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Tips to make your next move hassle free
You’re starting a new life in a new city, and the countdown to moving has begun. You’ve got a limited time to find a house and sell the old one before uprooting your family to start afresh. This is not going to be easy. After all, moving with children comes with challenges. But, it could be exciting and rewarding for your family, especially if you keep a positive mindset. Just take everything step by step and don’t get overwhelmed.
Here’s a few moving tips to get you started:
Selling for maximum value
First things first. It’s important to get the most out of your home when you put it on the market. To achieve this, it’s worth undertaking some DIY projects, but only if the time and money you spend pays off in the end. According to one expert, just changing the cabinets in a kitchen can make it feel renovated. Other quick fixes include painting the interior and keeping the yard neat and trim.
Then, you’re likely wondering “How do I find the value of my home?” There are a number of online tools and calculators that can help you in this search. In reality, the most important thing to remember is that the value of your home is equal to what someone will pay for it.
Of course, the right real estate agent will provide you the best advice regarding the value of your home. Begin by gathering referrals, but don’t go only on rave reviews from friends and family. You’ll need someone who is familiar with the area in which you live. Once you’ve narrowed down the search, make sure they are the right fit for your personality and ask about their experience.
Finding the right home
Before you begin the search for a new home, develop a realistic budget based on the value your current residence as well as your monthly income if you plan to take out a mortgage. Research home prices in your area. For example, the median listing price for a home in Paramus, N.J., is $695,000. Once you’ve settled on a price range, make sure your real estate agent has local knowledge and shows you homes only in your price range.
Let the agent know that because you’re moving with children, you’re interested in foreclosures. These can be an absolute steal at up to 15 percent less than market value, according to the real estate experts at Zillow®. Fixer-uppers can also be diamonds in the rough, as long as the house doesn’t have too many structural faults that eat up your savings with extensive renovations.
Preparing your children
Once you’ve settled on a home, it’s time to talk with your kids. This can be a very difficult experience, as they’ll have to leave their friends, their school and their regular routine behind. The Art of Happy Moving suggests breaking it down into three steps:
- Tell them why and where you are moving
- Tell them when you are moving
- Give them three things they can be excited about in your new home
After that, give them time to ask questions. They will likely be most concerned about seeing their friends, which may only be possible through Skype® and social media if you’re moving far away. You may consider giving them a gift, such as a new toy they’ve been eyeing, to ease the transition, but be careful not to make promises you can’t keep.
Moving tips for packing your belongings
Pro moving tip: Keep the kids out of the way while packing. One contributor to the Washington Post recommends you pack while they’re asleep or while they are away at family or friends. Also, get started months before you think is necessary, as packing often takes longer than you expect.
Remember, charities are your friend, and you should not be stingy in donating old items you no longer need, as they’ll only add to your workload later on. For the items you’re taking with you, use a color-code system for each person’s belongings when placing them in boxes to make it easier to unpack when you get to your destination.
Decorating together
Your new home will be a place for everyone to enjoy. It’ll be easier for young kids to feel at home if you frame their art and put it on the walls. Also, give them a chance to decorate their own rooms in their own style. This helps them feel comfortable in their own space while building trust.
Settling in will be much easier once you find some exciting things to do together as a family, like going to a fair or seeing a local sports team play. Before long, the move will be a distant memory, and your entire family will thrive in your new home!
Ask how we can help
We know searching for and buying a home can be both exciting and stressful, especially when you are moving with children. But we can help! Ask us about our Home Buyer Savings Program, which pre-qualifies you for a mortgage through Greater Alliance Federal Credit Union. Contact us or call 800-963-1937 today.