What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your Home?

What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your Home

You’ve been through the whole selling process – you hired an Orlando Realtor® who helped you arrive at the right price, you cleaned and staged your home, and you vacated the house for showings.

And now someone’s made an offer, and you’ve accepted.

So what happens next?

What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your Home?

When you accept an offer, you start yet another wheel turning in the home-selling process. The next things that will happen are:

  • The buyer’s inspector will come check out the home.
  • You’ll decide whether to make concessions.
  • You’ll have to wait for closing day.

The Buyer’s Inspector

The buyer will most likely hire a home inspector. The inspector will come to your home and check over everything, including the heating and cooling system, electrical system, plumbing and more. A typical home inspection lasts a few hours, and at its conclusion, the inspector will put together a complete report for the buyers.

The home inspector’s job isn’t to convince the buyer either way – he or she is impartial. The inspector’s job is to document how things are working in the house, and if there’s something wrong, to note it in the report so that the buyer can make the best possible decision about buying your home.

Home Inspection

Sometimes buyers find things in inspection reports that they can use as negotiating points. For example, if the inspector discovers that there’s not enough insulation in the attic, the buyer may ask you to install more insulation in the attic or to come down on the price (because the buyer will have to fork over the cash to install more insulation).

If that happens, you’ll have to decide whether to make concessions or back out of the deal.

Deciding Whether to Make Concessions

When your buyer asks you to make concessions, your first step should be to talk to your real estate agent about them. Your Realtor may advise you to go ahead and make the concessions, or he might let you know that if you don’t, the buyer may back out of the deal and move on to another house.

The bottom line is that it’s up to you whether to make concessions. This is a negotiation process, and if you push too hard, you could force the buyer to walk away. If you don’t push back, you could end up taking a hit on the profit. It’s a delicate balance, and you should talk about potential solutions with your real estate agent before you make any decisions.

If there are plenty of other offers waiting in the wings, you may decide not to make any concessions at all.

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Waiting for Closing Day

Once you’ve signed all the contracts and everything’s good to go, you still have to wait for closing day. The buyer may still have to secure financing officially, sell his or her current home, or climb over other obstacles. Usually, the wait is between 30 and 60 days – although it can happen a lot faster (or take a lot longer).

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home in Orlando or one of the surrounding communities, check out our:

If you’re selling your home in Orlando, we can help – we know how to market it to all the right buyers so you can sell it quickly and at the right price.

Call us at 407-529-4621 right now to learn about our premium property marketing services and how we’ll put them to work for you.

7 Tips for Moving With Pets

7 Tips for Moving With Pets

Moving with pets is stressful – for you and for them. Check out these seven tips for moving with pets to make the whole process more successful.

7 Tips for Moving With Pets

Your pets, whether they’re dogs, cats, birds, reptiles or something more exotic, can easily get stressed out during your move. Use these seven tips to make things easier on all of you:

  1. Get your pet used to being in a crate.
  2. Keep your pets away from the moving action.
  3. Prepare an overnight kit for your pet.
  4. Hand-carry all your vet records.
  5. Transport your pet in his or her crate.
  6. Keep your pet confined to one or two rooms in the new house for a while.
  7. Give your pet extra love (and treats).

#1. Get your pet used to being in a crate.

Long before moving day, make sure your pet is used to his or her crate. You can do this by leaving the crate open for a week, letting your pet explore at-will. After that, place your pet’s food and water inside the crate – and when he or she becomes comfortable in there, you can practice closing the door with your pet inside.

#2. Keep Your Pets Away From the Moving Action

On moving day, confine your pet to one empty room in the house – a room that you’ve already removed all the furniture from. Be sure to put your pet’s bed, favorite toys, litter box and plenty of food and water inside.

Keep the door closed until it’s time to leave for the last time. This minimizes your pet’s chance of escape.

Moving With Pets#3. Prepare an overnight kit for your pet.

Put together an overnight kit for your pet, just like you have for yourself and your other family members. Include food, medications, favorite toys and supplies (like extra litter).

#4. Hand-carry all your vet records.

You don’t want to risk losing track of your pet’s proof of vaccination and other medical records, so hand-carry them in the front seat of your car or in your overnight kit.

#5. Transport your pet in his or her crate.

The safest way to transport a pet is in his or her crate. If your pet is too big to transport in a crate in your car, talk to your veterinarian about special dog seat belts, which are available at most pet supply stores.

Related: How to Hire the Right Moving Company

#6. Keep your pet confined to one or two rooms for a while.

