2. Park Regency Realty - established in 1978 on two simple principles: to enrich the lives of those with
whom we come in contact and to provide the greatest possible service to attain the maximum value for a
property. These principles were instilled by Park Regency Realty founder and president Joe Alexander,
and after almost four decades are still the staple of our business practices today.
While Park Regency Realty has since grown to one of the "Top 15" residential real estate brokerages in Los
Angeles County, our clients still have the opportunity to speak directly with the owners of the company, Joe
Alexander, Patrick Pace and Kenneth Engeron. They take it upon themselves to make sure that every gent at
Park Regency Realty is properly trained in both the personal and professional aspects of the industry. They
old training/information seminars three times a week to keep Park Regency Realty agents on the leading
edge of legal matters, pending political issues, trends in the industry and Realtors' highest level of care.
At Park Regency Realty, we know that even the best agents in the industry need proper tools to get the job
done. Joe, Patrick and Ken have provided those tools with an approach to marketing that is second to none.
Our marketing department works with each agent to set up a comprehensive marketing strategy for every
new listing. They utilize not only the best equipment on the market, but capitalize on their many years in the
field as well. The strategy consists of a series of advertisements in the Daily News, various color brochures,
flyers, home mailers, website and social media.
We are a company of successful professionals who work together—that is why we are unique. While other
real estate companies merge into unmanageable corporate entities, we thrive on our individual approach to
simply making things happen. Whether it is a multi-million dollar estate or a first time buyer, Park Regency
Realty stands by our guarantee of "Service at a Whole New Level".
PARK REGENCY REALTY
Why List With Us?
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3. TITLE INSURANCE
Why do you Need it?
Real Estate - has always been considered a person’s most valuable asset, and because it is such an
important factor in our society, it is granted unique treatment under the law.
Your Title - to real estate encompasses ownership, use and possession of the land and it is the duty of the
title insurance company to make sure that all of those rights and interests are clear and protected.
There - is little question that the greatest financial investment in life is the one involving the purchase/
finance of real estate. The assurances and protection offered by title insurance is essential in keeping that
investment free from capital loss.
Most - forms of insurance provide financial protection against some unforeseen, future event through a
pooling of risks. The purpose of title insurance on the other hand, is to eliminate risks from defects in title
that happened in the past by discovering and disclosing those defects. By undertaking a search and an
examination of the appropriate public records by the highly trained professionals at LAWYERS TITLE and
FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE COMPANY, they minimize the chances of adverse claims.
But Even - the most diligent search cannot discover certain hidden defects in title which are not apparent
in the public record—including forgeries in earlier transactions, previous unrecognized rights, undisclosed
heirs or errors in the public record.
That is Why Title Insurance - plays such an important part in risk elimination and in adding the emo-
tional and financial stability to your decision. It stands to reason that the organization entrusted with the
necessary search, examination and insurance of your title transaction should not only be expert in title un-
derwriting, but should also present a financial position of sufficient stature to carry the ultimate security and
strength through its policy. That is why I recommend using LAWYERS TITLE and FIDELITY NATIONAL
TITLE COMPANY. They are such an organization. Their organization is similar to PARK REGENCY RE-
ALTY. Small enough to appreciate you, large enough to properly serve you, and sound enough to protect
your interest.
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4. FORMS OF OWNERSHIP
Seven Common Ways to Hold Title to Real Property
SOLE OWNERSHIP OF REAL PROPERTY
BY INDIVIDUAL
1. A SINGLE MAN OR WOMAN: By a single man or woman
who is not legally married.
2. AN UNMARRIED MAN OR WOMAN: An unmarried man
or woman, who having been married is legally divorced.
3. MARRIED PERSON, AS HIS/HER SOLE AND
SEPARATE PROPERTY: A married person who wishes
to acquire title in his or her name alone. The spouse must
consent by Quitclaim Deed or otherwise, to said acquisition
of title, thereby relinquishing all right, title, and interest in the
acquired property.
