Getting ready to move? Your closing date is scheduled, you have started to pack, and hired the movers. But have you taken care of all the logistics?

Here is a list that will help you stay organized:

TWO MONTHS BEFORE MOVE:

•  Contact your insurance agent and transfer medical, property, fire, and auto insurance policies.

•  Notify the schools that your children attend. Let both the old and new school know and ask for their records to transfer. Start the registration process as soon as possible.

•  Inform your doctors and dentists if you will be starting at a new clinic/office ask them to send you a release form that allows them to transfer your records when necessary.

•  Cancel or transfer memberships in your current hometown.

ONE MONTH BEFORE MOVE:

•  Create a folder for all receipts and other moving expenses. Hold on to these because you may be able to use them as a write-off, come tax season (Form 3903).

ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVE:

•  Log onto USPS.com and register to change your address. Complete this task at least one week before your move-in date. Doing this before you move allows time for mail to forward to your new address.

•  Change your address with all financial institutions that you work with:

· Banks and Credit Unions
· Credit Card Companies
· Other Various Loan Providers, etc.

•  Notify your current utility companies that you will no longer occupy your existing home, at least a week before moving out. At this same time, call the utility companies that service your new address and schedule a transfer of service for your closing date.

· Gas
· Electric
· Water/Sewer/City Fees
· Cable and Internet Service
· Trash and Recycling Services

MOVING IN:

•  Clean and inspect. Scrub surfaces, and make sure everything is working properly before your household goods arrive.

•  Unload your items, and begin organizing your new home.

•  Get settled. Pick up any mail being held at the local post office, get a new driver’s license and automobile tags (register to vote while you’re at it), and locate places such as gas stations, doctor’s offices, and grocery stores.

•  Send an email or letter to your friends and family! Let them know what your new address is so that they can take note.

Download a Printable Version here.

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If you are thinking about selling your home, seriously, get on it! Average days on the market are down a whopping 20.5 percent!

The employment landscape and wages have both improved over the last few years, allowing for more people to participate in the home-buying process. When the economy is in good working order, as it is now, it creates opportunities in residential real estate and right now is a potentially lucrative time to sell a home. Houses that show well and are priced correctly have been selling quickly, often at higher prices than asking.

If you are looking to buy, it is more important than ever to have your finances in order before you start looking at homes. Your dream home could slip right through your fingers before you even have a chance to make an offer.

Source: Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors®, Monthly Indicators Report. All data comes from NorthstarMLS. http://maar.stats.10kresearch.com/reports

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Summer is right around the corner, and the real estate market is heating up! Are you putting your house up for sale?

Now is an excellent time to do some spring cleaning and stage your home appropriately to optimize your sale price!

It is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

Step 1. Spring cleaning! Whip your house into shape. Here are some great ideas to freshen up your space:

Deep clean your kitchen and bath: Wipe down everything, clean grout between tiles, replace caulking, dust light fixtures and other surfaces you usually do not touch polish metal and remove any mold.

Freshen up your floors: Steam your carpets and hardwood and clean all other floor surfaces with cleaning products designated for each particular type of surface.

Wash walls: Start at the top of the walls, to avoid water spots, and do not press too hard because you may remove paint. Avoid spot cleaning the walls because this will often show. If need be, apply a fresh coat of paint.

Clean your bedding: Vacuum your box spring and mattress, wash the dust-ruffle and mattress pad, and clean all other bedding. This will give each room a fresh scent.

Scrub your vents and coils: Dust and allergens pile up in your house vents and the coils. Dust or wash the vents and your furnace, stove, and refrigerator coils.

Step 2. Organization! Prepare to move and make your home more appealing to the prospective buyer:

Sort through your winter wardrobe: Get rid of clothes and accessories you no longer wear and put the rest of it in storage. This will allow you to clear-up closet space and make things appear more spacious.

Put away winter bedding and blankets: Put the flannels away and keep light, crisp, and clean linens out.

Go through your kitchen and bath: Throw out expired food or products you no longer use. This will free up space. Organize all other products and utensils. You will expedite your packing process, and it will look perfect for showings.

Step 3. Staging! Prep your home for an optimal spring showing following these easy steps: 

Let the light in: Clean your windows and shades and open them up to let in light and fresh air.

Spruce up your yard: The front yard is often the prospective buyer’s first impression of your home and the backyard the last. Clean and put it out your patio furniture, weed, trim, mow and plant some flowers. Consider painting your front door or mailbox to add a pop of color.

Spring is in the air: Bring the fresh smell of the outdoors in by lighting a candle or placing fresh flowers in the home. Be careful not to have any sent to over-barring, focus on a simple and fresh scent.

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