Blog • Coldwell Banker • Elite News • January 22, 2020

Our Brand New Look

by Jay Parrish

Notice anything different about us?? That’s right, we debuted our brand new look last week as part of the Coldwell Banker #ProjectNorthStar rebrand! Our new logo: a sleek, updated mark on a field of our tried-and-true Classic Blue, topped with a “guiding star,” reflects our modern, tech-savvy agents while honoring our rich heritage of real estate success. We are so thrilled with how the new logo and complete aesthetic refresh has gone so far and we can’t wait to bring it to all of our offices! We kicked off our big reveal with an amazing launch party, complete with live music, delicious food, a fun photo booth and of course, plenty of swag with the new logo for our agents and staff.

Story Behind the Star

Since launching the rebrand, Coldwell Banker set upon a path to retell its brand story by solidifying its mission statement and recommitting to its core values. The new logo, called the “CB North Star,” symbolizes the Coldwell Banker network: in an ever-changing real estate landscape, agents remain a constant–guiding consumers as they navigate the home buying and selling process.

This concept of an ever-constant “guiding star” shining brighter than all the rest really resonated with us here at Coldwell Banker Elite. Our agents are more than just top-performing agents: we’re industry leaders, community activists, and local philanthropists. We’re a family-owned small business, but we get big-league results: we’ve been the #1 Coldwell Banker Affiliate in Virginia for the past 16 years. On average, our listings sell for 6% more money and over 7 days faster than our nearest competitors. We felt that the “North Star” symbolism in the new look really captured the essence of what we’ve built here at Coldwell Banker Elite.

What Happens Now?

Our offices are being updated to include more sleek, modern finishes and communal workspaces for better collaboration. Our signs and marketing materials are also getting a fresh new look with a streamlined, elegant design. The clean, modern look combined with the history and strength of the name Coldwell Banker makes for a powerful combination.

President and CEO, Kevin Breen, is excited for another opportunity to tell Coldwell Banker Elite’s story, “The rebranding gives us a chance to reintroduce ourselves to our consumers and peers. For the past 40 years, Coldwell Banker Elite associates have been making a positive impact in the community and to our clients. This new look and new story elements will help our Associates stand out even more and continue to be the most trusted advisors in the industry.”

“Coldwell Banker Elite is excited to be part of this journey,” said Angel Piontek, Vice President Marketing of Coldwell Banker Elite. “We can’t wait to leverage the fresh visuals of Project North Star and we believe this look will be ‘a head-turner’ in the greater Fredericksburg region. We appreciate the opportunity to help guide our brand to success for another 100 years.”

Blog • Buyers • Buying Luxury Homes • Need More Space • November 14, 2019

Customize Your Dream Home: Luxury New Construction

by Jay Parrish

The allure of being able to customize your dream home is undeniable. Just like sliding into a jacket tailored to your exact measurements or receiving a gift with your initials monogrammed on it–being able to truly put your own finishing touches on a luxury home is a dream come true. We have three luxury new construction listings that are ready and waiting for their new owner to customize and create! For more information about any of these 3 listings, please contact Charlotte Rouse or click on the links below!

804 Beverly Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22401

804 beverly drive farmhouse

804 Beverly Drive will eventually become this gorgeous Cape Cod with 4 spacious beds, 4.5 baths and over 3300 SF of living space! How amazing would it be to completely customize every aspect of this beauty?? Some highlights of the floor plan include a main level master bedroom, an eat-in kitchen with an island and a large rear deck for entertaining. Choose every finish of this to-be-built home in the established Westmont neighborhood, just five minutes from Downtown Fredericksburg and with easy access to Rt 1 and Rt 3!

