Author: Cami Jones

Buying a new home is a huge investment. There are a lot of things to consider, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. Since it is a long-term commitment, it is important to make the best decision possible to be certain that you and your family are going to be satisfied.You have to consider which type of home fits you: a starter home or a forever home. A starter home is a smaller home usually bought by first-time buyers. A forever home is one that your family can settle in for a long time.Consideration of which home to buy depends on your current situation and goals. To help you decide, Cami Jones Collaborative shares these important points in determining which one will be the right fit for you and your family.

Price

A starter home is much smaller and cheaper. It usually has 1-2 bedrooms and fewer amenities. It’s a common option for younger, first-time buyers because it allows you to save more money. Most owners sell it after 5 to 10 years to purchase a larger home. In Kansas City, the starter home value is around $61,200.On the other hand, a forever home has a higher cost. It’s important to make sure that you’re financially stable before making a purchase. Use a mortgage calculator to figure out the best price and monthly payment for you.Here are some additional costs for homebuyers to consider.

• Renovation costs. Check how many renovations are needed, as they might go past your budget or take longer than expected. Renovations are very important to increase the home’s value and fix safety issues.
• Interior and exterior upkeep. If you’re used to living in an apartment with a landlord or superintendent you can call on for maintenance, you might be in for a surprise when you buy a home. Be prepared for additional expenses like home repairs, flooring, landscaping, or snow removal.
• Insurance. It is more expensive than renter’s insurance, and you might also need private mortgage insurance depending on your situation. Not having insurance might put you in violation of your mortgage contract.
• Other fees. These include closing costs, taxes, real estate fees, or any legal fees that the lawyer pays on your behalf.

Location

Depending on your situation, the location of your potential home is an important factor to consider. You might want a place that’s close to your work or to your friends and loved ones. For starter homes, choose a location with a potential for resale. You don’t want to be stuck with a piece of property when you decide to move.In choosing the location of your forever home, make sure it is close to your work, your kids’ school, the hospital, and any other necessary services. This way, you can avoid constantly moving which takes time and money, as well as the emotional toll on the kids if you move too far or change schools.Here are some factors to consider when choosing a location.

• Climate. Choose a location with a good climate to avoid too much heat, flooding, or severe calamities. It could eventually affect the state of your house which might lead to further renovations that will add to your expenses.
• Neighborhood. Everyone likes a place with a good neighborhood to avoid stress. Toxic neighborhoods might affect your family, especially your kids if they hang out with people with destructive qualities.
• Safety. Make sure to check if the location of your home is prone to break-ins or theft. You can use a crime mapping service or take a tour around and talk to the people living in the area.
• Proximity to daily activities or entertainment. Being in close proximity to the nearest mall, supermarkets, restaurants, or entertainment venues is essential for your needs.
• Transportation. Being close to highways, trains, or other modes of transportation is a big help to save some time in your travel hours. Easy commutes are one of the most valuable assets that people look for when choosing the location of their house.

Personal Goals

Your future plans will have a large impact on deciding which type of home to purchase. If you don’t plan on staying at a certain place for more than 5 years, then a starter home is a good option. A forever home will be perfect to grow your family, especially if you’re not planning on a job change anytime soon.Here are some points that might influence your future goals.

• Length of stay. If you don’t see yourself staying for longer than ten years, then a forever home might not be a good idea since it is more pricey than a starter home. Invest in a forever home if your mind is set on staying there and growing your family.
• Space needed. If you are a couple buying a house for the first time, a starter home is recommended. However, starter homes tend to have a smaller space. If you plan on having kids soon, you could outgrow the place, so you may want to opt for a bigger house that can accommodate the kids long-term.
• Change in lifestyle. If you’re the type that spends a lot of time outside, then the smaller space of a starter home might be ideal. If you’re about to have a kid and will spend a lot of time at home, then a forever home is a good investment for your child and the whole family.

Local Real Estate Market

Unless you plan on moving to another place, consider checking which type of homes in your local real estate market fit your budget and track their prices and availability. Also, check if buying or renting will be more appropriate.Good real estate agents know their local real estate market very well. They can provide a lot of information and guidance that can help you make a good decision.

