7 Tips to Reduce the Hassle of Moving

Moving is an overlooked but important part of the home buying process. Here are some tips to help make it less of a hassle.

There are a variety of opportunities in the Central Pennsylvania real estate market for both buyers and sellers. If you're a prospective buyer click here for a full home search, or if you're considering placing your home on the market, get a free home value report, right here.

Do you have a future move planned? Moving can be complicated, especially since moving season is now officially upon us. I want to share seven tips to make the moving process easier for you.

• Take advantage of move-in off days. Weekends are prime times for moving companies because most of us don’t work on the weekends. However, if you can spare a few days during the week to move, it will save you money. You can also save money by not moving on the day when leases start and end, so avoid the 1st, 15th, 30th, and 31st of the month.
• Don’t choose the cheapest quote. It can mean the cheapest service, as well. Cheap moving companies will often cost you more in the long run.
• Pack without emotion. Packing can be a quicker process if you don’t have a sentimental attachment to your items.
• Have the new place cleaned before you move in. Moving into a new home that is sparkling clean alleviates the stress of having to clean while the boxes are sitting around waiting to be unpacked.

Measure twice, move once.

• Measure twice, move once. If a piece of furniture doesn’t fit in the new home, consider tossing, selling, or donating it. There is no point in paying to move it if it doesn’t fit.
• Pack smart. If you end up packing yourself, find friends to help you. Consider having a packing party and supply pizza and beer in exchange for their help.
• Make sure you know if your city requires a moving permit. Most cities that do require you to get a permit also require you to get it ahead of your move. Some major metros that require it include San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.

If you have any questions about this topic or are looking to buy or sell a home, give us a call. We’d be happy to help!

How to Make Your Offer Stand out in a Competitive Market

Being a buyer in a seller’s market is tough. But these seven tips can put you on the path to success.

There are a variety of opportunities in the Central Pennsylvania real estate market for both buyers and sellers. If you're a prospective buyer click here for a full home search, or if you're considering placing your home on the market, get a free home value report, right here.

If you are considering selling a home now is the time. The seller’s market we saw this spring is expected to continue as we transition into summer. Currently, inventory is low. This means that homes will spend fewer days on the market and buyers need to act fast. A market like this easily puts sellers in multiple offer situations. With fewer homes to choose from, especially as they move quickly off the market, your listing may receive many offers. Though this is good news for sellers, buyers shouldn’t despair. Buyers shouldn’t be discouraged by the amount of competition. It is almost always a good idea to make an offer anyway. To help you succeed as a buyer in a seller’s market, I have just a few tips.

• Give the sellers more time to move. With homes moving as quickly as they are, situations can become complex as both buyers and sellers often try to sell and buy simultaneously. If you give your seller just a couple extra days to move after closing without expecting compensation, they may consider your offer more strongly.
• Submit a large earnest money deposit. Since your earnest money deposit is part of your down payment, going above and beyond means you are showing the seller that you’re serious about closing. This speaks volumes about your credibility.
• Show the seller you’re qualified. Nearly every multiple offer will be accompanied by a lender. So to set yourself apart, ask your lender to give you a loan pre-approval letter. This type of letter is different and stronger than one indicating just pre-qualification and makes you and your offer more compelling in the seller’s eyes.

 If you’re a buyer, don’t be discouraged by the amount of competition.

• Shorten or waive some contingencies. According to federal law, you have 10 days for inspections. However, unless you specifically alter this in your written contract, you have the ability to move the numbers around. Though you should always get a home inspection, sellers will really appreciate it if you tighten the numbers and shorten the process. Another way to tighten things up is by waiving the loan approval contingency—but only if your loan is solid. You may even consider talking to your agent about waiving the appraisal contingency. 
• Write a personal letter to the seller. Adding this personal touch will show that you are sincere and highlight your intention to buy their property. Additionally, including a family photo can appeal to sellers who consider more than money when it comes to the offers they’re considering.
• Write your best offer. Don’t try to start your offer off low in hope of getting a counteroffer. Begin with your best, highest offer. Make your offer attractive and above list price if you can afford to do so. 
• Write a backup offer. Just like anything in life, things sometimes won’t work perfectly. But, this can be to your advantage if another buyer’s pending offer on the home you want falls through. Be prepared, and don’t be caught off guard

With all of these tips, you should be well prepared to buy in a seller’s market. But we’d like to help. One of our buyer specialists here at Joy Daniels Real Estate Group would like to assist you in reaching your home purchase goal. Whether you’re buying or selling, we are here for you.

Join Us in July for a Home Selling Seminar

Our home selling seminar is back by popular demand! Join us in July to learn how to take advantage of the hot seller's market here in the Harrisonburg area.

There are a variety of opportunities in the Central Pennsylvania real estate market for both buyers and sellers. If you're a prospective buyer click here for a full home search, or if you're considering placing your home on the market, get a free home value report, right here.

We've held a few seminars for homebuyers, sellers, and those looking to build a home recently, and due to popular demand, we're bringing back another seller seminar in July. Click here to register, and join us at the Giant Community Foods Center on July 6th at 3301 Trindle Rd., Camp Hill, PA. from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Our goal is to help you navigate the real estate market, which is definitely a seller's market in most areas within Harrisburg. I want to clarify things for you whether you're selling your home in the future or you're frustrated that your home hasn't sold while others around you do. During our free seminar, I'll give you all the tools, resources, and information you need to make all the best decision for your biggest investment. I'll also share the important steps needed to reach your real estate goals, help you identify the roles of both you and your agent, and help you make the sale.

We look forward to seeing you there!

I'll also discuss everything you need to know about the current market and marketing strategies to help you take advantage of it. I'll also be joined by a home inspector and home stager to discuss their roles in the process as well.

The market is hot and there aren't enough sellers to meet the demand of the buyers looking for homes, but even though the market favors sellers, there are still some basic rules to follow. I'll share all these rules and more.

If you have any questions in the meantime, don't hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to seeing you there!