Moving Archives ~ The Military Move

5 Ground Rules for Home Buying Success

March 15, 2021 No Comments

Ground Rules for Success - Kelsey and Jorge Realtors

There are few purchases in life that carry the financial and psychological weight of buying a home. Whether you are buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing your home and your life after the kids have gone, it is important to understand the ground rules for success in the world of buying a home.

Making the wrong decision in buying a home can have devastating and long-lasting effects, while making a wise decision in home buying can greatly enhance the overall value of the investment. It is necessary to learn all you can about the world of home buying and mortgages before setting out to purchase the home of your dreams.

While there are plenty of web sites designed to help first time homeowners learn all they can, most financial experts say that there is no substitute for the good old one-on-one learning. Fortunately, most mortgage lenders, home inspectors and real estate agents will be able to provide this kind of one-on-one learning.

When buying a home, it is often best to use a systematic approach as this is often the best way to be sure that all decisions are based on information and reason, not on impulse or emotion. Buying a home can be an emotional process, nevertheless it is imperative to keep your emotions under control and not let them cloud your judgment.

There are five basic ground rules when it comes to buying a home and shopping smart, and they are:

1) Get Your Financing Before You Get Your Home

There are few things in life as disappointing as losing out on the home of your dreams due to not being able to secure funding. While the desire to get out there are search for that great home is understandable, it is vital to line up the financing you will need before you start shopping for a home.

Getting the financing ahead of time has a number of important advantages, including knowing how much you can buy and gaining more respect from the listing agents. By knowing how much home you can afford before you shop you will avoid wasting your time looking at unaffordable properties, and the listing agent will be more than willing to show you the homes in your price range.

It is also important to take a good look at the various types of mortgage on the market before getting started in the home buying process. These days, mortgages come in far more choices than the typical 15 or 30 year. For that reason, potential home buyers need to understand how each type of mortgage works, and to gauge which mortgage is the best choice for their needs.

2) Look at the Community, Not Just the Home

It is a good idea to look at the entire community, instead of focusing on a single home. This can be a particularly important thing to consider for those moving to a new metropolitan area, as these buyers will be unfamiliar with the local climate and lifestyle. It is crucial to determine the areas of town that are most desirable, and to consider things like distance from work and local shopping opportunities.

We have all heard that location is the key consideration when it comes to real estate, and that is certainly the case. Buying a house in the wrong area can be a big mistake, and it is important to choose the location as well as the home. Potential buyers can learn a great deal about the nature of the various neighborhoods simply by driving around town, as well as by talking to other residents.

3) Be Fair with Your First Offer

Trying to lowball a seller on the first offer can backfire, as can paying too much. It is important to carefully evaluate the local market, and to compare the asking price of the home with what similar houses in the neighborhood have sold for.

Comparing the sales of comparable homes, what are known as “comps” in the industry, is one of the best ways to determine what is fair, and to make sure that you neither overpay or underbid on the property.

4) Always Rely on a Home Inspection

Always investigate the home for any possible defects before making an offer. Compared to the cost of the average home, the price of a quality home inspection is virtually negligible. Hence, get a good home inspection done before you buy.

To find the best home inspector, it is a good idea to seek out word of mouth referrals as many of the best home inspectors rely on word of mouth advertising.

5) Do Not Alienate the Sellers of the Home

Many real estate deals have fallen apart due to the personal animosity of the buyer and the seller. It is important to avoid alienating the seller of the home during the process, and to avoid nitpicking every little detail during the sale.

Keeping the good will of the seller will help the transaction go smoothly, and it will provide the best environment for seller and buyer alike.

About the Author

Julie Herrmann is the Branch Manager at Highland’s Mortgage in Kingston, WA.

Your Mortgage Gal for Life
www.YourMortgageGalforLife.com
Jherrmann@highlandsmortgage.com
Cell (360) 900-7092
Fax (425) 749-5503
11253 NE State Hwy. 104
Kingston, WA 98346
Highlands Residential Mortgage, Ltd. | WA Branch License: CL-2075463

Moving, Spouses, Travel

Why It’s Absolutely Fine to Stalk Your Movers

January 7, 2018 No Comments

Why I Stalk the Government Movers

There are opposing views to this idea, and that is okay! Some feel the need to stay out of the movers way and let them do their job.