Once you arrive at the new house, it’s tempting to let your pet go room by room to explore – but that can be a lot more stressful than it looks. Keep your pet confined to one room at first, and when he or she starts to get comfortable, you can let your four-legged family member explore another room. It takes time for pets to adjust, so be patient when giving your pet access to the rest of the house.

#7. Give your pet extra love (and treats).

Who doesn’t love extra love and treats? Your pet might not seem stressed about the move, but even if he or she is fine, extra TLC offers plenty of benefits for everyone involved.

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home in Orlando or one of the surrounding communities, check out our:

If you’re selling your home in Orlando, we can help – we know how to market it to all the right buyers so you can sell it quickly and at the right price.

Call us at 407-529-4621 right now to learn about our premium property marketing services and how we’ll put them to work for you.

3 Things You Should Never Compromise On When You Buy a Home

3 Things You Should Never Compromise On When You Buy a Home

Whether you’re searching for your dream home in Orlando, a golf course home for sale at Alaqua Country Club or something else entirely, there are three things you should never compromise on. Your future happiness depends on it.

3 Things You Should Never Compromise On When You Buy a Home

When you start your house-hunt, you’ll have a wish list – and you’ll probably star some of the items on it, meaning that they’re more “must-have” than “dream feature.” These are three things you should never compromise on when you’re buying a home:

  • The floor plan
  • Your budget
  • Commute times

#1. Never compromise on the floor plan.

You have to live in the home every day, and if it’s inconvenient – or if it’s too small, too large, or too anything, you’re not going to be happy with your purchase.

Before you start house-hunting, you’ll know how much space you want and how much you absolutely need. And while you can invest in renovations later to change the floor plan, or add bedrooms and bathrooms, it’s probably better to find a house that’s at least very close to what you want before you start your search. You’ll save yourself a lot of time – and money – later.

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#2. Never compromise on your budget.

Most people buy a home that’s pretty close to the amount that their lender says it’ll give them. But you definitely don’t have to spend that much – in fact, it’s smarter to buy under your budget than right at your budget. You’ll save money in the long run.

Besides, there’s more money involved in home ownership than the amount you pay for your monthly mortgage payments. You’ll have to handle homeowners association dues, maintenance and repairs, and any upgrades that you want to make.

Related: Interest Rate vs. APR

#3. Never compromise on commute times.

Five days a week – at least – you’ll be driving to and from work. Sure, you may be willing to take on a 30-minute commute to work… but will it really matter if it’s 35 minutes, or maybe 40 minutes?

Yes, it will. Because sitting in the car gets old – and it gets old, fast. Set your maximum commute time and stick to it – and just to be safe, try the commute before you put an offer on a home. Head to work from the neighborhood at the regular time, and head to the neighborhood directly after work. That way, you’ll get a good feel for how long the commute will really take.

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home in Orlando or one of the surrounding communities, check out our:

If you’re selling your home in Orlando, we can help – we know how to market it to all the right buyers so you can sell it quickly and at the right price.

Call us at 407-529-4621 right now to learn about our premium property marketing services and how we’ll put them to work for you.

How Can You Tell if the Home You Want Will Have Good Resale Value?

How-Can-You-Tell-if-the-Home-You-Want-Will-Have-a-Good-Resale-Value-ABR-Orland

If you’re like most people, you know that even if you’re buying your “forever” home, you should look for something that has a good resale value. That’s because someday, your circumstances might change… and if they do, you want to get as much money as possible back out of the house.

Remember, though, that a good resale value can’t be guaranteed. Instead, you should look for homes that meet all the right criteria. That includes looking for a house that:

  • Falls under a homeowners association
  • Is close to local amenities, like dining and shopping
  • Is assigned to highly rated schools
  • Features a family-friendly floor plan

How Can You Tell if the Home You Want Will Have Good Resale Value?

The most important thing in your homebuying decision is that you love the house you make an offer on. However, you still have to look for all the factors listed above – and here’s why.

Buying a Home in a Neighborhood With an HOA

If you can live in a neighborhood that’s covered by homeowners association restrictions, you might want to think about it. Sure, it costs extra to pay HOA dues… but the HOA’s main purpose is to preserve property values. That means you’re not likely to have to watch your neighbor’s yard get overgrown with weeds, see the guy across the street paint a cowboy mural all over the front of his house, or drive past broken-down RVs in the streets on your way home. All of those things would most likely negatively impact the value of your home.

