Dolores Marquez

Cha Cha Sushi

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Cha Cha Sushi offers the ultimate in cutting edge Japanese cuisine.

Executive Chef presents the finest selection of sushi, sashimi, specialty rolls and entrees.

The menu is based on traditional Japanese cooking fundamentals which are then amplified muted or mixed with influences from many different styles of cooking until they are completely new.

We have stretched the boundaries of creativity to develop dishes that defy all rules while holding true to our roots.

View the Menu: https://www.chachasushi.com/menu.html

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William Manly Park

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 04:56:00 GMT

The first of several neighborhood parks to serve the new Communications Hill development, William Lewis Manly Park is 1.7 AC of community-serving amenities developed with the City of San Jose.

The park features several areas of activity, gathering, and play. The signature element is a 100′ long artist-created sculptural climbing wall. Careful considerations were made to closely match the form and character of the site’s native stone and a nod to the quarry use of this area.

Amenities dotting the park include a pair of oyster shell bocce courts, outdoor ping pong tables, picnic and bbq area, an outdoor yoga deck, two children’s play areas, open lawn, and a community terrace. Drought tolerant, high traffic plantings ring the park and help to place this unique park into the context of the hillside and adjacent neighborhood.

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Vieira Park

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 04:49:00 GMT

Cute little park inside of Communications Hill dedicated in honor of the Vieira family who emigrated from the Azores islands in Portugal during the last century.

There are swings and play structures for kids and plenty of benches to chit chat about lift. Plenty of grass for people to relax and enjoy the outdoors. A great place to view the San Jose city lights in the evenings!

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The Selling Guide

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 05:24:00 GMT

Selling your home is easy with this simple guide .

Selling your home is an exciting time – you are moving on to something new and different. Do not get bogged down with the details of selling when you use this simple guide.

Choose an agent

Before you go barreling out the door to list your home, make sure you have the right agent representing you. A listing agent helps you navigate the process of selling your home and looks out for your best interest. It is a good idea to interview multiple agents to find the one that works best for you.

Know the value of your home

Have your home appraised so you can list it accordingly. Keep it in line with other homes that have sold in the area.

Prep for sale

Get your home open house ready. Remove all clutter and personal items to help you stage your space in the best light possible. If this feels like something that is out of your scope, consider hiring professionals. It will be an added cost, but might be worth it in the end.

Market well

No one is ever going to know your home is for sale if it is not marketed well. Your agent should take care of most of this, but make sure you approve the marketing campaign before it starts. That way, you can change anything ahead of time.

Showing and open houses

Agents generally prefer a lockbox or keypad since that allows them to show your house more often to potential buyers. Remember that buyers might need times that are not convenient to you; consider that as you schedule your open houses and showings.

Negotiate

There is no reason to accept the first offer that comes in on your home. Do not be afraid to make a counteroffer for the full listing price.

Escrow

Once you have accepted an offer and escrow is open, order the title to your house. This is important to begin the closing process. Make sure you have a receipt for the buyer’s earnest money deposit.

Schedule an appraisal

Make sure the home looks as good as possible before the assessment. If your home is valued very low, ask your agent about alternative options.

Order an inspection

A home inspection is one of the final steps in the selling process. Make sure you work with the home inspector and have a list of everything that should be checked before their arrival.

Disclose everything

If there are defects or problems with the property, make sure you disclose them. Your title company should provide you with the paperwork you need to be upfront and open.

Repair requests

Negotiate for repair requests. In some instances, a buyer might accept a credit toward the closing costs in place of having a repair completed.

Release contingencies + sign documents

The buyer will need to release the contingencies on the contract to allow the process to move forward. Once that is complete, make sure the title is signed, and the escrow documents are in order.

Finally, scheduling a closing date where you sign the final paperwork and hand over the keys.

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Ultimate Garage Sale Guide

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 05:23:00 GMT

Downsize the right way with a profitable, well-organized garage sale .

When you are downsizing, you are probably faced with the question – What to do with all of your extra stuff? Well, that is simple. Have a yard sale and cash in on all the items you no longer want, need, or use. The key to a successful garage sale is a lot of careful organization before the sale takes place. Here are nine tips to help you launch your sale and get the most money possible.

