How To Plan And Prepare For Moving Home

MOVING! The very thought of it can send chills down our spines and cause us to break out into a cold sweat. Experts say that any kind of “change” creates “stress”. Moving, and especially if we are relocating to a new city or country, represents a huge change and naturally brings a great amount of stress along with it. This can be a double whammy, because stress can lead to a lack of energy and motivation. This is one time, though, when we must rise above that.

When preparing for a move we need to put the pedal to the metal and get a lot of things done. This checklist contains many suggestions that may seem like “no-brainers”. However, the very act of printing out these simple suggestions and reminders can become a significant security blanket as the dreaded time approaches. Moving and relocating calls for being proactive, grabbing the bull by the horns and actually completing certain chores well in advance of their deadlines.

In this particular article we are leaving out the “big things” such as finding the best moving company, researching your new area’s transport, parking, employment, etc. Those are for other articles on another day. Today we are concentrating on the basics of planning and preparation.

1. Get rid of what you don’t need.

Many of us are “pack rats”. One thing that we can accomplish immediately is going through all of our “stuff” and getting rid of what we don’t need anymore. Moving unwanted clothing and bric-a-brac from one house to another is a great waste of time and effort. It is surprising how much more in control we feel once we start narrowing down our “inventory” to what we actually need to keep. Getting rid of the unwanted items can be done by having a car boot sale, or advertising items on Gumtree, long before moving time and then donating the leftovers to a charity shop.

2. Get all of your important papers and documents together and secure them.

Since moving is hectic, to say the least, we need to be aware of the exact location of all of our important items. Things that we absolutely must not lose or misplace should be hand carried, not put in a box for the movers:

Address Books, Birth Certificates, Bank Statements, Check Books, Credit Cards and Statements, Home Movies, Irreplaceable Memorabilia, Insurance Policies, Marriage Records, Medical and Dental Records, Military Records, Passports, Photos and Photo Albums, Resumes, School Records, Stock Certificates, Tax Returns, Telephone Numbers, Valuables, Vehicle Documents, Wills.

3. Prepare well in advance for living at your new location.

There are many things that we can do at our new location well in advance of our move that will help smooth out the bumps and grinds of our relocation process when the actual event occurs:

Open new bank accounts. Contact the utility companies and arrange for your new services. These can include your TV subscriptions, gas, electric, oil, telephone, water and Internet access. Arrange for new medical providers. Contact your insurance companies and find out if your car insurance, homeowner’s insurance, etc. can be transferred. If not, find an Insurance Broker in your new area and discuss your needs and requirements for new policies. Go to the post office and get a moving kit. Prepare change of address forms for all of your correspondents; credit card companies, other credit accounts, banks, insurance companies, current utility companies for final statements, magazines and other subscriptions, family, friends, and any other persons or businesses that you correspond with on a regular basis.

4. As the time approaches, get a nice new notebook.

As moving day approaches and when the moving process actually begins, you don’t want to be hunting for phone numbers in wallets, purses, or address books. Have a nice new notepad ready with all important phone numbers written clearly and legibly for both your old and new contacts: Banks, Doctors, Emergency contacts, Family members, Friends, Landlords or Estate Agents, Moving Companies, Chemists, Schools, Storage Facilities, Utilities.

With proper planning and preparation the moving process, though never fun, can at least be sane. With proper planning and preparation the utilities at your present address can be disconnected the day after you move and the utilities at your new address can be connected the day prior to your arrival. With proper planning and preparation you will not be frantically searching for a new doctor or chemist, if that unfortunate need arises. With proper planning and preparation you will have all of your important documents at the tip of your fingers at all times. With proper planning and preparation your mail will start arriving the day after you move in and your life will endure a minimum of chaos and clutter.

Good luck with your move and good luck in your new home!

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To arrange a free initial consultation with Morgans, please contact us on telephone number 01383 620222, or alternatively complete the short form below and a member of our staff will get back to you as quickly as possible…

Top Property Marketing Tips!

