Moving house with your spouse can be a frustrating time but it will go smoother of you take note of the suggestions on this checklist.
1. Make sure you and your spouse are in agreement about moving and where you want to move to. It sounds obvious but isn’t always the case.
2. Consider your financial situation, Decide what you can afford in house price or for rent and then stick to it or as close to it as possible. Don’t be tempted by houses far outside your price range.
3. Study the market so you know what a reasonable price for an area is. The internet is very handy here. But visiting open houses is also a good idea.
4. Sell before you buy. Do not buy another house before yours has a deposit and is close to contracts signed. Otherwise you get caught in the bind of having to drop your house price to get the other deal done, or take out bridging finance. Both are expensive options. I’ve seen people lose thousands by going this route.
We have always sold then looked for a house and have never been disappointed yet in what we bought. Sometimes it has even worked out better because the house we were interested in has been reduced because the people selling have committed elsewhere and so need to reduce the price to sell.
5. Take inventory of what you own. There may be things you no longer use. Chances are if you haven’t used it in the previous twelve months you never will, so get rid of it. Give it to charity or hold a garage or yard sale.
6. Go though old papers and receipts etc and throw out any which are over 7 years old – the legal requirement that you need to keep receipts for taxation etc.
7. Make sure your house for sale is kept tidy, garden and edges neat, lawns mowed, interior clean and tidy. Make sure husband and children understand the need for it to be kept tidy, so there is not a mad scramble when a call from an agent comes announcing an inspection.
8. A fresh coat of paint may be useful but don’t lay out money for renovations of kitchen and bathroom. You won’t recoup the money laid out.
Join me tomorrow for more helpful tips about moving house.
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