Tag: lake homes

Florida’s Lakes and Lake Communities – Kissimmee, Avon Park and Inverness Areas

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Central Florida’s more than 150 lakes and lake communities are perfect havens for those buyers who crave the peace and calm of traditional lake living but enjoy the conveniences of urban life.

Photo courtesy of Pikist

Perhaps the state’s best-kept secret, these lakes and lake communities boast well over $1 billion in real estate!

The Kissimmee, Avon Park and Inverness areas of Central Florida alone is home to nearly $153 million across approximately 380 listings.

Kissimmee Area

There are nine lakes and lake communities in the Kissimmee area, the largest of which is Lake Tohopekaliga. Part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Lake Tohopekaliga is also known as Lake Toho and is located in Osceola County. This lake boasts an approximately $52 million lake real estate market and covers more than 18,000 miles in surface area.

Lake Toho is located about 30 miles from both Universal Studios Orlando and Disney World, but lake residents don’t have to go much farther than their own backyards to have a good time.

Lake Toho Things to Do:

  • Toho Bass Fishing Adventures: Lake Tohopekaliga is renowned for its largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fishing. Toho Bass Fishing Adventures offers top-notch guide services for lake lovers who dream of landing a trophy-worthy catch. With more than 30 years of professional guide and fishing experience, Toho Bass Fishing Adventures stands by a “no fish, no pay” guarantee and promises anglers the fishing experience of a lifetime.
  • Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours: Experience some of Florida’s most captivating environments by taking a one-hour airboat tour with Wild Willy! Fun for the whole family, airboat tour patrons have the chance to see spotted eagles, alligators, blue herons, and more. And as an added bonus, boaters can take pictures with Willy’s resident alligators as a souvenir.

Avon Park Area

Named by the Creek Indians, Lake Weohyakapka means “walk in water.” This natural, spring-fed lake is part one of 13 lakes in the Avon Park area, and part of the lower Kissimmee Chain of Lakes (despite its location outside the Kissimmee area.) Currently, the lake has a tightened inventory of 55 listings, totaling approximately $3 million in value, and encompasses more than 7,500 acres in Polk County.

Lake Weohyakapka, like Lake Toho, is also known for its excellent bass fishing, but visitors also enjoy birdwatching and hiking in Lake Kissimmee State Park, less than 20 minutes away!

The lake is also convenient to Orlando’s most famous attractions, about an hour from Disney and SeaWorld.

Lake Weohyakapka Things to Do:

  • LEGOLAND: This 150-acre theme park is the largest of its kind in the world. With more than 50 rides and attractions, LEGOLAND spells fun for all. The resort and theme park also features a beach retreat, a water park, NINJAGO® World, a five-story hotel, and more!
  • Bok Tower Gardens: Bok Tower Gardens has been a Central Florida landmark for more than 80 years. The National Historic Landmark is famous for its 205-foot, 60-bell, Singing Tower Carillon, which plays a 30-minute concert twice daily. Bok Tower Gardens also features a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen and edible garden alongside Giant Victoria Water Lilies and countless other flowers and wildlife.

Inverness Area

Part of the Harris Chain of Lakes in Central Florida’s Inverness area, Lake Griffin is located less than an hour from Orlando, three miles outside Leesburg in Lake County. One of 15 lakes in the area, this 9,430-acre lake’s real estate market currently boasts more than $13 million in listings.

Due to its healthy population of alligators, there is no swimming allowed on Lake Griffin; however, kayaking, canoeing, and pontoon boat tours are permitted.  Off the water, there are plenty of things for visitors and residents to do. These include visiting the state’s 400-year-old Live Oak Tree and the nearby WWII history museum!

Lake Griffin Things to Do:

  • The Grand Oaks Carriage Museum: At the Grand Oaks Carriage Museum, visitors take a step through time. This museum features collectible cars and carriages, illustrating how transportation has evolved through the years and impacted society as we know it. The Grand Oaks Resort, which houses the museum, also offers dining, equestrian competitions, and more.
  • Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe: Home to nearly 200 wines and beers, Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe is located in downtown Leesburg. Shop the shop’s unique adult beverage selection or sit and enjoy a glass on site! And on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, Two Old Hags serves light lunch fare.

