Selling Your Property

A collection of how-tos, checklists, and worksheets to help sellers understand what to expect during the real estate experience.

We are REALTORSĀ®. What's the difference?

REALTORSĀ® arenā€™t just agents. Theyā€™re professional members of the National Association of REALTORSĀ® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. This is the REALTORĀ® difference for sellers:

  1. An expert guide.
    Selling a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, thereā€™s a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.
  2. Objective information and opinions.
    REALTORSĀ® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property. REALTORsĀ® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need.
  3. Property marketing power.
    Property doesnā€™t sell due to advertising alone. A large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitionerā€™s contacts with previous clients, friends, and family. When a property is marketed by a REALTORĀ®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTORĀ® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
  4. Negotiation knowledge.
    There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. A REALTORĀ® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows you the flexibility you need to take that next step.
  5. Up-to-date experience.
    Most people sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each sale. Even if youā€™ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORSĀ® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career.
  6. Your rock during emotional moments.
    A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase theyā€™ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.
  7. Ethical treatment.
    Every REALTORĀ® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a REALTORĀ®ā€™s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters.

How do I choose a REALTORĀ®?

In short, ask questions.Ā  We love to share our passion for what we do and how that translates to a successful sale for you.Ā  So ask us questions…the more the better!

How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job?
Like most professions, experience is no guarantee of skill. But much of real estate is learned on the job.

How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year?
This will touch on how much experience they have, and how up-to-date they are on the local market.

What designations or certifications do you hold?
Real estate professionals have to take additional specialized training in order to obtain these distinctions. Designations and certifications help define the special skills that an agent can apply to your particular real estate needs. One designation sellers might for is the GRIĀ®, or Gradutate of the REALTORĀ® Institute, but there are also specialists for military customers, seniors, and those who are considering a short sale, among others.

How many days does it take you to sell a home? How does that compare to others?
The REALTORĀ® you interview should have information about their performance on hand and be able to present market statistics from their local MLS to provide a comparison.

Whatā€™s the average variation between your initial listing and final sales price?
This is one indication of a REALTORĀ®ā€™s pricing and negotiating skills.

What specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home?
Your agent should have an aggressive, innovative plan and understand how to market property online.

Will you represent me exclusively, or might you also choose to represent the buyer?
While itā€™s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, your REALTORĀ® should be able to explain his or her philosophy on client obligations and agency relationships.

Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and so on?
Practitioners should be able to recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with any of the providers.

How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction?
The best answer here is a question. A real estate agent who pays attention to the way you prefer to communicate and responds accordingly will make for the smoothest transaction.

Could you please give me the contact information of your three most recent clients?
Ask their former customers if they would use the agent again in the future.

What are Agency Relationships?

The term ā€œagencyā€ is used in real estate to help determine what legal responsibilities your real estate professional owes to you and other parties in the transaction.

The seller’s representative (also known as a listing agent or seller’s agent) is hired by and represents the seller. All fiduciary duties are owed to the seller, meaning this personā€™s job is to get the best price and terms for the seller. The agency relationship usually is created by a signed listing contract.

The buyer’s representative (also known as a buyerā€™s agent) is hired by prospective buyers to and works in the buyer’s best interest throughout the transaction. The buyer can pay the agent directly through a negotiated fee, or the buyer’s rep may be paid by the seller or through a commission split with the sellerā€™s agent.

A subagent owes the same fiduciary duties to the agent’s customer as the agent does. Subagency usually arises when a cooperating sales associate from another brokerage, who is not the buyerā€™s agent, shows property to a buyer. The subagent works with the buyer to show the property but owes fiduciary duties to the listing broker and the seller. Although a subagent cannot assist the buyer in any way that would be detrimental to the seller, a buyer customer can expect to be treated honestly by the subagent.

A disclosed dual agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction. In such relationships, dual agents owe limited fiduciary duties to both buyer and seller clients. Because of the potential for conflicts of interest in a dual-agency relationship, all parties must give their informed consent. Disclosed dual agency is legal in most states, but often requires written consent from all parties.

