Home Sweet Home?

If you are moving this spring or summer, you may be considering whether or not to purchase your very first home.
You are probably asking yourself: Am I ready to buy?

Here are some things to consider before taking the leap:

1. Are you really in a good financial place to handle such a commitment? Have you saved up the down payment? Have you paid off or in the process of regularly paying off outstanding debts, student loans or credit card debts?

2. Could you afford to pay your mortgage payments if the interest rate jumped? Currently, in Canada the interest rate for borrowing is at an all-time low. Many borrowers are paying 2% interest on their mortgages, but in the 1990’s people were paying closer to 14% interest. Although, you are able to lock in for a term where your rate remains the same, be certain you could manage an eventual price hike.

3.Have you truly considered the cost of maintenance, property taxes, insurance and utilities? Are you aware of the large one-time costs like legal fees, title insurance, home inspection, property transfer and taxes?

If you have prepared and are ready to buy your first home, here is a good website where you can learn more about how to arrange a mortgage, how to calculate what you can afford and much more at www.howrealtorshelp.ca/planning-finances.php#Buying-Step-4

Happy House Hunting! If we can be of help in your upcoming move visit www.movingagain.ca

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Staying Put Part Two

With the New Year around the corner, now is the time that many people begin to reflect on their lives, what they are doing and ultimately – where they are living. As you look at your current situation and your life goals the question becomes should I move or should I stay put? Here is Staying Put - Part Two

Some things to consider before you “leap”:

1. How will this move affect the people in my life?
Will moving to a new city or area improve your relationships with extended family or other loved ones? Will this move your children closer to grandparents who can lend support or will it separate you from a strong established support system? If you have children, consider the age of your children and their personalities. For some moving is an exciting adventure, for others it can be very traumatic - especially for a teenager.

2. If you are moving from a rental or a starter home, be careful when purchasing your next home. Low interest rates and easy credit can lure people into buying into a lifestyle they can not afford. Be sure to plan for emergencies in your long term budgeting.

3. Know the hidden costs. Many first time home owners are not truly aware of all the hidden fees involved when buying a house and moving. Lawyers fees, taxes, insurance and real estate fees can add up quickly. Even moving to a new rental adds up with the cost of shutting off services,various processing fees, post office costs and first and last rent. Before signing on the dotted line, be sure you've planned for all the expenses.

Next week we'll talk about how to make sure you are hiring a "good" moving company.
By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Twas the Night Before Moving

“Twas the night before moving
We’d just bought a house
Good thing the inspection
Didn't turn up a mouse!
No one was sleeping
We rolled in our beds
While visions of moving crates
Danced In our heads!”

Rather than the usual moving tip post, this week I thought I’d take a moment to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

If you are reading this blog, chances are you have either just moved or are planning a move. Here at Moving Again Inc, we understand that moving is one of the most stressful things you can do. We want to help you make this difficult transition easier.

I trust that you will be able to enjoy the upcoming holidays with family and loved ones. I also hope you find a moment to experience the real meaning of the season – the love of Jesus, coming to a world in so need of His love.

If moving is part of your new year, feel free to contact me by visiting my website www.movingagain.ca. We can help take you across the street or across the country.

Leave your favourite moving tip or story and come join the discussion on our face book page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moving-Again/177993148882424 or on twitter @AndrewBrown80.

Have a Wonderful Holiday!
~A.B.
*Poem was written by realtor, Joanne McMaster at http://www.kapteyn.ca/
By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Staying Put? Part One

With the New Year around the corner, now is the time that many people begin to reflect on their lives, what they are doing and ultimately – where they are living. As you look at your current situation and your life goals the question becomes should I move or should I stay put?

