How to Keep Within Your Budget When Moving House
03/06/2022
If you have just started moving house, you may be wondering how to keep within your budget. The good news is that there are several ways to do it. Read on to find out some tips! Listed below are some ways to save money during your move. Make a list of household items. Group items according to their urgency. Then, separate those items into the three main categories: urgent, important, and non-urgent.
Selling non-essentials
You can avoid shipping items by selling items you do not need or that aren’t sentimental. This way, you can cover moving costs and purchase new decor. Many online marketplaces make it easy to sell items, including eBay, Craigslist, OfferUp, Facebook marketplace. These sites have guidelines for safety and fraud prevention. You can also donate or pass along items that you are unable to sell.
It is a good idea to sell non-essentials as early as possible. Sell any extra furniture and home decor as early as a month before you plan to move, the earlier you try and sell your items, the better price you can get. If possible, sell appliances like the washing machine, microwave, dishwasher and fridge in advance but communicate to the buyer that they can only pick it up after a certain date since you’ll still be using it. If you have too many items, it’s a good idea to hold a garage sale in your local neighbourhood.
Hire an honest moving company
It can be really difficult to try and figure out which moving company to hire. In most cases, people just want to be able to find somebody who is going to do a good job and not overcharge them. Unfortunately, there are a lot of companies out there that will try to take advantage of people who are in a difficult situation and moving companies understand that your are at the mercy of their service. You need a big moving truck to move your furniture and they’ve got one, so some think they can charge whatever they want or hold your furniture ransom until you pay the ‘hidden charges’ they didn’t disclose. Fortunately, there are still good honest moving companies out there and if you take the time to do some research on different Melbourne removalists or movers from your state and territory, you can find one that will treat you fairly and give you a good price, and that will certainly help with your moving budget.
Try going with an hourly moving rate
Another way you may be able to work within your moving budget is to accept the movers hourly rate with two men and truck hire. Of course a fixed rate will give you a lot more certainty without worry about cost blowouts, however an hourly rate will sometimes work out to be cheaper. If you agree on a reasonable hourly rate and have given yourself a good estimation of the time it takes to complete the job, there is every chance that your move can stick within your budget.
Have everything packed and ready to go
If you’ve never moved before, you should understand that moving all your belongings and furniture can be a complex project. More often than not, budgets blow out simply because the sheer volume to be moved has been underestimated or the truck doesn’t fit everything or there are access issues, stairs to navigate or apartments without lifts. If your move is a simple one, there is no reason why it has to go over budget. To streamline the process, have everything packed and ready to go before the movers arrive. Stack boxes altogether in one location, ensure the sofa is wrapped in a protective bag and ensure cupboards and drawers are taped securely to prevent them from opening during transport. If there is a clear pathway for bulky items to the truck, that will save significant time; to make it simpler, move furniture to the garage or ground floor so the movers spend less time navigating corners and doorways.
Moving is usually an expense project, by adopting some of these simple techniques can help keep within your budge so you have more money in your pocket to spend on things you really need.
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent for You
Before you decide to work with a real estate agent, make a shortlist based on personal recommendations, on-ground research, and online exploration. To research an agent, go to a site like HomeLight, Google’s business page, or Yelp. Check out the reviews for their services, and see if their people skills and personality match what you are looking for in an agent. Furthermore, choosing the right real estate agent is more than meets the eye, it can make a big difference and is a decision not to take lightly.
Finding a real estate agent
There are several ways to find a real estate agent, from recommendations to interviews. Ask people you know if they have had any experience with a particular agent, and consider their opinions. Check out local real estate association websites and magazines for recommendations. If you know someone who recently purchased or sold a home, talk to them about their experiences. You can also view for-sale signs in your area to see which agents are best for you.
During the interview, make sure to ask the prospective agent about their area of specialization. Some agents specialize in seller’s properties, while others are buyer’s agents. Some agents focus on certain markets, such as the larger metro areas. You want someone who understands the market in which you’re interested. You’ll also want someone who is willing to do the research required to find a home within your price range.
Checking a real estate agent’s online reputation
It’s essential to check a real estate agent’s reputation online – or at least the reputation of a real estate agency you’re considering hiring. While there are numerous ways to advertise your business, many real estate professionals forget about social media. Social media has become an effective, convenient way to reach new clients. To check an agent’s reputation is on top of the heap, read the online reviews and feedback from previous customers.
Reviews help drive new business for real estate companies. In fact, a staggering 97% of online shoppers read reviews of products and services before making a decision. Similarly, when buying products and services on Amazon, customers usually check reviews and real pictures before deciding which one to buy. It’s no surprise then, that real estate clients check online reviews to make an informed decision about a new agent’s performance.
Ask about their experience and what they specialize in
When it comes to selecting a real estate agent, the first thing to consider is the type of service that the individual offers. Some agents specialize in particular types of properties, while others serve a wider variety of clients. Regardless of which type of real estate agent you choose, you’ll want to ask about their experience, references, and communication skills. When hiring an agent, be sure to be a good listener and communicate openly with your chosen agent.
A real estate agent should be honest, straightforward, and responsive to questions about the property you’re interested in. They shouldn’t promise unrealistic results or make you feel pressured into making an offer you can’t afford. They should call the facts like they are and should have several options available if you’re not satisfied. Ultimately, you want an agent who is trustworthy, has integrity and experienced with the local market.
Check the agent’s previous sales and results
When finding a real estate agent to manage the sale of your property, be sure to check their sales history and results. This will give you an indication of their experience and success in managing similar properties to your own. Perhaps they have sold many properties in the street and already have clients looking to purchase in the area. You would prefer one with a history and the expertise to achieve the results you desire, choosing one that promises great results with less commission but hasn’t sold in the area before may save you on sales commission but you could be missing out of thousands if the property sells for less.
What is most important when choosing the best real estate agent to represent the sale of your home is that you feel comfortable. Property sales are essentially a partnership between you and the real estate agent looking to achieve a common goal. The higher the sale of your home, the more the agent is rewarded. So be sure you are comfortable with the person who you choose to sell your home.