Designated agents (also called appointed agents) are chosen by a managing broker to act as an exclusive agent of the seller or buyer. This allows the brokerage to avoid problems arising from dual-agency relationships for licensees at the brokerage. The designated agents give their clients full representation, with all of the attendant fiduciary duties.

A transaction broker (sometimes referred to as a facilitator) is permitted in states where nonagency relationships are allowed. These relationships vary considerably from state to state. Generally, the duties owed to the consumer in a nonagency relationship are less than the complete, traditional fiduciary duties of an agency relationship.

How can I be sure I am ready to sell?

These questions will help you decide whether youā€™re ready for a home thatā€™s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, you may be ready to move.

Have you built substantial equity in your current home?
Check your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out how much youā€™ve paid down. Usually you donā€™t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest. But if youā€™ve owned your home for five or more years, you may have significant, unrealized gains.

Has your income or financial situation changed?
If youā€™re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving. If your income has decreased, you may want to consider downsizing.

Have you outgrown your neighborhood?
The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same one in which you want to settle down for good. You may have realized that youā€™d like to be closer to your job or live in a better school district.

Are there reasons why you canā€™t remodel or add on?
Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isnā€™t large enough, your municipality doesnā€™t allow it, or youā€™re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market?
If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy will also be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but youā€™ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home. Ask your real estate professional what they see happening locally.

Are interest rates attractive?
Low rates help you buy ā€œmoreā€ home, and also make it easier to find a buyer for your current place.

Is the effort and cost of maintaining your current home becoming difficult to manage?
A REALTOR Ā® can help you decide whether a smaller house, condo, or rental would be appropriate.

How do I get my home ready to sell?

Here are a few items to take care of before listing your home. This can make the sale process quicker and easier in the long run.

  • Consider a pre-sale home inspection.
    An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and youā€™ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.
  • Organize and clean.
    Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and seasonal items. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.
  • Get replacement estimates.
    Do you have big-ticket items that will need to be replaced soon? Find out how much it will cost to repair an older roof or replace worn carpeting, even if you donā€™t plan to do so. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and theyā€™ll be handy when negotiations begin.
  • Locate warranties.
    Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer/dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house. It may seem like this task can be left until closing, but you donā€™t want lost paperwork or last-minute scrambling to cause the deal to fall through.
  • Spruce up the curb appeal.
    Walk out to the front of your home, close your eyes, and pretend youā€™re a prospective buyer seeing the property for the first time. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? What do you see framing the entrance, if anything? Is the walkway free of cracks and impediments?

What are some tips to add curb appeal?

Trim bushes and branches so they donā€™t block windows or architectural details.

Set a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch or front walkway.

Install new, matching locks and knobs on your front door.

Repair any cracks or holes in the driveway, and clean oil spots with degreaser and a steel brush.

Edge the grass around walkways and trees.

Stow your garden tools and hoses out of sight, and clear kidsā€™ toys from the lawn.

Buy a new mailbox.

Upgrade your outdoor lighting.

Purchase a new doormat for outside your front door.

Clean your windows, inside and out.

Polish or replace your house numbers.

Mow your lawn. Also, turning on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing will make
the whole yard sparkle.

Place a seasonal wreath on your door.

How can I get my house "show-ready"?

Executing a deep clean before putting your home on the market will not only help it shine, but it will make tidiness easier to maintain between showings. Here are some power-cleaning tips to try.

Clean windows make a huge difference.
Remove window screens and place them outside on a tarp or other clean, waterproof surface. Use a garden hose, an all-purpose cleaner, and a soft brush to gently clean the screens. You donā€™t need anything special to polish up window glass; just mix a solution of one part white vinegar to eight parts water, plus a drop or two of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks. (Washing on a cloudy day also reduces streaking.)

The fridge is the most common source of kitchen smells.
Check the drip tray underneath your refrigerator and wash out any standing water from defrosting. Scrub the inside of the fridge with a baking soda and water solution. Activated charcoal in the fridge can help keep odors at bay.