806 Beverly Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22401

806 beverly drive rendering 806 Beverly Drive is just next door in the wonderful Westmont neighborhood, but with a completely different floorplan and a beautiful “farmhouse” look. The blueprint calls for 4 beds, 3 full and 2 half baths totaling almost 3300 SF of brand new living space. So many upgrades are already approved for this luxury new construction: cathedral ceilings in the master bedroom, upgraded carpets, granite countertops, and Wolf custom cabinets in kitchen and bathrooms. Finish it your way and get everything you’ve dreamed of while still being close to Downtown Fredericksburg!

empty lot to be built home

Lot 45 Downton Ave Spotsylvania, VA 22553

custom home craftsman new construction

Lot 45 on Downton Ave in Fortunes Landing along the Ni River Reservoir is still to-be-built but it’s going to be stunning: incredible open floor plan, upgraded finishes, hardwood floors, and a main level master bedroom! Bonus: the brand spanking new neighborhood has tons of nice-to-have amenities like walking trails, a waterfront public park, and a community center. Even though the lot is almost 3.5 acres, you’re still close to Downtown Fredericksburg, the VRE, and Spotsylvania Towne Centre!

luxury new construction

Blog • Communities • Elite News • September 19, 2019

Nick Calamos, CCIM Sells Roxbury Farm & Garden Center for $3.75M

by Jay Parrish

Congratulations to our awesome agent Nick Calamos, CCIM for helping the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board buy the Roxbury Farm & Garden Center property on the corner of Jackson Street and Lafayette Street. We are so proud of Nick’s hard work and dedication to his clients to make this sale happen! We couldn’t think of a better new owner for such a prominent property than the RACSB! The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board is dedicated to education, recovery, treatment, and wellness of Fredericksburg residents affected by mental health and substance use disorders and developmental disabilities.

roxbury farm sold fredericksburg RACSB nick calamos jane yaun

Jane Yaun, Executive Director of the RACSB, and Nick Calamos, CCIM

Once a Fredericksburg institution, Roxbury Farm & Garden Center closed down earlier this summer after operating as a feed and garden supply store for 90 years. Although many in the community are grieving the loss of the long-time garden center, Nick Calamos says that the RACSB will be attempting to preserve the property as much as possible, “They’re planning to keep the mural on the side of the building and possibly all or part of one of the buildings will be incorporated into the new buildings.”

Nick Calamos has worked with Jane Yaun, Executive Director of the RACSB, on numerous projects. When the opportunity presented itself in February after Roxbury decided to close their doors, RACSB decided to pursue the purchase. Nick’s favorite part of the transaction was being able to help the RACSB move quickly to decide on and carry out a strategy to out-maneuver the other buyers and agents trying to gain control of the property.

We asked Nick for more insider info about the future of the property and he said “RACSB hasn’t fully decided yet. The new land offers an opportunity to grow RACSB’s horticulture services and to create employment for adults with disabilities. Jane Yaun and the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board hopes to establish new services that are not currently available in the community. They have been studying various programs across the country. The agency’s administration could also move out of its current location at 600 Jackson Street, giving room for clinical services to grow in that location.”

Congratulations again to Jane Yaun and the RACSB on their purchase of the former Roxbury Farm property and we wish them best of luck on their expansion! Thank you to Nick Calamos for representing RACSB in this transaction and helping to connect the seller and buyer!

Blog • Buyers • First-Time Home Buyers • September 12, 2019

What Are Closing Costs?

by Jay Parrish

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Closing costs are one of the main things we hear buyers are confused about during the offer-writing process. Here’s some general info on what closing costs include so that you’ll be ready when the time comes!

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are fees paid when you refinance or transfer ownership in real property. They are paid (usually) by both the buyer and the seller on the settlement date. These fees are highly variable, due to many factors including the property’s purchase price, services needed during the purchase process, utility adjustments and local and state taxes. Generally, closing costs range anywhere from 2% to 5% of a property’s selling price. Talk to your lender before making an offer about closing cost estimates so that you can adjust your offer accordingly!

By law, lenders are required to give you a loan estimate within three days of receiving your application. This document sets out what your closing costs will be. These fees, however, are not set in stone. Your lender should provide a closing disclosure statement at least three business days before the closing date which will be a more reliable estimate of your closing costs. Make sure you read and understand this closing disclosure and ask your lender if there are any significant changes from the initial estimate you received!

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What’s Included?