Two dates are better than one

Just like everything else in life, the sooner you commit, the more real the event becomes. So find a weekend that works for your schedule and commit to holding a garage sale.

It is an even better idea to have a two-day sale. That way, you attract more customers, and in the end, you can make more money.

Plan ahead

You have already done the hard work of decluttering your life as you prepare to downsize. Now all you need to do is plan out your method of approach for your sale.

This means writing up descriptions and pricing all of the items you are selling. If you are not sure what a fair price is, check out online resale sites for inspiration.

Be realistic

The truth is that not everything is going to sell the same way. Anything in good condition will sell better than well-loved items. Kitchen stuff and baby clothes are always hot ticket items, so price those competitively for your sale.

Make sure everything is clear

Clean up the items, you are planning to sell. This will make them more attractive to your potential shoppers.

Price clearly

The last thing you want is for your garage sale to be in full swing and then having to haggle with a customer because an item is not clearly priced. Avoid asking for best offers on items since this will turn people off from having to come up with a good purchase price. Use colorful labels to help you sight-price at a distance and save yourself some time and stress.

Bulk price similar items

Instead of laboriously going through each item you have for sale, bulk price them. Most often, this is done with children’s clothing or kitchen utensils. The most important thing here is to keep the items separately, so you know their sale price. This is where those colorful tags come in use once again. Instead of worrying that things will be shuffled around, you will know exactly the price you want for the item.

Priced to sell

Just because you think an item is worth a lot does not mean the public will concur. Make sure you are pricing your items within reason.

Displays matter

Think about your sale like a store. Consider your display and carefully arrange your items nicely. This will help people browse more easily and hopefully buy more items.

During your sale as you are making your displays, group like-items together. This helps shoppers navigate through your sale easily.

Use the proceeds well

Since you are in the process of downsizing, the last thing you should do with your garage sale profits is to go buy something new. Instead, consider saving the money for an upcoming trip or for a weekend when you want to treat yourself to something nice.

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Selling & Buying at the Same Time

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 05:20:00 GMT

Is it possible to buy another house before selling the one you are in?

In the ideal world, buyers both sell their homes and buy a new one – at the same time. The truth is the process is not that simple. You need to expect some time between selling and buying since the process is full of complicated steps. It is entirely possible to do both, but the real question is whether or not you are going to want to do it.

Consider what you gain and lose by selling before buying or buying before you sell.

Pros and Cons of Selling before Buying

Pros

No risk of paying two mortgages at the same time.
Cash is accessible for a down payment.
Better understanding of equity
No pressure to reduce the asking price

Cons

Moving twice will be expensive and stressful
Pressure to find a home might lead to an impulse purchase
Temporary housing adds to the overall cost of moving

Pros and Cons of Buying before Selling

Pros

Finding a home becomes enjoyable and relaxed
Only one moving expense
Less likely to rush or regret the new purchase
Financial cushion available in case something goes wrong

Cons

Might not be able to make a sizeable down payment on the new house
Pressure to accept a lower offer if you’re rushing to sell
Two sets of taxes to pay
Might not qualify for a new mortgage if you’re carrying the old one

Steps to sell first

First, contact a real estate agent to list your home. Once you have a concrete offer, start looking for a new home. This can help the process be less stressful.

Decide where you want to live before beginning your new home search. Sometimes it takes weeks or months to find the perfect home. Make sure you have a place to live from the instant your sell your home until you move into your new one.

Steps to buy first

As soon as you list your current home, start searching for your new house. Being proactive will help avoid issues later on.

Make an offer and request an extended closing. This can help give you time to coordinate the sale of your old home.

Use your savings to help with the down payment of your new home. Alternatively, consider buying the new house with a home equity line of credit.

The process of buying and selling can have a significant impact on our finances and your mental health. It is stressful and can be financially prohibitive. If you are set on doing both at the same time, then you need to assess your circumstances carefully.

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Buying Homeowners Insurance for the First Time

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 08:26:00 GMT

Make smart choices early when researching and selecting the right homeowner’s insurance for your new home.

Finding the right homeowner’s insurance policy is just as important as all the time you spent looking for your new home. It is equally as important as your mortgage rate since you are going to have to factor insurance payments into your overall budget. You are also going to need to think about paying your premium out of your escrow account.

