Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Sunday, May 14, 2017
What Not to Do When Hiring Interstate Moving Companies:
When relocating and hiring a moving company to take you across the country to another state, there are five things you shouldn't do. Some of them might seem obvious, but something as simple as having a pen and paper ready to check off items as they're unloaded from the truck will save you a lot of time and aggravation later on.
Don't Hire a Company That Only Takes Cash
Ask upfront how you can pay the moving fees.
While it might not seem like too much of a problem to hand over some large bills, companies that only take cash might also take your stuff and not ever return it. Moving long distances means your things will be out of sight for a while, so you need to be sure that the company is legit.
Don't Pay for the Move Until All Your Belongings Have Been Unloaded
If there are any boxes or items missing, don't sign the paperwork. The move must be completed before you sign. Once you sign that you've received everything, it's hard to go back to the company to say that something is missing. Count the boxes and recount them, making sure you conduct a home inventory. This is your only chance to make sure everything arrived. Also, if there is an issue with the paperwork (see the next point) at least all your things are in your new space and not on the truck. This gives you some leverage with the movers if needed.
Don't Sign Anything That You Don't Understand
While this is true for all moves, long distance moving is even more tricky. Make sure you read everything thoroughly and ask questions when you need clarification. If you see a list of additional fees, ask the mover to explain what each means and how they apply to your move.
If in doubt, ask to speak to the manager or supervisor.
Don't Pack Items That Are of High Value and Leave Them With the Mover
Important items, such as your passport, accounting records, school records, jewelry or other things that are critical, should be carried with you, not with the mover. Check out a complete list of what not to pack so critical items aren't lost during the move and items that shouldn't be packed, aren't.
Don't Wait Until a Few Days or Weeks Have Gone by Before You Make a Claim
It is where unpacking after a move and doing it quickly is essential. Often, I'll open every box first to make sure nothing has been damaged during the move before fully unpacking. The longer you wait to make a claim, the less likely it is that your claim will be accepted. For more tips, check out this article on how to file a moving insurance claim after you move.
Don't hire movers if you haven't researched their business.
Ask to see the company's credentials and past references.
Don't Assume That the Movers Provide Enough Insurance
Ask about moving insurance. New federal rules state that a mover must offer you the option of purchasing standard coverage. Most insurance policies are based on weight, not value.
Make sure you're fully protected and also if you need to purchase more.
Don't Assume Your Mover Isn't a Broker
Ask up front if your mover is a broker or a moving company. If your moving company is a broker, find out who will be moving your things. Research and investigate both companies. The law states the company has to tell you whether they're hiring another company to do the move.
Don't Let the Mover Manage the Inventory List
Have someone at your old home for when the movers pick up your stuff and someone at the new home for when they are delivered. Everything that goes on and off of the truck should be recorded and checked.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Bay Area Home Sales Continue to Decline in February, but Signs Point to Strong Spring:
Executive Summary:
- February Bay Area home sales posted a 6 percent decline from last year, with the largest decreases in San Mateo and Napa counties. But sales of home homes priced between $1 million and $3 million expanded from last February.
- The overall home sales decline is lower than the average 5 percent annual decline seen over the last four years.
- Inventory levels are lower than they were in February 2016, with all regions but Alameda County declining by 9 percent, on average.
- Buyer open-house traffic in Marin County, however, suggests that demand is picking up.
- The median home price appreciation across the Bay Area increased by 7 percent on an annual basis, with relatively stronger appreciation in Silicon Valley driven by an increase in luxury home sales.
Bay Area home sales slowed again in February, falling from both January and last February by about 2 percent. Nevertheless, compared with the monthly and year-over-year changes recorded in recent Februarys, the news is not all bad. While a 2 percent month-over-month decline in February is below the five-year average of a 4 percent increase, it is lower than last February’s 6 percent decline.
To recap the initial months of 2016, the volatility that shook the stock market early in the year contributed to a somewhat slower start for the housing market. At the same time, the 2 percent year-over-year decrease in February 2017 is lower than five-year, year-over-year average decline of 5 percent. Generally, the annual February declines recorded over the last four years have been slowing, which suggests a stabilizing market.
