Seller’s
Moving Guide
TOM A NEWELL
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
602.621.3615 tnewell@firstam.com
CELL
Table of
Contents 02 Table of Contents 03 Count on First American Title 04 Planning to Sell 05 Staging Your Home for Show 06 The Closing Process 07 Moving Checklist 08 Pet Moving Checklist 09 Moving with Young Kids 10 Moving Address Change Checklist 11 Your Notes
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Count on First American Title Welcome to the home-selling process. Throughout this process, you can count on First American Title to guide you smoothly through your transaction and provide expert answers to your questions. We are happy to serve you. COUNT ON US FOR SERVICE First American Title’s professionals are proud to provide the title insurance that assures people’s home ownership. Backed by First American Title Insurance Company, your transaction will be expertly completed in accordance with state-specific underwriting standards and state and federal regulatory requirements.
COUNT ON US FOR STABILITY First American Title is the principal subsidiary of First American Financial Corporation, and one of the largest suppliers of title insurance services in the nation. With roots dating back to 1889, we’ve served families for generations.
COUNT ON US FOR CONVENIENCE First American Title has a direct office or agent near you. We also have an extensive network of offices and agents throughout the United States, and internationally.
COUNT ON US TO MEET YOUR NEEDS First American Financial Corporation offers more than title insurance and escrow services through its subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries also provide property data, title plant records and images, home warranties, property and casualty insurance, and banking, trust and advisory services.
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Planning to Sell A HOMEOWNER’S CHECKLIST TO PREPARE YOUR HOME
So you’re planning to sell your home. You and your real estate broker have decided on a price, based on current market values, but your home may sell faster and bring a higher price if it shows well. Potential buyers will get the best impression if your home is clean, neat, uncluttered, in good repair, light, airy, fragrant, and quiet. This checklist will help you get your home ready to show.
CLEAN EVERYTHING Cleanliness signals to a buyer that the home has been well cared for and is most likely in good repair. A messy or dirty home will cause prospective buyers to notice every flaw.
LET FRESH AIR IN Get rid of odors that may be unfamiliar or unpleasant. People are most often offended by odors from tobacco, pets, cooking, and musty or sour laundry. Fresh flowers and potpourri can be used to your advantage. Other smells that attract positive attention include fresh baked bread and cinnamon.
ET THE LIGHT IN L Raise the shades. Open the blinds. Pull back the curtains. Put brighter bulbs in all the lamps (but not bright enough to cause a glare). Bright, open rooms feel larger and more inviting. Dark rooms feel small and gloomy.
PAINT There’s nothing that improves the value of a home for a lower cost than a fresh coat of paint. And it’s so often easier to paint a room than it is to scrub it. Stick with neutral colors - off-white is the safest. Be sure to avoid black, violet, and pink.
KEEP NOISE DOWN Silence is a restful sound that offends no one. Turn off the TV and radio. Soft instrumental music is fine but avoid vocals. If necessary, close the windows to eliminate any street noise.
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UNCLUTTER YOUR HOME BEFORE YOU SHOW IT Have a garage sale. Empty closets. Throw away what you can’t sell. The less “stuff” in and around a home, the roomier it will seem.
FIX ANYTHING THAT IS BROKEN This includes plumbing, electrical systems, switches, windows, TV antennas, screens, doors, and fences; if it can’t be fixed, replace it or get rid of it (no window screens are better than broken ones). A buyer will make a much lower offer if your house is in disrepair and will probably still insist that everything be fixed before taking occupancy. You’re better off if you leave potential buyers no reason to offer less than you are asking.
SEND PETS AWAY Send them away or secure them away from the house when prospective buyers are coming. You never know if people will be annoyed or intimidated by your pets or even allergic to them. And you never want a prospective buyer to have to avoid animal droppings.
SEND THE KIDS TO GRANDMA’S Send them to Grandma's or take them on a walk around the block. Children can be noisy and distracting to someone interested in looking at a home.