Quick Questions to Ask Yourself

Purchasing a home will be one of the biggest transactions you’ll ever make. It’s a big move and there are a lot of things to consider that will affect you mentally, emotionally, and financially.Before choosing your home, it is important to evaluate your buying options: affordability, location, condition, and your future plans. Always think twice before making any decision. Buy your home for the right reasons.Here are some common questions you can ask yourself.

• How much can I afford? You can get a mortgage pre-approved, so that you know how large of a loan you can get. It can provide you with a more specific expectation on how much you can afford. You can also consider some assistance options like down payment assistance or first-time homebuyer programs.
• How long do I plan on staying? Moving to a new house can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you haven’t built up equity in your home. If you move out before living there for around two years, you can be subjected to capital gains taxes. If you think there’s no guarantee that you’ll stay on your current property for 2 to 5 years, then reassess buying a new home.
• What is the condition of the house? Get an inspection before investing in a new home. Have a list of things that need replacement or repair. Also, get an appraisal before signing your mortgage to assess the market value of the home.
• How much space do I need? Always consider your lifestyle and goals. If you have children, other family members, or pets with you, then you might need a bigger house. If you want to have an outdoor living space, then you need a house with a big yard. Also, put your focus on affordability and the right kind of home for you.
• Does the location suit my needs? To know how much time you’ll spend on the commute to work, try doing a “test drive” or mapping out your route. Also, consider the proximity to family, friends, and nearby amenities. If you plan on staying for a long time, then the location should be convenient for you.
• Do I have the means to renovate? Figure out which renovations should be done first. Consider your budget, your availability, and the timeline you’d like them to be completed. If there are certain renovations that affect your health and safety like molds or structural issues, then these should be done immediately.
• How do I communicate with my realtor? Let your agent know how you want to communicate, either via text, email, or call. Keeping in touch with them will keep you both updated if ever there will be changes.

Professional Real Estate Agency

Cami Jones Collaborativey is one of the top residential real estate companies in Kansas City. Our dedicated team delivers a great marketing strategy, staging services, and confident negotiation skills. We make sure that your transaction goes efficiently and smoothly. For more information, call us at (913) 521-5567 or (913) 521-8883. You can also reach out to us via email.

Picture this: you’re planning to move to Kansas and you’re currently on the lookout for that perfect luxury home you can call your own. What are you looking for in your dream home?Perhaps you want a sprawling garden where you can hold parties or have a big pool and grotto installed. Maybe you want a spacious home that you can decorate to your liking. Perhaps you want a home with a large interior, a well-manicured lawn, a beautiful backyard space, as well as all the comforts of living money can buy.If you want to find the best luxury homes for sale in Kansas, Cami Jones Collaborative is the key. We can provide you with the best listings around the state and take care of the details so you get the luxury home that suits your needs.

The Benefits of Teaming Up with A Real Estate Expert

Finding and closing the deal on a new home is not a simple task. There’s no easy way to know whether the property you’re buying is good or bad unless you have an expert helping you out during the walk-through and inspection process. The buying process can be tedious, too. Although some of these real estate practices are generally similar for a number of states, some components may differ slightly. Therefore, they need to be processed according to local state law.For example, here in Kansas, closing fees are divided between seller and buyer, while in other states, the same fees are taken care of by the buyer. In Kansas, closings can be facilitated by title companies, real estate agents, attorneys, and independent escrow firms, while in some states only an attorney can facilitate a closing.There are plenty of other factors to consider, including property tax guidelines and policy costs. However, having an experienced real estate agent alongside you all throughout your buying journey, you’ll be able to navigate your options better and have the nitty-gritty stuff taken care of by the real estate firm’s team of experts. All you have to do is to tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll do the legwork for you.

Talk to Us About Your Dream Home

Sit down with one of our real estate agents to discuss the specifics of your ideal hone. We can then set up a timeline that works for both you and the seller.Be as specific as you can be when it comes to your requirements, especially if you’re after green home technology, smart home technology, or turn-key offers. This will help us filter the listings and narrow down the choices based on your requirements and preferences. It also makes the selection process more convenient for you.

Consider These Factors Before Putting Pen to Paper

Buying a home is an exciting journey and it’s easy to agree to an offer when you’ve finally found the home that you’ve been looking for. However, before taking another step, you’ll want to perform a thorough inspection so you can determine your negotiation leverage before closing the sale. If you’re not sure what to put on your worksheet, here are the things that you can negotiate.

