous tasks that must be accomplished, whereas stress for children can be almost entirely induced by emotion. Pre-school youngsters often do not fully understand the scope of the impending move or the shifts in their environment, but they certainly sense the tension and the change. Grade school and middle school children will feel the pressures of change, and will also react over the possible loss of social connections they have with their friends, peers, teachers and group activity leaders. Take all of these factors and add a few more notches of impact for high-schoolers; they will also worry about how the move will affect their grades, and if they will be accepted socially into the new school. Most experts agree that the key to handling change with children is having good communication. Involving children in the process will ease their anxiety.
Prepare Selling Points
Create a Calendar
Before you break the news to your children, research the new town, community and schools they will attend. Write a list of the positive points you want to highlight and discuss. Collect brochures and print out Web pages about the neighborhood attributes and school offerings to give to your children. For young children, focus on prospective fun activities and show pictures of the new area. Communicate how you feel about the move and how it will benefit your family.
Be sure your children fully understand the timing involved with the move. Organize a calendar for young children. Communicate upcoming activities so they get a sense of when the move will happen. Put a large calendar on the refrigerator ticking off days and a countdown to the moving date.
Involve the Kids While taking kids to every listing you visit may not be feasible, be sure to involve them in seeing the houses you are most interested in. When you have chosen the house allow your kids to make decisions about their own rooms. Plan with them and involve them in decorating choices.
MOVING
Pack Together Have your kids clean and organize their rooms, and teach them how to pack. While this may be a fine time to get rid of items you consider clutter, be sensitive to a child’s sentimental connections to possessions. Letting children keep mementos or toys they are attached to may aid in their comfort. Consider having a box for a charity and present the idea that some possesions may benefit children in need.
Collect Records
Maintain Connections
New schools will require medical and vaccination records as well as school records and transcripts.
Allow your children to maintain their connections with old friends. Consider throwing good-bye parties. Give them an address book so they can collect contact information. Provide children with their own “I’m Moving” cards with the new address and phone number to give to their friends. Plan reunions for after you’ve moved and make sure you stick with your promises. Keep in mind, it is important to engage your children in new community and school activities so that they can begin to make new connections and friends.
Take Safety Precautions Make sure your kids know to dial 911 in the case of emergency or separation. Have them memorize and write down your cell phone number and the phone number of a trusted family member or friend in case of emergency.
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine — 25
Your Move and Your Pets A change in environment can be stressful for any animal. Pets are creatures of habit and have extremely sensitive nervous systems. Care should be taken to ensure that these special family members acclimate to the change.
Don’ts Don’t leave doors and windows open. Dogs and cats in particular may become confused in the new home and try to escape Don’t change routine or foods. Control as much as you can so your pets have some semblance of consistency Don’t leave pets unattended in a vehicle or in an open air section of a truck. They are sensitive to heat and cold and will need ventilation. The noise and the elements may also be overwhelming Don’t treat your pets like cargo. They should not be put in enclosed trunks or cargo space of rented trucks Don’t abandon your pets. If you cannot continue the responsibility of owning your animals, place them in a caring home or as a last resort an animal shelter
MOVING
Medical Preparations
Identification
Be sure to complete all of your pets’ veterinary check-ups and vaccinations prior to your move. Collect your pets’ medical records as they may be needed in your new location. Some animals are highly nervous and may have physical symptoms that surface from stress. Ask your vet if a prescribed tranquilizing medication would be feasible to help your pet during the move.
If your dog or cat doesn’t wear one already, provide a collar and tag with your new phone numbers and address or talk to your vet about micro-chipping. Clearly label kennel carriers or cages with contact information.
In the Car Despite the fact that dogs generally enjoy car rides, they are usually better off remaining in a car carrier or kennel. Be sure and stop frequently to walk dogs. Cats or caged animals need adequately sized carriers and should not be allowed out during the ride. Ask your veterinarian how to make your pets comfortable and how to handle food, water and any medications during car trips.
Air Travel Airlines have restrictions on pet weight, carrier size and how many carriers you are allowed to take on the plane. You will have to book your flight well in advance (six weeks is recommended) and pay a fee. Make sure you confer with your veterinarian – let them know the details of the plane trip and discuss appropriate carrier sizes, feeding, water and medication requirements for the pets’ voyage.
Quiet Space During packing, try to designate a safe, quiet room for your pets that is ventilated and has natural light. Include all of their essential feeding, watering, bedding, litter boxes and toys. While your pets may not be accustomed to space confinement, temporarily locating them away from stressful commotion and dangerous packing materials is a good idea. If possible, try to set up your new home before your pets are brought over. Ease your pets into their new surroundings. Interact with them gently and reassuringly on a regular basis.
Remodeling Building and Remodeling Tips Research Qualified Builders and Contractors
License to Build
• Network with your community or ask your real estate agent for names of licensed contractors.
• Building codes vary from market to market. You may need to apply for a building permit depending on the job you plan to undertake.
• Investigate the credentials of any workers or contractors you hire for a remodeling or renovation job. They should have an up-to-date license and a clean work history. • Check into the National Association of Home Builders or other organizations to verify if the contractor you’re considering is in good standing. • Ask the contractor for several references and be sure to call or meet the people for whom the contractor has worked. If possible, check the quality of the contractor’s work in person.