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Buying a Home That’s Close to Local Amenities

It’s convenient for you to live in a neighborhood that’s close to local amenities, and your future buyers will think it is, too. When you buy in a well-developed area, as well as one with good infrastructure, you’re more likely to be able to sell it for more than you would if it was more remote.

Related: 5 Ways to Find Out if a Neighborhood is Right for You

Buying a Home That’s in a Highly Rated School Zone

Even if you don’t have kids, buying a house in a highly rated school zone can be a smart move. It might not matter to you, but if you sell to a family down the road, the schools might be high on their priority list.

Buying a Home With a Family-Friendly Floor Plan

Like schools, family-friendly floor plans are important. A four-bedroom home with just one bathroom might not be a great choice, for example. And it’s not just about family-friendliness, either; if you buy a home with a quirky floor plan, there’s no guarantee that future buyers will even like or appreciate it.

Related: 5 Common Decorating and Design Mistakes to Undo Before You Sell Your Home in Orlando

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home in Orlando or one of the surrounding communities, check out our:

If you’re selling your home in Orlando, we can help – we know how to market it to all the right buyers so you can sell it quickly and at the right price.

Call us at 407-529-4621 right now to learn about our premium property marketing services and how we’ll put them to work for you.

Selling Your Home? 5 Jobs You Shouldn’t DIY

Selling Your Home? 5 Jobs You Shouldn't DIY

If you’re selling your home in Orlando, you’ll need to make minor (and, if necessary, major) repairs before you put it on the market. Your real estate agent will talk to you about getting the whole property up to snuff before you ask someone to buy it – and there are some jobs you can tackle yourself.

But unless you’re a licensed professional, there are five jobs you should never try to DIY.

Selling Your Home? 5 Jobs You Shouldn’t DIY

  • Decorative painting
  • Plumbing issues
  • Electrical repairs
  • Wall removal
  • Major renovations

Decorative Painting

Decorative painting is a skill that takes years to hone – no matter what you see on home renovation shows or Pinterest. And while there are plenty of ways you can decorate your home beautifully without years of schooling and instruction, decorative painting isn’t one of them.

Check out these ordinary DIY painting fails – and then remind yourself that decorative painting, like marbleizing and other faux finishing techniques, are a lot harder than they look online.

Don’t Try to Fix Plumbing Issues

We’ve all ignored a leaky faucet at home, snaked a drain with a little clog in it, or replaced a faucet washer.

But anything more extensive is definitely professional territory. While a major plumbing fail probably won’t put your life in danger, like electrical problems can, they can put your bank account in serious jeopardy. Water damage is among the most expensive to repair, and it can lead to other issues like mold and mildew growth.

Don’t Make Electrical Repairs

Working with electricity is incredibly dangerous, and you should absolutely leave electrical projects to the pros. You can do things like install light fixtures or replace outlet plates, but when it comes to rewiring anything, you really do need to work with a licensed electrician. Risks of working with electrical wiring range from house fires to deadly shocks – and it’s just not worth it.

Don’t Remove a Wall (or Do Any Other Structural Work)

Steer clear of structural work unless you’re 100 percent positive that you’re not working on a load-bearing wall. You could literally knock down your entire house – and then there’s nothing left to sell.

Faulty structural renovations can destroy your home’s integrity, which can pose much bigger problems you (or the next owners) will have to fix in the future… or worse, much bigger problems right now.

Don’t Do Major DIY Renovations

Major renovations, like redoing a basement, are better left to the professionals. There’s nothing wrong with diving into small renovation projects like replacing bathroom cabinetry or changing out your faucets… if you already know what you’re doing. If you don’t, though, you could be asking for trouble.

Are You Selling a Home in Orlando?

If you’re selling your home in Orlando, we can help – we know how to market it to all the right buyers so you can sell it quickly and at the right price.

Call us at 407-529-4621 right now to learn about our premium property marketing services and how we’ll put them to work for you.

If you’re also looking for a new home in Orlando or one of the surrounding communities, check out our:

Landscaping Trends for 2019: Here’s How to Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space

Landscaping Trends 2019

If you’re selling your home in Orlando, your real estate agent has already talked to you about home staging and cleaning up the outside so it’s as appealing as possible to prospective buyers.

But check out these upcoming landscaping trends – they’re what buyers will really be looking for this year.

