A publication of Lake James Real Estate
Superior service comes standard–at the lake and in town!

December,   2005 - December 2005

A Long Winter’s Nap
So it seems winter’s end is drawing near. The real estate business is picking up once again and folks are selling and buying property all over our beautiful lake. So we decided this month to give you some tips and checklist to make both selling your home and moving into a new home easier!


Moving Checklist
1+ Months Before Move
• Get written estimates from at least 2 moving companies, including their written commitment of pickup and delivery dates. Get references
• Arrange for storage facility, if you plan to store any contents.
• Arrange transport service for pets or automobiles if needed.
• Call your bank & arrange transfer of accounts; order checks with new address.
• Submit change-of-address forms to the post office.
• Contact schools and arrange for transfer of student records.
• Contact your doctors for medical records and referral to new physicians.
• Change your insurance policies on property, auto and medical.
• Organize all-important documents in a fire-safe box.
• Cancel newspaper subscriptions.
• Arrange for hotels, rental cars or temporary housing as needed.

2 Weeks Before the Move
• Take a walk-through to determine what you really want to take.
• Tag the rest of it and call a charity for pick-up.
• Clean out club, gym and school lockers; pick up all dry cleaning.
• Arrange for the disconnection or changeover of utilities.
• Have measurements taken of the rooms in your new residence.
• Begin packing less-used items. Number and label each box.
• Clean out the cupboards & plan remaining meals.

1 Week Before the Move
• Confirm arrangements and dates with moving & storage companies.
• Confirm arrangements with auto & pet transportation companies.
• Confirm hotel, rental car or temporary housing accommodations.
• Be sure to check yard and sheds for all items to pack.
• Set aside a box of cleaning supplies and the vacuum cleaner.

1-2 Days Before the Move
• Clean and defrost refrigerator and freezer.
• Reconcile and close bank accounts.
• Conclude financial matters relating to the sale or lease of your home.
• Complete packing of all household goods for the move. Mark all boxes.


Moving Day
• Confirm delivery address, directions and delivery date with the movers.
• Clean the home and check entire grounds before leaving.
• Check thermostat and make sure temperature is set appropriately. Leave garage door openers and any keys, if agreed to, for the new owners or renters.
• If your home is going to be vacant when you leave, make sure a relative, neighbor or real estate agent has the keys and how to contact you.


Arrival Day
• Check to make sure all utilities are on and working properly.
• Let family members or friends know you have arrived safely.
• Unpack necessary basics first - basic kitchen utensils, bath toiletries, etc.
• Go over the Bill of Lading from the moving company very carefully before signing; check for damaged items first, as this is usually binding once signed.





Water in our Veins–Meet Lake James Real Estate
Please call us if we can help with any of your real estate needs at Lake James – who better to help you than people who live, play and work here!

Polly Leadbetter – Owner/Broker P/ 828-584-9999 C/ 828-443-5407
Shane Cook – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-443-3205
Rhonda Edge – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-443-6595
Amanda Hotchkiss – Sales P/ 828-584-9999 C/ 828-335-3001
Marc Parham – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-443-1337
Denice Rechtiene – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-432-6976