Fl Keys Moving Guide

8 Weeks before move:

___	Look into getting moving and/or storage insurance to cover your items during the move. Begin to get estimates from moving companies. Shop around as much as possible to get the best rate. Remember to be as accurate as possible when giving information for your estimate.
___	If you plan to move yourself, now is the time to reserve a rental truck. Again, it pays to shop around
___	Get estimates for shipping your car.
___	If you are moving overseas, check on possible quarantine and/or vaccination requirements for your pet.
___	If you have small children, be sure to research child care options in your new area. Select and register children for local schools in your new area. Arrange transfer of immunization and records and transcripts.

7 Weeks before move:

___	Make a Moving File to store receipts, records, and important papers related to your move.
___	Check with accountant about which moving expenses are deductible.
___	Begin removing unwanted or unneeded items from your attic, garage, basement, or storage.
___	Plan to donate or sell.
___	Check to make sure you have returned all borrowed items including video rentals and library books.
___	Gather important documents (birth certificates, immunization records, insurance documents, etc..) and place them in a briefcase, strong box, or other secure place to insure that they do not get misplaced during the move.
___	If you're using a mover, get in touch with your chosen moving company and set a date for the move. Fill out any necessary paperwork, and be sure to get moving insurance if you need it.

6 Weeks before move:

___	Check that your car registration and driver's license are up to date.
___	You may also need to notify your auto insurance.
___	Make item donations, and collect receipts for tax purposes. Or, try selling your unwanted items online.
___	Have garage sale.
___	Notify your doctor, dentist, veterinarian, accountant, and financial planner of your move and ask for referrals in your new area. Collect records from them.
___	Be sure your medical insurance covers the professionals in your new area. ___Forward or cancel any monthly services, subscriptions, or memberships.

5 Weeks before move:

___	Contact current utility companies to cancel or transfer accounts to lower Keys utilities.
___	Decide where you are going to stay your last night in town after all your items are packed for moving.
___	Make sure you have transportation arrangements for your pet.

4 Weeks before move:

___	Fill out an official change of address with USPS online.
___	Notify all important business and personal contacts of your new address.
___	Fill out changes of address for creditors and magazine subscriptions.
___	Leave a forwarding address with the next owners or tenants of your home if possible.
___	Buy boxes and packing materials if you are moving yourself.
___	Reserve elevator, if necessary, for moving day.

3 Weeks before move:
Start packing! Begin with rooms of the house you don't use often and finish with the kitchen.

___	Choose a room of the house to serve as a temporary storage area for packed boxes.
___	Make an inventory of important and/or expensive items in your home as you pack. Try to take photographs of these items, if possible. You may need this inventory for insurance purposes in the event items get lost or damaged in the move.
___	Check into storage options for those items you cannot move immediately and may need to store temporarily.
___	Start involving your kids in the move. Make it exciting by having your kids pack some of their own things. Give them their own box to pack. Let them figure out new layouts for their rooms.
___	If you have young children, arrange for a babysitter on moving day. You can concentrate on the move knowing your children are being cared for safely.

2 Weeks before move:

___	Close any local bank accounts and open new ones in your new location. Try to get checks printed with your new address as soon as possible.
___	Drain gas from any gas powered equipment before you pack it up. Try to make disposal arrangements for any oil, gas, old paint cans, or other hazardous substances you will not be able to move, use, or give away.
___	Verify schedules with Realtor.
___	Arrange to have your new home cleaned before movers arrive.

1 Week before move:

___	Make backup copies of important files on your computer before packing it up.
___	Service your car, especially if you're driving to your new place.
___	Donate food items you don't consume to a shelter or food bank.
___	Cancel newspapers.
___	Confirm any travel plans or reservations you may have made for moving day (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.)
___	Confirm arrangements with your moving company.
___	Give plants a loving home
___	Return cable boxes for TV.

Moving week:

___	Be sure to have some cash on hand for the day of the move. You may need it to tip movers, buy snacks, etc. Keep in mind that many businesses do not accept out-of-state checks.
___	Begin cleaning your house. Make sure you defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
___	Pick up your rental truck and any moving equipment you may need (dollies, carts, furniture pads, etc.).
___	Keep your pets confined on the day of the move. Make sure they are in a safe place away from the hubbub of the move with plenty of food and water.
___	When you're finished, do a final walk-through of your old residence, checking closets, drawers, etc.
___	Turn off all lights, turn off hot water heater, lock all doors and windows.

PACK THESE ITEMS IN A BOX TO GO WITH YOU

___A wall phone.
___Cell phone and charger.
___Extension cords, batteries.
___Tools-hammers, screwdrivers, nails, screws, scotch tape, duct tape, and a tape measure.
___Address book or PDA.
___Suffiencit cash or traveler's checks.
___Personal ID - driver's license.
___Cleaning materials-especially paper towels.
___Hand wipes and toilet paper.
___Light bulbs, a small lamp, flashlight.
___Alarm clock.

AT YOUR NEW HOME

___Take doors off hinges, clear paths for movers.
___Have your REALTOR suggest a local food delivery service for lunch/dinner on moving day.
___Make sure you have a cooler of drinks and toilet paper available on moving day
___Check each item off your inventory that movers bring into home
___Send in claims for damages during the move
___Make grocery shopping list for new home
___Test security and smoke alarms
___Obtain local emergency numbers and post them
___Take back rental truck with full tank of gas
___Get a professional to set up appliances (gas, electric or plumbing)
___Change locks on all doors. Call Realtor for locksmith referral.
___Find the right cellular phone service for your needs
___Feng Shui your home
___Go to the DMV for new plates and registration of vehicles
___Get a new propane tank for the grill and fuel for gas-powered tools
___File real estate documents in safe place-copy closing statement for accountant
___Join new homeowners association if there is one
___Buy new plants and flowers
___Throw a house warming party
___Find a new veterinarian, doctor, dentist, hair and nail salons. Again, your Realtor is the best place to head for recommendations.