Landscaping Trends for 2019: Here’s How to Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space

The National Association of Landscape Professionals – a huge trade association that reaches all over the country – says that people aren’t just looking for decks and patios anymore. In fact, spokesperson Missy Henriksen told Realtor.com, “What we’re seeing is people’s desire to make their outdoor living space an extension of their home. People are being very intentional with how they want to use their outdoor spaces.”

Here’s what you need to know:

  • You need functionality and scenery
  • Automated maintenance is the way to go
  • Color pulls in buyers
  • Metal decor is trending

Functionality + Scenery

Like Henriksen says, prospective buyers want to actually use all that outdoor space. Think about planting a vertical garden on a trellis to beautify your privacy fence, use built-in seating on a retaining wall or put in a stone path that winds through the trees.

Automated Maintenance

Who has time to water and cut the grass, tend the garden or make sure they’re turning off all the landscaping lights? Installing a programmable sprinkler system and including a robotic lawn mower with the house, as well as setting up lighting that shuts off automatically, can be the way to go if you want to sell your home this year.

Installing Automated Maintenance to Sell Your Home in Orlando

Adding Pops of Color

Okay, so having a few colorful plants in your backyard has always been a trend – it adds depth and beauty, and your buyers can admire the plants from both inside and outside the house. If you don’t have any colorful plants or bright design features in the backyard, you might want to consider adding some before you list your home.

Pro tip: Choose low-maintenance plants that you won’t have to tend very often. Your buyers will appreciate that, too.

Metal Decor is Trending

Metal isn’t for everyone, but if you can pull it off in your design, it could have a big impact on the way prospective buyers view your home. Think about using steel or iron in your backyard decor – you can use it a fountain or mini waterfall, furniture, or even decorative art and sculptures to make a big splash.

Are You Buying a Home for Sale in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home for sale in Orlando, we’ll help you find something that’s just right for your needs. Call us at 407-529-4621 right now to tell us what you’re looking for!

While you’re here, check out our:

5 Must-See Events in Orlando During January 2019

5 Fun Things to Do in Orlando January 2019 - Homes for Sale Orlando

If you’re thinking about buying a home for sale in Orlando or you’re already living here, you probably already know that this city and the surrounding communities are packed with great events for all ages.

January 2019 is no exception. Check out this list of five must-see events in and around Orlando during January to plan out your month!

5 Must-See Events in (and Near) Orlando During January 2019

  • Walt Disney World Marathon and Walt Disney World Half Marathon
  • Otronicon
  • Key Lime Pie Festival
  • Central Florida Scottish Highland Games
  • Blue Spring Manatee Festival

Walt Disney World Marathon and Walt Disney World Half Marathon

January 9 through January 13

The Walt Disney World Marathon and Walt Disney World Half Marathon are two separate events that draw crowds of thousands. The annual event sends runners through the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The whole weekend, focused on fitness and fun, also features Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo in Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

More information: http://www.rundisney.com/

Otronicon

January 18 to January 21

Techies already have Otronicon on their calendars – do you? This amazing technology event covers all kinds of future scenarios that put on display how we’ll live, work and play in the future, and you can explore it all through simulation and video games. Most of the tech on display is made right in Orlando. Jump into a cutting-edge medical simulator (no pun intended), a larger-than-life video game experience or a military simulation game, or attend workshops to learn about recent breakthroughs and where technology is headed. The event takes place at the Orlando Science Center.

More information: http://www.otronicon.org/

Key Lime Pie Festival

January 19

Have you ever seen the world’s largest key lime pie? You will if you show up at the Florida Key Lime Pie Festival on Merritt Island. This is the eighth consecutive year for this delectable festival, and this year, you’ll see live music, grab snacks from dozens of food trucks, and have the opportunity to join a key lime pie eating contest. The event is being held at Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island.

More information: http://www.facebook.com/FloridaKeyLimePieFestival/

Central Florida Scottish Highland Games

January 19 and January 20

Do you have a little Scottish heritage? Whether or not your ancestors hail from that part of the world, the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games are a must-see. This fun event takes traditional Scottish sporting events to the next level – and you can explore history, culture and more to learn about the way things work halfway across the globe. You’ll see drum and bagpipe competitions, plenty of highland dancing, archery competitions and sheepdog demonstrations – and you’ll even hear Scottish singers. The event is being held at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs.

More information: http://www.flascot.com/

Blue Spring Manatee Festival

January 26 and January 27

Every year, the Blue Spring Manatee Festival attracts people from all over the state. This two-day event features manatee viewing, presentations by the Central Florida Zoo (including animal ambassadors), lots of arts and crafts, and plenty of kids’ entertainment. The Jeff Howell Band is performing on Sunday at Valentine Park in Orange City, where the whole event takes place.