Think outside the house.
Itā€™s amazing the difference a sparkling entryway makes to your homeā€™sĀ curb appeal.Ā Wipe down your front door, give the doormat a good shake/vacuum, and make sure dust and dirt havenā€™t collected on outdoor furniture. Use a pressure washer to give your driveway and garage floor a good cleaning. The acidity in dark cola drinks can help remove oil, rust, and grease stains, along with a little elbow grease.

Target the Bathroom.
For tile floors,Ā apply your usual cleaner and then run a wet/dry vac, which will suck contaminants out of the grout. Pour a quarter cup each of baking soda and vinegar down the drains, leaving the concoction overnight, then flush with boiling water. Clean soap scum and mildew from plastic shower curtains by tossing them into your washer on the gentle cycle in cold water, with detergent and Ā½ cup vinegar (if mildew is present, add Ā½ cup of bleach instead of vinegar). Put a couple of large towels into the machine to act as scrubbers. Allow the curtain to drip-dry on the rod.

Make your bed better.
Vacuum mattresses and box springs, and then rotate and flip over. Do the same for removable furniture cushions. This is also a great time to wash or dry-clean the dust ruffle and mattress pad. Add new loft to a lumpy comforter by having two people vigorously shake the quilt up and down to redistribute stuffing.

Wash the walls.
Grease, smoke, and dust can adhere to walls and make even the best decorating look dingy. Resist the temptation to spot-clean since it will make the rest of the wall look dirtier. Mop walls using a general-purpose cleaner diluted with hot water. Start at the top corner of the wall to avoid drips. Donā€™t press too hard, and rinse the mop head frequently in clean water. Use melamine foam cleaner to erase scuffs and stains.

How do I prepare for photos?

With the majority of buyers shopping for homes online, high-resolution slide shows and video tours are a must. Hereā€™s how to make your home shine on camera.

Understand the cameraā€™s perspective.
The cameraā€™s eye is different from the human eye. It magnifies clutter and poor furniture arrangement so that even a home that feels comfortable in person can look jumbled online.

Make it spotless.
Cameras also tend to magnify grime. Donā€™t forget floor coverings and walls; a spot on a rug might be overlooked during a regular home showing, but it could become a focal point online.

Know what to leave.
You want to avoid clutter, but try to have three items of varying heights on each surface. On an end table you can place a tall lamp (high), a small plant (medium), and a book (low).

Snap practice pictures with your own camera.
This will give you an idea of what the home will look like on camera before the photographer shows up. Examine the photos and make changes to improve each roomā€™s appearance, such as opening blinds to let in natural light, removing magnets from the refrigerator, or taking down distracting art.

Pare down.
Removing one or two pieces of furniture from each room, even if just for the shoot, can make your space appear larger on screen.

Rearrange.
Spotlight the flow of your space by creating a focal point on the furthest wall from the doorway and arranging the other pieces of furniture to make a triangle shape. The focal point may be a bed in a bedroom or a china cabinet in a dining room.

Accessorize.
Include a healthy plant in every room; the camera loves greenery. Energize bland decor by placing a bright vase on a mantle or draping an afghan over a couch.

Keep the home in shape.
Buyers who liked what they saw online expect to encounter the same home in person.

How can I attract more buyers?

These tips will help you convince buyers your property offers top value for their dollar.

Amp up curb appeal.
Look at your home objectively from the street. Check the condition of the landscaping, paint, roof, shutters, front door, knocker, windows, and house number. Observe how your window treatments look from the outside. Something specialā€”such as big flowerpots or an antique benchā€”can help your property stand out after a long day of house hunting.

Enrich with color.
Paint is cheap, but it can make a big impression. The shade doesnā€™t have to be white or beige, but stay away from jarring pinks, oranges, and purples. Soft yellows and pale greens say ā€œwelcome,ā€ lead the eye from room to room, and flatter skin tones. Tint ceilings in a lighter shade.

Upgrade the kitchen and bathrooms.
These are make-or-break rooms. Make sure theyā€™re squeaky clean and clutter-free, and update the pulls, sinks, and faucets. In a kitchen, add one cool appliance, such as an espresso maker.

Add old-world patina to walls.
Crown molding thatā€™s at least six to nine inches deep and proportional to the roomā€™s size can add great detail on a budget. For ceilings nine feet high or higher, consider dentil detailing, which is comprised of small, tooth-shaped blocks in a repeating ornamentation.