At Morgans we don’t make you choose which property portal your home is advertised  on! We use:

• www.espc.com
• www.rightmove.co.uk
• www.zoopla.co.uk
• www.s1homes.com

We aim to make sure your property is advertised in the best possible way to the widest possible audience. We also have access to professional photography, floor plans and property movies through www.vistabee.com

Take a look at our available and recently sold properties to see the high quality brochures that we produce and you will not be disappointed! Our For Sale  and To Let boards are easily the most recognisable in the West Fife area, together with our large shop front window and of course our website, we will make sure that choosing Morgans is your best move yet!

5 Basic Ground Rules For New Home Buyers

There are few purchases in life that carry the financial and psychological weight of buying a home. Whether you are buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing your home and your life after the kids have gone, it’s important to understand the ground rules for success in the world of property buying.

Making the wrong decision when buying a home can have devastating and long lasting effects, while making a wise decision when purchasing can greatly enhance the overall value of the investment. It’s necessary to learn all you can about the world of home buying and mortgages before setting out to purchase the home of your dreams.

While there are plenty of websites designed to help first time homeowners learn all they can, most experts say that there is no substitute for good old fashioned one-on-one learning. Fortunately, most mortgage lenders, financial advisers, solicitors and estate agents (including our property team at Morgans!) will be able to provide you with impartial advice.

Here are five basic ground rules you should adhere to when it comes to buying a new home:

#1 – Get your finance in place before you make an offer

There are few things in life as disappointing as losing out on the home of your dreams due to not being able to secure funding. While the desire to get out there and search for your perfect home is understandable, it’s vital to line up the finance you will need before you start shopping around.

Getting the financing in place ahead of time has a number of important advantages, including knowing how much you can afford to spend. By knowing how much you can afford before you shop around you will avoid wasting your time looking at unaffordable properties.

It’s also important to take a good look at the various types of mortgage on the market before getting started in the home buying process. These days mortgages come in far more choices than the typical 25 or 30 years. For that reason, potential home buyers need to understand how each type of mortgage works, and to gauge which mortgage is the best choice for their needs.

#2 – Look at the community, not just the home

It’s a good idea to look at the entire community, instead of focusing on a single home. This can be a particularly important thing to consider for those moving to a new town or city, as you will be unfamiliar with the local climate and lifestyle. It’s crucial to determine the areas of town that are most desirable, and to consider things like distance from schools, work and local shopping opportunities.

We have all heard that location is the key consideration when it comes to property, and that is certainly the case. Buying a house in the wrong area can be a big mistake, and it’s important to choose the location as well as the home. Potential buyers can learn a great deal about the nature of the various areas simply by driving around town, as well as by talking to other residents. Our property team  know the West Fife area well and are able to offer advice.

#3 – Be fair with your first offer

Trying to lowball a seller on the first offer can backfire, as can paying too much, so it’s important to carefully evaluate the local market, and to compare the asking price of the home with what similar houses in the area have sold for.

Comparing the sales of similar homes, what are known as “comps” in the industry, is one of the best ways to determine what is fair, and to make sure that you neither overpay or underbid on the property. Our solicitors can advise you on the best way to proceed.

#4 – Always request to see the Home Report

You should always contact the listing agent to request a copy of the Home Report and then investigate the property for any possible defects before making an offer – this is imperative! Again our solicitors are able to advise you and help you through this process.

#5 – Don’t alienate the sellers of the home

Many property deals have fallen apart due to the personal animosity of the buyer and the seller. It’s important to avoid alienating the seller of the home during the process, and to avoid nitpicking every little detail during the sale. Keeping the good will of the seller will help the transaction go smoothly, and provide the best experience for seller and buyer alike.

Finally, when buying a home it is often best to use a systematic approach as this is often the best way to be sure that all decisions are based on information and reason, not on impulse or emotion. Buying a home can be an emotional process, nevertheless it is imperative to keep your emotions under control and not let them cloud your judgement. Most of all it helps to have an expert advising you through the process. Our solicitors can guide you and ensure that your purchase runs smoothly from start to finish.