Not convinced yet that Florida is the next best place to call home? Check out “Florida’s Lakes and Lake Communities – Orlando and Lakeland/Winter Haven Areas” for more about the state’s many amazing lake markets!

Company Growth: Lake Homes Realty Now Working from Top to Bottom of U.S.

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Lake Homes Realty is now operating in Maine, Florida and Michigan, bringing the company’s market footprint into 18 states!

“Entering these states has been a milestone of Lake Homes Realty,” said company CEO Glenn S. Phillips. “This is really an exciting time for our brokerage.”

This expansion is driven by the Inc. 5000 company’s aspirations for opening operations in 10 new states within the year, a goal that was announced at Lake Homes Realty’s 2017 annual Agent Summit.

Lake Homes Realty company growth brings brokerage into 18 states.

It would appear the company is well on its way to reaching that goal, if having added five more states to their footprint since this time last year is any indication of Lake Homes Realty’s successful expansion.

The company began its accent up the eastern coast last year with the addition of operations in Pennsylvania and New York.

With Maine operations now open, Lake Homes Realty extends into the country’s north-most part.

And with further expansion into Michigan and Florida, Lake Homes Realty is now working from the top to the bottom of the eastern United States.

“We able to better serve our lake real estate sellers, buyers and our own agents with each state we enter,” Phillips said. “We have seen success in the markets we are already established, and we look forward to seeing the same in Michigan, Maine and Florida.”

Lake Listings are Live!

Phillips emphasized lake listings in these new markets are live now on LakeHomes.com, the core of the Lake Homes Realty business model.

The site provides a one-stop shop for lake homes and land, currently featuring more than 65,000 properties. In the last year alone, more than 2 million people have made use of the site and its features.

“What’s so exciting about our company is that we are a national brokerage, and because of this we are currently able to pull lake real estate listing data from almost 100 MLSs across the country to provide the most comprehensive collection of lake property in local markets,” said Phillips.

In this way, the site is tailored to cater to the niche market’s unique buyers and sellers.

“Niche real estate markets, like lake real estate, are different from traditional markets in that buyers and sellers are looking for a specific type of property,” Phillips explained. “LakeHomes.com facilitates an easier and more convenient shopping experience for these potential clients.”

Though Lake Homes Realty has a strong online component, Phillips reinforced the company’s belief in the power of local agents and the importance of marrying that power with the power of technology.

“A combination of those two key components is critical for success as a real estate company, and we can’t wait to see what great new agents and success our journeys in Maine, Florida and Michigan will bring.”

Owning a Pool: Is it Worth it?

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There are many benefits owning a swimming pool. Buyers may see them as an opportunity to make long-lasting memories or a place to throw great summer parties. Pools can even be a great alternative for when going out on the lake isn’t ideal.

For some, however, pools bring to mind bring various safety and maintenance obligations.

While there are many pros to owning a pool, it’s important to acknowledge the cons.

So let’s dive in. Owning a pool: is it worth it, or not?

Children and Safety

When it comes to owning a pool, child safety is at the forefront of every parent’s mind.

Pools that are easily accessible, like uncovered underground pools, present a potentially fatal hazard.

If you’re buying a home with a swimming pool, or are thinking of installing one at your current residence, consider building a fence around it.

Fence posts should be buried and reinforced with concrete for maximum stability.

Younger children, particularly those who cannot swim such as toddlers and crawling babies, are at the highest risk for accidental drowning. To prevent unsupervised access, equip fence your gate with a child-proof latch.

In life, accidents do happen. Babysitters get distracted, moms run to the bathroom and sometimes children are just sneaky. By installing a fence around your pool, you decrease the chances of something happening to someone you love.

No-return investment

Pools are expensive, and sometimes homeowners are unable to earn back the money put into them when their home sells.

Under the right circumstances, a swimming pool can add as much as 7 percent to your home’s value; however, this is more the exception than the rule.