Having the right insurance helps keep your investment in its best shape for years to come. When you are looking for home insurance, so many factors go into creating the right policy. It can be overwhelming since everything feels like it is written in a foreign language. Fortunately, there are four simple times you can keep in mind when you’re shopping for the right policy.

The cheapest isn’t the best

A reliable policy should provide standard protection, but what does that mean? That means that the plan includes the following:

Dwelling insurance – this is the part of the policy that covers the structure of the house and anything that’s attached. Get enough dwelling insurance to cover the cost of completely rebuilding your home.

Personal property protection – this helps cover the cost of all of your belongings inside the home.

Liability coverage – goes toward medical and legal fees that you might face if someone is injured inside your home and decides to sue.

Bundle and save

Any insurers will offer lower rates if you combine coverage with them. If you’re with USAA for your auto insurance, consider speaking with them to inquire about a home policy as well.

Understand limits

Default coverage limits don’t have to be the end-all-be-all of your home insurance policy. It’s a good idea to speak with your broker about your specific needs, so you have a policy perfect for your exact requirements.

Know your credit score

Reviewing and improving your credit score can help save you on homeowner’s insurance. Most states use your credit rating to determine your premium. If you have less than stellar credit, you can work toward improving that number by reducing debt and paying your bills on time.

When you follow these four tips to help you pick the right home insurance coverage, know you’re well covered and prepared should the unfortunate occur.

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Understanding the Escrow Process and Requirements

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 08:26:00 GMT

Escrow does not have to be confusing or intimidating. When you understand the process and requirements, it is easier to prepare.

Escrow is one of those real estate terms that is thrown around a lot. For first time homebuyers, it can feel like a confusing and complicated process. There is so much that goes into buying a home. After the offer, then comes the inspection, plus getting financing, and securing insurance. One of the most challenging parts of this process is understanding escrow.

Escrow is the period between when the seller accepts the offer, and the buyer gets the keys. Follow this simple step-by-step process to help you navigate this part of the home buying process the best.

Open an account

The first thing you need to do after agreeing on a price and signing a purchase agreement is to open an escrow account. Your real estate agent will collect earnest money and put in into the account. An outside party manages it on behalf of two agreeing parties until specific conditions are met. The escrow company collects money and documents involved in the closing process. This includes the earnest check, loan documents, and signed deed.

Wait for the bank

As the buyer, you usually will have to pay the bank or lending provider to conduct its appraisal of the property. The lender does this to protect its financial interests. If the evaluation comes in lower than the offer price, the lender will not give you financing. You might be able to change the appraiser’s mind if you are able to provide additional information on why you believe the home should be appraised at a higher amount. You could also get a second appraisal. If you are not able to secure funding, you are able to cancel the purchase contract.

Secure financing

You are probably already pre-approved for a mortgage, and once you give your lender the property address, it can prepare a good faith estimate. The good faith estimate is also called a statement that details the amount of your loan, interest rate, closing costs, and all other costs associated with your new home purchase. Often, you can negotiate on the numbers before you sign.

Approve seller disclosures

During this portion of the escrow process, you should receive written notification of any problems that are already known about the property. These problems are probably previously known since they are often mentioned in the listing.

Have the home inspected

It is in your best interest to obtain a home inspection even though you are not required to do so. A professional inspection will alert you to anything dangerous or costly about your new home. You want to know about these things ahead of time, so you can negotiate the selling price or ask the seller to fix them. Keep in mind you cannot negotiate seller concessions at this point if the contract says the purchase is “as is.”

Pest inspection

Just like a home inspection, pest inspections are not always required by the lender. However, it is in your best interest to get one. Making sure there are not termites, carpenter ants, or other pests will give you peace of mind. In addition, these pests are often not present during the daytime when you have been to see the property. Resolve pest issues before you move in, assuming you want to move forward with the purchase.

Environmental inspection

Environmental inspections evaluate your new home for toxins like mold and asbestos. These problems can be severe health concerns and might be exceptionally expensive to fix.

Other inspections

If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes or floods, you should consider inspections to evaluate for these potentials. If a home is likely to flood, you are not going to be able to get homeowner insurance, which means you cannot get a mortgage.