Closing Date

Before setting the close date in stone, you’ll want to factor in your seller’s timeline aside from your planned move-in date. Most sellers are eager to close, as they may be moving to a new state or out of the country. These homeowners are motivated to close sooner rather than later.Several factors can affect the timeline and alter the closing date. Appraisals, inspections, and repairs are time-consuming factors that can prolong the time between accepting the offer and closing the home.

• The close date may also take another 30 to 60 days longer, depending on the bank and mortgage timelines.
• Closing on a purchase mortgage may have a shorter lead time than closing on a refinance, as these are processed differently.
• Paying with cash up-front does cut the mortgage lead time, but it doesn’t preclude the closing timetable from being affected by the matters mentioned.

If this sounds a tad complicated, our team of real estate experts can make things light and easy for you. We’ll sort the paperwork and create a timeline that works for both you and the seller. This way, you can determine a tentative close date and plan for temporary living arrangements in case the close date is beyond the move-out date from your former home.

Contingency for Inspection

Consider contingencies as your safety net. Contingencies allow you to negotiate inspection timeframes, as well as repair costs, especially if these affect the structural integrity of the property. You can also negotiate a final walk-through to verify that all the necessary repairs were made and that your new home is in top condition before you take the final step.Contingencies are indicated in the contract and will have to be met before it becomes binding. It protects you, the buyer, from being trapped in a situation that isn’t beneficial to you. You can walk away from it and direct your time towards finding the best home for you.

Inspection Timeframe

Sellers often have a tight schedule for inspections, leaving you, the buyer, with less time than you need to ensure that your potential future home is in top condition. You may ask for a longer inspection timeframe in your contingencies to maintain your negotiation leverage even after accepting the deal.Our clientele is quite meticulous, so we understand why our buyers need a longer inspection timeframe. Besides, buying a property is an important investment; we agree that it’s only right to know that you’re putting your investment in the right property and that you’re getting the best one for you.

Repairs and Improvements

More often than not, sellers spring for repair costs before putting their property out on the market. Some sellers offer the buyer credit, which is a certain amount from the contract price. This amount goes toward repair costs, allowing the buyer to take care of the repairs themselves.Repairs can be structural or superficial, but both require proper attention, as these can lead to further damage later on. Also, It’s much harder to schedule repairs around your new home once you’ve moved in and may cost you storage fees if it’s impossible to move your belongings in just yet.Performing any repairs or improvements is ideal before closing, as you’ll want your potential future home to be move-in ready once the property has been turned over to you.

Cosmetic Improvements

Cosmetic improvements are surface enhancements and do not involve any form of teardown or floor plan alteration to change the size of the floor area. Not all cosmetic improvements are worth negotiating for, so if you’re planning to include any improvements in your contingency, go for the ones geared toward preventive maintenance like fixing minor cracks on walls and installing energy-saving lights.Cosmetic improvements can also be done by applying a fresh coat of paint on the interior and/or the exterior of the property, as well as replacing broken moldings, crowns, and fittings.

Appliances, Furniture, Fixtures, and Decor

You can negotiate with the seller which appliances, pieces of furniture, fixtures, and decorations you would like included or removed. As a rule, anything that is bolted down is considered a home fixture and stays in the property, unless you prefer to upgrade it.Some luxury homes are sold fully furnished and, in some instances, are fitted out with made-to-measure furniture. You might want to take note of customized pieces and make an offer to buy these, instead of having to have new ones made later.If you love the decor and find interesting furniture and decorative pieces you’d like to have in your future home, you can make an offer for the pieces that you’d want to keep.

Pre-Move In-Home Cleaning

If repairs were made on the property after you accept the offer, chances are it will need a thorough cleaning to remove any dust and debris left behind. The real estate company can find a contractor for your move-in cleaning requirements and also help you with unpacking your belongings, if you don’t have this included with your movers, to make moving-in faster and you can enjoy your new home right away.In case of an extended close date, make sure the home cleaning company also offers storage services. This way, you have a unit to store your belongings until you can move into your new home.We’ll help you negotiate these things with the seller to ensure that you’re potential new home is on par with your standards.

