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Prudential Flogerg Realtors
Here are the statistics for July. Our inventory is catching to last year but our sales volume is still down around 20%. However, our average sales price is going up and our days on the market are coming down.
We keep hearing from the news media that the recession is over so let’s all hope that our market bounces all the way back.
The key to an easy move is careful planning. There are many action items that need to be taken prior to the move all the way up to the actual day the first box is loaded on the moving truck. Take time to write down and organize the decisions and activities that will need to be accomplished prior to the move such as securing a mover and changing your address. Ideally, you should try to break up the tasks over a two-month period. By doing so, you won’t overload your schedule, plus it can save you time and money. To get you started, consider using the checklist below as a guide.
Eight Weeks Prior
*Get estimates from at least three professional movers. If you are going to do it yourself, get estimates on rental trucks.
*Decide what furniture and household goods you’ll be taking, what needs to be disposed of and what needs to be replaced.
*If you will be moving to a new city, contact the Chamber of Commerce of that town for a new residence packet. Your sales professional may also have information.
Six Weeks Prior
*Inventory your possessions besides furniture – kitchenware, decorative items, electronics, apparel and so on.
*Complete a change of address form with the post office. This can be easily done online at www.MoversGuide.com for a minimal cost of $1. Make sure you notify organizations, credit cards companies, and publications to which you subscribe of your new address, too.
*Obtain copies of all medical, dental, legal, accounting and veterinarian records.
*If children are changing schools, arrange for transfer of educational records.
*Itemize moving-related costs with the mover including packing, loading, special charges and insurance.
Four Weeks Prior
*Make arrangements for packing your belongings. If you will be using professionals, schedule with the company for packing to take place a day or two before the move. If you will handle packing on your own, purchase adequate boxes, packing materials and tape.
*Arrange for short-term or long-term storage if needed.
*Make travel arrangements for pets including necessary medical records, immunizations, medication and so on.
Three Weeks Prior
*Begin packing items you won’t need immediately or that will go into storage.
*Contact utilities on both ends of the move to order termination or turn-on for occupancy date.
*Confirm travel arrangements for family and pets.
Two Weeks Prior
*Terminate newspaper and other delivery services.
*If necessary, arrange and confirm new bank accounts and local services in your new neighborhood.
One Week Prior
*Gather important papers, records, and valuables for protected shipment to new home or safe deposit box.
ü Obtain any prescription medications needed for the next few weeks.
Day Before or Actual Moving Day
*Defrost refrigerator/freezer and give away all perishable food.
*Keep a box marked “Last Box Packed/First Box Unpacked” for tools, flashlights, first aid kit and so on. On moving day, this should be the last box placed on the truck.
*Pack items to carry with you such as valuables, financial records, personal papers and so on.
*Give the movers a telephone number and address to reach you.
A detailed action plan can get your move well down the road before you ever depart to your new destination.
When making your moving plans, don’t forget to include your beloved pets. Although they present a new set of challenges, it doesn’t have to add to your stress if you take the following steps before your big move.
Visit the vet
Schedule a pre-move visit with your veterinarian for a checkup and to make sure that all vaccinations are current. Use this time to get copies of your pet’s records, a recommendation for a veterinarian in your new location, and possibly a tranquilizer to give your pet during transportation.
Research laws in new area
Research the requirements regarding animals in your new locality. Nearly every state has laws regarding entry of dogs, cats, horses, birds and other pets. For example, most states require interstate health certificates for dogs and horses coming from another state. If you own an exotic animal such as a ferret or potbellied pig, check to see if it is allowed as a pet in your new city. Some states require an entry permit. You can obtain compliance information from the state veterinarian or other appropriate authority. It’s important to get this information well ahead of your move so that you can get any necessary examinations or documents.
Make sure your pet’s identity and rabies tags are current. You should also have a special travel identification tag just in case they become lost during the move. The tag should include the pet’s name, your name and new address, and an alternate contact.
Decide on transportation mode
Decide how you will be transporting your pet. Animals are not allowed on moving vans, so your choices are by car or air.
By car
If traveling by car, the American Animal Hospital Association suggests that you take your pet on short rides before the trip so that he can get accustomed to the movement. The day of the trip, don’t feed your pet for several hours before departure. It’s also a good idea to take him on a long walk before heading out.
Pack a travel kit to include food, food and water dishes, can opener, scooper, paper towels for clean ups, and plastic bags. You may also want to include a blanket to cover your car seats, plus treats and a favorite toy.
If you are traveling with birds or other small pets, such as a hamster, make sure they are in a stable cage with proper ventilation. A kennel for cat or dog may also be a good idea.
If your trip will require an overnight stay, find out well in advance of your trip whether pets are allowed at the lodging of your choice. The website http://www.petswelcome.com/ is a great place to search for lodging that accommodates pets.
By air
Traveling by air definitely requires preplanning. Each airline has its own policy regarding pet transportation. In addition, there are federal requirements you must follow. For example, dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and weaned for at least five days. In addition, cages and containers must meet certain standards.
You need to decide if your pet will accompany you in the cabin or be checked as baggage, or shipped separately by air freight.
Check with your airline to make sure that pets are allowed to travel in the cabin and obtain guidelines. The U.S. Federal Animal Welfare Act requires that pets traveling in the passenger cabin be in a carrier that can fit underneath the seat without blocking the main aisle. The container must remain stowed the entire flight.
If your pet will be transported as baggage or by freight, make shipping arrangements as far in advance as possible so that space can be reserved. It is recommended that you schedule a non-stop flight on a weekday. You also need to supply the air carrier written instructions for food and water.
Other precautions to take when transporting your pet by air include:
The Federal Aviation Administration http://www.faa.gov/ and Department of Transportation’s http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/ websites have valuable information regarding traveling with pets.
Transitioning to new home
Once you are in your new home there are some things you can do to help ease the transition for your pet. If you have a dog, take him for a walk immediately so that he can become familiar with the new area. Cats, on the other hand, have a tendency to run away searching for their old home. They should be kept indoors for several weeks until they become comfortable in the new home and familiar with its scents and noises.
Veterinarians also advise that you bring water from your old home, because a change in water sources can sometimes cause your pet to become sick.
Like humans, pets are can become stressed when change occurs. By planning ahead, you can help to make sure your pet has a smooth transition to its new environment.
It’s time to take a look at our monthly statistics again. As you can see we are still below last year in activity. Prices are slightly lower than last year but not much compared to other parts of the country. An average of residential sales shows prices to be 3.25% lower this year.
In the surrounding Billings areas prices by area run from and increase of 19% in the Shepherd/Huntley area to a decrease of 11% in the Columbus/Absarokee area.
In the areas close into Billings prices run from an increase of 4% in the Lockwood/Emerald Hills areas to a decrease of 6% in the northwest area of Billings.
Check out some Billings real estate market graphs:
Avg. Sales Price: $193,580
Avg. Days on Market: 74
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