Screen hardwood floors.
Refinishing is costly, messy, and time-consuming, so consider screening instead. This entails a light sanding ā€” not a full stripping of color or polyurethane ā€” then a coat of finish.

Clean out and organize closets.
Remove anything you donā€™t need or havenā€™t worn in a while. Closets should only be half-full so buyers can visualize fitting their stuff in.

Update window treatments.
Buyers want light and views, not dated, heavy drapes. To diffuse light and add privacy, consider energy-efficient shades and blinds.

Hire a home inspector.
Do a preemptive strike to find and fix problems before you sell your home. Then you can show receipts to buyers, demonstrating your detailed care for their future home.

What steps will ensure my home shows great?

  • Remove clutter. Clear off counters and pack unnecessary decorative items. Put extra furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season items. Donā€™t forget to clean out the garage, too.
  • Let it shine. Cleaning windows and screens will help bring more light into your home. Replace burnt bulbs, and consider higher wattage in low-light areas. Clean the walls or brush on a fresh coat of bright, neutral paint. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones and show off your view.
  • Keep it clean. A deep clean before listing your home will make upkeep easier. Consider hiring a cleaning service to help.
  • Maximize comfort. In summer, shut A/C vents on the first floor so more air will get upstairs. Reverse the process in winter.
  • Perform a sniff test. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate odors. Open the windows to air out the house. Consider potpourri or scented candles and diffusers. For quick fixes in the kitchen, cotton balls soaked in vanilla extract or orange juice can instantly make the fridge a nicer-smelling place. Boil lemon juice in your microwave, then add it to your dishwasher to eliminate odors. You can also run lemon rinds through the garbage disposal for a similar effect.
  • Take care of minor repairs. Sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but theyā€™ll give buyers the impression that the house isnā€™t well-maintained.
  • Tidy up outdoors. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. A pot of bright flowers near the entryway adds great curb appeal.
  • Set the scene. A bright afghan or new accent pillows easily jazz up a dull room. Pretty dishes or a simple centerpiece on the tables can help buyers picture themselves living there. Try staging a chess game in progress. If you have a fireplace, lay fresh logs or a basket of flowers there.
  • Make the bath luxurious. Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight, along with old towels and toothbrushes. Add a new shower curtain and fancy guest soaps.
  • Send the pets to the neighbors. If thatā€™s not possible, crate or confine them to one room, and let the real estate practitioner know where theyā€™ll be to eliminate surprises.
  • Lock up valuables and medication. Agents canā€™t watch everyone all the time.
  • Head out. It can be awkward for everyone if youā€™re home at the time of a showing.

What is an Appraisal all about?

  • Once you are under contract, the buyerā€™s lender will send out an appraiser to make sure the purchase price is in line with the propertyā€™s value.Appraisals help guide mortgage terms.
    The appraised value of a home is an important factor in the loan underwriting process. Although lenders may use the sale price to determine the amount of the mortgage they will offer, they generally only do so when the property is sold for less than the appraisal amount. Also, the loan-to-value ratio is based on the appraised value and helps lenders figure out how much money may be borrowed to purchase the property and under what terms. If the LTV is high, the lender is more likely to require the borrower to purchase private mortgage insurance.Appraised value is not a concrete number.
    Appraisals provide a professional opinion of value, but they arenā€™t an exact science. Appraisals may differ quite a bit depending on when theyā€™re done and whoā€™s doing them. Changes in market conditions also can dramatically alter appraised value.Appraised value doesnā€™t represent the whole picture of home prices.
    There are special considerations that appraised value doesnā€™t take into account, such as the need to sell rapidly.

    Appraisers use data from the recent past.
    Appraisals are often considered somewhat backward looking, because they use sold data from comparable properties (often nicknamed ā€œcompsā€) to help come up with a reasonable price.

    There are uses for appraised value outside of the purchase process.
    For selling purposes, appraisals are usually used to determine market value or factor into the pricing equation. But other appraisals are used to determine insurance value, replacement value, and assessed value for property tax purposes.

