Month: December 2023

Whether you’re deep in the house-hunting process or are just getting started, attending open houses can be a great and low-pressure way to see what’s out there. As you prepare to visit an open house, however, there are some things you should know to look for that might influence your decision to put in an offer.

Here are a few things to consider as you prepare for your residential move.

1. Masked Smells and Odors

When you first walk into the home, make note of any smells that you notice. If the first thing you smell is a strong, artificial scent (such as that from an air freshener or candles), the seller may be trying to mask some underlying odors. This could be odors from pets, moisture issues, or other problems that you’ll want to know about before you buy.

While fragrances and scents aren’t always an indication of a seller trying to mask a foul smell, it’s crucial to enter open houses with a critical eye (and nose!).

2. Neighborhood Issues

When you purchase a home, you’re not just getting the house and the property. You have to live with your neighbors too. While you probably won’t be going door-to-door to meet each neighbor for yourself, you can usually tell quite a bit about a neighborhood by simply driving or walking around the area.

Before or after you attend the open house, consider taking your own little tour of the area. Are the houses nearby well maintained? Do people take pride in their homes? Unfortunately, location can ruin even the most seemingly perfect home.

3. Other Buyers’ Behavior

While attending an open house, be mindful of the rest of the crowd. If the open house is only running for a couple of hours and you’re the only person there, it’s relatively safe to assume that there isn’t much interest in the home. You might wonder if there are underlying problems that have yet to be disclosed or if the home is priced too high.

On the other hand, if there is a large turnout at the open house, this should prepare you for the possibility of a lot of competition. If you decide to put in an offer, consider making it an aggressive one or prepare for a potential bidding war.

4. Signs of Damage

Finally, look out for other signs of damage as you tour an open house. For example, cracks alongside walls and ceilings may indicate underlying foundation problems. Meanwhile, a musty smell might tell you the home has experienced moisture issues, and mold may be lingering somewhere.

Ultimately, you’ll want to have a home inspection done before you close the deal on any property—but being on the lookout for hidden signs of issues early in the process can help you avoid wasting time and stress on homes that have a lot of maintenance issues.

Make Your Next Move a Breeze

Being observant at an open house is a great way to get a better feel for whether a home may be right for you. Once you have had an offer accepted and a closing date set, our team can assist you in getting moved and settled in as soon as possible. Contact us today to request your free moving quote!

You’ve picked a moving date, and now it’s time to get started planning the logistics of your move. Working with a professional household mover is an excellent opportunity to relieve some of the burdens typically associated with a move.

Working with a professional mover makes a move more manageable. Now, you can obtain an in-home virtual moving estimate. Here are some benefits of a virtual moving estimate:

Simple to Complete

Getting a virtual moving quote is as simple as it gets. All you need is a little technology, like your smartphone or tablet, and you’re ready to start. Virtual estimates empower you to receive a quote at a convenient time. Furthermore, it lets the moving company see your home and what they must do on moving day. Your estimator can also get a good look at the volume of belongings to move, helping them to provide you with a precise estimate.

Highly Convenient

Since no travel is involved, you can obtain an appointment quickly and without delay. This means you can schedule an estimate at your convenience at a time that works best for you. In-person appointments may take longer to schedule, and it may be harder for you to juggle other things you have going on.

Easy Communication

When communicating with your moving company, you can receive all electronic communications, including directions on preparing your mobile device and preparing your home before your scheduled virtual appointment. For your convenience, your mover will also typically send you reminders for your estimate appointment.

Saves Time and Allows Flexibility

Setting in-person appointments can be time-consuming for both you and the moving company. Conducting a virtual appointment can be done efficiently and is far quicker than scheduling one or more in-person estimates. If something comes up, rescheduling appointments is also far more effortless. You don’t have to worry as much about last-minute cancellations.

Rapid Results

Since virtual estimates remove the logistical aspects of scheduling appointments to provide quotes, moving companies can give you rapid answers to enable you to have the information you need to make an educated decision. You can set aside an afternoon of virtual appointments and schedule several quotes. Planning in-person estimates may make it difficult to get the number of estimates you want.

Same Quality of Service

When you receive a quote via a virtual appointment, you can expect the same accuracy and service as someone coming to your home. The only difference is that you’re talking via video instead. You’ll still receive the same level of professionalism and service you expect.

Moving Made Easy!

Getting all the details associated with organizing a move involves many moving parts. Virtual estimates greatly simplify the process and allow you to obtain as many quotes as you want with a high level of convenience and accuracy.

Contact us today for a free moving estimate.