But the other group feel compelled to be more “involved,” and that is perfectly okay. After all, the stuff in your home is your stuff – everything you have worked for or been gifted. You are placing that in someone else’s hands.

Let me give you some examples: When we filed an insurance claim after a hurricane hit our home – I made sure my roofer and I were there to ensure that he saw everything. When my father was having his house built, he went every week to see the work site. As a teacher, I welcomed parents in to see my method of teaching – it is their child.

There is oversight in many jobs. I don’t just walk away from a teller and trust that he/she will deposit my money because that is his/her job. So personally, I am not just going to sit on my couch while they do theirs. But that is me.

So if you are the type that “hovers,” you have the right too and should – but remember, they have a job to do so you can provide conversation while you do so to not make it so awkward.

To Feed or Not to Feed

You may be anxious to do a government move after hearing the horror stories from other military families. However, many veterans have come up with ways to show appreciation towards the movers and perhaps also woo them into being more careful with their stuff.

First, the question comes up each year in spouse groups about what to do with military movers. Should you feed them, tip them, etc.

Bridget from https://nuttyhiker.com says – “ I feed them lunch (usually pizza) and also have water’s and Gatorade as well as snacks for them.”

Diane from www.thewanderingrd.com states, “We always feed the movers lunch and provide plenty of bottled water. We typically give them some options and ask their preference. No, I don’t make them eat healthy! It’s more about pleasing them…When we lived overseas, I asked around and the convention was to provide some American “delicacies” like Coke and homemade chocolate chip cookies, which they took home to their families.”

Amy from Mehmomblog.wordpress.com says, “Our first move when the movers packed us we just got Gatorade and had bottled water available. Our budget was tight so we didn’t buy food, but they really appreciated the Gatorade. We’ve been overseas since then so we get the movers American snacks and chips they don’t have here. I always make sure there’s enough for them to take home and share with their families.”

Sybil from mamasandcoffee.com adds, “When they 1st arrive I let them know what areas to pack vs. staying with us (I try to put those items in a small closet or bathroom).”

*This post may contain affiliate links – if you purchase something from this post, I receive a small commission with NO extra cost to you. To see my full disclosure click here. Thanks for supporting us!

Stalking the Government Movers

When your movers come, they will each pick a room and will start packing up your goods.

First things first, I pack ALL irreplaceable valuables in my household goods container that always travels with me. This includes all my jewelry, my laptop, my PCS notebook (which you can sign up for below to get FREE), my hard drive with thousands of family photos, cash, and any family heirlooms that I deem appropriate.

Remember, the packers are going to go through everything that is not already in a sealed box, so if you have some things you would rather not be seen – go ahead a box those ahead of time.

However, if you are going overseas – it cannot be packed as it must be inspected by the packers (so perhaps put your valuables or dirty secrets into your personal luggage).

Secondly, IF both of you can be home, great. I am not afraid to stalk my movers during government moves. Why? Because I want to make sure my stuff is being taken care of and appropriately boxed.

This IS your STUFF. Remember that.

We moved between rooms focusing on the bedrooms or rooms that had things that may “walk away.” This is uncommon, but it does happen.

Personally, I have a DITY move labeling process that I do when we move ourselves. The movers will have their process to by labeling each box (you will find stickers on things years after your moves). However, you may be able to convince them to allow you to use this common method too.

Click here for the post on my method complete with your downloadable checklist.

Transferring the Moving Boxes/Furniture

This is where my heart stops. Watching my stuff be handled.

Why?

Because this is where furniture gets dinged and scratched. I watched my $4,000 bedroom set that was our wedding gift to ourselves get 4 separate dings (1 on the outbound, 3 on the inbound).

Not to mention the walls and door frames. Yes, our drywall got so many chips from moving furniture up and down stairs. However, I stalked them by watching them. They were more careful when I was there watching it going in and out. They may not like it, but it’s MY stuff.

All your stuff will be put on a moving truck (depending on the size of your HHG, it could be with other HHG’s too), which is why I use my labeling method.

Helpful Hints to Know

Packers will pack EVERYTHING (except the no can do list).

Yes, they will pack the trash bins with trash in them – it happens – ALL THE TIME.