Installation alone can cost more than $30,000. After installation, pool owners must factor in upkeep, seasonal filling/draining and electricity used by the pump and heater.

These reoccurring costs that could potentially add thousands of dollars to your expenses annually.

Additionally, many states require increased liability coverage on homeowner’s insurance when a pool is involved, which can get pretty costly.

According to Dave Ramsey, many buyers see swimming pools not as a luxury but a liability. Instead of thinking of a pool as an investment in your home, Ramsey suggests considering it an investment in your lifestyle.

Health risks

In order to maintain a pool, chemicals must be added to its water.

An average swimming pool should contain sanitizers, oxidizers, water balancers (for pH) and other specialty chemicals like filter cleaners and stain removers.

If not properly handled, these chemicals could cause a variety of medical issues.

Too many, or incorrect amounts of, chemicals can cause poisoning and burns to swimmers’ eyes and skin. Additionally, mishandling concentrated chlorine at above-average amounts can even cause death.

pH levels affect algae and bacteria growth which can also lead to illness.

 

Of course, pools are not all bad.

Their biggest benefit is the joy they can bring to you and your loved ones. But before adding one to your back yard, consider these factors to determine if owning a pool is worth it to you, or not.

 

For more stories on personal swimming pools give our “Brush up on Pool Safety,” and “Long-Term Pool Maintenance” articles a read!

Weatherproof Your Decks and Docks for Longer Life

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Building a deck or dock costs thousands of dollars, why not build it to last?

Though the process of weatherproofing can be costly and time consuming, it can save you in semi-frequent repairs and even reconstruction in the future.

Benefits of weatherproofing

Aside from perhaps an open flame, water is the most dangerous element your wooden structures can be exposed to.

By weatherproofing your deck or boat dock, you can ensure that building materials are protected from the elements as well as organic matter that can weaken the stability of your structure.

Rain water and other moisture can sink into the wood if not sealed properly, causing the material to rot away over time.

Additionally, moisture rich wood tends to mold, which is dangerous to both the integrity of the material and yours and your guests’ health.

Unsealed or non-weatherproof structures are also vulnerable to dry rot  caused by certain fungi. These organisms cause wood to become spongey in composition and therefore, unstable.

Weatherproofing also helps to maintained the aesthetic of your dock or backyard deck by preserving its color and polish.

Disadvantages of weatherproofing

The biggest drawback to weatherproofing your wooden structures is that the process is not a one-time investment.

Most experts recommend resealing decks and docks annually, which means homeowners are looking at a reoccurring maintenance cost.

According to Home Advisor,  higher-end structures can cost upwards of $1800 a year to maintain; however, the article also sites the average person spends around $831 sealing or weatherproofing a deck.

In areas where there is frequent rain or high humidity, homeowners may be looking at repeating this process multiple times a year.  This is especially true in areas such at the lake where structures are regularly subjected to large amounts of water.

Additionally, homeowners should note that clear sealants may need to be reapplied more often than colored ones.

Weatherproofing materials

When it comes to the materials recommended for weatherproofing your boat dock or deck, determine whether you want to use a waterproof stain or sealant, or if you want to bypass normal wood for a synthetic building material.

As previously stated, if buyers chose the first option, a sealant or stain of some kind, they run the risk of costly, annual reapplication. However, this is the more affordable option, especially for smaller or preexisting structures.

A single quart of sealant can cost anywhere from about $8 to more than $50, depending on the brand. For the higher-end material, an amount this size can cover about 240 square feet.

The average deck is approximately 300 to 400 square feet.

The second option would be to build your structure with a non-wood material, such as composite decking.

These boards are made of both plastic and wood fibers, mixed with a number of other additives such as pigments and UV inhibitors. This mixture is then heated to form a sturdy building material that is flame resistance, easier to maintain and fades less easily.

Low-end composite board costs about $4 per square foot, but can exceed $7 per square foot for higher end, more aesthetically pleasing material.

Though the start up cost can be expensive, this product’s longevity paired with reduced maintenance obligations make it an increasingly appealing alternative.