More information: http://www.themanateefestival.com/

Are You Buying a Home for Sale in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home for sale in Orlando, we’ll help you find something that’s just right for your needs. Call us at 407-529-4621 right now to tell us what you’re looking for!

While you’re here, check out our:

7 Unforgettable Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2019 in Orlando

Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve 2019 in Orlando

New Year’s Eve 2019 is right around the corner – how will you celebrate?

Check out this list of the seven hottest events for NYE this year (plus a few bonuses) to plan your most spectacular bash ever.

7 Unforgettable Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2019 in Orlando

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or you’d prefer an evening out just for grown-ups, the city of Orlando has you covered. There are huge events planned throughout the city to help you celebrate.

  1. Theme parks
  2. EVE at Universal CityWalk™
  3. NYE Masquerade at 3NINE
  4. Howl at the Moon
  5. BB King’s Blues Club at Pointe Orlando
  6. NYE Block Party at Wall Street Plaza
  7. New Year’s Eve Gala at The Alfond Inn

#1. Theme Parks

All the theme parks – Walt Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND – have plenty of big parties planned. Most involve fireworks, character shows and kid-friendly dance parties. Check out the events at each by clicking these links:

#2. EVE at Universal CityWalk™

8 p.m. to 2 a.m., ages 21 and up only.

EVE at Universal CityWalk features six clubs with live bands and DJs, Orlando’s biggest outdoor dance floor and a huge selection of gourmet cuisine.

#3. NYE Masquerade at 3NINE

9 p.m. to 2 a.m., ages 21 and up only.

Dress well and don’t forget the mask for the New Year’s Eve Masquerade at 3NINE at Rosen Plaza Hotel. Enjoy cocktails and light fare as you ring in 2019 in true Orlando style.

#4. Howl at the Moon

7 p.m. to 2 a.m., ages 21 and up only.

Reserve your table at Howl at the Moon for its annual New Year’s Eve bash. Several packages are available, including upper deck and bar seating, as well as extended patio seating, and they include a complimentary champagne toast and party favors.

#5. BB King’s Blues Club at Pointe Orlando

5 p.m. to 2 a.m., all ages

Ring in the new year at BB King’s Blues Club, featuring the BB King’s Blues Club All-Star Band. Reservations range from the bronze package at $20 per person to the platinum package at $75 per person.

#6. NYE Block Party at Wall Street Plaza

8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The biggest New Year’s Eve block party in Orlando is back – and they’re expecting thousands of guests. The NYE Block Party at Wall Street Plaza features DJ Eric Draven live on stage, huge LED video walls and light shows up and down the plaza, plus eight unique venues to keep the party going.

#7. New Year’s Eve Gala at The Alfond Inn

The Alfond Inn’s eighth annual New Year’s Eve Gala, held in the Park Avenue Ballroom with a live performance by The Buzzcatz, features a premium open bar and champagne toast. You’ll also enjoy chef-attended stations in the Conservatory and a livestream of the Times Square ball drop.

Bonus: More Places to Spend NYE 2019 in Orlando

Check out these other events around Orlando if the big bashes aren’t what you’re looking for:

Are You Buying a Home for Sale in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home for sale in Orlando, we’ll help you find something that’s just right for your needs. Call us at 407-529-4621 right now to tell us what you’re looking for!

While you’re here, check out our:

Interest Rate vs. APR: What You Need to Know Before You Buy a Home in Orlando

Interest Rate vs. APR What You Need to Know Before You Buy a Home in Orlando

When you’re buying a home for sale in Orlando, whether it’s at Alaqua Country Club, Bay Hill Club or Heathrow and Legacy Clubs (or anywhere else, for that matter), you’re probably going to take out a mortgage loan – most people do.

But you’ll see terms like interest rate and APR, and they can get pretty confusing. This article breaks down the differences between your regular interest rate and APR, as well as explains why you need to know about both.

Interest Rate vs. APR: What You Need to Know

This guide will show you the difference between your APR and your interest rate – and why one is higher than the other is.

What is an Interest Rate?

Your interest rate is the percentage you’ll pay each day on the money you borrowed. It benefits the lender – it’s what they get for loaning you the money to buy a home. It’s expressed as a percentage, not a dollar figure, and it doesn’t reflect anything but what you’re paying the lender for borrowing money.