Also, total sales for the first two months of 2017 are only 1 percentage point lower than during the same period last year, with the lowest price range again showing the largest decline. Sales of homes priced above $1 million are actually 12 percent higher than last year. The reason that the lowest price range is dragging the overall decline is because it still comprises 72 percent of all Bay Area sales, down from 75 percent last February. And while all regions’ share of lowest price range declined from last year, Santa Clara and Alameda counties saw the largest such drops — 6 percent. Among the higher-priced ranges, February sales were 13 percent higher for homes priced between $1 million and $2 million; 28 percent higher for homes priced between $2 million and $3 million; and 13 percent lower for homes priced above $3 million. And while sales in the highest price range fell in February, they were still 10 percent higher year-to-date, with Silicon Valley and San Francisco responsible for most of the increase.
Continued inventory declines, down 9 percent from last year, also constrained February sales. Five out of eight Bay Area counties (excluding Solano) had double-digit percent supply declines since last February. Figure 1 illustrates year-over-year changes in home sales and for-sale inventory in February. Alameda is the only county with both improved sales and inventory activity from February 2016, while all others suffered. Santa Clara saw some pickup in home sales, largely stemming from sales of homes priced between $1 million and $2 million.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Client Experience: Gery S, Sonoma:
Sonoma resident, Gery was looking to replace the family minivan. As a returning Cartelligent client, he gave us a call to help save time and money on his new car.
Q. What made you realize it was time for a new car?
A: We had a 2006 Dodge van that we bought as a family car. With the kids out of the house now, we decided it was time for a new car.
Q. How did you decide on the Subaru Outback?
A: We were looking at reliable cars and the Outback stood out to us. We really liked the styling of the car and the positive reviews it received.
Q. Why did you decide to use Cartelligent?
A: I originally found Cartelligent through a co-worker who had a great experience using the service. This time, as a returning client, I just called my agent, Chris, to get started.
Q. What did you like best about working with Cartelligent?
A: Chris is so easy to work with. I give him a call, tell him what I'm looking for and he finds it within a couple of days. I also really appreciate the time the delivery person takes to show me all the features of my new car.
Q. What surprised you about the Cartelligent car buying experience?
A: Just how little you have to do and how easy the whole process is.
Q. What would you tell a friend about us?
A: I usually feel like I have to keep my guard up when I'm buying a new car, but I know I can trust Chris and Cartelligent not to sell me anything I don't need and to get me a great deal.
No matter what kind of car you're looking for, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
New Home Move-In Checklist:
Establish a local support system as soon as you move.
Moving into a new home involves much more than just relocating your belongings. You need to re-establish your local support system, set up new accounts and notify government agencies of your new address. Below are a hand full of often overlooked items you should consider prior to moving day.
Set up New Accounts with Utility Providers.Lights, air and hot water are easy to take for granted until they are noticeably absent. You’ll want to contact the electric and gas companies several weeks in advance of your move to give them sufficient time to set up your utilities and service appliances.
Register Your Vehicle.When moving into a new area you need to notify municipal and state revenue authorities of which vehicles you are registering at your new address. Once in their database, they’ll notify you of property tax and licensing deadlines. Doing this ahead of time will save you from additional headaches when you make your first trip to the local DMV to update your license and plates.
Register to Vote.Avoid hassles with absentee voting by registering to vote ahead of Election Day. Most states accept the National Mail Voter Registration Form, but there are exceptions. Check with your local election commission to identify local rules, polling stations and election dates.
Forward Your Mail.The United States Postal Service allows you to forward mail from your old address for up to a full year if you choose to renew after the first six months of complimentary service. Simply submit a Change of Address form online or fill out a paper form at your local post office.
Locate New Health ResourcesBetter to be safe than sorry when it comes to your family’s health. Find preferred providers, clinics and local pharmacies and create a contact list for everyone in the family to reference. Don’t forget about Fido either. A local vet should be on your emergency list as well if pets are making the trip with you.
Contact Insurance Companies.Considering all of your property is at risk during a move, you’ll want to be certain that you are covered. Talk to an insurance agent about covering liabilities during your move and how to transfer your homeowner’s and auto policies to your new address.
Newspaper.
Make a call to the local paper to ensure that your subscription preferences are on file. You don’t want unnecessary papers piling up on the new lawn.
Keep a Folder of Receipts.If your move is job-related, there is a good chance you can write off many of the expenses you incur. Consult with your tax adviser to get a list of deductible move expenses and keep your receipts in a safe place.
Set up New Accounts with Utility Providers.Lights, air and hot water are easy to take for granted until they are noticeably absent. You’ll want to contact the electric and gas companies several weeks in advance of your move to give them sufficient time to set up your utilities and service appliances.