THIS CHECKLIST WILL HELP YOU GET YOUR HOME READY TO SHOW EXTERIOR
PUT LIGHT BULBS IN:
BATHROOMS (CONTINUED)
Clean around service areas/trash cans Haul away rubbish Straighten woodpile Repair leaky faucets Clean up pet droppings Paint or varnish doors Polish door hardware Make sure doorbell/knocker works Paint or replace street numbers on house Make sure septic tank is odor free Clean oil stains from driveway/street Patch/reseal driveway if necessary
Porch Lights Carport Garage
Clean tile grout Make sure toilet flushes properly – replace mechanism if necessary Clean exhaust fan/heater – replace if broken or noisy
REPLACE, REPAIR, AND/OR PAINT ANY DAMAGES:
Plaster Wood siding Trim Rain gutters Shutters Doors Window frames Glazing Screens Hardware Fences/gates Outdoor lighting LANDSCAPING
Mow/edge lawn regularly Aerate/feed lawn Overseed bare spots in lawn Water lawn regularly Remove/replace dead plants Prune overgrown/diseased/damaged shrubs Prune or remove shrubs/trees blocking view from windows (unless view is undesirable) Stake up any sagging trees/shrubs Keep flower beds free of weeds Trim around base of trees/walls/fences REPAIR OR REMOVE ANY BROKEN OR DAMAGED LANDSCAPE ACCESSORIES SUCH AS:
Fences Walls Gazebos Fountains Trellises Planters Other Replace any broken stepping stones Adjust any sprinkler system; repair any broken/ leaky heads Install fences or shrubs to hide any unsightly views
CLEAN/WASH Siding Windows Screen Outdoor BBQ AC unit Pool/Spa
CLOSETS Keep closets clean and free of clutter Throw out or pack away non-essentials Adjust/repair sliding doors Lubricate sliding door hardware Paint, if needed
ALL ROOMS , Clean especially around: Doors Windows Light switches Baseboards Chair rails Wash lace curtains and have draperies cleaned if necessary Remove or pull back dark curtains Lubricate window slides (soap for wood silicon or a candle stump for metal) Make sure doors open smoothly Clean ceiling light fixtures Check for cobwebs in all corners Fix any scratches in wooden floors Replace worn/broken flooring Remove or replace worn carpet Use area rugs where needed Empty wastebaskets Make the beds Fluff the pillows
KITCHEN Keep dishes and food out of sight Clean appliances Clean range hood, including light bulbs Clean behind appliances Keep floor clean Clean light fixture Make sure all electrical outlets work Eliminate cooking odors Deodorize garbage disposal, dishwasher, and refrigerator Repair faucets Put fresh shelf paper in cabinets Organize cupboards Clean out under sink Replace garbage disposal gasket to reduce noise
GARAGE/CARPORT/SHED Install 100-watt light bulb Keep area clean/uncluttered Hang up/put away tools Clear away any cobwebs Remove oil/paint stains from floor Adjust tension rod to eliminate sag from overhead garage door Lubricate/adjust/repair garage door opener Paint if needed
LAUNDRY AREA Clean out area behind washer/dryer Eliminate any mildew odors
BASEMENT Eliminate any signs of dampness Check for and eliminate cracks
HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING UNIT Vacuum Replace filter Clean intake vent Remove any stored items
M ake sure the temperature in your home is comfortable – keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. If it’s cooler outside and you have a fireplace, a nice fire will make your home seem cozy and inviting. P rovide an exhaustive written list of the features of your home. K now the distance to schools and shopping centers. R efer any prospect that calls or comes by to your broker for pre-screening and pre-qualification as well as for your own safety. T ell your real estate agent all about the home-good and bad. Let the professional decide how to handle negatives and features or highlight the positives.
BATHROOMS , Keep them spotlessly clean: Shine mirrors Keep wastebaskets empty and clean Clean out cabinets and remove non-essentials Keep fresh, clean towels on towel racks Clean shower door – if sliding door, keep track well lubricated Remove soap residue, mildew and mold from sink/tub/shower Remove stains from porcelain sink tub toilet Replace torn/moldy shower curtain
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CLOSING
PROC E SS
We know the home buying process can be confusing. Let’s walk through a brief explanation of what happens after you sign the contract. The signed contract and earnest money are delivered to the settlement agent (NOTE: the title company often acts as the settlement agent). Now the title order begins and information such as taxes, loan payoffs, lien search, and other information is collected.
The title search will determine the legal owner of the property and any outstanding liens and/or assessments. This search is critical to making sure the property will transfer legally to the buyer.
Over the next few weeks the following will occur: inspections, repairs (if necessary), payoffs obtained from current lenders, HOA’s, lienholders, ect, and loan document preparation. It is important the buyers and sellers are responsive to requests for paperwork and information.
Once the invoices, payoffs, statements, and loan documents are received, the settlement statement is prepared. This document includes the closing calculations and is used to inform the buyer and seller of their bottom line figures.
The closing paperwork must then be signed by the buyer and the seller. This will include documents such as the deed, settlement statement, loan documents (if applicable), and others.
All payees, including the seller, payoff lenders, real estate professionals, and others are paid according to the settlement statement.
The final documents, including the deed and loan instrument, are sent to the county recorder’s office for recordation. After recording, the deed will be sent to the buyer. The title insurance policy is sent to the buyer and the lender.