Explore Financing Options • Many types of home improvement loans are available and provide a great alternative to fronting a large amount of cash. • The cost of the construction loan can often be consolidated into your permanent mortgage for one easy payment.
• If your home is bound by certain rules of an association or a CDD (Community Development District) you may need prior written approval from the governing body. • You or your contractor can apply for your building permit but be sure to bring all required blue prints, plans and paperwork to the office of planning and zoning. • Be prepared to pay application fees for any permits.
Time is Money Many jobs take longer than expected due to issues surfacing after the contractor begins the project. It helps to put your expectations and budget in writing. Have your contractor sign off on your budget and timeline prior to begining the job. If a delay occurs, revisit the budget and expect your contractor to work with you to adjust the dollars. Avoid making changes in mid-stream as this can set off a domino effect resulting in delays and higher costs.
• Certain types of home improvement loans can offer tax deductions; check with the IRS or your tax professional. Make sure you keep all records and invoices to submit as proof.
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine — 27
Building on Your Investment Remodeling your existing home may increase your bottom line when you sell. Not all remodeling costs provide a proportionate increase in the value of your home, but being wise in your choices can lead to a great return on your investment. The remodeling projects that continue to come in at the top of most industry research studies are bathrooms and kitchens. These rooms can sometimes provide 90-100% rate of return. Other home improvements such as siding, window or roof replacement, and basement remodeling are considered good investment options. Adding an extra bedroom or expanding a master bedroom to include a sitting area and extra closet space can often increase the sales price as well. According to the National Center for Real Estate Research, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors®, garages more than pay for themselves, adding up to 12% to the selling price of the home. Fireplaces or laundry rooms located near the bedrooms will likely give a house a major sales advantage over an identical house without these features.
REMODELING
If you can’t spare the expense of a complete renovation, there are certainly more cost effective ways to update your home’s look or functionality such as painting, stripping away out-of-date wallpaper or redoing floors. A more costeffective alternative to kitchen or bathroom remodeling can be countertop replacement or cabinet re-surfacing. Other items are subjective as to whether they will be good investments. Pools and overly exotic landscaping are more often about individual preference and can be a great selling point only in certain geographical markets. Additionally, installing more trendy items on your wish list may not provide a return on your home’s final sales price. Examples of some current trends include home theaters and spa-like features in bathrooms such as saunas. While hardwood flooring is thought to be universally appealing, new flooring options like bamboo and concrete are popular in the design world. “Green living” is another trend in today’s home design. Using natural materials like natural fiber carpeting is increasingly common. Installing more energy-efficient systems and appliances, such as solar powered units, can significantly cut back on utility costs.
Home Maintenance Check List Your new house is similar to your car in that its parts will require regular check-ups. Home maintenance is important to ensure you have smoothly and safely running systems. Taking preventive measures can save time and reduce expenses in the long run. This checklist will help you keep track of what to monitor in your new home. Mark your calendar so you don’t miss service dates.
Check Monthly: q Vents q Air filters q Attic and basement for water, condensation, mold q Woodwork for termite damage or rot q Fireplace and ash if used q Plumbing, water pressure, drips q Roof – remove debris and repair loose shingles q Sump pump
Clean or Service at Least Twice a Year:
Check, Clean and Service Annually:
q Drainage, gutters, downspouts, sprinkler system
q Air conditioning unit
q Lubricate motors and add oil
q Heating unit
q Door hinges where needed
q Fuel tank
q Lubricate automatic garage mechanism
q Hot water heater
q Weather strip exterior doors
q Water pump
q Caulking inside of windows
q Septic system
q Rubber strip insulation inside of doors
q Fireplace and chimney
q Check exterior seals of all doors and windows
q Pool and Jacuzzi
q Grill parts, valves, gas
q Any exterior problems
Install, Test and Replace Batteries Quarterly: q Smoke detectors q Fire extinguishers q Security and fire alarm systems
q Broken siding or cracked masonry q Roofing, foundation issues q Driveway, walkways, steps q Porch, balcony, decking
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine — 29
Important Phone Numbers Fill in all relevant information and keep this list in a common area for easy access such as the refrigerator door or a bulletin board.
EMERGENCY – 911 TOWN CONTACTS
Police Station
Fire Station
Hospital
Poison Control
Sanitation/Garbage Collector
Tax Collector
Newspaper Delivery
UTILITY
NAME OF COMPANY
Electric
Gas
Water
Sewer
Cable / TV service
Internet Service Provider
TYPE OF SERVICE
PHONE NUMBER
PHONE NUMBER
NAME OF COMPANY
Lawn Care/Landscaping
Pest Control
Plumber
Electrician
Heating and A/C Service
Carpet Cleaner
Pool/Jacuzzi Service
Dry Cleaner
Bank
Babysitter
Pet Sitter
PHONE NUMBER
SCHOOL / TEACHER
MEDICAL SPECIALTY
NAME OF DOCTOR
Family Practitioner
Pediatrician
Dentist
Veterinarian
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
PHONE NUMBER
Homes & Land Presents Move Magazine — 31
HL022