Today's Helpful Topic: Full Valuation Coverage....... what is it?
Through CRS' national account contracts you are provided with the maximum protection for your belongings. CRS movers are contracted to provide up to $75,000 in full replacement valuation on interstate moves at no cost to you (actual coverage is calculated at a rate of $5/lb). If you feel that your shipment is worth more than the maximum $5/lb, you may purchase additional coverage. Be advised that the movers may require documentation proving that the additional coverage is warranted. At the movers discretion, any articles that are lost, damaged, or destroyed will be either repaired, replaced with a like item or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value. The mover retains salvage rights if they provide full settlement on a damaged item. We always suggest that you continue your current personal property coverage through your current homeowners or tenant policy throughout the move. Speak with your insurance carrier about this coverage during your move.
Are you trying to sell your house? In this economy, houses are not selling like they used to. Here are some tips to making your house more appealing to the typical buyer:
1) Maintain Neutrality- Extreme colors and themed rooms can scare off potential homebuyers. If you have customized every room with extremely bright or dark colored paint, wallpaper or wall fixtures, you may want to consider toning it down a bit. Using neutral colors on the walls can help prospective buyers create their own vision for the house, and will also leave them with less work to undo if they buy the house. 2) Less is More- Even though you have not moved out yet, removing some of your furniture can help the house move off the market. If you take pictures for your listing, having less furniture can help the home appear more spacious. When potential homebuyers arrive, having less furniture can also provide clear walkways.
3) That New House Smell- Honestly, the new house smell isn't always the most pleasant, but at least it is new. In preparing to show your home, you should avoid strong smells. To avoid odors, make sure to take out the trash and clean the refrigerator regularly. It’s also good to be mindful of what you cook in the days leading up to a showing; certain foods have strong scents. If you have pets, keep an eye on the litter box. Any smell that is too strong could send potential homebuyers running out the door.
4) Pay Attention to the Details- It’s not a good idea to make major renovations when you are ready to sell your home; you may not recoup your investment. If you never got around to starting or completing that total kitchen or bathroom makeover, then you can make some small, inexpensive changes to spruce things up. Replacing the hardware on cabinets is a quick way to improve the appearance of older looking fixtures. Upgrading small items such as light switch and outlet covers can add a nice touch.
5) Maximize your "Curb Appeal"- The front of your home is the first thing prospective homebuyers will see, so keeping it presentable is a must. If there is a yard, keep the grass to a reasonable height and, if there are trees, be sure to keep the branches under control. The path to your front door should be a clear and welcoming one, not an obstacle course.
6) Don't Get Too Personal- Get rid of excess clutter such as newspapers, magazines and mail. Be sure to put away your laundry and shoes. It may also be a good idea to put away some other personal belongings, like pictures on the refrigerator or mantle. For you, the pictures may make a house a home or display your personal touch. For the new homeowner, it may appear too personal.
7) Take Care of Repairs- Waiting to make repairs until after you find a buyer can be tricky. Depending on the nature of the repairs, you may not be able to find a buyer. Depending on how fast the buyer wants to close on the house, you may not have enough time to make the repairs. Save yourself some time and potential trouble by making repairs before you list your home.
First impressions can make the difference between a sale or no sale. Keeping things simple can give you a leg up on similar houses on the market.
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. You must read what you are signing very carefully. If you have any questions, CRS is here to help! 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.
Here are some examples of additional services which would contribute to the cost of the move: - 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 and vise 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% at the time of delivery. You are then obligated to pay any additional charges over this amount within 30 days.
Of course, our CRS consultants are here to explain these differences as well as help you choose the right mover for you! So feel free to contact us with any questions! info@consumersrelocation.com or 800-839-6683
One of the benefits of using our move management service is that you receive a complimentary Moving Facts Booklet. This booklet is sent to you within the first week of initial contact with CRS. In this booklet you will find useful information from how far in advance you need to begin planning your move to dealing with damage claims. So just to give you a little peep inside this valuable resource, today's topic from our Moving Facts is Packing Preparation. What some people don't understand is not everything in your cabinets and closets can go on a moving truck! So there is some preparation that needs to be done ahead of time to organize your belongings and get rid of things that you don't need anymore!