Everyone’s closing costs will be different depending on their own transaction so take any “helpful advice” from parents or friends with a grain of salt. Some examples of typical costs include:

Credit report fees (the cost of checking your credit record)
Loan origination fees (which consists of the cost to your lender for processing your loan)
Attorney fees
Inspection fees (for inspections requested by either you or the lender)
Appraisal fee
Survey fee (so that both you and the lender know where your property boundaries lie)
Escrow deposit which may cover private mortgage insurance and some property taxes
Pest inspection fee
Recording fee paid to a county or city authority to file a record of the property transfer and/or new mortgage lien against the property
Underwriting fee to cover the cost of processing a loan application
Discount points (money you pay your lender to get a lower interest rate)
Title insurance (protection for you and the lender should there be any issues with title to the property)
Title search fees (costs incurred by the company who checks the title on the property)

Can I Add my Closing Costs to the Loan?

Most loan programs will allow for a percentage of the purchase price to go towards closing costs. You can either ask for a seller credit or a lender credit towards the closing costs. Asking for a seller credit is more appealing to the seller if you offer a higher purchase price–the seller won’t lose any money and you can use the seller credit towards the closing costs. In this scenario, what you’re doing is financing your closing costs over the life of the loan.

With a lender credit, you agree to a higher interest rate so that the lender will pay some of the closing costs. You can potentially get a lender credit of $2,000 to $4,000–a nice chunk of change! Keep in mind, however, that you’ll eventually pay more over the life of the loan than if you had just paid upfront!

What Can I Expect?

Before the big day, pull together any paperwork and keep it on hand for easy reference. Be prepared to take your time reading through all of the closing documents. Make sure you completely understand all of the terms you’re agreeing to. If some of the terms are missing or incomplete, don’t sign until they’re fixed.

Your lender will send money to the closing agent via a wire transfer and may require that you set up a new escrow account with them to pay your property taxes and homeowners insurance together with your monthly mortgage payment. You should be advised before closing day how much money you’ll need to have for closing, but bring your checkbook with you to cover any incidental closing costs.

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Keep reading for more about buying your first home:

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Blog • Buyers • First-Time Home Buyers • September 4, 2019

How Much Money Do I Need To Save To Buy A House?

by Jay Parrish

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Buying a home is one of the main milestones along the journey of achieving the “American Dream,” but exactly how much cash do you need to have on hand to seal the deal? We’re going to dive into how much money you really need to save up to afford a house, the hidden expenses you may not have planned for and some tips for how to find your perfect house budget!

How Much Money Do I Need To Buy A House?

Short answer: you’ll need enough for a downpayment, closing costs, utility adjustments and other pre-paid fees like taxes.

Long answer: The exact amount of each of those expenses will depend on a number of factors, including the purchase price of the home, the length of your mortgage and anything you negotiate with the property’s seller. We’ll walk you through what each of those means for you and how it can affect your bottom line.

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Why Is Budgeting For A Home Important?

Remember that the down payment is a big part of the cash you’ll need to have on hand, but there are several other significant expenses that are paid at closing. Once you cough up that chunk of change, you’ll still need to pay for any closing costs, necessary inspections, and the first few months of mortgage insurance.

Conventional wisdom says that home expenses should only take up around 30-33% of your income each year. It’s important to figure out what you’re comfortable with as a monthly mortgage payment–including interest, mortgage insurance, and any HOA fees–and work backward from there. Once you’ve figured out about how much you’d like to spend per month, you can use Zillow’s Mortgage Calculator to see how putting down a larger down payment or a having a shorter mortgage term will affect your monthly bill.

Closing costs can run anywhere from 2-5% of the purchase price of the home, while a home inspection is typically around $300-500 in the Fredericksburg area. Typically, the County and the HOA that your new home is in will adjust whatever taxes or utility costs you might owe until the next billing period and you can pay those right at closing so you don’t have to worry about it until you get your next bill in the mail!

With all these additional expenses in mind, is your dream home still within your housing budget of 30-33% of your yearly income? Here’s how to figure it out!

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How to Calculate Your Bottom Line

For example, you’d like to make an offer on a beautiful $200,000 home in Spotsylvania County.

You’re putting 10% down, so 10% of $200,000 is $20,000.

Your closing costs are 2.5% of your loan amount, so 2.5% of $180,000 is $4,500.

Your prepaid fees, taxes and utility adjustments are about 2% of $180,000, so $3,600.

$20,000+4,500+3,600= $28,100

You’ll need to bring almost $10k to the table, above and beyond the down payment.

3 Key Tips for Calculating Your Home Buying Budget

1. You don’t pay your Realtor.

As a buyer, you pay absolutely nothing for your Realtor’s services! Yep, you read that right! All commissions are paid by the seller, which is why we didn’t include them in the calculation!

2. Do the math.

Play around with the mortgage calculator and see how putting more down or choosing a longer-term mortgage loan can effect your monthly payments.

3. Ask for help.

If it’s not an extremely competitive market, consider asking the seller for some closing cost assistance to shave a few bucks off the cash you’ll need to bring to the closing table.

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Keep reading for more about buying your first home:

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Blog • Buyers • Buying Luxury Homes • First-Time Home Buyers • Need More Space • July 24, 2019

6 Luxury Waterfront Listings We’re Loving This Summer

by Jay Parrish

Luxury water front home. photo taken from water looking at home

Bring the beach to you this summer! Owning a waterfront luxury home is a dream for many buyers and we’re excited to show off SIX of our waterfront Global Luxury homes! Whether you’re a lake lover or just want to hear the rush of the river, we’ve got something for everyone!

103 Drakes Marsh

Listed by Charlotte Rouse

How gorgeous is this stately home in historic area of Leedstown, Virginia, right on the Rappahannock River? With 3,900+ SF, 103 Drakes Marsh has 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths and a massive Great Room with a soaring cathedral ceiling and cozy fireplace. The 2 upstairs bedrooms have sliding doors out to a balcony with stunning views of the River. Sitting on 1.17 acres, there’s a two car garage with additional space for a driveway, a fire pit with seating, and 135 feet of private beach.

615 Lakeview Parkway

Listed by Penny Ostlund

Located on a deep cove, with over 6,000 sq. feet of finished living area, gorgeous curb appeal and plenty of outdoor space for maximizing the enjoyment of lake living, this home is the quintessential lakefront property designed for entertaining! With water- views from five of the six bedrooms, an open concept Great Room/Kitchen, formal Dining Room, a huge office with adjacent sunroom, multiple fireplaces and enormous first-floor master bedroom suite, this one has it all! This multi-level home offers the separation of living and sleeping areas that affords the privacy and space for virtually any need you may have. The spacious main entrance features a soaring cedar plank ceiling with ample area for seating. The wall of windows that lead to the deck present spectacular views that will envelop you in the peace and serenity that living on the water provides.

6103 River Rd

Listed by Kevin Michael Breen

Turning onto this property gives you the sense of entering another world, far from the hectic pace of City living. Across from Motts Reservoir and looking down on the Rappahannock River, the noise abates and you are surrounded by a forest of one hundred year old trees, beautiful landscaping and the sound of birds. You get the sense you are at a retreat, even though you are seven miles from Fredericksburg and fifty miles from D.C. As you enter the foyer of the house, one side has mirrored doors to a large coat closet; the other side accommodates a wall of art. Looking straight ahead your eyes go to the large bay window at the back of the living room and the views beyond to tree tops, and down to a large in-ground pool and decks on either side. This home is truly a house of light. The interior of this lovely home is stunning — completely renovated in 2017-18. The entire 2,100 square feet lower level is amazing unto itself: open for entertaining, it has a full service kitchen, granite bar, dining space, a wall of built-in cabinets, and seating for a large family.

16085 Little Ferry Rd

Listed by Eric Nelson

This award-winning estate is water-front elegance and comfort. With more than 5,000 square feet of living space on 25 acres, this property boasts 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and tons of common space and cozy nooks. If you are looking for a beautiful home or getaway close to the chaos of Washington D.C. or Richmond, you have found it. With 2000 feet of 5-6 foot deep-water frontage you can keep most any boat you might have. Equally compelling are the gardens. It is a horticulturalist’s dream with amazing color and natural beauty year round. And if you are interested in history, this area is rich in history and is at the gateway to the Northern Neck, where three American presidents were born–all within a dozen miles of the estate. Or, if you have been dreaming of owning a corporate retreat or B&B, this estate is just the thing.