We Make it Easy for You

Finding and buying your dream home can be tedious, but if you work with an experienced team of real estate experts like Cami Jones Collaborative, you can make it a wonderful and enjoyable experience. After all, the memories you’ll be making in your new home start from when you first set foot in it and fall in love with it.If you’re looking for a luxury home in Kansas and would like to have a hassle-free and smooth buying experience, we’ll make it happen for you. Call us at (913) 402-2550 or fill out our secure form to book an appointment today.

The past year has seriously impacted many facets of normal life, but there is a silver lining. Historically low mortgage rates across the country have emboldened people to buy their own homes. The increased interest in becoming homeowners started in February 2020. A whopping 84 percent of Americans revealed they wanted to become homeowners rather than mere renters.Thanks to cheap mortgage rates, the dreams of aspiring homeowners in America can now become a reality.If you live in Kansas City, you are in an excellent position to look for a place to settle down. The real estate market of the city reveals that it’s a bustling metropolis surrounded by suburbs, and the cost of living is 3 percent lower than the national average. However, you’ll still need to be discerning, especially if you’re out looking for your very first home.Here is a practical and comprehensive checklist you can consult whenever you’re viewing houses personally or digitally.

1. The Neighborhood

Kansas City is home to some of the best neighborhoods in the state, but not every community has the same features. The real estate agent’s adage “location, location, location” cannot be any more true. You can make as many changes as you can to your home, but changing your entire neighborhood is significantly more challenging. When looking for your new house, factor in the following considerations before coming to a decision.

• Proximity

Determine how physically close and accessible the neighborhood is to places that matter to you the most. Most people determine the neighborhood they’ll live in by finding out how long it takes to get from their prospective home to their workplace. You could also check how close the community is to significant people in your life like family members.

• Accessibility

Aside from its physical location, you need to consider how accessible the neighborhood is to various forms of transportation. Are there enough roads and highways around the neighborhood so that you can avoid traffic jams? Does it have a robust public transport system, like buses or trains? What are the conditions of these thoroughfares? Remember that sometimes increased accessibility can lead to some detrimental factors, like increased noise and pollution.

• Schools

Your home’s location will also dictate which school districts your children can enroll in. Real estate agents will usually provide this information to you but be prepared to do your own research. What sort of praise has schools in the district garnered? What are their facilities like? Can you envision sending your children to these schools?

• Amenities

There are plenty of amenities and essentials every home needs within driving distance. These include hospitals and healthcare providers as well as entertainment options. Are there nearby parks where kids and pets can play? How far away are the hospitals and how quickly can they get to your home in case of an emergency? Are there public amenities like libraries nearby? All these buildings and structures can be important in the long run.

2. The Structure

After you’ve considered the neighborhood thoroughly, you should begin assessing the structure of the house itself.

• Integrity

Your first concern should be the strength of the home itself. Ask your real estate agent if the house has been damaged recently, such as by a fire or a flood. These things can undermine the integrity of the building, even if you repair them. How is the ground the building is standing on? Is it swampy or flood-prone? How old is the house? Homes older than 20 years could have lots of lead in the pipes and paint, which can be detrimental to your health.

• The Bathroom

Your next order of business is to check the home’s bathrooms. For starters, are there enough of them for your entire household? If you’re only one or two people, one bathroom should be enough. But for larger households, you may need as many as two or three. You can then check on the fixtures. Are they functional? Are the designs to your liking? Does it have both hot and cold water?

• The Attic and Basement

After you’re done exploring the bathrooms, you need to look past the main floors. Often, home tours take you around the visible areas of the property, but you should also invest some time in looking at the attic and basement. These areas can sometimes hold important structural features like the boilers, foundation, and insulation. Check these areas for signs of damage or room for improvement. It always pays to look behind the curtains, so to speak.

• The Kitchen

The kitchens should be your next destination, especially if you’re culinarily inclined. Ask the agent what kind of stoves the property uses: gas or electric? Either choice will have a large effect on your utility bills. How is the kitchen laid out? Does it have enough room for future alterations like new appliances? Are the countertops stable and made of food-friendly material? How about the lighting? Are there any exhaust hoods over the range and smoke alarms over the stoves?

• Storage Space

Never underestimate the value of excellent storage spaces. This may seem like a concern primarily for people who live in the middle of cities, but it’s invaluable in a first home. If you’re planning on settling down in the community for good, you’ll need plenty of closets you can use to store your objects. Then assess the cabinet situations in the kitchen and bathrooms. The basement and attics are also prime storage space if properly secured against the elements.

