Moving Soon?

Buyers and sellers that have a move date based on school schedules (summer break) are starting their search now. Not only are these buyers and sellers dealing with the more obvious realities of winter time real estate – tight inventory, quick contracts and of course the cold – they are also faced with the obvious obstacles – staging, price negotiations, appraisals, inspections, etc.

Another reality of moving is the physical act of getting all that “stuff” from the attic or the basement. Did you realize that you had that much when you moved in? Although some people prefer to gather friends and make the move an almost social event, others prefer to simply pass this large task on to a moving company.

Having made many moves myself, I have explored both the “do it yourself option” as well as the moving company.

I have found both options to have their advantages, but if you are one of those that choose to have the moving company take care of it, you should definitely make sure that you touch on the following:

Price/Payment Options

• What is the standard charge for packing? Is there an unpacking fee?  
• Does it include boxes? If not, what do they cost and will you deliver them?
• Is there an additional charge to deliver some items to a storage unit?
• Do you accept credit cards? Check or cash?  
• Any hidden fees or items we have not discussed?
• What is the deposit?

Insurance Concerns

• Who do I call if I have a damage claim that needs to be addressed?
• What kind of insurance options do you provide and is there an additional cost? 
• What all does your insurance cover? Can items I packed be covered? 
• What is the maximum insurance that can be purchased? 
• If items are covered by my Homeowner’s insurance, whose insurance pays first?

Unusual Items and Requests 

• Can you move my vehicle(s)? Do you tow them or are they on a trailer? 
• Are there any extra charges for shipping ATV, golf carts, small tractors, etc.?  
• Do you have a list of items that cannot be shipped? 
• If you are unable to pack and load everything in one day, can you leave out our essentials until the last day? (beds, needed dishes and other basics)

Timeframes

• What are you available to complete our move?
• How long do you expect it to take to pack and load our items? 
• When will our items arrive at the designated location(s)? 
• Can you store/hold my items should there be any delay with my next house? Additional charge?

Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process. Having a celebratory moving party can be one way to make the process a little easier, but if you do decide to pass this on to a moving company, hopefully following these suggestions will make your dealings with the moving company very simple.

Until next time - Stay on Top of the Market.  

Erik Hart
REALTOR®, GREEN
"Happy, Humble, Hardworking"
Severna Park Office
Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
(O)410-544-4000 (C)443-889-6860
http://erikhart.lnf.com
http://topofthemarket.blogspot.com

Or simply Google me, your Maryland Realtor Erik Hart.

Your referrals are always a great compliment.