CONTACT US TO ARRANGE A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

To arrange a free initial consultation with Morgans, please contact us on telephone number 01383 620222, or alternatively complete the short form below and a member of our staff will get back to you as quickly as possible…

How To Prepare For A Viewing In 20 Minutes or Less

It never fails. You’re in the middle of a big project and the phone rings – your Estate Agent is calling about showing your house to a prospective buyer. The kids are working on a school art project with stuff scattered all over the room, the dishes haven’t been done, and there’s a load of laundry waiting to be washed.

You look around the house in a panic and consider turning the viewing request down. Don’t do it! In today’s market you can’t afford to miss a single viewing, so you need to act fast!

Here’s how to have your home ready to show a buyer in a flash:

1 – Enlist some help. If anyone else is at home with you, assign each person a duty and get them off to work. The job will go much faster if everyone helps out.

2 – Check for smells. A strong smell is a lightning-fast way to turn off a buyer. If you’ve been cooking anything other than a sweet-smelling dessert, open the windows. If you have a cat, check the litter box and attend to it as necessary. Light some candles or spray some air freshener if needed. (1 minute)

3 – Clean the kitchen. Clear all the dirty dishes and quickly put them in the dishwasher. Wipe off the counters. Spray the sink surround with kitchen cleaner and give it a quick polish. (3 minutes)

4 – Pick up the mess. Zip through the house with an empty laundry basket, gathering up stray newspapers, magazines, kids’ projects, and any other obvious clutter. Put the basket in the garage or another out-of-sight place. (3 minutes)

5 – Polish the bathrooms. Put down the toilet lids. Scoop brushes, combs, bottles, etc. into a basket under the sink that you’ve stored there just for this purpose. Spray the mirrors and sinks with window cleaner and give them a wipe until they shine. (3 minutes)

6 – Hoover. If the carpet needs attention, quickly vacuum the main traffic areas. (3 minutes)

7 – Attack the bedrooms. Nothing makes the house look unkempt faster than unmade beds and clothing scattered around the bedroom. Quickly make the bed and shove any stray clothing or other items under it. (5 minutes)

8 – Lighten up. Pull the curtains back, open the blinds, and turn on all the lights throughout the house. Flip on the stereo tuned to an easy listening station. Take one last look around for any little disasters you might have missed. (2 minutes)

And voilà! Your house is ready to view in 20 minutes or less. Now pack up the kids and get the pets out of the house while it’s being viewed. You want your potential buyers to be able to relax and have a look around without feeling like they’re intruding on you, or tripping over your kids or your pets!

It’s a great idea to have a plan of attack in place at all times when your house is on the market. Have everyone in the family agree to pitch in and help keep the house in tip-top condition. You could even assign everyone a zone they’re responsible to keep clean, so that you’re always ready to move fast as soon as your telephone rings!

CONTACT US TO ARRANGE A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

To arrange a free initial consultation with Morgans, please contact us on telephone number 01383 620222, or alternatively complete the short form below and a member of our staff will get back to you as quickly as possible…

5 Tips To Help You Get The Best Price For Your House

If you want to sell your house for the most money, you can’t just leave it up to fate (or your Estate Agent) to make it happen. In today’s market you need to do everything you can to make your house stand out from the crowd and attract the most buyers.

So what can you do to make your home worth more money in the marketplace?

Here are five smart projects you can do right now that will help to bring you more money…

1. Replace worn, damaged, or dated carpet. If they need it and you’re able to replace them, do it. Unless they are after a project buyers are looking for nice houses that don’t require lots of work. The fact is, many buyers can’t see past old, worn carpets and won’t even bother to make an offer on a house that has them. Replacing old carpet will make the house smell new and buyers will love it. Choose a neutral colour such as a light tan or beige.

2. Repaint the inside. There’s nothing like a fresh coat of neutral paint to make a house look brand new again. If you can paint it yourself, it’s a cheap fix that you can’t afford not to do if it needs it. Again, many buyers have a very difficult time seeing past issues like unusual colours or scuffs and crayon marks on the walls. If you have to pay someone to do it, it’s worth paying to have it done – or consider inviting a few friends over for a painting party! You can always do the same for them when it’s their turn to sell.