• The Yard and Garden

Once the interior of the house is to your liking, you can now proceed to tour the exterior. Unlike the inside of the structure, it’s easier to alter these aspects of the property. However, major renovations and improvements can be quite costly. For example, are there any large trees in the yard? Do they pose significant damage to the home in case of a storm? Are the plants in the yard dangerous? Some decorative plants can look beautiful but are poisonous to pets or children. Make sure to voice these concerns, so you can avoid being surprised when you’ve made your purchase.

3. Other Features

There is also a plethora of other features you’ll want to factor into your final decision. These factors can be just as important as the neighborhood and structural features, so keep track of them.

• The Design

It may seem trivial, but sometimes you look at a house and immediately feel like you don’t agree with the design. Perhaps you’re not crazy about the Victorian wraparound porch or you don’t envision yourself living in a ranch-style home. Because it can be extremely expensive to recreate an entire home’s design, you’re better off choosing a home with a design you already like.

• Outdoor Features

Does the property have lots of external features like a gazebo or a fountain? Do you enjoy these features? If not, are they simply jacking up the price of the property? Consider outdoor features carefully, especially if they require regular maintenance, like swimming pools or fountains.

• Technological Upgrades

An increasing number of homes are coming with these types of improvements, ostensibly to improve their utility. Does the house come with its own security system or intercom devices? Maybe it has its own home theater set up, with projector and surround sound? Make sure you like these upgrades and get the details of their maintenance from the agent.

4. The Price

The final factor you should always consider and feature in your house hunting checklist is the price. When you get all the information, from the state of the neighborhood to the structural features present, find out if the property is worth the price. No one wants to overpay on anything, least of all real estate.What price do you set for the property you want and how much more over it are you willing to go? Weighing the value of the house against its amenities and features is always a must. You should also determine if it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market because this will tell you if you’re going to save money or not. Properties in a seller’s market tend to be overpriced whereas homes in a buyer’s market are typically underpriced.Keeping this list of factors to consider close at hand can help you find the home you’ve been dreaming of sooner than you think.

Cami Jones can help you find your dream home!

The search for the perfect home can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be! Keeping a level head, knowing what you want, and knowing how much you want to pay for your home are vital to purchasing the perfect residence. Of course, it is equally important that you have an experienced real estate agent on your side.The real estate experts at Cami Jones Collaborative have been helping our clients find their dream homes for years. We have plenty of property listings that can satisfy your checklists and maybe even become your new home. Give us a call at (913) 521-5584 to start your buyer’s journey today!

Take a look at our buying, selling, and relocation services!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]You are probably here because got a new job and want to know how to plan for your big relocation to Kansas City. Well, we have put together a very comprehensive relocation checklist for you to use so you can get here and start your new life!At Cami Jones Collaborative, we pride ourselves on being experts in real estate and all things Kansas City, so if you have any additional questions after you look over the checklist below, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#d70080″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Start: 8 Weeks Before Your Move

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]8 weeks out from a big move is close but you can’t exactly start packing everything up just yet. What you can do is start figuring out your moving plan so that when the time comes, you are ready to roll![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_column_text]1. Create a moving folder in Google Drive to keep all of the information you need organized.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]2. Find out how much house you can realistically afford. Click here for more information on figuring out your real estate budget.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]3. Create a budget for your moving expenses. What is the company paying for and what will you have to pay for? This is the time to ask HR or a supervisor about relocation packages![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]4. Start researching schools and neighborhoods in the area. Make sure you obtain records from your kids’ current school to take to their new school. Feel free to use our Kansas City Neighborhood Guide to help you narrow down your search![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]5. Request time off for a visit to the city. This will give you a chance to see your new office and visit different areas in person. Depending on your company policy, you may also want to request off a day or two for the actual move while you are at it![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]6. Sell, de-clutter and donate things you don’t want or need anymore. This is a great opportunity to purge all of that junk that has accumulated over the years![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#d70080″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

