Free Concierge Service: 1-877-846-5500

Remember that our free concierge service is available to you. Just give them a call and request the service provider you need. They have:

• A database of electricians, painters, plumbers, cleaning services, carpenters, roofers, etc.
• Contacts with moving, storage and locksmith services.
• Free utility hook up and disconnect service for our clients.

Receiving Possession of Your Home

Normally, the closing date and your possession date are the same. Sometimes, however, a special arrangement is made to give you possession before closing, or to allow the seller to stay in the property after closing. We have two leases designed for this purpose. This lease must be submitted with your offer to be sure that you and the seller agree on the lease terms.

We recommend against pre-possession by the buyer or delayed possession by the seller, unless absolutely necessary. This may open the door to disputes about the condition of the house. Unlike regular leases, this lease obligates the "tenant" to pay for all repairs and maintenance. This means that if the AC compressor breaks down before closing (while you are in the house under a buyer's lease), the seller is not obligated to repair it.

The ideal scenario is to receive the keys to a clean, vacant house on closing day, so that you may move in and begin to enjoy your new home.

Moving Checklist

• Draw the floor plan of your new home to help you decide which furniture will be moved. Get measurements of doors and hallways.
• Begin using up food in your freezer and disposing of flammable household supplies that can't be moved.
• Gather records from your doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountant, etc. and place in a safe, accessible place.
• Make arrangements to transfer your children's school records.
• Sell, transfer or resign all club or association memberships.
• Save all moving receipts, as well as related expenses. Moving expenses may be tax deductible.
• Get a change of address kit from post office and begin filling out the cards. Remember to notify the following:
  
  Relatives, Friends, Accountant, IRS, All Insurance carriers, Banks, Clubs, Lawyer, Broker, Creditors, Magazines, Catalogs, Doctor, Dentist, Credit Cards, Newspapers, former Employer
  
  Make arrangements to store any items.
  
  Clean or repair any furniture, carpets, or curtains that need it.
  
  Hold a garage sale.
  
  Return and retrieve borrowed items.

If you are packing yourself, find out how many boxes you'll need and where they may be purchased.

• Contact the moving company or rental company to confirm previous moving arrangements.
• Schedule final appointments for haircuts, manicures, massage, etc.
• Begin packing items that you won't need. Remember to use newspapers only for cushioning and outer wrapping only. The ink can damage fine china. If you will be using a moving company, check with them prior to packing for any special requirements.
• Contact a service technician to prepare your appliances (washer, dryer, water bed, etc.) for shipment.
• Have a going away party.
• Decide what to do with house plants. In many instances plants cannot be moved interstate. Check with your moving company about their policy on moving plants.
• Make travel and hotel reservations if needed.
• Arrange for pet travel, such as purchasing an airline reservation or travel container. Consult your veterinarian about how to make the move easier.
• Properly service any automobile, boat or trailer that will be moved or shipped.
• Get automobile license, registration and insurance in order, and keep with important papers.
• Write on the packing boxes in what room the items belong.
• Have packing materials on hand: tape, bubble wrap, scissors, labels, utility knife, garbage bags, etc.
• Arrange to transfer all bank accounts and safety deposit box contents to new branch locations.
• Arrange for traveler's checks to use for travel and the first few days at your new home.
• Cancel any direct deposit or automatic payment arrangements with the bank.
• Begin serious packing of items you will not need over the next two weeks.
• Service your automobile, especially if you are traveling a distance. Make sure tires and fluid levels are adequate.
• Put a road map in your automobile.
• Cancel delivery services, such as water deliveries or diaper services.
• Give final instructions to services such as pool maintenance, yard mowing, etc.
• Clean refrigerator and freezer.
• Clean ovens and appliances.
• Transfer all medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new location.
• Return library books and videotapes.
• Pick up any dry cleaning, layaway, or any stored items.
• Arrange for a baby-sitter on moving day.
• Move trash out to curb, or arrange for trash removal.
• Properly dispose of the hazardous household items to guard against damage caused by leakage.
• Movers begin packing.
• Select a "do not-move" drawer for warranty papers, keys, etc. for new owner.
• Set up a pool or yard service if your home is not sold or closing is more than 30 days away.
• Clean drawers and cabinets as they are emptied.
• Have yard mowed, edged.
• Have garage, patio, driveway swept.
• Pack suitcases for your trip.
• Arrange to have payment ready for driver or rental company. Verify form of payment with mover.
• Remember to pack the attic, closets, cabinets, and other storage areas.
• Empty water from your steam iron.
• Launder all soiled clothing.
• Take your old phone book with you.
• Set aside valuables, legal documents, car registration, insurance, etc. that will go with you.
• Pack your "Moving Day" handy items box: First aid kit, paper towels, disposable dishes, trash bags, snacks, sponge, camera, dish detergent, medications, toiletries, telephone book, tools, soap, road map, bathroom tissue
• List every item and box loaded onto the truck.
• Tell the mover how you can be reached. Leave a phone number of an alternative contact person.
• Keep the moving company bill or rental receipt in a safe place until your goods are delivered and charges are paid.
• Make sure all rooms and garage are clean. Use vacuum before it is loaded.

Do a final walk-through of your house:

• Check all faucets
• Set thermostats
• Check appliances
• Lock doors
• Inspect all rooms + attic
• Leave garage door opener for new owner
• Take garage to curb
• Turn off lights
• Label house keys
• Set sprinkler system
• Check pool condition and settings
• Leave a welcoming note for the new owner