Selling a Key West Home

Seven Selling Mistakes You Don't Want to Make!

Mistake #1 - Pricing your Property Too High

Every seller obviously wants to get the most money for his or her home. Ironically, the best way to do this is NOT to list your home at an excessively high price! A high listing price will cause some prospective buyers to lose interest before even seeing your property. Also, it may lead other buyers to expect more than what you have to offer and will be disappointed when they see it. As a result, overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower price. There is no need for you to have to be a seller that has to learn this history lesson over again.

Mistake #2 - Mistaking Re-finance Appraisals for the market Value

Unfortunately, a recent re-finance appraisal may have been stated at an untruthfully high price. It is an accepted practice that, often, lenders estimate the value of your property to be higher than it actually is in order to encourage re-financing. The market value of your home could actually be lower. Your best bet is to ask your Realtor for the most recent information regarding property sales in your community. This will give you an up-to-date and factually accurate estimate of your property value. It is the same information that an appraiser will use to justify the sales price of your property to the new lender. For this reason, appraisers will not consider a re-finance appraisal that you may have when doing an appraisal for a sale.

Mistake #3 - Forgetting to "Showcase Your Home"

In spite of how frequently this mistake is addressed and how simple it is to avoid, its prevalence is still widespread. When attempting to sell your home to prospective buyers, do not forget to make your home look as pleasant as possible. Make necessary repairs. Clean. Make sure everything functions and looks presentable. A poorly kept home in need of repairs will surely lower the selling price of your property and will even turn away many buyers. If possible, have your home 'staged' for showing.

Mistake #4 - Trying to "Hard Sell" While Showing

Buying a home is an emotional and difficult decision. You should try to allow buyers to comfortable examine your property with their agent. Do not try to sell. Instead, be friendly and hospitable and take a walk when your home has a showing.

Mistake #5 - Trying to Sell to "Looky-Loos"

The only time an Open House works to sell a home is when the property is first on the market. It will catch buyers and agents with buyers that have been waiting for a property to come available in your area.

Most people that go to Open Houses are 6-9 months away from buying and they are more interested in seeing what is out there than in actually making a purchase. Others are future sellers trying to see what their competition will be and get an idea what they can get for their own house. Most serious buyers are out looking 'seriously' with an agent because they have a job to get done and that is the most effective way to do it. In our area, many Open House lookers are folks that are still unsure as to whether or not they want to relocate.

If your agent suggests holding frequent Open Houses, you may feel that this is an aggressive agent trying hard to sell your property. In actuality, Open Houses help the agent to identify buyers needing real help or other future sellers that they can list more homes with. Don't be pushed into holding Open Houses often. It is very hard to keep your property "Open House" clean every week and you have to spend the day away from your home on the weekend when you really want to be packing and /or relaxing.

Mistake #6 - Not Knowing Your Rights & Responsibilities

It is extremely important that you are well-informed of the details in your real estate contract. These are legally binding documents, and they can often be complex and confusing. Not being aware of the terms in your contract could cost you thousands for repairs and inspections. Your agent's knowledge of legal requirements and contracts alone can save you thousands of dollars in unnecessary costs and prevent after-the-sale litigation exposure.

Mistake #7 - Limiting the Marketing and Advertising of the Property

Your Realtor should employ a wide variety of marketing techniques. They all build on each other to bring a steady flow of buyers to them. Your Realtor should also be committed to selling your property. He or she should be available for every phone call from a prospective buyer. Before you list with any particular agent, call them. If they answer the phone or at least get back to you within a few minutes, you have a winner.

Key West Duval street historic property

This beautiful, historically significant property is located at the corner of Duval & South Streets. One block from the Southernmost Point of the continental United States,across the street from the Atlantic Ocean and the beach. Currently a successful guest house, it would make a magnificent single family estate with ocean views, lush gardens, a pool with a view of the butterfly conservancy, ample parking and a guest apartment. The circa 1890s mansion is an architectural gem with high ceilings, crown moldings and wide verandas. It's a one of a kind property in the most desirable location! Seller financing possible to qualified buyer.

Price: $4,250,000

Address

1327 Duval

City Name:

Key West

State:

FLORIDA

Zip:

33040

Bedrooms:

10

Bathrooms:

8

Partial Baths:

1

Square Ft:

8296

Acres:

0.442

Area:

Area 1-2

County Name:

Monroe County

Neighborhood:

Old Town-S of Truman

Listing Courtesy of

Key West Old Town Elegant luxury home

This is a rare and elegant home that's rich with history and gracious in its architectural details. Stately and elegant, the 5 bedroom, seven and one-half bath house has high peaked Gothic style roof over classical Revival portico and four graciously arched bays. The beautiful arched front door is distinctive and rare in Key West. The current owners have carefully combined an impeccable restoration with state of the art amenities, to create comfort along with the splendor of a historic residence. Large rooms, 13' ceilings, elegant moldings and hardware, formal living and dining rooms, custom designed 1500 bottle wine room, an outstanding kitchen equipped with all gourmet appliances, Carrera marble countertops and in-kitchen dining.

Price: $5,700,000

Address

425 Caroline

City Name:

Key West

State:

FLORIDA

Zip:

33040

Bedrooms:

5

Bathrooms:

8

Partial Baths:

1

Square Ft:

6888

Acres:

0.337

Area:

Area 1-2

County Name:

Monroe County

Neighborhood:

Old Town-N of Truman

Listing Courtesy of