MAKING YOUR RELOCATION TO PRESCOTT, AZ EASIER!

Let’s face it, moving day is no picnic. Experience has taught us organization is the key to making your relocation to Prescott, AZ as smooth as possible.  By using these helpful tips, your move will be much more organized and less stressful.  If we can be of assistance, contact us, your Prescott, AZ real estate experts.

• Host a garage or yard sale to get rid of outgrown or unused items. If time prevents you from holding a yard sale, consider donating the items to a charitable organization like the Salvation Army or the Goodwill Foundation.
• Use sturdy, reinforced boxes, and if packing fragile items, pack them with care.
• Consider using bubble wrap or other packing material for extra cushion and security.
• If you secure free boxes at your neighborhood supermarket or liquor store, just remember they are not reinforced.
• Mark fragile boxes so movers can identify them quickly and easily. Be sure you point out to your mover those boxes that contain high-value items and secure extra insurance for those items.
• Pack dishes, bowls, plates and other glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked.
• Pack heavier items in smaller boxes.

Don’t forget to label your boxes, especially any box that contains items that are needed immediately such as sheets and towels. You’ll need those items first when you move in. Here are more great moving tips.

• Create an “OPEN ME FIRST” box containing personal essentials like toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, paper plates, paper cups, paper towels, snacks, instant coffee or tea bags, soap, flashlight, tools (screwdriver, pliers), and any other items your family can’t do without. Have this box available so it can be removed first from the moving van.
• Take your old phone book with you just in case you need to contact someone from your former home.
• Exchange your contact information with the mover’s foreman in case you need to contact each other.
• Read all moving documents before you sign anything. If you don’t understand something, ask for a clear explanation.
• Note your shipment’s registration number, and keep your Bill of Loading handy during the move.
• If you’re moving long distance, it’s possible your household goods and personal belongings could be on a truck with someone else’s goods too.
• If this is the case, your mover may have to warehouse your furniture and belongings for several days.
• Ask your mover if your goods will remain on the truck until delivered. If they have to be stored, ask if you may inspect the warehouse for security, organization and cleanliness.
• Lastly – take all your personal documentation (medical records, school records, financial records) and medications with you for your security and for your convenience.

TAKING CARE OF THOSE YOU LOVE!

There are other moving tips to remember when relocating with your kids and pets. Be sure to contact us to request these special tips to make your move with kids and pets safe and sound.

STEP 1: FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD

• Determine what you’ll be able to afford in mortgage payments each month, as well as what you can invest initially as a down payment. Keep in mind additional costs like closing costs, fees, homeowners insurance, and taxes will all add to the overall costs. Be sure to check your credit score, and remember that just because you don’t have a traditional 20% down payment doesn’t mean you can’t buy a home!

STEP 2: SHOP FOR A LOAN AND GET PREAPPROVED

• Finding a trustworthy lender and determining what type of loan you’ll qualify for will help you figure out how much home you can actually afford. Get recommendations, check with the Better Business Bureau, and be sure to talk to at least three or four lenders before making a decision. Need recommendations for lenders in Prescott? Contact us at [email protected]!

STEP 3: DETERMINE THE SELLING PRICE OF HOMES IN YOUR LOCATION

• If you have a preferred location or neighborhood, find out the actual selling price of homes in that area – not just their listing price to confirm whether you can actually afford that location. Have a particular neighborhood in Prescott you’d like to check? Request your neighborhood sold report here!

STEP 4: FIND AN AGENT

• Your agent should be someone you know you can trust, an expert on real estate in your area and neighborhood, and very proficient in working with buyers of your experience. Looking for an agent in Prescott? Find out more about our experience and how we can help you buy a home!

STEP 5: FIND YOUR HOME

• This is the fun part, where you get to visit open houses, tour homes, make notes, and really hone in on your perfect dream home! Make sure you keep detailed records of the homes you visit, noting things you liked, didn’t like, pros and cons, etc. Taking pictures can also keep your memory fresh. Buying a home in Prescott? Start searching for your dream home today!

STEP 6: MAKE AN OFFER

• When you find your favorite home, work with your agent to determine a competitive but reasonable offering price. You’ll want to choose a number that is comfortably within your price range but competitive enough that it won’t cause the seller to immediately reject your offer.

STEP 7: GET AN INSPECTION

• Nothing’s finalized yet, so make sure you’re getting your money’s worth! Ask your real estate agent to recommend a trusted home inspector to walk through the house and check for any potential defects or problems. If necessary, you can request that the seller repair any issues you find.

STEP 8: REVIEW YOUR CONTRACT

• Before you sign any paperwork, it’s important that you carefully read over the contract with your agent or lawyer to ensure there are contingencies – that is, if something falls through with your mortgage, you aren’t still obligated to buy the home.

STEP 9: FINALIZE YOUR MORTGAGE APPROVAL

• Work with your chosen lender to submit your mortgage application, review predicted closing costs, and have your home appraised. Common closing costs include attorney fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, home inspection fees, courier fees, government recording fees, and taxes.

STEP 10: CLOSE AND PAY

• It’s time to close! Meet with your agent, lender, and the seller to finalize the paperwork, sign your contracts, and pay your down payment and closing costs. Finally – the keys to your new home!

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS OR READY TO GET STARTED?

If you’re thinking of buying a home in Prescott, then it’s time to contact The Cahn Team. We’re your local real estate experts. Not only can we answer all your buying questions, we can help connect you with the resources you need to make an informed decision so you’re sure to find your dream home at just the right price. Take a look at some of the home buying resources we have to offer.