Packing Preparation - Flammable, hazardous, or noxious material may NOT be transported by the movers. This would include: aerosol cans, paints, paint remover or cleaner, fire extinguishers, ammonia, ammunition, etc. - Propane and butane tanks or bottles are no longer permitted to be transported with movers. -If you have a car going on the truck, the gas tank should be 1/4 full or less. Any other gasoline engines must be emptied of oil and gas. Gas cans should be washed out to avoid fumes. - You are responsible for removing any items that you intend to ship[ which are permanently affixed to the ceiling or walls of your home. If you are unable to do so, we recommend hiring someone to do it for you. - You are responsible for removing items from an attic or crawl space unless there is adequate and safe access for the movers to enter these areas. - Trash cans, barbeque grills that use charcoal and refrigerators/freezers must be cleaned prior to loading day. - Disassembly and reassembly of your beds is a standard service provided by the movers. However, if you have any other pieces of furniture that require dismantling and reassembly you should ask the mover about the associated costs. -When furniture is disassembled be sure to have heavy duty baggies available for the parts and pieces that will be necessary for reassembly of the items. Make sure you or the movers securely tape the baggies to the corresponding piece of furniture. -The movers will transport plants ONLY under the following circumstances: if the relocation is less than 150 miles, does not involve storage, and the plants require no in transit maintenance. - If you are moving a computer, contact your local computer store for directions on securing the hard drive and other delicate items for transport. -Bulky articles such as grandfather clocks, pool tables, large glass tables, sculptures, large paintings etc. will often require custom crating by the mover. Be sure to show any such items to the mover representative. - Pack a small box with tools (i.e. hammer, Philips head and flat head screw drivers, tape, utility knife, etc.) and keep handy for any last minute needs. This box should also be accessible when you reach your new home.
These are just a few tips for a successful move and our Moving Facts Booklet is packed with useful information such as this!
Being a new homeowner is a very exciting time and so is the chance to splurge! It's very tempting to want to purchase all new furniture and decorations for your new house, but it is actually the time to be practical. After the expenses of your down payment, closing costs and moving costs, much or your savings has been depleted and even with the new homeowners tax credit, there are still some projects to consider before re-furnishing your entire house!
1) Don't overspend on furniture and re-modeling- Think of the new monthly expenses that will accrue as a homeowner; trash, water, snow removal etc 2) Don't ignore important maintenance items- It may not be a big deal now, but to fix a problem in the beginning is cheaper and safer 3) Hire qualified contractors- You may think that you can do it yourself, but to hire someone more experienced and qualified could save you time and money in the long run! The fix or problem is less likely to be an issue in the future if done correctly the first time. 4) Get help with your tax return- You may have done your own taxes in the past, but as a homeowner there are several deductions you may be eligible for. An accountant will be able to maximize your tax return. 5) Keep receipts for home improvement- If you save your receipts from improvements on the home, you can use these costs to increase your home's basis, which can help you to maximize your tax-free earnings on the sale of your home. 6) Don't confuse a repair with an improvement- If you move into a house and have to fix a few broken things, that is considered a repair... not improvement. Yes your house will be worth more after those repairs, but the IRS considers repairs to be part and parcel of homeownership — something that preserves the home's original value but does not enhance its value. 7) Get properly insured- There are several different types of insurance to be purchased when owning a home. Besides the mandatory homeowners insurance, there are other things to consider such as life insurance, disability, and excellent car insurance.
As the First-Time Homebuyers tax credit has been extended, the numbers show that people on the market for a new house are holding out. According to the Associated Press and the National Association of Realtors, the seasonally adjusted index of sales agreements dropped 16% in November. Many individuals that were under contract to purchase previously occupied homes opted out and have decided to take their time. The extension of the tax credit has been a positive thing for those looking to purchase a house, and they may be thinking that the housing prices haven't hit rock bottom yet so they are holding out for lower prices. But as our economy begins to build itself back up, now is the time to buy as interest rates may begin to creep up as well. So if there is any time to buy, now is that time! Some economists have predicted that home sales will remain steady through the winter and come early spring, we will see a notable gain in sales.
We just received our year end Certificate from the Better Business Bureau for 2009! This certificate is for Consumers Relocation's record of being complaint free for the last 36 months. During that period we have worked with over 10,000 customers moving throughout the United States and internationally. We enjoy an A+ rating with the BBB! Our Service Evaluations completed by each customer show that over 98% would recommend our services to a friend! Consumers Relocation is proud to provide premier Move Management Services to thousands of families moving each year while saving them substantially on the cost of their moves. The nations largest associations offer our services to their members, large real estate companies offer our services to their customers and clients, small to mid sized companies use us for their lump sum and in house relocation programs, and word of mouth and repeat customers are an increasing percent of our business.
y purchase additional coverage. Be advised that the movers may require documentation proving that the additional coverage is warranted. At the movers discretion, any articles that are lost, damaged, or destroyed will be either repaired, replaced with a like item or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value. The mover retains salvage rights if they provide full settlement on a damaged item. We always suggest that you continue your current personal property coverage through your current homeowners or tenant policy throughout the move. Speak with your insurance carrier about this coverage during your move.
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