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Moving Checklist SIX WEEKS BEFORE: Create an inventory sheet of items to move. Research moving options. You’ll need to decide if yours is a do-it-yourself move or if you’ll be using a moving company. Request moving quotes. Solicit moving quotes from as many moving companies and movers as possible. There can be a large difference between rates and services within moving companies. Discard unnecessary items. Moving is a great time for ridding yourself of unnecessary items. Have a yard sale or donate unnecessary items to charity. Packing materials. Gather moving boxes and packing materials for your move. Contact insurance companies. (Life, Health, Fire, Auto) You’ll need to contact your insurance agent to cancel/ transfer your insurance policy. Do not cancel your insurance policy until you have and closed escrow on the sale. Seek employer benefits. If your move is work-related, your employer may provide funding for moving expenses. Your human resources rep should have information on this policy. Changing Schools. If changing schools, contact new school for registration process.
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE: Contact utility companies. Set utility turnoff date, seek refunds and deposits and notify them of your new address. Obtain your medical records. Contact your doctors, physicians, dentists and other medical specialists who may currently be retaining any of your family’s medical records. obtain these records or make plans for them to be delivered to your new medical facilities. Note food inventory levels. Check your cupboards, refrigerator and freezer to use up as much of your perishable food as possible. Service small engines for your move by extracting gas and oil from the machines. This will reduce the chance to catch fire during your move. Protect jewelry and valuables. Transfer jewelry and valuables to safety deposit box so they can not be lost or stolen during your move.
ONE WEEK BEFORE: Plan your itinerary. Make plans to spend the entire day at the house or at least until the movers are on their way. Someone will need to be around to make decisions. Make plans for kids and pets to be at the sitters for the day. Change of address. Visit USPS for change of address form. Bank accounts. Notify bank of address change. Make sure to have a money order for paying the moving company if you are transferring or closing accounts. Service automobiles. If automobiles will be driven long distances, you’ll want to have them serviced for a troublefree drive. Cancel services. Notify any remaining service providers (newspapers, lawn services, etc) of your move. Start packing. Begin packing for your new location. Travel items. Set aside items you’ll need while traveling and those needed until your new home is established. Make sure these are not packed in the moving truck! Scan your furniture. Check furniture for scratches and dents before so you can compare notes with your mover on moving day. Prepare Floor Plan. Prepare floor plan for your new home. This will help avoid confusion for you and your movers.
MOVING DAY: Review the house. Once the house is empty, check the entire house (closets, the attic, basement, etc) to ensure no items are left or no home issues exist. Sign the bill of lading. Once you are satisfied with the mover’s packing your items into the truck, sign the bill of lading. If possible, accompany your mover while the moving truck is being weighed. Double check with your mover. Make sure your mover has the new address and your contact information should they have any questions during your move. Vacate your home. Make sure utilities are off, doors and windows are locked and notify your real estate agent you’ve left the property.
Borrowed and rented items. Return items which you may have borrowed or rented. Collect items borrowed to others. Seller’s Moving Guide | 7
Pet Moving Checklist Pets have many needs which become complicated when moving from one place to another. This moving checklist for pets lists all of the hurdles of pet relocation. A MONTH BEFORE MOVING YOUR PET: Visit the veterinary office. Make sure to pick up your pet’s medical records before leaving your former home. Have your pet vaccinated and stock up on any pet meds needed until you settle into your new home. If your move is difficult for a pet, ask your vet to prescribe sedatives to be given on and around moving day. Update your pet ID tags. Have new tags created with the pet’s name and your new contact information. Check licensing laws. Contact the proper authority in your new location for information on pet licensing requirements. Secure a valid license for your pet.
MOVING DAY FOR PETS: Temporary residence. Your pet is best kept away from all your moving day activities. They’ll likely get agitated when seeing items being removed from the home. Have pets stay with friends or board them in a kennel for the day. Transporting your pet. If you are driving a car, make sure to take plenty of breaks to minimize the chance your pet gets carsick. If your pet is temperature or moving sensitive, cover their cage with a blanket and keep them in a temperature regulated environment. If your pet becomes easily stressed, consider giving them sedatives. Settling into your new home. Once you are somewhat settled into your new home, let your pet roam around and get used to the new space. Since pets will initially be confused about their new surroundings, keep them confined or leashed until you are certain they will not run away from home. Pets that are stressed and confused can be kept confined in a small room with their bed, toys, and other items. If your pet has a microchip, contact the company and provide your updated contact information.
