Home Buyer Checklist Jimmy Franklin

Home Buying Guide

Homebuyer's Checklist | Moving In Shopping List | Unpacking Tips | Ask Jimmy

3 Months Prior to Move

Study company relocation policy to see what expenses are covered and which vendors are approved
Check which moving expenses will be tax deductible
Find out about schools in your new city
Obtain information about your new city
Find a REALTOR to market your home
Estimate moving van costs
Find a REALTOR in your new city

2 Months Prior to Move

Estimate the amount you can spend on a house
Check out the different resources available for your mortgage
If you will need child care in your new location, start looking into this now
Choose the van line for your move
Update your address book of friends and relatives
Make a list of people you need to notify
Begin sorting out those items you do not plan to move
Plan a date for a garage sale
Choose a new house
Look into auto insurance in your new city
Arrange house financing and set tentative closing dates
Check school schedules and enrollment requirements
Obtain information from area religious institutions
Check how to obtain new driver’s licenses, license plates
Contact an agent for new home and auto insurance
Select a new bank, establish accounts and safe deposit box
Plan how you will arrange furniture in your new residence and make a list of things you will need to buy
Obtain names, phone numbers and requirements (such as deposits) for utility companies
Arrange for transfer of school records
Schedule pickup and delivery dates with your mover and arrange storage, if needed
Sort belongings into those you will dispose of, take with you and ship with mover
For high value items you will be shipping, obtain an appraisal and gather receipts
Make your travel arrangements

1 Month Prior to Move

Hold your garage sale, give items to charity
Verify your schedules with real estate agents, landlords and arrange interim housing if needed
Reconfirm with your mover dates for packing, pickup and delivery
Send out change of address cards to post office, friends, relatives, magazines
Gather personal records from doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, schools, religious institutions
Notify current utilities-gas, phone, electric, water, cable TV-of disconnect dates and forwarding address
Contact new utilities to tell them when to commence service
Notify your credit card companies of change of address
Apply for new bank cards and local store charge accounts
Plan where to spend your last night in current city
Transfer bank accounts and safe deposit box
Notify your stock broker or investment counselor
Obtain veterinary records and licenses, get new tags if needed and arrange for pets’ transportation
Drain oil and gas from your power equipment
Cancel deliveries and services, such as newspapers, diaper service and trash collection as of moving day
Arrange for someone to help watch children and pets on moving day
Order newspaper subscription for your new address
Defrost freezer. Get rid of perishable food you won’t eat before moving
Give your plants a loving home
If you are driving, have your car serviced
Pack your luggage and anything you are taking with you
Use only those household items you absolutely need-everything else should be ready to go
Obtain traveler’s checks for trip expenses and payment to movers
Before movers leave, check through the house including the attic to make sure nothing was missed

Moving Day and Beyond

Prepare for the movers by taking doors off hinges and making sure paths are clear
Be on hand to take delivery
Check each item off your inventory
Inspect your yard for any holes in the fence, etc. before letting the pets out
Test security and smoke alarms
Get local emergency numbers and post them
Recycle or store moving boxes
Get a professional to set up appliances like a gas dryer, range or refrigerator
Change locks on all doors
Set up cable or satellite service
Find the right cellular phone service
Get a local map and learn your way around
Send in claims for damages during the move
Submit moving expenses to your employer
Compile receipts of the move for tax purposes
Hang artwork
Go to the DMV for new plates and registration of your vehicles
Get a new propane tank for the grill and fuel for the gas powered tools
Check your home warranty coverage
Establish a file for all warranties
Keep a binder of all Real Estate documents
Enroll children in school
Buy new plants and flowers
Find a new veterinarian, doctor and dentist
Take road trips and learn about your state