Matt Goeglein

"I’ll Just Take Care of It."

How to Easily Transfer Utilities and Avoid Moving Day Hassles

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Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, but in the middle of packing boxes and planning logistics, the task of transferring utilities often slips through the cracks. Skipping this essential step can lead to unwanted stress, unexpected service interruptions, and even extra charges. To help you avoid those issues, here’s a guide on transferring your utilities without a hitch during a move.

1. Create a Utility Checklist

The first step is to make a checklist of all the utilities you currently use in your home. These commonly include:

  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Gas
  • Internet and cable
  • Phone services

This checklist will serve as your roadmap, ensuring no service is overlooked when coordinating the move.

2. Notify Utility Providers Early

Get in touch with your utility service providers at least two weeks before your move. Each company will have different requirements for transferring or disconnecting services, so it’s important to ask for specific instructions. Some providers may need more lead time, while others only require a few days’ notice. Make sure you have your new address and moving date ready to provide.

3. Schedule Disconnect and Reconnect Dates

Once you’ve informed your utility companies, it’s time to schedule disconnect dates for your current home and connection dates for the new one. Plan for a smooth transition by ensuring the services at your new home are activated before you arrive, especially for essential utilities like electricity, water, and internet. You wouldn’t want to arrive at your new home and find yourself without power or internet!

4. Arrange Final Meter Readings

For services like electricity, gas, and water, arrange a final meter reading on the day you move out. This ensures that your last bill reflects only your usage and protects you from being charged for any utilities after you’ve left.

5. Transfer or Cancel Subscriptions

If you have subscriptions like cable TV or streaming services, be sure to either transfer or cancel these as needed. Notify these service providers of your move and update your billing information with your new address to avoid any service interruptions.

6. Update Billing Information

It’s important to update your billing address with your utility providers, banks, credit card companies, and other relevant financial institutions. This step helps prevent missed payments or late fees, keeping your accounts in good standing.

7. Research New Providers if Necessary

If you’re moving to a new area with different utility providers, research available options and compare prices to choose the best package for your needs. Schedule installation appointments for services like internet and cable in advance to minimize downtime once you’re settled in.

8. Update Your Contact Information

Finally, update your contact information with your utility companies. Make sure they have your current phone number and email address so they can reach you if there are any issues with the transfer process.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth utility transfer process and avoid any unnecessary headaches. Planning ahead and staying organized will save you from service interruptions, extra charges, and added stress. With everything in place, you’ll be able to focus on enjoying your new home.

Are You Ready to Buy a Home? Here’s How to Find Out!

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Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s not just about having a place to call your own, but also about making a long-term commitment that requires careful consideration and planning. So, how do you know if you’re ready to buy a home? Here are some key factors to consider.

1. Financial Stability

Your financial health is the first and most crucial factor to evaluate. This includes having a steady income, a solid savings cushion, and a good credit score. Your credit score will significantly impact the mortgage rate you qualify for, so ensuring it’s in good shape is essential. Additionally, having enough savings for a down payment (typically 3-20% of the home’s price) and other upfront costs like closing fees and moving expenses is vital.

2. Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is a key metric lenders use to determine your ability to manage monthly payments. The DTI ratio is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. A lower DTI ratio indicates that you have a good balance between debt and income. Most lenders prefer a DTI ratio of 43% or lower. If your rati

o is higher, you might need to work on paying down debt before applying for a mortgage.

3. Long-Term Goals

Buying a home is a long-term commitment, so it’s essential to align this decision with your future goals. Are you planning to stay in the same area for the next five to ten years? Are you ready to take on the responsibilities of homeownership, such as maintenance and repairs? If your lifestyle is still in flux, renting might be a better option until you’re more settled.

4. Market Conditions

The real estate market can vary significantly from one area to another and over time. It’s crucial to understand the current market conditions in the area where you’re looking to buy. Are home prices rising, stable, or falling? Are interest rates favorable? Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent can help you navigate the market and make an informed decision.

5. Personal Readiness

Beyond financial readiness, consider your emotional readiness. Homeownership comes with its set of challenges and stresses, from dealing with unexpected repairs to the pressure of long-term financial commitment. Ensure you’re mentally and emotionally prepared for the journey.

6. Pre-Approval for a Mortgage

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a practical step that not only helps you understand how much home you can afford but also shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer. The pre-approval process involves a thorough review of your financial situation, giving you a clear picture of what to expect.

Determining whether you’re ready to buy a home involves more than just having enough money for a down payment. It requires a comprehensive evaluation of your financial stability, long-term goals, market conditions, and personal readiness. By carefully considering these factors, you can make a well-informed decision and take the exciting step toward homeownership with confidence. Have any questions? Give us a call to help walk you through the process.

7 Commonly Asked Questions About Home Appraisals

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When buying or selling a home, a crucial step in the process is the home appraisal. It helps determine the property’s fair market value, which can significantly influence financing and negotiation outcomes. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned seller, understanding the appraisal process is key. Here are seven commonly asked questions about home appraisals to guide you through.

1. What is a Home Appraisal? A home appraisal is an unbiased estimate of a property’s value conducted by a licensed appraiser. Lenders require an appraisal to ensure the home is worth the loan amount being requested. The appraiser assesses factors like the home’s condition, location, and comparable sales in the area to determine its value.

2. Who Pays for the Appraisal? Typically, the buyer is responsible for paying the appraisal fee, which is often included in the closing costs. However, in some cases, the seller might cover the cost as part of the negotiation. The fee can vary depending on the property’s location and size but generally ranges between $300 and $600.

3. How Long Does an Appraisal Take? The appraisal process can take anywhere from a few days to a week. The appraiser will visit the property, take notes, and compare it with similar homes in the area. After the visit, the appraiser compiles the information into a report, which is then submitted to the lender.

4. What Factors Affect the Appraisal Value? Several factors influence the appraisal value of a home, including:

  • Location: Proximity to schools, parks, and amenities can boost value.
  • Size: Larger homes generally appraise for more.
  • Condition: Updated, well-maintained properties are valued higher.
  • Market Trends: Current real estate market conditions in the area also play a role.

5. What Happens if the Appraisal is Lower Than the Offer? If the appraisal comes in lower than the agreed-upon sale price, it can complicate the transaction. The buyer may need to renegotiate the price with the seller, come up with additional funds to cover the difference, or in some cases, the deal might fall through.

6. Can You Challenge a Low Appraisal? Yes, it’s possible to challenge a low appraisal, but it can be a complex process. The buyer or seller would need to provide evidence that the appraiser overlooked key aspects of the property or made errors in their report. This might involve presenting comparable sales that were not considered in the original appraisal.

7. Do Renovations Increase Appraisal Value? Renovations can increase a home’s appraised value, particularly if they improve the property’s functionality or appeal. Kitchens, bathrooms, and curb appeal upgrades tend to yield the highest return on investment. However, not all renovations guarantee a higher appraisal, so it’s essential to understand which improvements are most valued in your market.

Understanding the home appraisal process can help you navigate your real estate transaction more effectively. By knowing what to expect and how to address potential issues, you can ensure that the appraisal aligns with your goals and helps move the process forward smoothly.

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