BUYER'S TIPS

Buying your home or other real estate is a stressful time. We've tried to pull together some information that may be helpful to you in preparing for this giant undertaking. To-do lists, reminders and things to think about are found here for your benefit. We hope you find these tips helpful.

RELOCATION TIPS - MOVING CHECK LIST

The following check list will assist in making the relocation process more organized. An important aspect of a successful move is pre-planning.

Find out what to do before the move and things you may overlook on moving day. Also, prepare yourself with the minimal necessities during the moving process. Finally, plan ahead and prepare your new residence for your arrival.

What to do before moving day:

Schedule rental truck and/or moving company at least six weeks in advance.
Begin gathering packing supplies and start packing early.
If you are renting, notify your landlord or management company at least 4 weeks in advance.
Contact utility companies and schedule shut off dates. These include water, electricity, gas, cable, trash service, telephone, etc.
Call your local phone company at least two weeks before your move to either transfer your number or request a new number for your new home.
Have gas, electric and water services connected at your new residence the day before you move in. Have services scheduled to be turned off at your old address the day after you move.
Arrange for cable installation at your new address.
Notify post office of new address and mail change of address forms at least one month in advance.
The following will be forwarded at no charge for the period indicated:
- First Class, Priority and Express Mail: 12 months unless otherwise requested by mailer.
- Newspapers and Magazines: 60 days.
- Packages weighing 16 ounces or more: 12 months locally (you pay forwarding charges if you move outside the local area. If you do not want this class of mail forwarded, contact your local Post Office).
- Mail Address Change Notification cards to people and businesses who send you mail.
If you have pets and/or plants, you need to arrange for their transfer. Most moving companies cannot move them for you.
If you need to dispose of hazardous products, call 1-800-cleanup.

Specific Tasks You Don't Want to Overlook

If you are traveling a great distance, have your car serviced 2 weeks in advance.
Make hotel reservations if you are traveling long distance or are unable to move in to your residence right away.
On moving day carry hard-to-replace items with you, such as jewelry, family photos, etc.
Make sure to back-up your computer files before you disconnect and pack it away.

Last Minute Tasks for the Day of the Move

Pack a survival kit with enough essentials to tide you and your family over for at least 24 hours:

Personal needs - eyeglasses, medication, extra clothes, etc.
Bathroom needs - towels, soap, toilet paper, etc.
Cleaning needs - sponges, cleaners, broom, dustpan, etc.
Kitchen needs - snacks, drinks, disposable utensils, cups, and plates, etc.
Basic tools - hammer, screwdrivers (phillips head & flat head), knife, tape, etc.
Payment for movers.
Keys and directions to your new home.

Responsibilities at your future address:

Arrange to register your children in new school(s).
Familiarize your children with their new environment.
Put together your children's and your own health records - keep these handy during your move.
Look for new doctors and dentists.
Update or open new bank accounts.

NEIGHBORHOOD TIPS Keep Your Children Safe in Their New Environment

Educate Your Children
Encourage your children to memorize their new address and phone number prior to the move. Make sure you practice with them every opportunity you have and reward them. Visit their new school the day before their first day to familiarize them. As a result, they will feel more comfortable on their first day.

Become Familiar with the Area
It is important to familiarize your children with surrounding streets, stores, parks, playgrounds etc. Walk through the neighborhood to show them acceptable routes they are allowed to travel and acceptable places they may visit, such as a park or a playground. To help them learn quickly, practice the name of the streets and pick a landmark to associate the street with. Discourage your children from taking shortcuts. Encourage them to always stay on the main roads. Finally, establish a safe place or person they can go to for help in case you are not available to assist them.

Meet the Neighbors
Introduce yourself and your kids to the new neighbors. By doing this, you establish a favorable beginning relationship and create the opportunity of introducing your kids to their kids.

Instruct Your Children to Check First
Your kids will most likely make friends in the area. Instruct them to ask permission before they go anywhere with their new friends, including in their homes.

Establish an Emergency Plan
Create a list of emergency phone numbers and place in a designated area. Include emergency numbers such as fire, police, poison control, hospital, etc. Also create a list of your pager, work, and cellular phone numbers. Designate two other people to contact for help if your children cannot contact you.

Reinforce "Home Alone" Rules
Your kids should never open the door for someone you don't know, whether or not you are home. In addition, they should make sure that all doors and windows remain locked.

If a stranger should telephone and ask for personal information, warn your children against revealing any personal information. Instruct them to tell the caller you are not available and take a message.

Reinforce the Rules
Your children will follow these rules if they are reminded on a regular basis.
- Walk the neighborhood with your kids now and then.
- Have them recite and spell their name, address and phone number a few times a week.
- Have them point out the location of emergency numbers.
- As long as these rules are adhered to, your family will enjoy a safe and comfortable environment!