Register Your Vehicle.When moving into a new area you need to notify municipal and state revenue authorities of which vehicles you are registering at your new address. Once in their database, they’ll notify you of property tax and licensing deadlines. Doing this ahead of time will save you from additional headaches when you make your first trip to the local DMV to update your license and plates.
Register to Vote.Avoid hassles with absentee voting by registering to vote ahead of Election Day. Most states accept the National Mail Voter Registration Form, but there are exceptions. Check with your local election commission to identify local rules, polling stations and election dates.
Forward Your Mail.The United States Postal Service allows you to forward mail from your old address for up to a full year if you choose to renew after the first six months of complimentary service. Simply submit a Change of Address form online or fill out a paper form at your local post office.
Locate New Health ResourcesBetter to be safe than sorry when it comes to your family’s health. Find preferred providers, clinics and local pharmacies and create a contact list for everyone in the family to reference. Don’t forget about Fido either. A local vet should be on your emergency list as well if pets are making the trip with you.
Contact Insurance Companies.Considering all of your property is at risk during a move, you’ll want to be certain that you are covered. Talk to an insurance agent about covering liabilities during your move and how to transfer your homeowner’s and auto policies to your new address.
Newspaper.
Make a call to the local paper to ensure that your subscription preferences are on file. You don’t want unnecessary papers piling up on the new lawn.
Keep a Folder of Receipts.If your move is job-related, there is a good chance you can write off many of the expenses you incur. Consult with your tax adviser to get a list of deductible move expenses and keep your receipts in a safe place.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Mortgage Advice - 10 Minutes with a Mortgage Expert:
Candid Questions and Frank Answers
For first time homebuyers, the process of shopping for a home mortgage can seem intimidating. But according to Steve Doran, mortgage department vice president at Fleet Mortgage, borrowers have nothing to fear.
Q: At what point should a borrower approach a loan officer for mortgage advice?
A: It's never too early. In fact, contact should be made with a loan officer when discussion first turns to buying a home-- certainly it should be before any properties are actually visited.
Q: Why make contact with a loan officer so soon?
A: Two very practical reasons-- to become pre-qualified or pre-approved for a loan before house hunting. You will find many sellers or mortgage brokers need one or the other.
Q: What is the difference between the two?
A: Pre-qualification is simply based on a conversation between the lender and the borrower about income, employment, credit and savings. There is no validation, no underwriting of the data supplied-- it's a process than can be done over the phone in fifteen minutes. This gives the customer an idea of their loan worthiness and how much they might expect to qualify to borrow. Pre-approval is based on actual submission of income, assets, credit and employment information. Assuming the information is accurate, the loan officer can give the borrower a written loan commitment, subject to a property appraisal. We strongly recommend first time buyers consider taking this step to make them more credible buyers in the marketplace. Pre-approval will give them leverage when competing for a property and tells the seller that the buyer can close the mortgage. I would encourage going through this process if the borrower intends to buy a home within six months, otherwise the information goes stale. Pre-approvals are generally good for ninety days.Get Pre-Qualified in our Mortgage Center.
Q: Is the relationship between borrower and lender one that extends beyond the initial meeting?
A: Most definitely. We encourage loan originators to stay in touch with pre-qualified buyers, keeping them updated on new products, trends and rates in the mortgage world. In fact, we have loan officers who work with people for a year or more before they finally find a home. It's an ongoing relationship and a very intimate one in many ways because buying a home is a huge financial experience and can be very emotional.
Q: How does one find a loan officer?
A: I'd say the best way is word of mouth. It's a lot like moving into a new town and you want to know the best place to get a haircut, or who is the best butcher or best lawyer. Ask people who have already bought a home because they'll tell you the good, the bad and the ugly about their borrowing experience. If the buyer feels uncomfortable talking to people, check the yellow pages-- just make sure to speak with two or three different loan officers-- don't jump on the first one. It might be a good idea to visit a big bank, a little bank and a mortgage broker. Whoever you choose, it's important to work with someone who is honorable and [trustworthy].
Q: Okay, you've found a lender or broker you trust. What kind of mortgage advice questions should one ask?
A: Whatever's on your mind. A good loan officer wants to encourage the homebuyer not to be intimidated. The borrower is in charge, not the lender. Don't allow yourself to become uncomfortable, to feel pressured or pushed to accept a loan program you don't want or a rate you consider too high. Again, take control. Take control of the process by becoming educated.Moving.com Mortgage Glossary.