CO-OWNERSHIP OF REAL PROPERTY
BY INDIVIDUALS.
4. JOINT TENANCY
An estate owned jointly in undivided shares by two or more
persons with right of survivorship distinguishes Joint Tenancy
from all other forms of co-ownership. Upon the death of a
joint tenant, his interest is not part of his estate and does not
pass to his heirs or devises; it cannot be disposed of by will,
and his heirs acquire no interest or estate in the property.
The deceased’s interest in the property passes to the surviv-
ing joint tenant (s).
While joint tenancy accomplishes the goal of avoiding pro-
bate, the danger of a husband and wife holding title as joint
tenants are significant. First, holding title as joint tenants
deprives the surviving spouse of the “stepped-up basis” after
the death of the first spouse. Where title to the property is
held by the husband and wife as joint tenants, only one-half
of the property receives a “stepped-up basis”. The other half
of the property remains at the original basis. This means
that a surviving spouse may be required to pay a substantial
income tax on the gain of a sale of the property. This income
tax can be significantly avoided by holding title as community
property or as trustees of a Revocable Living Trust.
5. COMMUNITY PROPERTY
Community property is all real property situated in California
and all personal property wherever situated, that has been
acquired during the marriage by a married person while do-
miciled in California and which is not the separate property
of either spouse. Separate property is that property which
was acquired before marriage, or during marriage, or during
marriage by gift, descent, bequest, or devise. Each spouse
has testamentary power over his or her one-half interest in
the community property—there is no right of survivorship. If
no express disposition is made, the interest of the deceased
spouse passes to the surviving spouse. Real property con-
veyed to a married man or married woman is presumed to
be community property.
6. TENANTS IN COMMON
Tenancy in common ownership by two or more persons un-
less acquired by them for partnership purposes, is declared
in its creation to be a joint-tenancy interest, or is acquired as
community property. A tenancy is common interest of each
owner need not be equal or created at the same time. There
is no right of survivorship, and each co-tenant may dispose of
his or her interest.
7. REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST
A trust is a fiduciary arrangement by which a Trustor transfers
title to property with the intention it be held and administered
by the Trustee for the benefit of the named beneficiary. The
revocable trust has in many instances proven to be a prac-
tical estate planning devise which protects the estate from
probate, potential conservator ship, and in many cases from
capital gains and estate taxes.
The trust ensures greater flexibility than joint tenancy, and if
properly structured, can provide for management of the prop-
erty before or after an individual’s death. It can also provide
for discretionary payment of income and principle to meet
beneficiaries needs.
Since assets transferred to a living trust receive a “stepped
up” basis, the surviving spouse realizes significant tax savings
upon the sale of the property.
Title to real property in California may be held by individuals, either in SOLE OWNERSHIP or in CO-OWNERSHIP.
The following brief summaries illustrate the more common examples of sole ownership and co-ownership. In view of the
complexity and value of California real estate you are advised to consult with our respective tax advisor or attorney who
may fully advise you as to the legal and tax consequences incident to each form of title ownership
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7. What affects the market value of your property? In understanding the market value of your
property, we must deal with some factors that we have no control over.
Physical Qualities of Your Property
•Location •Age •Size of house and lot •Floor plan and architectural style
Market Conditions
•Interest rates and availability of financing •Buyer demand •Prices of recently sold properties •Current inventory
•State of the economy •Seasonal demand
The Competition
•The number of similar properties for sale •Their prices, financing terms, location and physical condition
Some Factors Have No Effect On The Current Value Of Your Property
•What you originally paid for your house •The cash proceeds you want or need from the sale •What people say
your property is worth
To get the best price for your property, all the factors that influence the sale must be considered.
But only the following specific factors are within your control:
•Listing price/terms of sale •Condition of the house and grounds •Personal considerations of the seller
•Promotion and marketing •Availability for showing •The agent you select
The Best Price Obtainable
Buyers dictate the best price obtainable. Buyers compare properties. Home buyers engage in comparison shop-
ping. They will not pay more for a property than they could pay for another similar one. A realistic price attracts
the attention of buyers. The price at which your house is marketed must attract enough attention among buyers to
generate showings and offers.
This is where the Comparative Market Analysis comes into play. It shows what buyers are willing to pay in today’s
market and will give you a solid foundation for the realistic pricing of your home.
Market Factors And Indicators
Currently or sale shows the properties that are competing for the attention of buyers right now.
Recently sold homes reveal what buyers have actually paid for similar properties.
Did not sell demonstrates what buyers have not been willing to pay under current market conditions.
COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS
What is it and Why you Need it?
8. The following pages compare properties which closely match your property’s characteristics and features. These
properties will help you in your assessment of the “fair market value” of your home and help you decide on the listing
price for your property.
The enclosed data was researched from the reliable information currently available from the Southland Regional
Association of Realtors and Lawyers Title and Fidelity National Title Company. It does not reflect every
property for sale now, but does represent a cross section of the competitive real estate inventory and recent sales.
Please note that these properties are not exactly like yours; however, they do represent properties in your area with
relatively the same features and characteristics as your home. These properties are most likely the same homes a
bank would use when your home is appraised.
THE REAL STORY
Comparable Listings That Have Recently Sold
It’s not uncommon for the list price to differ from the sales price. That’s because the listing price is only an estimate.
Moreover, markets are constantly in flux based on three crucial elements:
•Number of competitive listings
•Availability of buyers
•Prevailing economic conditions
The variance between the list and actual sales price, and the number of days on the market, are the keys to evalu-
ating the examples included in this presentation. It should tell us if the market is strong, and whether properties like
yours are being priced accurately for the market.
COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS
What is it and Why you Need it? (cont.)
9. TIMINGWINDOW
The Importance of Pricing your Home Competitively
Overpriced homes are not as competitive as those that are well priced. They are often shown only to help bring
offers on well priced homes in the same area. Therefore, it is extremely vital to properly price your property from
the outset. One must determine all of the factors surrounding the home and the market when setting a price,
such as the number of homes that are for sale in the area, the number of homes that have sold, and for what
price they have sold.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
ASKINGPRICEMARKET
VALUE
WEEKSON
THEMARKET
OVERPRICED
SOLD
Realistically pricing your property will determine the length of time it will be on the market. The most activity and
interest in your home occurs when it is initially offered to the market. Real estate agents and buyers are always
interested in new listings—even more so when they are well priced.
As you can see from the graph above, realistically pricing your home at the beginning of its listing brings much
greater results. Take advantage of attracting potential buyers at the peak of interest rather than having to reduce
the price later if your property doesn’t sell.
WEEKSON
THEMARKET
VIEWINGACTIVITY
VIEWING
ACTIVITY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
10. PRICINGWINDOW
The Importance of Pricing your Home Competitively
If the asking price of a property increases beyond fair market value,
the market of potential buyers decreases dramatically!
95%oftheMarket
50%ofthe
Market
30%ofthe
Market
20%of
theMarket
95%ChanceofSale
50%ChanceofSale
30%ChanceofSale
20%ChanceofSale
AtMarket
Value
5%Over
MarketValue
10%Over
MarketValue
15%Over
MarketValue
The sellercanonlysettheaskingprice.Thefreemarketwillsetthesaleprice.
GENERAL
• LocationofProperty
• SizeandAcreageofProperty
• PresentBuyerDemand
• PricesofRecentlySoldProperties
• PricesofPropertiesCurrentlyforSale
• AvailabilityofFinancing
SPECIFIC
• ListingPrice/TermsofSale
• ConditionofHouseandGrounds
• PersonalConsiderationoftheSeller
• PromotionandMarketing
• AvailabilityforShowing
• TheAgentYouSelect
FACTORSTHAT INFLUENCEMARKETVALUE
To get the best price for your home, all the factors that influence the sale
must be considered. But, only the specific factors are within your control.
12. WHY SHOULD I USE AN ESCROW
You should use an escrow in order to assure yourself of concurrent performance. What does that mean? “Concurrent
Performance” means that the grant deed is recorded at the same time or on the same day that your money is realized
from escrow, that is, after all obligations, such as loans, inspections, title fees, termite repairs and the like, have been
paid. Escrow guarantees that your money is taken care of properly and legally so that your real estate transaction will
occur with concurrent performance.
Escrow also assures you that your money and important papers are safely in the hands of a disinterested third party
who has a legal responsibility to protect them. In essence, escrow provided a clearing house for funds and docu-
ments. It is a means for seeing that all the conditions of your transaction are met before the property changes hands.
All parties to the escrow have legal protection during the period of escrow and everything is managed by the disinter-
ested holder, thereby minimizing the possibility of fraud or violations of any terms of the agreement.
ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS
Escrow instructions are written documents, signed by the parties, which directs the escrow officer in the specific steps
to be completed so the escrow can be closed. Typical instructions would include the following . . .
• The method by which the escrow holder is to receive and hold the purchase money to be paid by the buyer.
• The conditions under which a lapse of time or breach of purchase contract provision will terminate the escrow
without closing.
• The instructions and authorization to the escrow holder to disburse funds for recording fees, title insurance policy,
real estate commissions and any other closing cost incurred through escrow.
• Instruction as to the proration of insurance and taxes.
• Instructions to the escrow holder on the payment of prior liens and charges against the property and distribution of
the new sale proceeds.
Since the escrow holder can only follow the instructions as stated and may not exceed them, it is extremely important
that the instructions be stated clearly and be complete in all details.
What is an Escrow
and Why is it Needed?
An escrow is an impartial third party, brought into a transaction to see that the primary parties, i.e. the buy-
ers and seller, perform as they have agreed they would. Escrow enables a buyer and seller to do business
with minimum risk, because the responsibility for handling the funds and documents are placed in the hands
of someone who is not the least bit affected by the outcome. The escrow holder is a disinterested go-be-
tween for the parties involved in the transaction– one whose legal obligation is to safeguard the interest of
everyone who is affected by the outcome.
13. HELPFUL HINTS TO SMOOTH OUT YOUR ESCROW
Any inquiries to escrow holder must be made by you, the principal to the transaction, or your Realtor®. Your attor-
ney, accountant, ex-spouse or relatives are NOT entitled to information without definite written instructions from
you authorizing escrow to do so.
If you are a widow or widower, will the property need to be probate? If the property is not subject to probate, an
“Affidavit Death of Joint Tenant” will have to be drawn and filed with a “Certified Copy” of the death certificate of the
spouse. If you don’t have a copy of the death certificate, don’t delay, get one as soon as possible.
If you are married, your spouse will need to either execute a “Quitclaim Deed” relinquishing their interest in the
property or join in executing the “Grant Deed.”
If you are under a trust agreement, a “Trust Certification,” executed by the trustees, is always required by title. In
the event there has been a change in trust, a complete copy of your trust agreement and any amendments to the
trust are also required. In the event of the death of the trustee(s), a copy of the death certificate is also required.
The more information regarding how you presently hold title, or how you wish to hold title, or any changes you
want to make should be given to escrow or your real estate agent as soon as possible.
WARNING! If the property is in a brush area a “California Fair Plan” insurance policy will need to be obtained. This
can take up to six weeks to obtain in some cases. Please let your escrow officer know as soon as possible to
avoid any delays.
If you wish to have your proceeds wired at the close of escrow, you will need to deposit into escrow written in-
structions that contain the following: A) Name on account, B) Account number, C) Bank name and location, D)
The ABA routing number. For your protection escrow cannot accept verbal or facsimile instructions.
What is an Escrow
and Why is it Needed? (cont.)
15. Technology Alone Won’t Sell Your Home.
But A Real Estate Agent That Knows How
To Use It Will.
16. LISTING
Plus many, many more!
Extended Market Reach
When you list with me, your property is marketed online 24/7 through more than 85
of the most searched websites.
17. Using The Latest Technology
to Sell Your Home
PHOTOGRAPHY We immediately take photographs of your home. You may also choose to have your home
photographed by a professional photographer, which can be arranged by your me—enabling us to begin the
most professional marketing of your home in the least amount of time.
EXPEDIENCY IN GETTING THE WORD OUT Park Regency Realty has invested tens of thousands of dollars
creating their in house marketing department. Digital cameras are made available to photograph your property.
(This is usually done by me before the listing appointment.) These photographs enable the marketing depart-
ment to create, within 24 hours of taking your listing, customized flyers of your home. These flyers are distributed
by me to surrounding homes letting your neighbors know that your home is for sale. (18% of homes are sold
from direct or indirect referrals.) The same department prints for me “Just Listed” mailers, open house invitations,
target marketing pieces . . . a myriad of promotional material designed specifically for your home and printed in
minutes. This response speed is imperative. Within 7 days of your home appearing on the MLS, 90% of the
qualified buyers will come through your home. You must have a quality piece for them to take so there is little
chance of them forgetting, or getting confused about, what home was the nice one they want to make an offer on.
While other agents are getting started, we already have the job done.
DATABASE MANAGEMENT We download the tax assessor records of the surrounding neighborhoods and an-
alyze the demographics. “Just Listed” flyers are mailed to the owner occupied homes and to individuals who own
investment property in the area. Additional modified flyers are sent to the residences that are tenant occupied
educating them about your home and the advantages of home ownership. This type of demographic analysis
allows me to tailor each piece and target them for the greatest effectiveness.
CONTACT MANAGEMENT Sophisticated software allows me to search and contact “high potential” buyer
prospects for your home. No lead “falls through the cracks.” Once identified as an individual or agent that has
expressed interest in your home, the software allows me to notify them of any and all marketing or term changes
on your home until your escrow closes.
REAL ESTATE AGENT DATABASE All of the agents that sell homes in your neighborhood are in the database.
I market your home specifically to the top producing agents that show buyers in your area.
INTERNET MARKETING Your home will be syndicated to highly-trafficked consumer websites instantly. This in
an integral part on marketing your home. It ensures your listing receives the exposure you need and deserve in
today’s competitive market.
MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE Posting your home on the Southland Regional Association’s multiple listing ser-
vice exposes your home to thousands of other agents that just may have buyers for your home.
18. When you employ the Park Regency Team to market your home you get a
total commitment to service and market your property in the most
thorough and professional manner possible.
OUR OBJECTIVES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1– As Professional real estate agents our first responsibility to you is simple: TO LISTEN! We will find out
what your individual needs are. Only then can we determine how best to serve you. Then using all the resources at
our disposal, we’ll put together a systematic plan for selling your home and meeting your goals.
2- To get as many qualified buyers as possible into your home until it is “SOLD.” Sticking a sign in your
yard, sitting back and waiting just won’t cut it. That is where our aggressive marketing plan comes in. It’s creative,
hard-hitting and proven.
3- To communicate the results of our activities to you. When selling a home you shouldn’t have to be a mind
reader to keep track of what’s going on. As dedicated real estate professionals we understand the importance of
good communication. We guarantee you’ll be more than satisfied with our commitment to keep you informed. We
work as your partner, we’ll answer your questions, address your concerns and give a crystal clear explanation of all
the details. We put you and your interest first to ensure a successful and hassle-free transaction.
4- We will be forthright and completely honest with you. We’ll always tell you the truth about your property. We
will tell you exactly what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear.
5- Our loyalty is to you. We will work and negotiate solely in your best interest.
6- Our track record of proven success goes back to 1978. With that type of experience we’ve learned how to
use better research and preparation to get you the most for your home in a wide variety of markets. No one is in a
better position to successfully market and sell your home.
7- The Park Regency team believes that what separates them from the rest are the RESULTS! When
you list your home with the Park Regency Team, we know we can sell it. The minute you list your home with us, a
powerful chain of events begin. The team springs into action. Ads run. Color brochures and post cards are printed
and mailed. Your home is listed on the M.L.S. and is uploaded to 85 websites. Open house events take place. We
do whatever is necessary to sell your home as quickly as possible, for the most money possible, and with the least
amount of hassle. We pull out all the stops. And when others throw in the towel, we work even harder. Do we take
our job of selling your home a little too seriously—probably yes. But considering that you’ve entrusted us with your
single largest asset, we don’t think you’ll mind.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
20. First Impressions are Lasting
The first impression (curb appeal) is vital. Your lawn should be trimmed, walkways swept,the front door
clean with a doorbell that works.
Decorating for a Quicker Sale
A minor investment in paint, wallpaper, etc. will pay you dividends in the form of a better price and a quick-
er sale.
Let the Sun Shine In!
Open the drapes and curtains. Clean the windows so that a prospective buyer can see show bright and
cheerful our home is. Dark and dreary rooms do not appeal to most home-buying prospects.
Don’t be a Drip
Fix leaky faucets; dripping water suggests faulty or worn out plumbing (major repair bills). Discolored,
rust-stained sings are also warning signs; they should be properly cleaned and sparkling.
This is Not a Social Call
Be courteous and friendly, but don’t force conversation with potential buyers. They are there to inspect
your home, not to be social. Let us do the talking!
Little Things Mean a Lot
Loose doorknobs or cabinet pulls, sticking doors and drawers, wobble hinges, stuck windows – are all
negative factors. Take a few minutes to check and repair all these seemingly minor flaws.
Safety First
Keep stairways and corridors clear. Clutter is unattractive and causes accidents.
Top to Bottom
Let prospective home buyers see the full value of your closets, attic, garage and basement by removing
junk and cartons. Rent a short-term storage space if necessary.
Bathrooms and Kitchens Sell Homes
Make them both sparkle. Clean stained sinks and bowls, repair any damaged or discolored caulking
around the counters, bathtubs and showers.
Preparing Your Home
21. Can you See the Light?
Illumination in your home can be the “welcome sign” for every prospect. Turn on all the exterior and
interior lights, including accent and picture lights.
Avoid Crowds
Potential buyers will feel like intruders and want to hurry through your home if there are too many peo-
ple around. Send the kids over to the neighbors — take a walk while your house is being shown.
Silence is Golden
When showing your home, turn down, or off, radios or television sets. Allowing the agent and buyers to
talk freely without having to yell over any noise.
Put “Fido” Outside
Dog may be man’s best friend, but not when showing your home. Keep pets out of the way; not under-
foot.
This is Not a Social Call
Be courteous and friendly, but don’t force conversation with potential buyers. They are there to inspect
your home, not to be social. Let us do the talking!
Nor is it a Garage Sale
Don’t try to sell the potential buyers any of the furniture or furnishing that you don’t want to take with
you. They haven’t bought your home yet — you could ruin the sale.
Trust Us to Do it Right!
We are professional real estate agents, let us talk to the client about selling price, terms, possession
date and other factors. We have been specially trained and have the experience necessary to bring the
negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion.
The Do’s and Dont’s of
Showing your Home
22. Print Media
Park Regency agents strategically advertise in local newspapers targeting specific audienc-
es that are interested in homes in your area. Your sales agent will select the publications
appropriate for the marketing of your property.
23. Property Flyers
We have an in-house marketing team that will custom design marketing materials
that will show your home in the best possible light to prospective buyers. This mar-
keting campaign is aimed at getting you top dollar in the shortest amount of time.
These include in-house flyers and mailers that target key markets.
24. Open House Event
Holding an open house is an integral part of getting your home seen by prospective
buyers and at Park Regency our open houses are events where we strive to maxi-
mize the number of potential buyers looking at your home.
WhenwecallyourOpenHouseanEVENTwemeanit!
HereiswhatwedoforeachOpenHouseEvent
•Signinyard •Directional signsatkeycorners• CreatecustomOpenHouseflyersforhomeandsign
Weinviteyourneighbors•Leaveflyersondoorsinneighborhood
•Sendoutmailersthatareregionallytargeted toyourarea
25. Social Media
We're on Facebook!
• Reach a wider number of people
• Find buyers
• Invitations to Open Houses
27. movingTimely Tips for a Smooth Family Move
1. Change Address at Post Office (effective on moving day).
Keep a list of needed address changes; check off as notified.
2. Start a File of Vital Papers and Reminders: To help keep
you on course and organized.
3. Get Estimates from Moving Companies Plan ahead and
remember that peak moving season is June-September.
1. Select Moving Company Confirm moving date and decide
who will pack; either professional or yourself (paid packers
generally come the day before moving day).
2. Start Sorting Decide what to move, what to sell, donate,
give away, discard. Take cuttings or give away extra house-
plants. Trim down as much as possible before the move – be
ruthless.
3. Sketch a Floor Plan of your New Home Decide where
furniture should be placed.
3. Inventory Possessions Estimate value and proof of pur-
chase, if possible. Photographs or video are ideal.
4. Begin Do-it-Yourself Packing Concentrating on seldom
used items such as; books, off season clothes, workshop
items, garage and garden tools, hobby equipment, etc. Estab-
lish a staging area for packed cartons in extra room or garage.
(Tip: if you own a lot of books you can sometimes save money
by mailing them.)
1. Take Care of Legal Contracts Credit cards, bank account,
charge accounts, Safety Deposit Box, Wills, Trusts, utilities,
cable, land line phone accounts
2. Memberships Update your contact information at social,
athletic and religious organizations.
3. Insurance Update all homeowners, automobile, medical,
life and disability insurance.
3. Employer update records, make sure employer has new
address.
4. Pets Talk to veterinarian about moving pets; get records. Al-
low extra time if shots are needed and require a waiting period
in between. Check airlines for restrictions (if applicable).
1. Get Children’s Medical and Dental records, birth certifi-
cates and school transcripts. Ask doctors, dentists to recom-
mend colleagues in the new area.
2. Fill Prescriptions and get copy from doctor for new phar-
macist or optometrist.
3. Drop off Dry Cleaning (remember to pick it up!)
4. Pick up anything being repaired, serviced or on layaway.
1. Double Check address-change list. Everyone notified?
2. Make Reservations have car serviced for the trip. Earlier
ticketing can save money, but risks partial loss if changes are
needed.
3. Collect Children’s Games activities for the trip.
4. Service Major Appliances for move, if needed, consult
Owner’s manuals.
4. Start Packing Often Used Items (Do-it-yourselfers)
Every family’s schedule for a move will be different, of course. But much of the hassle can be taken out of mov-
ing day by utilizing a proven timetable to fit available time. Feel free to shift tasks to suit your unique needs.
Six Weeks Before Moving Day
Five Weeks Before Moving Day
Four Weeks Before Moving Day
Three Weeks Before Moving Day
Two Weeks Before Moving Day
28. Moving Day
One Day Before Moving Day
One Week Before Moving Day
1. Return Borrowed Items library book; collect anything bor-
rowed by friends and neighbors.
2. Cancel Newspaper Delivery effective on moving day.
3. Arrange to have utilities turned on in the new location on
estimated move-in date.
4. Empty oil and gas from lawnmower and other equipment.
1. Clean out Refrigerator leave door open to dry well.
2. Empty Safe Deposit Box Certified check for house closing.
Make arrangements to pay movers (personal checks may not
be accepted)
3. Pack personal belongings, remaining kitchen items, a
“CARE” carton of essentials (toiletries, canned and dry food,
can opener, light bulbs, trash bags, matches, etc.). to be load-
ed and unloaded first.
Strip beds.
Load last-minute Items in car.
Be available to movers for questions/suggestions, but don’t try to
supervise the van packing. Mark boxes (colored highlighters or stick-
ers are perfect) for room placement in new house. Check inventory
carefully. Be sure movers know how to contact client en route and in
the new town before their arrival. Give them map to new house.
Check rooms, cupboards, closets, drawers, dishwasher, washer/dry-
er. Empty garbage.
Sweep or vacuum (borrow neighbor’s equipment).
Leave appliance manuals, warranties, neighbor’s names, service
companies, drawing of things in yard that don’t show now (like plant
bulbs). Give new owner the address so stray mail can be forwarded.
Say goodbye to the house with a final check. Lock up. Leave keys
and garage-door opener in designated place. Take off.
Be at the new home a day ahead of van, if possible, to be sure
utilities are connected and to plan for placement of furnishings.
When movers arrive open the “CARE” package and start feeling “at
home.”
As movers unload, direct the placement of furnishings. Give them a
floor plan sketch. Check each item off inventory sheet.
Check exterior of cartons for damage before signing the receipt.
movingTimely Tips for a Smooth Family Move
29. Timely Tips for a Smooth Family Move (con’t.)
Explain the ABC’S Of Moving
One of the best ways to overcome children’s fear is open com-
munication from the start. Young children have no idea what
it means to move. Let them know why, when and where you
are moving as soon as your decision is final.
It is helpful to take them on a visual tour of the new area.
When you break the news about the move, have on hand
maps, brochures, videos, photographs and information about
the new area. Tell them about the recreation areas, places of
special interest to children. If possible bring them along on
the house hunting trip or on a pre-move visit so then can see
what to expect. Plan a school visit.
Stay Upbeat
Children tend to mirror their parents’ emotions. If you are
happy, they’ll be happy. Make time for them so they don’t feel
forgotten.
Listen carefully to their concerns and respond honestly.
Negative reactions to moving are common. Reassure the
child everything will turn out all right. They may be calmed
by realizing how “normal” a part of life moving is. Look for
age-appropriate books on moving in the library for bookstore
and share them with your children
To a small child, the world is made up of possessions. It’s “my
house, my yard, my tree, my teddy bear.” Assure children most
of their world is moving, too.
Have children pack as much of their own stuff as possible.
Give them special boxes to pack favorite things in. Label the
boxes, “Patrick’s stuff.” Remind them: when the family gets to
the new home, all their things in boxes will go right into their
room. Ask them what color they’d like their new room
Saying Good-Bye
Children, like adults, need closure. Help them prepare to
move by creating a memory book. Take pictures of friends,
favorite places, and family members in favorite rooms of the
home. Create a scrapbook to remind them of the old home.
Include the addresses and phone numbers of their friends.
Together plan a going away party and hand out cards with the
new address on it. This reassures them that their friends can
get in touch with them.
When You First Get There
When you arrive set up the children’s rooms right off the bat.
Open the cartons with their stuff and make them feel at home
before they can feel “lost.”
Try to keep their schedules as normal as possible. It will give
them extra security in the new surrounding. Be available to
listen and to share your child new experiences at school.
If the new school is dramatically different from the old school,
immediately seek academic tutoring and give your child much
encouragement and praise.
Maintain family time. Explore the new area and include points
of interest to your children.
Relax!
Kids are fairly resilient, even if at first it seems they’ll never
forgive you for moving. In time, most likely they will, often
even sooner than you’d expect. Moving jitters may cause be-
havior changes which will after a while, disappears as children
find a new sense of “home.” Be open to the idea of getting
professional help, however, if you feel it is needed.
It’s not always easy for parents, themselves under moving
stress, to respond with infinite patience and warmth. But
experience shows the best efforts are rewarded with children
who are contented in their new home—certainly one of the
relocation goals of parents.
How To Help Your Child Settle In At School
Getting of to a good start in a new school is important both
academically and socially. Register before school starts, if
possible, to be sure any curriculum problems can be ironed
out. A good social adjustment at the start can be just as im-
portant as academic adjustment especially among preteens.
Talk to the teacher and try to find at least one schoolmate for
your child and arrange a meeting before starting school.
What all parents need to know to help
their kids survive a move
movingTimely Tips for a Smooth Family Move (cont.)