3. Paint or reface ugly kitchen and bathroom cabinets. The kitchen and bathrooms are two of the most important rooms to buyers and if they look outdated buyers will automatically overestimate the expense to update them. You can make old cabinets look nearly new again by rolling on a coat of neutral, high-quality paint on them. DIY shops sell paints made especially for this purpose and it’s not difficult to do. Alternatively, you may want to paint just the bases of the cabinets and replace the doors for a very reasonable cost.

4. Update old-fashioned lighting. If your home is sporting light fixtures from the 60’s, or if they’re dated, think about replacing them with some inexpensive new lights from your local DIY shop. Attractive light fixtures and ceiling fans with light kits are available for well under £100 and they can quickly take years off your home’s appearance.

5. Pressure wash the outside of your home if you can and add new compost in the flower beds. It’s amazing what a difference this can make to your home’s outside appearance. If you rent a pressure washer and spend a day cleaning your home’s outside walls, gutters, and pathways, you’ll dramatically increase its pavement appeal without spending much money. For a few pounds more, buy a few bags of compost and add it around trees and in flower beds. Buyers have to be attracted to the outside before they’ll bother looking at the inside.

If you’re trying to get the most money possible when you sell your house it’s important to make it look its best, so spending a few pounds and putting in some work now will pay off later!

CONTACT US TO ARRANGE A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

To arrange a free initial consultation with Morgans, please contact us on telephone number 01383 620222, or alternatively complete the short form below and a member of our staff will get back to you as quickly as possible…

Top Ten Tips When Moving House

Moving house can be extremely stressful however being prepared and planning in advance can help for a smooth journey to your new home. The following check list  provides you with some useful tips:

1. Source quotes from removal companies and ask if they are a member of BAR – The British Association of Removers.
2. Book the removal company as soon as possible and check what their policy is with regard to changing the date if necessary.
3. It’s now time to start clearing out unwanted items to either sell or give to charity organisations, or dispose of items at the recycling centres in your area.
4. Gather storage boxes, newspapers, bubble wrap to protect fragile items and start the packing process, remember it’s a good idea to label the boxes which will be easier to identify in your new home and clearly identify boxes that are fragile.  Most removal companies will sell storage products.
5. Write a list of all the utilities you need to notify of your new address and moving date and you can set up a re-direction facility with Royal Mail.
   
6. Make arrangements for a family member or friends to look after your pets, and children. Give the property a thorough clean throughout or hire a professional cleaning company as you want to leave your house in the best order for the new home owners.
7. Gather all the guarantees, instruction manuals for all the appliances in the home and leave in the property for the owners.
8. Have one final walk round and ensure that you have removed all your belongings.
9. Make sure you have all sets of keys together and hand the keys into your Solicitor or Estate Agent.
10. Good luck in your new home!

CONTACT US TO ARRANGE A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

To arrange a free initial consultation with Morgans, please contact us on telephone number 01383 620222, or alternatively complete the short form below and a member of our staff will get back to you as quickly as possible…

6 Ways To Save Money On Your Utility Bills

Want to save some money on your utility bills without feeling like you’re giving up a thing? Well, if you’re willing to put in a little work now, you can reap substantial savings month after month – without lifting a finger again. You can painlessly save hundreds of pounds a year on utility bills just by taking some simple steps to cut down on water and energy usage. You may even be able to get help from your local utility company to implement some great cost-saving measures too.