They will pack your dirty, smelly laundry in the laundry basket – yes, it happens!

Things Government Movers Will Not Pack

Click here to see the full downloadable PDF from the State Department.

Have experiences or comments you would like to share? Put them in the comments below.

If you found this advice, or any of my advice helpful, please consider buying from one of my affiliates at no additional cost to you and supporting The Military Move. When you click and make a purchase within 24 hours (at no additional charge), we receive a small donation. Thank you!

About the Author

Kelsey Ramirez is a Real Estate Broker in western Washington. She is also a veteran elementary school teacher, military wife, and mom to two daughters. She is the founder of The Military Move, a military-based website to help families in the PCS process. Kelsey loves to travel, write, and create amazing content. She has her Masters in Technology, which she uses to learn all new things digital.

With three decades of military support, Kelsey’s mission is to help new and existing military families in their unique adventures through all military topics including PCSing, budgeting, school choice and rights, housing, and especially just being a military spouse.

Family, Housing, Moving, Travel

The Complete Moving Guide

December 30, 2017 No Comments

I have made several military moves in my lifetime. From California to South Carolina, Maryland to Georgia, I have learned a few tricks along the way to create a quick and easy complete DIY guide.

Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences for any person. Whether you are doing it yourself or having help, there are countless things that are bound to…well drive you a little nuts.

Even government moves can be stressful. It really depends on what type of person you are and what you prefer.

*This post contains affiliate links – if you purchase something from this post, I receive a small commission with NO extra cost to you. To see my full disclosure click here. Thanks for supporting us!

Getting Prepared

I love having a plan. It helps me lower my stress and know just what I intend to do. I have created a moving checklist and how-to guide to help any first-time or veteran mover. You can download it by signing up below for FREE.

I will also give you my FREE PCS Notebook Guide to show you all the important things that I keep together. This has helped me complete all necessary things with our rentals/mortgage, registering for schools, bordering animals, and much more.

Another part of moving is making sure you have everything organized beside just your household goods. You need to have your life basically organized so that when you travel to your new location, you are ready to go.

Need to register the kids for school? No problem. Need to get your car insurance redirected? No issues.

A few weeks ago, I had to go to the DMV to get a hard copy of my car title (since I like to have it on hand). The lady was shocked at my PCS Binder and how organized I was – she even thanked me.

Guess what! I want to give it to you for FREE – just for reading because I know you will LOVE it, and it will help you complete your mover’s toolbox.

Enter you info below and it will be emailed right over to you.

Additionally, when you sign up, you will receive your PCS Expense and Budget Worksheet to help determine your costs for your DITY move.

The lady was shocked at my PCS Binder - she even thanked me.

Click To Tweet

Government Moves

When you do a government move – ALWAYS do the counseling. Either the active member or the spouse – do not skip this.

“Why? I’m too busy!”

No, you’re not! Not for this! Make yourself available.

When you do a government move, you are giving them most if not all of your stuff. Some may get damaged or lost, and you need to know the process to file a claim to get that started.

You will have POC’s – point of contacts – you will need to save in your phone as well. It is a very detailed and drawn out process and can be the deciding point of how much money you receive.

I have an upcoming post on how to deal with government moves/movers in greater detail that you can check out.

DITY Moves

Are you doing a Do-IT-Yourself move?

Many service members like these moves because they can keep an eye on their stuff – keeping them in control. Some believe they can do it cheaper than a full government move allowing them to make some money.

I have done both moves and both have their pros and cons. Shoot me any questions you may have in the comments below.

We made a good amount of money on our DITY move and you can check out some of my tips here.

Many service members like these moves because they can keep an eye on their stuff.

Click To Tweet

About the Author

Finances, Moving

5 Incredible Tips For Your Next DITY Move

April 17, 2017 2 Comments

Seven years into the Coast Guard as a significant other/spouse and I was on PCS #3. Already knowing we had acquired more than our allotted weight amount, I had the brilliant idea of doing a DITY (Do It Yourself) move.

Ha!

For any of you that have done a DITY move, you either find the positives, or you hate it and choose to not do it again.

Okay, Kelsey – so what is your story?

My mother had moved in with us – yes, how lucky of my husband. So we got all the wonderful antique pieces that better be wrapped beyond wrapped to ensure no damage comes to it, and her 10 year-old dog.

