Unpacking Your Boxes at Destination- What the Movers Will Do

Unless more unpacking is requested, the movers will generally only include unpacking your mattresses at destination. Be advised that unpacking of boxes only entails removing items from the box and placing them on a flat surface. If you would like the movers to put away your packed belongings this is an additional expense that should be requested of the mover at the time of your estimate.
If you find any damage during the unpacking, keep a notepad listing the damaged item and the inventory number for the particular carton. If it is a box you packed yourself, save the box. It may be helpful in settling your claim.

Our Moving Facts Booklet

Consumers Relocation Moving Facts booklet provides a wealth of information about moving. Moving Facts has been developed over the past 8 years and updated frequently to give our customers the most up to date information about moving their houshold goods and personal belongings. Go to our website at http://www.consumersrelocation.com/ and click on the resources tab, or give us a call if your moving and ask to speak to a Consultant who will be pleased to send you a copy. Call us at 800-839-6683

NAR reports Existing Home Sales Rise in 3rd quarter

National Association of Realtors survey released today reported that existing home sales rose in many metro areas in the 3rd quarter. The report states that existing home sales for all states rose over 11%, and that seasonally adjusted this represented a rise of 5.3 million units in the 3rd quarter compared to 4.75 in the 2nd quarter.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the tax credit is a significant factor. “We can’t underestimate just how powerful a catalyst the first-time home buyer tax credit has been for the housing sector,” he said. “It’s given buyers the confidence they needed to get off the fence and take advantage of extremely affordable housing conditions. The buying conditions this year are the most favorable on record dating back to 1970, but the tax credit is allowing buyers to set aside any reservations about waiting for a better deal.”During the third quarter, 123 out of 153 metropolitan statistical areas2 reported lower median existing single-family home prices in comparison with the third quarter of 2008, while 30 areas had price gains.

First-time Homebuyers Tax Credit Extended

The first-time homebuyers tax credit scheduled to expire November 30, 2009 has been extended. If you are looking to purchase a house, now is the time! You have until April 30, 2010 to reap the benefit of this extended program! And once you have purchased your new house, be sure to contact us so we can make your move a smooth and successful experience! See the article below.

Obama to Sign Bill Extending Homebuyer Credit, Jobless Benefits
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=email_en&sid=aHF3QbLOiXvs

Experts in California predicting improved real estate market

Local experts in Southern California predict increased home sales and price recovery in 2010. Some even are saying a substantial recovery! Good news for all of us that are doing alot of business in Southern Cal! See link below.

http://lansner.freedomblogging.com/2009/11/02/forecast-predicts-95-house-price-gain/41987/#more-41987

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.”