Buy hazard insurance

Hazard insurance is anything that is required based on your specific region like flood insurance. You are going to be required to have homeowner’s insurance for the duration of your mortgage. Hazard insurance will help protect you in the event of a natural disaster.

Title report and insurance

Your lender requires both, and even if it were not needed, you would want them anyway. The title report makes sure that the property title is free and clear and there are no existing liens on it. Title insurance protects both you and your lender from legal challenges that could arise later. The seller has to remedy all issues with the title before the sale proceeds. In some locations, the escrow company and the title company are often the same.

Final walk-through

One final walk-through is a great idea just before closing. This makes sure there is no new damage to the property, and the seller has left all of the agreed-upon appliances and fixtures. Generally, you are not going to be able to back out of the sale until its sustained serious damage.

Review the HUD-1

The HUD-1 form is a final statement of loan terms and closing costs. Look at the good faith estimate from the beginning of the home buying process and compare the numbers. They should look very similar. Make sure you double-check for unnecessary charges and outright mistakes.

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Things To Buy After You Purchase Your Home

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 08:25:00 GMT

Here’s why you need a budget for the purchases you want to make for your new home

The search for a home is a long one. After months of searching and weeks with the lender, it can feel like your dream home is never going to come together. When you finally make it to the closing table, you might think that everything is finished, and you can finally rest easy in your perfect new place.

Then reality hits.

The truth is, once you purchase a home, there’s still a lot of work to be done – namely shopping for the furnishings and accessories that will make the space yours. For many first-time homebuyers, it’s easy to forget about all of the things you’re going to need in a home. After all, most apartments come equipped with appliances and accessories. The worst part is that once you’ve signed and closed on the house, your savings might be looking a little dismal. Here are a few ways you can save money on those new purchases that you need to complete your home.

Keys and locks: Make sure you re-key your doors. Most people lend out keys to neighbors, family
members, and even coworkers. The last thing you want is to have someone uninvited use their guest
key, thinking the previous owners still live in your home.

The most inexpensive solution is to remove the locks from your doors and have your local hardware
store re-key them. New locks are going to be expensive, so this is an easy sidestep. Best of all, you and your new purchase will be secure.

Lawnmower and garden equipment: As an apartment dweller, you probably didn’t give much thought to landscaping. Unless you’re planning to have a gardener, you’re going to need to buy a lawnmower and other lawn care tools. Instead of purchasing a brand-new mower, consider checking out Craigslist or local resale shops. Most of the time, lawnmowers only need a bit of TLC, and they’re just like new again.

The same goes for garden supplies. Not only does every house need a hose, but you should also
consider picking up shovels, rakes, and a Weed-Wacker. Again, the best places to look for these are in secondhand shops, since they’re generally in good condition. Don’t forget about a push broom if your new home has a garage or a watering can and wagon if you’re planning to do any intensive landscaping.

Tools: Your new home needs a toolbox for unexpected emergencies. Toolboxes can be expensive, so check out yard sales and estate sales before buying brand new. In addition to the toolbox, you should have the following:
 Assorted sandpaper
 Assorted screws and nails
 Ball hammer and claw hammer
 Basin wrench
 Flathead and Philips screwdriver
 Hacksaw
 Nail driver
 Pliers
 Plumbers wrench
 Small power drill and drill bits
 Staple gun
 Tape measure
 Wire nuts

When you’re outfitting your toolbox, you might also consider purchasing tools for upcoming renovation or painting projects, such as the following:
 Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
 Five-gallon container for mixing paint
 Paint brushes – 1 inch to 4 inches
 Paint scraper
 Paint screen, roller, sleeves
 Steel brushes

Outdoor entertaining: lawn chairs, patio furniture, and assorted outdoor miscellany are basic starter
items for a backyard patio. These can add up, so look for items on sale or at secondhand shops.
Snow removal: Many cities have laws about snow removal, and as a homeowner, you might be liable
and responsible for removing it along with ice. Snowblowers can be expensive, but you might be able to find one on Craigslist that’s gently used.

Window coverings: One of the most exciting parts about owning a home is decorating it any way you
want. That means you get to decide the type of window coverings you want. If your budget is maxed, consider using self-adhesive paper blinds. These come with clips and are attached by peeling the
adhesive covering from the back. It’s a very inexpensive way to get the look of stained glass, and don’t cost much at all.

