Category: Relocating

Posted on

Buying New, How Much Will You Invest

It is so alluring to buy a brand new home. The idea that you get to start from scratch and make the very first memories in a home, plant the first garden, and burn the first pizza are always heady ideas. But when buying a brand new home there are a few things you should consider.

Initial Investment and so much more…

Even with all the incentives to purchase a new home you will still have to invest more in your brand new home.

Interior Decorating: Most likely you will be responsible for the purchase and the labor investment necessary to decorate your home. This will certainly include window coverings, paint, maybe even wallpaper.

Exterior Decorating: You are probably also going to need to invest in the lawn and landscaping of your new property.

Other costs…

Unless your new home is close to you job you may be purchasing a home that is further away from your job. This means you maybe investing more in your car for repairs and oil changes. You may also fill your gas tank more often.

Another item you may need to think about when buying a new home is the layout of the new community will there be additional homes built in the area around home? You don’t want plan to sleep in one morning, only to wake up to a bulldozer digging up the lot in front of your home.

Buying a brand new home is exciting, just remember, there will be greater indoor and outdoor investments other then your home. Working with a real estate agent you will be able to discover what kind of house is the best fit for you.

Posted on

Madison: Big Enough To Be A City, Small Enough To Be A Town

Madison, Wisconsin is consistently ranked as a highly desirable place to live, work, and play. With a population of over 200,000 it’s a fairly large city (especially in the State of Wisconsin). However, many refer to Madison as “a big small town” because there are many things about Madison that give it a small town feel. Here are some examples:

Big City: Madison is home to a world class University in the University of Wisconsin as well as several other smaller colleges.

Small Town: Madison has one of the top ranked Farmers’ Markets in the country.

Big City: Madison has world class hospitals and research facilities.

Small Town: Madison has a reputation as being a very walkable and bike friendly city.

Big City:  Madison is home to many world class restaurants.

Small Town: Madison still has quaint diners.

Big City: Madison has a world class performing arts center and a dynamic children’s museum.

Small Town: Madison’s famed State Street is closed to automobiles.

The list goes on an on – big city perks and small town perks. Overall, a great place to call home. If you are ready to learn more about Madison – the real estate market and otherwise, email heidi@glassslipperhomes.com!

Posted on

Relocating Your Automobile

If you have purchased a new home and are relocating to a new city that is a good distance away you may need to make a decision about how you will move your car.  If you are relocating across country, you may not want to get behind the steering wheel for thousands of miles as well as put the mileage and wear on your vehicle.  Fortunately, there are some differrent options available for you and your vehicle.

Some people who have older cars find that it is easier to sell their cars or donate them to charity for a tax deduction before they move.  However, if you are like most people,you will want to keep your car rather than going to the expense and trouble of purchasing a new vehicle once you reach your new home. 

Many businesses specialize in transporting your vehicle for you.   There are three basic methods of getting your car to your new home if you are not going to drive it yourself:

  • Moving your car in the same van that will haul your household goods
  • Using a professional auto mover
  • Hiring someone to drive your car for you

Moving your car in the same van as your household goods is as easy as driving it up a ramp and into the van, where it is secured in a separate compartment from your furniture and other goods.  A reputable moving company that provides this service will give an accurate estimate and references long before you drive your car on board.  Cars are heavy, though, so this can be an expensive method.  However, it is the method most guaranteed to put you back behind the wheel as soon as the moving van unloads.

Professional auto movers specialize in transporting vehicles on an open or in a closed truck.  Some provide hub-to-hub service (you will have to go to a central location near your new home to pick up your vehicle) while others provide door-to-door service (they pick up your car at your old home and deliver it to your new address).   Professional auto movers are highly expert at getting cars and other vehicles safely from one place to another.   However, unless your car mover coordinates perfectly with your household goods mover, you may find that you reach your destination before your vehicle does.

If you decide to have someone drive your car for you, consider a company that matches drivers with vehicles needing transport.  In this case, the company should screen drivers carefully and assumes all insurance liability for the trip.  Drivers usually pay their own expenses after the first tank of gas, so the cost of transporting this way tends to be reasonable.  However, if you don’t like other people driving your car in general, this is definitely not the method for you.   Coordinating arrival time with your move-in date may also be a little more difficult. 

Before letting any company or person take your car, be sure  that your car will be inspected carefully.  Any pre-existing damage, marks, and wear should be noted.  The company you hire will provide insurance coverage for your car, so this pre-trip inspection is an important step.  It is a good idea to take pictures or shoot a video of your car before the move for your own records.

Here are a few tips for the move:

  • Disclose any mechanical problems your car is having, especially if you are going to work with a company that provides a driver to get behind the wheel for you.
  • Deactivate your car alarm if you are shipping your car in a van or on a truck.  This prevents the draining of your battery if the alarm is triggered while the car is being moved.
  • Make sure there is fuel in your car so you can drive it at your destination.  A quarter of a tank should be plenty.  If you are using a driver, you will probable be expected to deliver your vehicle with a full tank of gas.
  • Roof racks, bicycle racks and other non-permanent accessories should be removed if transporting in a van or on a truck. 
  • Remove valuables from the car.  If you have an automatic pass for commuting on toll roads, take it out of the car too so you do not receive any unintentional charges during the trip.

There are many choices available if you need to move your car that can help to take some of the stress out of relocating. Do your homework and compare costs and always get references and proof of insurance.

/kh