Here are some things to consider before you “leap”:

1. Am I acting on impulse? Before making a life changing decision, be sure you have thought it through completely. Are you just mad at your boss, your landlord or your neighbour? Are you reacting out of boredom? It is easy to make big changes based on knee jerk reactions. Make sure your move is based on facts not emotional response?
2. Have you done your research? Have you weighed all the pros, cons and costs of moving. You may decide rent is a bit cheaper in another area, but is the neighbourhood as safe/nice? One place might charge less rent but not include utilities you are not used to paying. Is the cost of the move worth the final outcome? Can you really afford your current situation or is it time to downsize?
3. Are you staying put out of fear or lack of motivation? Is it obvious to everyone around you that your current living or life situation needs to change – but you don’t like change? Take an honest look at yourself and if you need to give yourself a push to improve your life – do it. ~A.B.

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Moving with Kids ~ Part Two

Moving can be stressful for everyone, particularly children. As I mentioned last week, a little thinking ahead and careful parenting can make even the farthest move less difficult for your children. Here are some tips - this week we'll discuss what to do after moving to make things smoother:

1. For small children especially, it is important to be surrounded with things that are comfortable and familiar as soon as possible. Having their items in an accessible “Open Me First” box is a good idea. Items as simple as their favourite cup, breakfast bowl, books and play items will help them feel at home sooner.
2. Consider unpacking the kid’s rooms first or as soon as possible. The sooner they feel settled the better it is for everyone. It also shows them that they are your priority – not your stuff.
3. When possible, give your children a say in creating your new living spaces, i.e. paint colours, where furniture is placed and pictures hung up etc. This will help them to feel more in control of their environment.
4. If moving far from friends and family, take advantage of social media and technologies like Skype and Webcams to show your children they have not totally lost contact with the people they love.
5. Be intentional about helping your children and yourself make new connections. Sign them up for sports, attend church or clubs together - whatever works for you - in order to help them find good, healthy, new friendships.

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Moving 101

           

Step One

Moving can be very exciting. There’s something wonderful about a fresh start, a clean slate, a new beginning. However, moving is also a very stressful time. There is so much to do, so many details to think of and so much to remember. To make your move a little easier, I’ve broken it down for you.

First things First

• As soon as you have confirmed your move, firm up your moving plans. Whether you’re booking a mover, calling on friends or renting a vehicle, get these plans done as soon as possible. This is not one of those items you want to leave to the last minute. Since most people choose to move around the same time of year and time of the month, you may be surprised to find trucks and moving companies book up quickly. If you are choosing a moving company, get referrals and be sure you are dealing with an experienced and reputable company.
• If you are moving locally and can afford it, try to book a little overlap in your move dates. If you can give yourself a week or two where you can get into your new place, without having to rush out of your current home, this will allow you time to clean, paint and plan – decreasing your stress.

A Month or Two Before

• Declutter. Declutter. Declutter. The rule of thumb for keeping items is if you haven’t used it in six months- you don’t need it. I’ll be more generous and say one year. Now is the time for a fresh start. Get rid of those unused clothes, books, electronic equipment, papers and gadgets. Why pay to move things you are not using? There are many organizations like the Ontario Cerebral Palsy Organization and the Cystic Fibrosis Organization that will do donation pick ups right from your front door. If the season is right, make a little extra moving money with a garage sale.
• Contact your utility, phone and Internet companies to book the end and beginning of services.
• Create an inventory of items being moved and begin packing them in categories that make sense for you, i.e. “Knick knacks from Living Room” etc.
• Begin to use up food in your freezer and canned goods in your pantry. Again, it cost money to move these items and transporting frozen foods can be unsafe. Begin shopping with more of a short-term mind set.
• Notify your post office, bank, magazine/ newspaper subscriptions and family/ friends of your upcoming address change.
• Contact your insurance company about changes to your mortgage and content insurance.
• Research and contact schools your children may be attending (if applicable).

Visit next week  for more steps on planning your move.

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

New Beginnings

Moving Again has been moving people from their homes and offices since 1996, both locally and long distance. If there is anything we know, we know moving.

That's why I decided to share some of that information. Moving can be one of the most stressful times in a person's life- whether you're moving your office or your entire home. We don't just want to move your stuff, we want to make the whole process a little easier on you.

So stop back often for tips, links and resources to make your next move an enjoyable one.
By: Andrew Brown and Sharon Osvald