134 Waller Point Dr

Listed by Melissa Stewart

Cruise the Potomac River for dinners out, fishing, crabbing, jet ski, water skiing and come home to your private 60 ft dock and 7.46 acres of nature! The 4,000+ square feet remodeled Ranch home has a light and airy kitchen, stainless steel appliances, separate wine and drink refrigerators, and a huge butler’s pantry. The Master Bedroom is huge with a renovated master bath and gorgeous water views. Three additional spacious bedrooms, a study, large family and dining room complete the home’s spacious and open floor plan. Enjoy long summer nights in the backyard, listening to the lapping waves and crickets chirping around the fire pit.

120 Watermans Way

Listed by Melissa Stewart

Imagine waking up in your first-floor master suite looking out to the Chesapeake Bay! This is a bay front property on a private cove, with views for miles! Imagine watching the children at play on your own private beach in Twin Harbors Subdivision in Reedville, Virginia! Every inch of this home was thought out in advance. From the 5 generously sized bedrooms, all with custom plantation shutters, and 3.5 baths all with granite countertops. This home offers over 4,000 square feet and over an acre waterfront lot that has extensive landscaping already completed for you!

Blog • Communities • Elite News • Events • Seasons • July 8, 2019

Dog Days of Summer

by Jay Parrish

Robin and Eva with an adoptable dog in the CBE office

We recently celebrated Take Your Dog to Work Day with a very special guest: Khloe from the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA! Even though our offices are dog-friendly all year-round and we frequently have agents’ dogs come visit, we wanted to give an SPCA resident a fun day out on the town! Khloe had a great time hanging out and meeting the agents in our Downtown Fredericksburg office, sniffing every blade of grass in Hurkamp Park and getting lots of treats! Check out our Facebook page for all the cute photos of Khloe’s first day at work!

shelter rescue senior dog in park with flowers hydrangeas

Summer is an awesome time to explore the great outdoors with man’s best friend! Unfortunately, the high temps can really put a damper on summer fun. Here are a few ways you can make sure that Fido stays safe and cool in the dog days of summer!

If the sidewalk is too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pup.

Think about your normal walk route or your trip from the car into the pet store–is it on hot asphalt or concrete? An easy way to double check if the ground is too hot for your dog’s paws is to place your palm on the ground and hold it there for 5 seconds. If it’s too painful for you, just think about how Fido’s paws will feel! If you can’t avoid the heat by taking walks in the early morning or late evening, stick to the shade.

Never leave your dog in the car.

Most people are aware of how dangerous it is to leave your dog in a hot car but it bears repeating! Even with the windows cracked, cars can get up to deadly temperatures incredibly fast. If you won’t be able to bring your dog with you, it’s safer to just leave them at home in the AC!

labradoodle and golden retriever in office with female real estate agent

Our VP of Marketing, Angel Piontek, with two of our frequent office visitors: Jett and Sandy!

Protect them from fleas and ticks.

Hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is one of the best ways to bond with your fur-baby! Make sure they’re protected from fleas and ticks, especially when in tall grasses or deeps woods as Lyme disease is common in our area. Your vet will be able to recommend a good flea and tick preventative.

Hydration is key!

Taking a road trip this summer? When you’re traveling with your pup, bring a water bottle and a portable bowl with you so they can re-hydrate on the road! Sticking to the shade, keeping the AC on or encouraging them to lay on a cooling mat while in the car can help keep their body temps regulated.

female real estate agent with pomeranian dog in coldwell banker elite office

King George agent Jennifer Spellman Smith with her beautiful pup Ziggy!

Supervise water sports.

Even if your dog likes to play in the pool or the ocean, don’t assume they are great swimmers! A doggy life jacket is easy to put on and will help your dog stay afloat in case they get too tired or knocked over by a strong wave. Once you’re done for the day, make sure to give them a quick rinse to remove chlorine and harmful chemicals from their fur.

Hold off heatstroke.