Appliances: Depending on your agreement with the previous owner, all or some of the appliances might have come with the house. If a range, refrigerator, washer, and dryer didn’t come with your home, buying used is a great option. At least this way, you’ll have the bare minimum until your savings recovers.

Linens and floor coverings: With new paint colors on the walls comes the need for fresh linens and
towels. You might also need to purchase bath and area rugs to match your modern décor. Check out
bargain stores that specialize in these products for low prices.

Pets: If you’ve always wanted a four-legged pal ,but were prohibited because you rented, now’s your
chance to add to the family! Consider adopting from a local shelter instead of using a breeder or mill.
Make sure your home is pet-friendly before you bring it to your new digs.

Also, make sure you have the time and attention to dedicate to training a new puppy or kitten.
Sometimes an older pet makes a great choice because it will require less attention and correction from you. Adoption from a local shelter can help save an animal from being euthanized. Since some pet stores sell pets carrying diseases, a shelter is always the right choice.

When you’ve finally signed on your dream home, it can feel like you’ve come to the end of a journey.
The reality is the journey is just beginning. This is an exciting time, and with the right financial finesse, you can have your new place housewarming-party ready in no time!

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The Ultimate Home Inspection Checklist

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 08:25:00 GMT

You absolutely need to hire a home inspection – here is why.

There is so much going on in your life right now as you head to the closing table. One sure fire way to ease the stress of buying a home is to make sure that you hire a quality home inspector. If you think an inspection is not worth the money, think again. To make things easier for you, we have compiled the most comprehensive home inspection checklist for first time homebuyers.

First, understand what you are buying
First time homebuyers often wrongly assume that an inspection is not worth the cost. The truth is that it is a critical part of the home buying process. Most requirements for home inspections vary by state, and your lender might have specific requirements for an inspection – or they might not require one at all. That does not mean you should skimp on this necessary purchase.

Make sure that you hire a certified home inspector. There are plenty of databases that you can search. Look for certifications from either NAHI, ASHI, or InterNACHI. If you are not sure where to start, ask your agent. Chances are they have a list of vetted, qualified inspectors with whom they work regularly. If you are not using an agent, ask your lender.

No matter how you find your inspector, make sure that you follow this simple guide.
1. Check the licensing requirements in your state.
2. Vet and review all online recommendations for the inspector.
3. Ask to see a sample inspection report and review to make sure it is clear.
4. Know what is covered during the inspection and what is not.
5. Let the inspector know you will be present during the inspection.

What does an inspector do?
A good home inspector will thoroughly review your home and identify anything that might be a
problem. These could range from obvious issues or potential issues that might crop up later on. When you hire an inspector who has been in the business for a while, you are going to be protected both now and in the future. Be sure you have reviewed your contract to see if there is a home inspection contingency. This contingency might limit the amount of time you have to complete your inspection.

Just because you have the perfect inspector does not mean your work is done. You should be involved in the inspection process because this is your home! It is important to know as much about it as possible.

Here is what you will need to do both during and after the inspection.

// The Ultimate Inspection Checklist //

Make sure you go to the inspection
All you have to do is show up. This is super important because it allows you to find out about any
potential issues right from the start. Of course, you do not need to follow your inspector around. During the inspection is the perfect time for you to plan out how you are going to arrange rooms or measure windows and floors for new curtains or rugs.

Make a list of what should be inspected.
Your inspector is going to come with a preplanned list of areas to inspect, but you should not just rely on that checklist. As the buyer, it is crucial that you have your own checklist too. There is naturally going to be overlap with your list and the inspectors, but that is okay.

Here are some areas that you should include on your checklist:
 All appliances that come with the home
 All doors and windows
 Attic
 Basement
 Crawl spaces
 Electric wiring – this includes the electric panel, light switches, power outlets
 Exterior – paint, brick, stones, stucco, driveway
 Foundation
 Garage
 HVAC system and thermostats
 Plumbing – this includes fixtures, faucets, water heater
 Porches and balconies
 Rain gutters and downspouts
 Stairs, railings, banisters
 The roof
 Walkways
 Walls, floors, ceilings

Know what is covered and what is not
Some things are not covered during a routine home inspection. Most inspectors will limit their liability
based on the amount that you have paid. In other words, if you want something more thorough, you are going to have to pay up if you want it professionally checked. Alternatively, you can do it on your own.