UNUSUAL PET MOVING CIRCUMSTANCES: Flying with your pet. If your move requires flying with your pet, check with your airline to see what requirements they may have for pet travel. Try to choose nonstop flights since pets may become unsettled by air pressure changes and airport handling. Moving pets internationally. Those moving to another country should check with that country’s embassy or consulate about any quarantine or health issues related to pet moving. If moving a bird, make sure to secure proper documentation required by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Moving fish. Your local pet store is the best resource for getting information on relocating fish. Depending upon your move, they will have the knowledge and supplies needed for moving fish.
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Moving With Young Kids Your family’s move can be an exciting time for you and your children. It can also be a stressful and sad time. Moving represents change which can be difficult at any age. Sharing and reading picture books about moving is a great way to prepare kids for what’s ahead and give voice to the range of feelings that they may be experiencing. Most children have an adventurous, curious side to them. Try appealing to this side when telling them that the family is moving. This way, you’ll help them view the move as an experience that can lead to exciting discoveries. Even in their excitement, young children will feel sadness at leaving familiar people, places and activities. Help your kids with concrete ways to make the “old place to the new place” transition. Following are some tips for you to help your young children cope with the move. TELLING YOUNGER CHILDREN ABOUT THE MOVE
– Explain where and why you are moving. – Highlight benefits of moving that your kids can understand. – Use maps and pictures to help illustrate where you are going and make the move more concrete.
– Reassure them that their life won’t change dramatically.
WHAT TO EXPECT Moving to a new place can affect a child’s behavior and emotions. Toddlers and young children are egocentric. When you show stress, they may think it’s because of something they did. Be mindful of your emotions and actions in their presence and give them plenty of reassurance. Younger kids may be the most eager members of your moving team. Let your kids help by assigning tasks you know they can handle. MOVING TIPS
– Make a list of all the questions your child has about moving.
– Create an address book. – Be sure to allocate enough time to say your special goodbyes.
– Make a last visit to their favorite places. – Plan their new bedroom. HELPFUL ADVICE FROM PARENTS WHO HAVE BEEN THERE
– Keep your kids in the loop on important moving information.
– Visit the new school and community before you move.
– Try to keep things and routines familiar. – Set up a toddler’s new room similar to their old one.
– Think about volunteering at school. It might be nice for your child to have a reassuring presence in an unfamiliar environment.
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Moving Address Change Checklist Here’s a list of people, businesses & organizations who will need to know you’ve moved to a new location. THE ESSENTIALS :
SERVICE PROVIDERS:
Request a “Change of Address” form at a USPS post office
Cable company
Friends and family
Housecleaning services
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS:
Phone company Delivery services
Banks and credit unions
Accountants
Credit card companies (including department store cards)
Childcare (day-care center, baby sitters)
Lenders (mortgage, home equity, auto, student loan)
Lawn care service
Insurance companies (health, renters, auto, home, medical, dental, disability, life)
Veterinarian (including pet groomer, pet sitters, and microchip service)
Retirement (pension plans, 401K, retirement accounts, Social Security, Veterans Affairs)
Pool services
Investments (investment agencies and brokers)
UTILITIES:
Lawyers
AUTOMOBILE: Auto insurers (insurance agencies and brokers)
Phone services (cellular, land line)
Auto lenders (car dealership, bank or loan place)
Electric Heating Oils (gas, oil, propane or other fuels)
Department of Motor Vehicles (changing your vehicle registration)
Water (water delivery, water treatment)
Membership clubs (AAA or similar)
Sewer
Parking permits
Waste Disposal
Warranty (if a car warranty is still in place)
Internet (land line, wi-fi and satellite)
Toll pass (Fast Lane, EZ Pass)
Television (cable or satellite TV)
GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
MEMBERSHIPS: House of worship (churches, synagogues, mosques)
Department of Motor Vehicles
Health clubs
IRS
Community groups (PTA, neighborhood associations, civic clubs)
Passport Office Veteran Affairs Unemployment Office (if you are currently receiving unemployment benefits)
JOBS: Notify the Human Resources department Update your personal marketing materials (business cards, websites, resumes)
Children’s extracurricular activities (dance classes, music lessons, sport clubs) Social clubs, community centers
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Newspapers Magazines (The USPS will only forward magazine subscriptions for two months)
Employment agencies (temp agencies and recruiters)
Movie subscriptions (streaming services or other)
Professional Memberships (licensing and certification boards)
Mail order houses
Past employers (for W-2)
HEALTH: Physicians (doctors, dentists, optometrists, etc.) Pharmacies Health insurers (HMOs, DMOs, agencies and brokers) Seller’s Moving Guide | 10
Book and music clubs
OTHER: Air miles reward program
Register to vote!
Update personal websites
Children’s schools
YOUR NOTE S:
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