I am ready to move. Now what?

Update your mailing address at usps.com or fill out a change-of-address form at your local post office.

Change your address with important service providers, such as your bank(s), credit companies, magazine subscriptions, and others.

Create a list of people who will need your new address.
Whether you plan on sending formal change-of-address notices in the mail or just e-mailing the family members, friends, and colleagues who should be informed, a list will ensure no one gets left out.

Contact utility companies.
Make sure theyā€™re aware of your move date, and arrange for service at your new home if the service provider will remain the same.

Check insurance coverage.
The insurance your moving company provides will generally only cover the items they transport for you. Ensure you have coverage for any items youā€™ll be moving yourself.

Unplug, disassemble, and clean out appliances.
This will make them easier to pack, move, and plug in at your new place.

Check with the condo board or HOA about any restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits or entrances for moving, if applicable

Pack an ā€œOpen Firstā€ box.
Include items youā€™ll need most, such as toilet paper, soap, trash bags, chargers, box cutters, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pens and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, towels, and basic toiletries.

Do you have any packing tips?

Update your mailing address at usps.com or fill out a change-of-address form at your local post office.

Change your address with important service providers, such as your bank(s), credit companies, magazine subscriptions, and others.

Create a list of people who will need your new address.
Whether you plan on sending formal change-of-address notices in the mail or just e-mailing the family members, friends, and colleagues who should be informed, a list will ensure no one gets left out.

Contact utility companies.
Make sure theyā€™re aware of your move date, and arrange for service at your new home if the service provider will remain the same.

Check insurance coverage.
The insurance your moving company provides will generally only cover the items they transport for you. Ensure you have coverage for any items youā€™ll be moving yourself.

Unplug, disassemble, and clean out appliances.
This will make them easier to pack, move, and plug in at your new place.

Plan ahead. Develop a master to-do list so you wonā€™t forget something critical heading into moving day. This will also help you create an estimate of moving time and costs.

Discard items you no longer want or need. Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how youā€™d feel if you no longer had it. Sort unwanted items into ā€œgarage sale,ā€ ā€œdonate,ā€ and ā€œrecycleā€ piles.

Pack similar items together. It will make your life easier when it’s time to unpack.

Decide what you want to move on your own. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you. Pack a moving day bag with a small first-aid kit, snacks, and other items you may need before unpacking your ā€œOpen Firstā€ box.

Know what your movers will take. Many movers wonā€™t take plants or liquids. Check with them about other items so you can plan to pack them yourself.

Put heavy items in small boxes. Try to keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds.

Donā€™t overpack boxes. It increases the likelihood that items inside the box will break.

Wrap fragile items separately. Pad bottoms and sides of boxes and, if necessary, purchase bubble-wrap or other packing materials from moving stores. Secure plants in boxes with air holes.

Label every box on all sides. You never know how theyā€™ll be stacked. Also, use color-coded labels to indicate which room each box should go in, coordinating with a color-coded floor plan for the movers.

Keep moving documents together in a file, either in your moving day bag or online.
Include vital contact information, the driverā€™s name, the vanā€™s license plate, and the companyā€™s number.

Print out a map and directions for movers and helpers. Make several copies, and highlight the route. Include your cell phone number on the map.

Back up computer files on the cloud. Alternatively, you can keep a physical backup on an external hard drive offsite.

Inspect each box and piece of furniture as soon as it arrives. Ahead of time, ensure your moving company has a relatively painless process for reporting damages.

Can I make moving with my pet easier?

Update your mailing address at usps.com or fill out a change-of-address form at your local post office.

Change your address with important service providers, such as your bank(s), credit companies, magazine subscriptions, and others.

Create a list of people who will need your new address.
Whether you plan on sending formal change-of-address notices in the mail or just e-mailing the family members, friends, and colleagues who should be informed, a list will ensure no one gets left out.

Contact utility companies.
Make sure theyā€™re aware of your move date, and arrange for service at your new home if the service provider will remain the same.

Check insurance coverage.
The insurance your moving company provides will generally only cover the items they transport for you. Ensure you have coverage for any items youā€™ll be moving yourself.