Other areas to consider during an inspection are:
 Drainage
 Fireplace and chimneys
 Floors underneath the carpet
 Lawn sprinklers
 Pest infestation
 Sewer lines and septic tank
 Strange odors
 Swimming pool and equipment
 Trees and landscaping

If you are purchasing a home during the colder months, remember that snow or ice can prevent an
inspector from reviewing the roof and driveway. Try to schedule at a time when these areas are clear.

Take photos and notes
Protect yourself and your future investment by taking photos of anything the inspector discovers. This will help if the seller is hesitant to fix certain things. Taking notes is a good idea, too, and make sure you ask your inspector any questions about things that are not clear.

Carefully review the report
Even though you were present for the inspection, there might be things that you missed. That is why it is important to read the report very carefully. Your inspector will likely take a few days to compile the information and return it to you. That is to be expected; do not let it worry you.

After you have read the report, you should make sure to do the following.
1. Take notes of anything confusing.
2. Call the inspector and ask questions or set a meeting to clarify confusing sections of the report.
3. Ask for an opinion on the estimated cost of repairs. Not all inspectors will give you a number, but some might.
4. If significant repairs are needed, call several contractors to get estimates.
5. Then, call your real estate agent to discuss the report.

If the home inspection reveals major issues that the seller did not disclose, you might want to reconsider purchasing the home. Minor repairs are not that big of a deal, but major problems can become costly quickly.

A home inspection is a valuable tool for you to evaluate the condition of the home and determine if the repairs that are needed are worth the cost. Inspections allow you to understand the condition of your home thoroughly. Instead of relying only on the home inspector, make sure you do your due diligence and perform your own inspection. Couple your efforts with a reputable, having a qualified home inspector means there is one less thing to worry about during this exciting time.

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Downsizing for Older Adults

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 08:14:00 GMT

Downsize now and avoid the stress of moving into a continuing care retirement community.

Over the course of a lifetime, it is easy to collect and amass a dazzling array of … stuff. While much of it is useful and needed, there are plenty of ways to downsize our lives to make them less stressful and more organized. As an older adult, your needs might be different from others, which is why it’s important to start the downsizing process now instead of waiting until later on when it’s time to move into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC).

There are six steps you need to take to make your move simple and easy.

Determine goals

Ask yourself your ultimate plan – are you trying to simply declutter? On the other hand, is this downsizing overhaul preparation for a move to a smaller space like a CCRC?

Most often, furniture raises a lot of questions, especially if you are moving into a smaller space. It might be useful to enlist the advice of a downsizing company that might be able to make recommendations.

No matter what you decide, the most important thing is to get started today. The sooner you begin on this project, the less stressful it will be.

Decide what you love

Personal treasures like jewelry, scrapbooks, and collections are the hardest with which to part. After all, there are intricate memories attached to all of those items. Cleaning out and deciding what you truly love can be difficult. To help with this, leave your most valuable objects for last. That way, you will have a better understanding of how much space you have – and you can better determine what you take with you.

Gather paperwork

For any move, you are going to need to take care of some paperwork. This includes making copies of your identification in case it is accidentally misplaced during the move. Update your new address with all government organizations and utility providers. Do not forget to contact your insurance providers too. You will need to fill out a change of address form with the post office and make sure you update subscription services.

If you are moving into a CCRC, then discuss these steps with their admin department. They may handle much of this paperwork for you.

Sort and list

Once your paperwork is assembled, it is time to start actually downsizing your home. The easiest way to do this is to start with the simplest room in your house. Create sorted piles in each room of your home so you can get visual for what you want to keep, sell, or donate.

Items you need to keep are important documents and your most valuable personal treasures.

The items you want to sell are those that might be useful for others. You might not need them any longer. Consider a yard sale or having someone help you list them online.

Donate items that you will not have a use for in your new space.

Prep and pack

Packing should begin with the items you want to keep and take with you. Move through each room and pack items that are related to each other. Most often, it is helpful to hire a packing company, so you do not have to trouble yourself with making sure the packing is safe and secure.

Always create an important box that contains the things you will need immediately on your first night in your new space. This includes bathroom items, your cell phone charger, moving agreement, medication, and other necessities.