Let me paint this full picture for you.

We were going to move 3 adults, 1 toddler, 2 dogs, 2 vehicles, and yes, the truck. No, it gets better. Which leads into my 5 incredibly awesome tips to make sure your DITY moves goes much smoother than mine – trust me!

Tip #1 – Do Not Underestimate Your Stuff

So my husband and his co-workers are packing up the truck. I provided beverages and pizza. Apparently, they supplied their own adult beverages too because when I saw the way they packed the truck – well let’s just say it isn’t the way I would have done it.

I think at the point when I saw the rental truck 90% full and we still had 35% sitting in the garage – I freaked out. Yes friends, we now went from the BIGGEST truck they would rent to us to the realization that we needed a 2nd truck (oh and a trailer for one of the cars as someone had to drive the 2nd truck). That $750 hurt. After all, one reason we do DITY moves is to make some money (which ultimately we did), but oh my goodness! Look at the guides the rental companies provide – we had a 3 bedroom house with a 3 bedroom truck – nope, did not fit. Give yourself a buffer!

~ I recommend Budget – they provide great military discounts.

Look at the guides the rental companies provide and give yourself a buffer

Click To Tweet

Tip #2 – Downsize and Donate

Have your kids not played with their “favorite” toys in 8 months? You haven’t worn that ball gown that you wore to the ball in two years? The reclining couch is on its last hinge? It is time for a yard-sale or time to gift younger members from your unit your stuff. This decreases that weight you will probably need, and not to mention, who wants to keep moving stuff that is not being used over and over. Free yourself. It is very liberating unless you are my 4-year-old who feels we need to keep every “treasure.”

Tip #3 Have a Packing Game Plan

This is one that I find is to alleviate YOUR stress in the build-up phase to your move. There is a lot of stuff that you are not using in your home. Start packing all that stuff – bookshelves, kitchen dishes, extra linens, clothes, etc. Create a plan where you pack x amount of boxes per day. We did 5 boxes a day. By the time it was moving day, we were not so tired from packing everything the two-three days before. Create a plan and stick to it.

Tip #4 – Pay for Packers and Unpackers

My husband tells me every time we move (and we have moved more than three times due to changes in housing at the same unit), he’s “got this.”

That’s great for a 50-mile radius, but not when you are moving 500+ miles. If you have all your stuff packed like the game plan in tip #3, those packers can properly pack your truck, your husband/wife can relax as can you (and if he/she is on deployment and you have children – this is really a necessity), and you do not have to watch the insanity.

I did not do this – I WAS stressed watching that truck get packed.

I think it is because my idea of an arrangement and his idea are not aligned. I did, however, hire unpackers.

This was the best money spent.

They met us there, I pointed, they placed the boxes and furniture wherever it needed to go. Much smoother on the end side.

Tip #5 – Plan out Your Trip Before the Move

Depending on how far you are moving (cross-country or one state away), be sure to plan out how far you will travel each day. Do not try to travel too far as this is not a road trip in your family mini-van. The rental trucks move slower especially if you are moving larger loads. You will want to consider what hotels/motels are on your route if you do not have family or friends you can stay with. Don’t forget to look for pet-friendly hotels if you are traveling with fur babies.

5 Ground Rules for Home Buying Success

1) Get Your Financing Before You Get Your Home

2) Look at the Community, Not Just the Home

3) Be Fair with Your First Offer

4) Always Rely on a Home Inspection

5) Do Not Alienate the Sellers of the Home

About the Author

Why It’s Absolutely Fine to Stalk Your Movers

Why I Stalk the Government Movers

To Feed or Not to Feed

Stalking the Government Movers

Transferring the Moving Boxes/Furniture

Helpful Hints to Know

Things Government Movers Will Not Pack

About the Author

The Complete Moving Guide

Getting Prepared

Get your Moving Day Checklist Here

Government Moves

DITY Moves

About the Author

5 Incredible Tips For Your Next DITY Move

Tip #1 – Do Not Underestimate Your Stuff

Tip #2 – Downsize and Donate

Tip #3 Have a Packing Game Plan

Tip #4 – Pay for Packers and Unpackers

Tip #5 – Plan out Your Trip Before the Move

About the Author