A lot of factors go into your interest rate. On the open market, interest rates go up and down every day (kind-of like oil prices). The day that you lock in your mortgage interest rate is the only day you need to worry about, though – it doesn’t matter where interest rates go the next day or the next week (provided you don’t have an adjustable-rate mortgage).

The factors that go into what interest rate you qualify include:

  • Your credit score. The higher your credit score is, the better interest rate you’ll probably qualify for.
  • Your down payment amount. When you put more money down, lenders are assuming less risk by letting you borrow money – and they reward you with a lower interest rate, in many cases.
  • The loan type you’re getting. Your interest rate will depend on the type of loan you’re using.
  • Your loan term. The term of your loan – how long it lasts – will have an effect on your interest rate.
  • Whether you’re getting a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate doesn’t change over the life of the loan. But with an adjustable-rate mortgage, your interest rate will stay the same for a few years (usually 3, 5, 7 or 10, depending on what you choose when you sign up for it) and then fluctuate annually with the market. It could go up or down, raising or lowering your monthly mortgage payments.

What is an APR?

APR stands for annual percentage rate. It’s a broad measure of the cost of borrowing, and like a regular interest rate, it’s expressed as a percentage. It determines the total amount you’ll pay each year over the entire loan.

Your APR includes the interest rate on your mortgage, discount points you paid to lower your interest rate, loan origination fees and other costs of borrowing money from a lender, so it appears higher than your regular interest rate does. The higher your APR is, usually, the higher your mortgage payments are for the entire time you have your loan.

Are You Buying a Home for Sale in Orlando?

If you’re thinking about buying a home for sale in Orlando or any of the surrounding communities, we’re here to help. Call us at 407-529-4621 right now to tell us what you’re looking for!

While you’re here, check out our:

 

How to Hire the Right Moving Company When You Sell Your House in Orlando

How to Hire the Right Moving Company

Moving is hard work – and if you’re like most people, you’ve at least considered hiring a moving company to come in and tackle it all for you.

If that’s the road you’re going down, check out these tips on how to hire a great moving company you can trust with your most treasured possessions.

How to Hire the Right Moving Company

We’ve all heard horror stories about people who have chosen the wrong moving company, but that doesn’t have to happen to you. Read these tips on how to hire the right moving company and you’ll be off to a great start:

  • Check license and insurance
  • Read moving reviews
  • Get an in-house estimate
  • Know that cheaper doesn’t mean better

Check License and Insurance

Checking a company for licensure and insurance is the most basic thing you need to do. Moving companies typically have to have state licenses, and a good moving company won’t hesitate to show you theirs. If you’re tackling an out-of-state move, you’ll need to hire a moving company that has a designation from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Read Moving Reviews

Before you make any decisions, you need to read what other people are saying about the moving companies you’re considering. You’ll need to check star ratings, of course, but you also want to read actual reviews – and companies with more reviews can give you a better picture of what to expect. In addition to Google reviews, you can also use things like Angie’s List, Home Advisor and Thumbtack.

Remember, too, that nothing beats a word-of-mouth recommendation. Talk to family and friends to find out what moving companies they used and whether they were happy with the service they received.

Get an In-House Estimate

Nobody can give you an accurate estimate on time or money without coming into your home and having a look around. A lot of people underestimate just how much stuff they have, which means a professional mover needs to stop by to figure out how much the move will cost you and how long it’ll take.

Know That Cheaper Doesn’t Mean Better

As with most other things in life, you get what you pay for when you hire a moving company. You’ll usually pay more for a company that uses good packing materials (as opposed to cheap packing materials, which put your “stuff” at risk) and good, hard workers.

You don’t have to hire a full-service crew, either. You can rent your own truck and hire helpers separately.

Are You Selling Your Home in Orlando?

If you’re selling your home in Orlando, call us at 407-529-4621 or get in touch with us online to find out how we’ll market it to all the right buyers.

If you’re also looking for a new home for sale in Orlando or a nearby community, check out our:

 

 

About Abr Orlando

We love working with Buyers and have worked hard to develop the skills necessary to assist our clients. All of us at Accredited Buyers Representative-Orlando LLC are certified as ABR®’s or working towards that and other NAR Designations to help you find your perfect spot. This short video highlights some of the important benefits of working with an ABR® when buying your next home. Education and Experience produce results for our clients.

ABR Orlando
1936 Lee Road Suite 100
Winter Park, FL 32789
Email: dave.hoyle@abr-orlando.com
Phone: 407-529-4621

  

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