Moving with Pets

Proper ID. Your four-legged friend should always have proper identification. Update your pet's tag with your new home phone number and address. You may also want to include your cell phone number in case your home phone isn't in working condition at the time of your move.

Find a New Vet. Before the move, start looking for veterinarians in your new area. You can ask your veterinarian to recommend a doctor or call the state veterinary medical association for vets that are near you. Be sure to obtain a copy of your pet's vaccinations and medical history for your records, but also for your new vet.

Know the Law. Be aware of any laws and/or regulations that are unique to your new location. For example, certain communities prohibit certain breeds or animals. You should check with the state veterinary medical association for state laws and with the city clerk's office in your new community for local pet ordinances that may affect your situation. If moving to an apartment or condo complex, the landlords or rental offices may also prohibit certain pets, charge fees to have them in the unit and/or set restrictions — perhaps requiring that all dogs are kept on leashes.
Make sure your lease allows them on the premises before you move in.

No Pets on Moving Day. Ask a friend or family member to take your pet during moving day. The noise and commotion of people coming in and out of your home carrying heavy boxes and furniture may be too startling for your pet. If you can't find anyone to take your pet for the day, put it in a safe place, out of the way. A lavatory or laundry room would be a good place.

Easy Ride. While transporting your pet in the car, be sure to have an adequate supply of food and water, and bring pet toys or grooming products — this will keep your pet comfortable and relaxed. If your pet is not used to traveling, take it on short trips before the move to get it accustomed to the car.

Safe TravelBe sure the crate or carrier that your pet travels in is in top condition and is labeled in multiple places. It's a good idea to tape around the bottom of the carrier. It will keep people from opening the door, and you never know if your pet will push or jump against the door and spring it open.

Pack Smart. Pack your pet's bed, some toys and food bowls on top so you can immediately access them when you arrive at your new home. Your pets may be uneasy about the new surroundings, but seeing familiar objects right away may help settle them.

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eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

Summer Yard Maintenance

Let the Cleaning BeginStart your yard cleanup by getting rid of debris. Take a walk around and pick up any tree branches or large sticks. This will not only de-clutter your yard, but it will also make it safe for you to mow the lawn.

Prune AwayNext, prune those shrubs and bushes. You can use a leaf blower on your trees and bushes to remove any dead leaves or loose branches. Also, take a look around your yard for any bothersome weeds you can pull up. Don't worry about letting the debris fall on the ground, you'll be raking that up later.

Break Out the RakeDig out your old rake and make sure it's still comfortable for you to use (a rake that is too short can cause some serious back pain). You may want to lay an old sheet out on which to pile your debris — that will make for an easy transfer into the trash. Once you have the yard raked, pick up the sheet from the corners and use it to slide the trash into a bag.

Ready, Set, MowYou always want to get your grass looking its best, and a fresh cut always gives a yard the look of cleanliness. So whether you have decided to start with a new lawn or just patch your old one, mowing your lawn is a must. Be sure to mix up your mowing pattern to eliminate the chance of the soil becoming compacted, which inhibits the growth of grass. Help keep your grass healthy by giving it an early morning watering once a week.

Wash it OffRinsing off your home and driveway is an easy way to make it look clean. Use a power sprayer and begin by spraying your home, from top to bottom. Then use the sprayer to clear the driveway of debris and dirt. Streaky windows can be a nuisance, so before you wash down your house use a water-resilient product on your windows. That will make your windows resistant to water and dirt.


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Questions or comments write or email
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

The Closing

The closing is the final stage of a real estate transaction. When title is transferred and the deed recorded, the home officially becomes property of the buyer. Those involved at a closing typically include the buyer, seller, real estate agents for both sides and a title agent, which can be an attorney, or several attorneys depending on the area of the country. In some parts of the country, the choice of the title agent is up to the seller, and in other parts it's up to the buyer.

The title agent will review all the paper work with the appropriate parties, disburse all funds accordingly and ensure that documents are recorded properly.

When preparing for your closing, review your loan terms and your purchase agreement. I can help explain those to you if you have any questions. Also, prior to closing, conduct a final walk-through inspection of your new home to ensure all repairs that were agreed upon have been made and no items in your agreement have been changed or removed from the house.

Once at the closing, you'll be asked to read and sign several documents including the settlement statement detailing charges to the buy and sell sides, the truth-in-lending statement that states the annual percentage rate of your loan and other terms and conditions, the mortgage note that represents the buyer's promise to pay the lien holder, and the deed, which documents the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer.

Also at the closing, you must pay your closing costs, down payment and set up an escrow account for taxes and insurance if required by your lender. Closing costs typically include an appraisal fee, homeowners insurance, etc. They may also include mortgage points and other fees.

Closing costs are in addition to your down payment and vary from lender to lender. They typically make up 2 to 6 percent of the mortgage loan amount. If you want more specifics, your lender will provide you with a good faith estimate. Remember to pay with a certified or cashier's check rather than a personal check, and don't forget to bring your I.D. Most title companies will not accept personal checks for such large amounts.
Finally, don't forget to take care of those final moving details before you get your keys, such as changing your address, switching your utility accounts to your new address and lining up that moving truck.

Now you know what to expect at your closing, but if you want to learn more, contact me today.

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Questions or comments write or post
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
www.realtyone.com/eugene.dougherty
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate