It’s Moving Time!

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Whether you’re a newlywed moving to a new apartment for the first time, a retired homeowner looking to downgrade, or a young family purchasing a home for the first time, read on for some moving day tips!

Pre-Move:

Sell/toss/donate anything you haven’t used in a long time and won’t need again.

Gather boxes (get in touch with a storage bin gemach).

Start pre-packing anything you haven’t used in a while.

Packing Tips:

Prepare color coded labels to sort out which rooms the boxes need to go to.

For items that need to be disassembled, save screws etc. in Ziplock bags and keep them in one specific area.

Prepare bubble wrap, towels, newspapers, or even Styrofoam plates to help pack and protect dishes.

***DON’T FORGET ***

Notify the post office of your new address.

Utility company – Water is transferred to the new address by closing, as it goes on the address of the home – not necessarily by the name of the homeowner.

Take measurements in your new home to make sure the appliances will fit.  The last thing you need is a washing machine that is too wide for the narrow basement stairs.

Pack a bag of essentials so you don’t need to unpack every box to find your child’s favorite toy.

Meals on the day of the move – Wake up bright and early and fuel up with breakfast to help you get through the day.

IS IT A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOME?

Is it a good time to buy a home? Many of us are wondering about this. To answer this question, we asked Aryeh Brecher, a Senior Loan Officer at FM Home Loans. Here’s what he had to say:

As a mortgage banker, I often get asked if now is a good time to buy a home. With interest rates on the rise, many prospective homebuyers are understandably hesitant. However, there are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to take the plunge.

One important thing to keep in mind is inflation. While inflation can erode the value of many assets, owning a home can actually be a great way to protect your assets during times of inflation. This is because home prices often rise with inflation, meaning that your home’s value is likely to increase over time.

Additionally, interest rates are still historically low, despite recent increases. If you think rates will continue to climb in the future, you’ll be happy to lock in at a low rate now. And if rates do end up dropping in the future, you can always refinance to take advantage of the lower rates.

It’s also worth noting that if interest rates do drop, home prices are likely to increase as well. This is because lower interest rates make it more affordable for buyers to borrow money to purchase a home, which can lead to increased demand and higher prices.

Of course, there are many other factors to consider when deciding whether now is the right time to buy a home. You’ll want to think about your financial situation, your long-term goals, and the state of the housing market in your area.

However, if you have a stable income, a healthy savings account, and a good credit score, now may be a good time to buy a home. And even if interest rates do change in the future, owning a home can be a smart way to protect your assets and build wealth over time.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy a home now or wait should be based on your individual circumstances and goals. Talk to your realtor and your mortgage banker to get a better sense of the housing market in your area and to figure out what makes the most sense for you.

FuN FaCt

In several major cities like New York, there are entire buildings and establishments that exist solely for purposes of hiding vent shafts, utilities, cell phone towers, railways, and simply to give off the “illusion of occupation.” Must be some pretty expensive occupancy.