Here are some tips to help you get started…

• Get a programmable thermostat. Program the timer to run your heating as minimally as possible while you’re sleeping or away from home. There’s no point in heating the house as much when you’re not there. In winter, just add an extra blanket to everyone’s bed and turn the heat down a couple of degrees.
• Add insulation strips to doors and windows. Sealing up your doors and windows with tight-fitting weather stripping will help keep your home at a comfortable temperature by preventing heat and air conditioning from being sucked outside. You’ll enjoy lower energy bills to boot; closing up the gaps can save 25% or more on heat and air conditioning expenses.
• Use cold water to wash your clothes. About 90% of the energy required to wash a load of laundry is used to heat the water. Most loads of laundry will clean up just fine (and often stay in better condition long-term) if they’re washed and rinsed in cold water. For greasy stains and other conditions that require using warm or hot water, at least use cold water for the rinse cycle.
• Don’t leave unnecessary lights on,  and appliances left plugged-in or on standby. Nearly all electrical and electronic appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their systems. The only exceptions may be  some satellite and digital TV recorders that may need to be left plugged in so they can keep track of any programmes you want to record. Check the instructions on any appliances you aren’t sure about.
• If you’ve got a shower that takes hot water straight from your boiler or hot water tank (rather than an electric shower) then you may be able to fit a water-efficient shower head and that could reduce your hot water usage whilst still maintaining the sensation of a powerful shower.
• Ask your energy company how they can help you save. Many energy companies will perform a free energy audit on your home. They’ll come to your house and point out ways that you can save energy and reduce your monthly bill. They can also let you know about any specials they offer, which could even include cash incentives toward installing certain energy-efficient appliances and home improvements.

By investing a little research and elbow grease now, you can save money on utility bills for years to come. It’s an investment in your finances that’s well worth exploring, because when you’re selling your home in the UK, or anywhere in the EU these days, you must have an Energy Performance Certificate created that gives your home a rating according to the amount of energy it uses and the better the rating you achieve on your EPC, and the lower your energy costs are, the more attractive your home will be to a potential buyer, so it’s something that you should definitely start considering!

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11 Ways To Improve Your Chances Of Selling Your Home

You’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but the truth is that the majority of home buyers DO. They almost all base their decision about a house judged on how it looks, so it’s important to make your home look good, or you could end up settling for a much smaller price than you’re looking for come sale time.

Here are some things you can do to ensure that your home will sell for the most money possible…

Increase Pavement Appeal

If your home doesn’t look good from the street, many buyers won’t even get out of the car. Try to look at your home from a buyer’s perspective and make sure you consider each of the following items before offering your home for sale.

• Remove anything that looks messy or doesn’t need to be in the garden, like kids’ toys, tree branches, rubbish bins, or stray garden furniture.
• If you have a pet, be extra vigilant in picking up after it while your house is on the market. There aren’t many things that will turn a buyer off faster than stepping in a pile of dog pooh.
• Trim all your trees and bushes neatly, weed the plant beds, and put down fresh compost.
• Plant some inexpensive seasonal bedding plants for a pop of color.
• Rent a power washer and spend an afternoon washing your home’s driveway, gutters, doorways and pathways.
• Take a close look at your front door and outside entry area. A fresh coat of paint and new hardware will go a long way towards making your home look fresh and inviting. When a potential buyer arrives at your home, there’s always a moment spent waiting at the front door. Don’t let the buyers see spider’s webs and chipped paint while they’re waiting.

Beauty ISN’T Just Skin Deep

Presenting a well-maintained exterior is critical to getting the most money when you sell your home, but you can’t stop there. You still need to “wow” buyers after they step inside. Walk through your home, looking at it as though you were seeing it for the first time. Consider each of the following items to see if they need attention…

• Attack clutter. If you don’t need it, put it away. Box up all non-essentials and store them in the garage or a storage unit. Even if your garage is stacked high with boxes, buyers understand that. They know that you’re preparing to move and most garages look pretty much the same anyway. If the rest of your HOUSE is stacked high with personal items, that’s another matter. Many buyers will assume that your house is too small to accommodate their stuff.
• Clean like crazy. Cleaning your house doesn’t cost much, but it can dramatically increase the amount you’ll make on the sale. Wash the windows, wipe the boards and dust every horizontal surface.
• Paint. Most homes would benefit from a fresh coat of paint. Take your cue from show homes: paint everything a neutral, non-offensive color.
• Rearrange. The way you’ve had your furniture arranged for years isn’t necessarily the most appealing way. Experiment to see if moving a couch or removing a chair might make a room appear more open.
• Get rid of any odours. If you smoke or have a pet, ASSUME that your house smells like it. You may not notice it, but others will – and it can cost you thousands of pounds. Clean the carpets, install subtle air fresheners throughout the house, and do whatever you must to eradicate all unpleasant odours.

