Binding vs Non Binding estimates

Many movers provide BINDING (other terms: Firm Binding, Guaranteed Price, etc.) moving costs. A binding estimate is an exact cost for moving services: your final charges will not increase or decrease if your final weight is greater or lesser than estimated . A binding estimate covers only the goods and services listed on the estimate and accompanying inventory. If you add items or additional services are required or requested, the mover may void his original binding price proposal by requiring you to sign an addendum to the original contract. Please read what you are signing very carefully. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact your consultant. The mover may also require full payment for these additional services at the time of delivery.
Some companies may provide you with a GUARANTEED NOT TO EXCEED price (other terms: Binding Not to Exceed, Option binding, Accuquote, Assured Price Protection, etc). The same rules apply to these estimates as the binding estimates. However, should the actual weight and services be less than the estimate you pay the lesser amount. Again, your guarantee is based on the items listed in the inventory and the services outlined on the estimate.
Additional services which would contribute to the cost of the move could include:• Shuttle (also called auxiliary) Service in the event that your new or old home is not negotiable by a tractor trailer and a smaller truck must be used to transport your belongings from your home to the trailer or vice versa.
•If your estimate was based on limited packing by the mover but more is required at the time of the move.
NON-BINDING estimates are not guaranteed. Final costs are based on the actual weight of the shipment and actual services provided at the time of the move Under a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the original estimate plus 10 percent at the time of delivery. You are then obligated to pay any additional charges over this amount within 30 days.
Use caution if you select a company who has estimated substantially less weight and services and has given a binding or guaranteed not to exceed price. If their inventory is not complete or if they have omitted necessary services, the contract could become void when you are loaded and you would be responsible for the actual charges.

Is the real estate market at the bottom? Might be a long winter

October 2009

The statistics indicate that we are at or close to the bottom of the poor real estate market. Existing home sales up 9% last month wow! NAR attributes this primarily to the first time homebuyer incentives. Not feeling it yet in the moving sector. I assume much of the activity for first time home buyers is reducing the inventory of short sales and must sell situations, but not really effecting those families who would normally hire a moving company for a long distance move.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said favorable conditions matched with a tax credit are boosting home sales. “Much of the momentum is from people responding to the first-time buyer tax credit, which is freeing many sellers to make a trade and buy another home,” he said. “We are hopeful the tax credit will be extended and possibly expanded to more buyers, at least through the middle of next year, because the rising sales momentum needs to continue for a few additional quarters until we reach a point of a self-sustaining recovery.”

Green Moving Tips

MOVING? Who knew that even during a stressful move there are easy ways to help reduce waste and reduce the negative impact on our environment. Green moving has become a term well known within the moving industry as we are all doing what we can to reduce our impact.

Follow some of these easy tips to help with short and long-term effects on the environment:

Green Moving Tips
Earth Friendly Ways to Move
by Elizabeth Weintraub, About.com

- This seems obvious, but dont accumulate as much stuff in the first place. less is generally better for the planet anyway, and the less stuff you move, the less gas your moving truck will burn. Green moving can also translate into more "green" for you because you'll likely spend less to move your household.

- Get rid of stuff before you move it. consider holding a garage sale, or selling your unnecessary items online.

- Buy used cardboard boxes. Moving companies generally prefer that customers use new cardboard boxes to ensure stability, which means a lot of cardboard boxes get tossed after only one use. If using cardboard boxes, look for boxes made of recycled material.

These are just a few suggestions for moving green! For more information green moving and living, please refer to www.consumersrelocation.com and click on "We've Gone Green!"

Happy Fall!!