Your dog’s been running around all day in the heat and he’s panting pretty hard. How do you know if it’s heatstroke? Look for heavy panting, glazed eyes, difficulty breathing, lethargy, fever, dizziness, vomiting, excess salivation, and a rapid heartbeat, just to name a few. If you think your pet may have heatstroke, move them to a shady or air-conditioned area as soon as possible and apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck, and check. Give them small amounts of cold water or let them lick ice cubes. Then, call your vet.

We hope you and your fur-babies have a safe and happy summer! Haven’t found your best friend yet? We’ll be hosting our annual Homes for Dogs Project in the fall, where we help furry friends in our area find their “furever” home. Last year, we were able to help 19 dogs get adopted and donate 100 “adoption starter kits” to 4 local shelters.

Blog • Buyers • Buying Luxury Homes • First-Time Home Buyers • Need More Space • June 24, 2019

Home How-To: Housewarming Parties

by Jay Parrish

people cheersing at a table in the backyard with festive decor and lights

The origin of the housewarming party is unclear–some say it’s rooted in the medieval tradition of literally warming the house with the community bringing gifts of firewood, while others say it stems from the idea of lighting a candle on the first night to ward off evil spirits. However it came about, it’s one of the more fun aspects of moving into a new house! Nowadays, most housewarming parties are typically casual affairs where friends and neighbors bring small gifts or potluck dishes and enjoy a tour of the new home.

Most of the time, the actual housewarming party takes place months after move-in. People usually need time to unpack, decorate and organize before they invite the whole neighborhood over to have a peek! In these cases, it makes more sense to either bring something practical like a Target or Home Depot gift card or something small that you know they’d use like a luxury candle or a nice set of grilling utensils. The typical gifts of a new doormat or set of kitchen towels won’t be as useful when they’ve already been living in the home for a couple months.

Advice for the New Homeowners

Send out invites with plenty of advance notice! How casual or formal you go is up to you but giving your guests fair warning is always appreciated.
Don’t worry about making the home picture-perfect. Your guests will understand if you’re not completely settled in yet!
Plan easy-to-prepare finger foods and decorations so that you’re not stressed on the day of!
Accept that people will wander and consider locking doors or setting up signs if there are areas you don’t want guests snooping around in!

Do’s and Don’ts for Housewarming Guests

Make sure to RSVP, if needed! There’s nothing worse than surprising someone with an unexpected plus one or bringing along kids to an adults-only soiree!
Don’t show up empty-handed! Even if they request no gifts, a nice bottle of wine or a vase of fresh flowers never hurt anyone.
Feel free to ooh and ahh over the house, but don’t explore on your own. There may be areas they haven’t decorated yet or aren’t ready for guests to visit.
Don’t leave a mess! Clean up after yourself so that the host isn’t left with a ton of work at the end of the night!

Blog • Downsizing • First-Time Home Sellers • Sellers • Selling Luxury Homes • Selling Your Rental • May 8, 2019

How to Spiff Up Your Home for Showings

by Jay Parrish

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spring house living room kitchen open concept bright windows

Birds are singing in the trees, azaleas are blooming and it’s finally warm enough to shed those heavy coats! All this springtime beauty means one thing to Realtors: it’s home buying and selling season! Is your home ready to make the best possible impression on prospective buyers? Let’s look at the best ways to get your home in ship-shape for selling season!

Make an Amazing First Impression

Take a look at your home from the street–what’s the first thing a complete stranger would notice about your home? Does your lawn look maintained? Is there clutter in the driveway? First impressions can really make or break a home sale so we want to make sure this first look is as appealing as it can be! Adding some cheerful annuals to the front porch or even just sprucing up your existing landscaping can make a huge difference in curb appeal. Now’s a great time to take care of those little odd jobs that can sometimes pile up: trimming trees, adding mulch or touching up a fence’s paint job!

Sell It, Don’t Smell It

Once you’ve spiffed up the outside, make sure to give your whole house a deep clean. Nothing turns buyers off more than obvious dirt or old stains! This is also the perfect time to declutter and possibly even change up your furniture configuration. Make it easy for prospective buyers to move through the home, keeping hallways and tight spots clear and open.