6 Weeks Before Your Move

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Okay, 6 weeks before your move date is when you can really dig in and start working out some of the bigger details relating to your relocation![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_column_text]1. Contact a realtor in the area and start putting together a house-hunting plan. Your realtor may suggest that you save a few houses online that you would like to see and ask you what your priorities are when it comes to buying a home. Schedule a weekend before your move to go look at the homes you are interested in. Make sure you take this house hunting checklist with you![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]2. Get quotes from moving companies or truck rental pricing if you are going the DIY route and reserve or schedule them for your move date(s). If you do hire a moving company, make sure that they are licensed and insured by verifying their DOT number.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]3. Start collecting boxes (grocery and liquor stores generally have a ton that they can give you) and packing your non-essential items. This could include that china set that you use twice a year, seasonal clothing, pictures and knick-knacks, etc. Don’t forget to label your boxes![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]4. If you are moving across the country, have your vehicle serviced.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]5. Perform minor home/apartment repairs. Touching up paint, tightening up hardware screws, etc.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#d70080″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

4 Weeks Before Your Move: The Countdown Continues

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]4 weeks until your move and you are killing it! Now is the time to really start getting those ducks in a row.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_column_text]1. If you haven’t found a home yet, look into your temporary housing options. You may need to rent a storage unit to hold all of your non-essentials while you continue looking for a new home. A lot of apartment buildings will allow you to rent from month to month. The company that is relocating you may cover temporary housing costs so make sure you ask them about that![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]2. Buy clothes that are climate-appropriate. If you are moving to Kansas City from somewhere warm like Miami, look into expanding your wardrobe to include jackets, sweaters, boots, and a heavy coat – especially if you are moving during the colder months.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]3. Start collecting boxes (grocery and liquor stores generally have a ton that they can give you) and packing your non-essential items. This could include that china set that you use twice a year, seasonal clothing, pictures and knick-knacks, etc. Don’t forget to label your boxes![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]4. If you are moving across the country, have your vehicle serviced.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]5. Perform minor home/apartment repairs. Touching up paint, tightening up hardware screws, etc.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#d70080″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

2 Weeks Before Your Move: Almost There!

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]You are almost there! Here is what you need to take care of 2 weeks before your move.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_column_text]1. Change your address on USPS.gov. You can leave your forwarding address with a neighbor or your property manager to ensure you get all of your mail. If you have to stick it out in temporary housing for a few weeks, you can put a hold on your mail and pick it up at the post office once you are settled in at a permanent address![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]2. Use up the food in your freezer. You won’t want to move these food items and you paid good money for them. Get creative and find recipes that you can incorporate your freezer food into.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]3. Instruct your current utility company to disconnect services the day after your move and direct your new utility company to install services at least a day before you arrive.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]4. Alert your bank, credit card companies and other important parties about your move. If you have your new address, have them update it in their system.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]5. Find important documents and make sure you know where they are when you get to your new home – this will save you a lot of headache in the long-run. I.e. social security cards, birth certificates, tax documents, passports, etc.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]6. Cancel gym memberships and update your address for any subscriptions you are signed up for that do automatic delivery.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#d70080″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Moving Week Checklist

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]All of your hard work is about to pay off. Now we have come to moving week. This will likely be the most stressful point in your move, but we are here to help you plan and get through it![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_column_text]1. Finish packing and clean as the boxes stack up[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]2. Pack and essentials bag or box. This will contain everything you will need when you arrive so you aren’t digging through boxes looking for important items. Pack clothes for a few days, toiletries, favorite toys and games – pretty much anything you know you and/or your family cannot live without for more than a day or two.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]3. Use up the remaining food in your fridge or see if you can donate it to a local food pantry[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]4. Do a final walk through at the end of the week. Reserve a small box for extra things that you might have missed while packing and clean up any sneaky messes you find.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#d70080″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Moving Day is Here!

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]You finally made it. Moving day has arrived and you have done an amazing job preparing to move to your new city so. Set your alarm, get a coffee and get ready to start loading up the truck.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_column_text]1. Put valuables and important documents into a secure bag that you keep with you in the car.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]2. Show the movers (no matter if they are a company or friends) around and supervise the loading of the truck.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]3. Tip the movers who will not be along for the ride after the truck is loaded. If friends are your movers, reward them with pizza![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]3. If you plan to be in the car for a while, make sure you get gas and some snacks for the road.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#d70080″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The experts at Cami Jones & Company know and love Kansas City. Our relocation specialists are here to help you! Let our team help you find the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood. Give us a call today!  You can reach our team at 913.521.8806.  Want to come and see us? Our office is conveniently located at 5000 W. 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]