Move and settle in

If you hire a moving company, you are not required to lift any boxes at all. Make sure you keep watch on the movers, so none of your possessions are damaged. Once you are settled in your new space, unpack the important box first. Remember that it might take a few days to unpack everything completely, and that is just fine. This is an exciting time and a brand-new journey for you, so make sure you enjoy it.

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Downsizing Checklist

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 08:14:00 GMT

The Only Downsizing Checklist You will Ever Need

The most important advice moving experts give about downsizing is to take it one-step at a time. That might seem impossible since there are so many things to consider when moving into a smaller space. Make sure you get started sooner rather than later – that will make moving day so much less stressful. To help you stay organized; use this simple checklist to cover all of your bases.

Get yourself organized first

Before you start to think about combing through your current home, you need to have your own plans organized. That means prioritizing your moving timeline. You should be realistic about this timeline. One of the most important reasons you need to start far in advance is so that you do not find yourself scrambling at the end to get everything done.

Being organization should include getting estimates from moving companies, setting a date for the move, and knowing how much space your new home has. Then, you are able to work backward to create a reasonable schedule for how long it will take you to organize each room.

Decide what stays and what goes

With your timeline in hand, go through each room and decide what to keep and what to sell, donate, or get rid of completely. Big appliances should also be a part of this inventory. Depending on where you are moving, you might not need your washer and dryer or kitchen appliances.

Make sure you carefully inventory each room. Do not leave closets and drawers out of the mix, either. These spaces often contain many items that can be discarded or donated.

Sort, sort, sort

Once the inventory is complete, you need to get to work sorting the items. Instead of writing out lists to keep you organized, consider using colorful sticky notes or stickers to designate what stays and what goes.

If anything is broken, stained, or torn, toss it. Donate items that are gently used but still have some life in them, and consider selling items that are still functioning well.

List your salable items online or consider having a yard sale if that is allowed within your community. The sooner you do this, the better since it might take some time for your items to sell.

Admin

Once you have decluttered your space, make sure you take care of the admin side of moving. That means you need to update your address with the post office and will all companies and providers who have your address on record. This includes your bank, credit card, and loan companies. Do not forget doctor’s offices, your vet, or the gym.

Talk with utility providers and schedule activation appointments in your new home.

It is time to pack

With everything in order, the last thing you need to do is pack. If you have hired a moving company, they will do this for you. If you are packing yourself, make sure you have more boxes than you think you need and lots of packing paper and tape on hand.

Most importantly, do not forget to label your boxes. The last thing you want is to move in and not know which box holds what you need.

When you start with small steps, it is easy to make downsizing stress-free and straightforward. Take an hour a day to work toward your move out date, and before you know it, the project will be complete.

The post Downsizing Checklist appeared first on Dolores Marquez .

Selling & Buying at the Same Time

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 08:14:00 GMT

Is it possible to buy another house before selling the one you are in?

Consider what you gain and lose by selling before buying or buying before you sell.

Pros and Cons of Selling before Buying

Pros

No risk of paying two mortgages at the same time.
Cash is accessible for a down payment.
Better understanding of equity
No pressure to reduce the asking price

Cons

Moving twice will be expensive and stressful
Pressure to find a home might lead to an impulse purchase
Temporary housing adds to the overall cost of moving

Pros and Cons of Buying before Selling

Pros

Finding a home becomes enjoyable and relaxed
Only one moving expense
Less likely to rush or regret the new purchase
Financial cushion available in case something goes wrong

Cons

Might not be able to make a sizeable down payment on the new house
Pressure to accept a lower offer if you’re rushing to sell
Two sets of taxes to pay
Might not qualify for a new mortgage if you’re carrying the old one

Steps to sell first

First, contact a real estate agent to list your home. Once you have a concrete offer, start looking for a new home. This can help the process be less stressful.

Steps to buy first

As soon as you list your current home, start searching for your new house. Being proactive will help avoid issues later on.

Make an offer and request an extended closing. This can help give you time to coordinate the sale of your old home.

Use your savings to help with the down payment of your new home. Alternatively, consider buying the new house with a home equity line of credit.

The post Selling & Buying at the Same Time appeared first on Dolores Marquez .