Unplug, disassemble, and clean out appliances.
This will make them easier to pack, move, and plug in at your new place.

Plan ahead. Develop a master to-do list so you wonā€™t forget something critical heading into moving day. This will also help you create an estimate of moving time and costs.

Discard items you no longer want or need. Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how youā€™d feel if you no longer had it. Sort unwanted items into ā€œgarage sale,ā€ ā€œdonate,ā€ and ā€œrecycleā€ piles.

Pack similar items together. It will make your life easier when it’s time to unpack.

Decide what you want to move on your own. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you. Pack a moving day bag with a small first-aid kit, snacks, and other items you may need before unpacking your ā€œOpen Firstā€ box.

Know what your movers will take. Many movers wonā€™t take plants or liquids. Check with them about other items so you can plan to pack them yourself.

Put heavy items in small boxes. Try to keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds.

Donā€™t overpack boxes. It increases the likelihood that items inside the box will break.

Wrap fragile items separately. Pad bottoms and sides of boxes and, if necessary, purchase bubble-wrap or other packing materials from moving stores. Secure plants in boxes with air holes.

Label every box on all sides. You never know how theyā€™ll be stacked. Also, use color-coded labels to indicate which room each box should go in, coordinating with a color-coded floor plan for the movers.

Keep moving documents together in a file, either in your moving day bag or online.
Include vital contact information, the driverā€™s name, the vanā€™s license plate, and the companyā€™s number.

Update your petā€™s tag with your new address.
Make sure your petā€™s collar is sturdy and correctly sized. The tag should also include your mobile number and e-mail address so that you can be reached during the move.

Request veterinary records.
Ask your current vet to send your petā€™s medical history directly to the new vet. Have their contact information handy in case of emergency or if the new vet has questions.

Keep a weekā€™s worth of food and medication with you.
You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. Take the same precaution with special therapeutic foods.

Seclude them from chaos.
Keep your pet in a safe, quiet room on moving day with a clear sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates available, but ensure it is well ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers. Also, introduce your pet to the crate before the trip.

Prepare a pet first aid kit.
Include your vet’s phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for use on bandages, nonstick bandages, towels, cotton swabs, antibiotic ointment (without pain relief medication), and 3% hydrogen peroxide.

Play it safe in the car.
Use a crate or carrier in the car, securing it with a seat belt. Never leave your pet in the bed of a truck, the storage area of a moving van, or alone in a parked vehicle. If youā€™re staying overnight, find pet-friendly lodging beforehand and have kitty litter or plastic bags on hand.

Get ready for takeoff.
When traveling by air, check with the airline about pet requirements or restrictions and whether you must purchase a special airline crate that fits under the seat in front of you.

Prep your new home.
Set up one room with everything your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, scratch post, and toys. Keep windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised, and beware of small spaces where nervous pets may hide. If your old home is nearby, give the new home owners or neighbors your phone number and a photo of your pet, in case your pet tries to return.

Learn about local health concerns and laws in your new area.
If youā€™re moving to a new country, contact the Agriculture Department or embassy of the country to obtain specific information on special documents, quarantine, or costs related to bringing your pet into the country.

Should I leave anything for the new owners?

Before the property changes hands, consult this list to make sure these items are transferred with the house.

  • Ownerā€™s manuals and warranties for any appliances left in the house.
  • Garage door opener(s).
  • Extra set of house keys.
  • Other keys. Think beyond the front doors; do you have any cabinets or lockers built into the home that require keys?
  • A list of local service providers, such as the best dry cleaner, yard service, plumber, and so on. Youā€™re not just helping the new owners, but also the local businesses youā€™re leaving behind.
  • Code to the security alarm and phone number of the monitoring service if not discontinued.
  • Smart home device access. Any devices listed as fixtures need to be reset for the new homeowner. Make sure your account information and usage data are wiped from the device so that they may use it. Check with your deviceā€™s manufacture to find out how to do this.
  • Numbers to the local utility companies. This can be especially helpful to owners who may not yet have easy access to the Internet in the new home.
  • Contact info for the condo board or home ownership association, if applicable.
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