The stereotypical advice is to make the house smell like freshly baked bread or to have cookies baking during a showing… trust us, no amount of bread-fumes will distract buyers from a cluttered or dirty home. Skip the bread and simply set up a pleasant but neutral air freshener or diffuser. This won’t take attention away from the home but it will help buyers feel more positively about the whole experience.

How to Seal the Deal

There’s no need to freak out every time someone schedules a showing. If you remember these quick tips, you’ll be setting your house up for success!

Schedule a deep cleaning before it hits the market and then keep it looking neat! A quick tidy and declutter before a showing can make a world of difference.
Mow the lawn, power wash the sidewalk or plant some pretty annuals–curb appeal can make or break a buyer’s impression of a home!
Get a pleasant but neutral air freshener for the main areas of your home and make sure the scent isn’t too overwhelming!
Most importantly, make yourself scarce when the buyers are walking through! You want to give them the time they need to make a decision without you hovering in the background.

Think you’re just about ready to sell your house? Find your local expert agent and we’ll help you get the ball rolling!

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Blog • Buyers • Buying Luxury Homes • Downsizing • First-Time Home Buyers • First-Time Home Sellers • Need More Space • Sellers • Selling Luxury Homes • Selling Your Rental • April 30, 2019

Avoiding Common Moving Day Mishaps

by Jay Parrish

Guest Blog by Natalie Jones of Homeowner Bliss

modern house

Having your belongings moved from one location to another is without a doubt one of the most stressful things you can go through. Just about a million and a half things can go wrong at any point in time. However, with the right planning and preparations, you can help avoid some of the more major catastrophes and help your moving day go smoothly overall.

Picking Your Moving Day

Finding the right day to move is more than finding a free space on your calendar. As it turns out, the right day can mean less traffic in your movers’ way. Picking the right moving date can even save you a little money if you play your cards right.

When it comes down to it, the highest moving volume occurs between Memorial Day and Labor Day in the United States. According to simple laws of supply and demand, moving rates cost more during this time. The best times to move are going to be immediately before and immediately after these holidays when the weather is comfortable, but not too hot. Block out time in either May or late September/early October to get the best rates.

Picking a day in the middle of the week also helps guarantee the best movers are available. More people try to fit their moving needs into the weekend, bottlenecking a moving company’s resources. Take advantage of other people’s carelessness and pick a day between Monday and Thursday when you will be a priority.

Taking a few days off to move doesn’t just give you the freedom to get the best services. Having some buffer time allows you and your family to adjust to the move. You can explore your new neighborhood and take advantage of the time to bond as a family.

Staying Organized

Even if your movers are going to do your packing for you, it’s a good idea to do a little pre-organization so you have some idea of where everything is. A great idea is hiring a professional organizer to go through your home before the move and start cleaning out the unessential items your family has lying around. Having less clutter around means you will have a better idea of what you decide to keep and what goes between the move. Plus, it’s a trendy and very Marie Kondo thing to do!

Once you’ve reduced your belongings down to the essentials, talk with your moving company about how you expect your items to be packed and cared for throughout the process. Ask them about their standard procedures for handling delicate items, including antiques and other valuables. Clearly explain your expectations regarding the move, and get the names of all the movers that will be working in your home.

When it comes to really expensive and sentimental items like jewelry, plan to move them yourself. Place them in a portable safe along with any important papers you would also like to protect. However, if you have insurance policies for your items, don’t keep that documentation with them. Have a lawyer or family member hold on to them for safe keeping while you go through your move.

Make sure all the boxes are clearly labeled with the rooms in which the items they contain belong. Don’t just use generic terms like “kid’s room.” Make sure the name of the child is included so they know in which child’s room the box goes. This helps keep things organized and makes unpacking much easier overall.

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Moving is undoubtedly stressful, but the right preparations can make it easier. When picking your moving day, take some time off for the family in the months before or after summer when rates are low. Have some extra buffer time to make sure the adjustment goes smoothly for everyone. When it comes to organization, a good cleanout can make all the difference before it is time to pack. Communicate with your movers about how to handle delicate and valuable items, and make sure everything is clearly labeled to make unpacking the house easier for all.