Q: And how does one become educated about the mortgage process?
A: I recommend a first time homebuyer education course. These courses are free, or very low cost, and are given through community development groups most everywhere in the nation. They usually last four or five evenings, maybe an hour each time-- but for that amount of time the homebuyer will learn, not only about mortgages, but about the appraisal process, the closing process, managing credit, working with Realtors-- a whole bunch of valuable information about probably the most important financial transaction any of us will ever go through. Every lending institution maintains data on these programs or you can check with state or local housing agencies.
Q: Many first time buyers are reluctant to go for a mortgage because of sub-standard credit, checkered employment history or because they lack a substantial down payment. What mortgage advice do you give to them?
A: I say there is a mortgage program for nearly everyone. One thing the first time homebuyer will find is flexibility. The perception that one needs a large down payment or must have angelic credit or needs to be in the same job for two straight years is part of an earlier mortgage era. The first time buyer can expect to see programs that offer low down payment options, programs that work around credit problems, blank credit or bankruptcies and others that deal with employment issues. There are even some no income, no asset programs but, in return for no verification, the borrower can expect rates that are generally much higher. You'll also need a great credit history and a larger down payment for those types of programs. Bottom line is, don't let a blemished credit history prevent a conversation with a loan officer. Visit our Credit Center.
Q: The thirty year fixed rate mortgage seems to be the traditional route for most first time home buyers. Are there other options available?
A: The array of mortgage products is mind-boggling. As I've said before, there is virtually a mortgage for everyone. Take a look at all of your options and don't make a rush decision. It's true that most people immediately think of the thirty year fixed but the fact is very few home owners keep the same mortgage for that length of time-- a lot of people are simply overbuying.
Q: By overbuying you mean?
A: The average mortgage length is about seven and a half years. Many couples moving into a starter home will have children in the next three to five years and will look to move up to a larger home. Rather than overbuying with a thirty year mortgage, there's always the option of applying for an adjustable loan that stays fixed the first three, five or seven years. These loans generally offer a lower interest rate and, for those who can't sleep at night worrying that the rate will eventually go up, the loan can always be refinanced.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Moving a Studio or Large Upright Piano:
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1Know your piano. One the most common types of piano today is the upright piano. These pianos are both normally 58 inches (147.3 cm) wide, and despite their differences, both the full vertical and the smaller studio upright can be moved using essentially the same method.
- The smaller "studio" uprights usually weigh between 400 and 600 pounds.
- The monstrous "full vertical" or large upright piano can weigh as much as half a ton.
- A studio piano's center of gravity is also lower than a large upright's, as it is about 4 feet (1.2 m) tall as opposed to a large upright's roughly 5-foot height.
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2Plan your route. Begin by clearing a path to your destination and measuring all entrances to ensure that the piano will fit through them.
- Have your moving truck open with the ramp deployed, if you are moving the piano onto the truck.
- Try to get one person per 100 pounds of estimated weight to help you move your piano.
- Ensure that every member of your piano moving grew is wearing rugged leather work gloves, and if at all possible, thick weightlifting support belts to help prevent back strain.
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3Prepare the piano. Unlike a spinet, these larger upright piano models are too top-heavy and bulky to reasonably move without tilting them onto a wide dolly. After you have locked the piano down and wrapped it in blankets and tape, move the dolly to one end of the piano and, with the help of your crew, gently lean it back onto the dolly.
- As many people as possible should be at the dolly end of the piano, to support its weight as it tips back, and along the sides of the piano to keep it on an even keel. This is an especially important point to remember with large upright pianos, since they tend to be quite top-heavy.
- Don't let gravity do any of your work for you; ease the piano gently using manpower from beginning to end.
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4Move the piano. With your crew supporting the weight of the piano according to its center of gravity, lead it slowly by the dolly to its destination.
- If the piano is too high on the dolly to move through a doorway, it will have to be lifted and scooted slowly through the door a few inches at a time. Once it is through the doorway, be sure it is settled firmly on the dolly before continuing to move it.
- The proper way to lift any object is to squat, maintain a straight back, and lift with your legs. Be sure everyone who is helping you move knows to lift this way.
- If the piano feels out of balance at any time, yell “Stop!” and instruct everyone to gently set the piano down. Make any required adjustments to the position of the dolly or your crew and try again.
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