Your goal isn’t to just make your house look nice, but to plant a seed in the buyers’ minds. Let them imagine that if they lived in THIS house, their lives would be better. If they bought THIS house, it would be clean all the time, the lawn would be beautiful, and their cupboards would be meticulously organised.

Of course, that’s not likely to happen in real life, but you can’t help it if that’s what they IMAGINE? That’s the sort of thinking that allows them to justify paying more for it. And that’s EXACTLY what you want to happen…

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To arrange a free initial consultation with Morgans, please contact us on telephone number 01383 620222, or alternatively complete the short form below and a member of our staff will get back to you as quickly as possible…

How To Stage Your Home Without Breaking The Bank

A question in many home sellers’ minds is, “What do I need to do to get my home ready to sell?”

It goes without saying that major issues like a leaking roof or a cracked foundation need to be addressed. But beyond those major issues, one of the biggest influences on whether buyers will love your house (and jump to make an offer on it) is how appealing it looks… and that’s where staging can make a huge difference.

Lots of people think that staging means hauling all your stuff out of the house and replacing it with expensive designer furniture and accessories. And while some sellers do go to such extremes, it’s not necessary in most cases. There are tons of ways to make your home look like a show house without spending an arm and a leg.

Here are a few of the best ones:

1 – Clear the clutter. The single biggest thing most homeowners can do to make their house look better is to remove as much “stuff” as possible. If it’s not something you use every day, pack it up and get it out of sight. If it’s not in the budget to rent a separate storage unit, just box all the excess items up and store them in the garage. Home buyers are much more forgiving of a packed garage than a cluttered house.

This goes for closets and cabinets, too. If they’re jam-packed full of your possessions, buyers will assume that their things won’t fit in your house either. Besides, you’re moving anyway, right? By putting away items you don’t use regularly, you’ll have a big jump on your packing when it comes time to move out.

2 – Clean it until it shines. Another way to add lots of value to your home is to clean every visible surface until it shines. There’s a big appeal to a house that has sparkling-clean windows and dust-free shelves. It makes the buyer subconsciously think “Wow! If I lived here my house would always be shiny and clean — unlike that dusty, jam-packed-full-of-stuff money pit I live in now.”

3 – Neutralise and de-personalise. You may absolutely love your merlot-colored living room walls and your abstract-pattern multi-hued bedspread, but many buyers won’t. It also makes it difficult for them to picture their own family in the house if it’s full of YOUR family’s pictures and mementos.

You don’t want to have a buyer who would have paid big bucks for your home to be turned off by something as easy to fix as painting or some simple de-cluttering and redecorating.

4 – Accessorise. Once you’ve cleared the decks and have a semi-blank slate to work with, go through each room and try to create a single focal point and a pop of colour. Whether it’s a couple of carefully selected throw pillows or a vase of fresh-cut flowers, a hint of color and visual interest will make the room far more visually appealing and mentally soothing.

To get some great ideas about how to showcase your home, tour a few local builders’ show houses and take notes. They don’t decorate their homes like that for no reason – it’s so they can sell houses for the most money possible.

The good news is you don’t have to spend thousands of pounds to make your home like a show house. Just pack up the things you’re not using anyway and then use your creativity to show off your home’s best features in a subtle and tasteful way. When you’re trying to sell, your mission is to make your home look as appealing as possible to as many buyers as possible, but you definitely don’t have to spend a lot of money to do it!

CONTACT US TO ARRANGE A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

To arrange a free initial consultation with Morgans, please contact us on telephone number 01383 620222, or alternatively complete the short form below and a member of our staff will get back to you as quickly as possible…