Moving Tips – What to Keep, Sell, or Donate

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When it comes time to move, many people throw everything into boxes, whether it’s their wedding china or the ten take out menus they have from the same Chinese food restaurant. Few people see moving as the perfect opportunity for going through and clearing out their belongings.

This task should be straightforward, direct and uncomplicated.

Keep in mind your new location when making decisions. If you are moving to Texas from Minnesota, you can probably get rid of your snowboard. If you are leaving Florida for Maine, you might want to reconsider packing all 12 of your bikinis.

What to keep

Deciding what to keep is probably the most intuitive of all the categories.

Keep the things you need as essentials. This is the category for the clothes you wear daily, furniture that fits your new environment and your keepsakes.

This category also includes your kitchen items, such as pots and pans and your silverware. If you have 40 forks, you may want to donate a few. If you have two sets of dishes or cooking ware, don’t pack the second set.

It’s important you pick these items carefully to ensure that your choices are wide-ranging enough to cover all your needs in your new home.

What to sell

Generally, these are the luxury items like the recliner that won’t fit into your new living room or the bed from your guest room that you may no longer need.

You can also sell clothes that no longer fit or that you don’t wear anymore. Also consider selling your shoes, unused lawn equipment and tools, and the kitchen items previously mentioned.

Online sites like Letgo and Facebook allow you to post pictures of the items you’re selling. With each image, provide a description of the item for sale, its condition and the selling price. You can also list the price as negotiable and extend your buyer audience to reach miles from your location.

Yard sales and friend-to-friend exchanges are also ways to earn money off the things that won’t be making the move.

What to donate

Any clothing or items in good condition that you either no longer need or want to replace should be donated.

Donate whatever you can’t sell. Items that have use value can be important items for those in need.

The Salvation Army and Goodwill both accept donations. Additionally, they can provide you with receipt of donation for tax purposes.

Donating is a great way to de-clutter while giving back to the community.

On your next move, be sure to consider going through your belongings to lighten your load, and check out our other moving tips in our “Moving on a Budget” and “Make the Process Easy” posts!

Important Questions to Ask Your Potential Neighbors

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Get to know your future neighbors before you buy with these three important questions.

Congratulations on finding the perfect lake home!

You’ve talked to your agent, the listing agent and even the sellers to get as much information as possible on the average cost of living in the area, the neighborhood and the homeowner’s association.

By now, you are probably thinking there can’t possibly be any more questions to be answered, but not so fast.

Before buying a home, it is always a good idea to talk to your prospective neighbors. They could be a potential source of invaluable information.

So before you dot the I’s and cross those T’s, consider asking your neighbors-to-be these important questions:

How long have you lived here?

The answer to this question may be simple, but you can learn a lot from how long someone has lived in the neighborhood.

If the neighbors have lived in the area for a number of years, they can speak to how the neighborhood has changed and can give insight into the benefits and disadvantages of living in the area, such as a strict HOA.

These neighbors can also give an indication about how long people typically live in the area by pointing out how many new faces they’ve seen come and go in the time they have resided there. You might ask if residents are year-round or seasonal, as well.

In this conversation you could also ask if the neighborhood holds any annual events such as holiday boat parades or a Memorial Day cookout.

How often is crime reported in the area?

Lake houses are frequently bought as second or vacation homes, which means they are not lived in year-round.

Because they are often unoccupied, it is exceptionally important to know how often police and other first-responders are called to the neighborhood.

Prospective neighbors can give you a sense of whether police are called on a regular basis for issues of burglary, theft and vehicle-related crimes.

Frequent police visits are often a red flag for buyers; however, a neighborhood that is NEVER visited may not be the best thing either.

Ask the residents how frequently officers patrol the neighborhood. In neighborhoods where residents are seasonal, regularly scheduled patrols can provide some peace of mind that owners’ properties are being looked after.

What is your favorite and least favorite things about living here?

Whether they have lived there for two years or 20, your potential neighbors will have their fair share to say about what it’s like to live in the area.

By asking this question, you could learn about how everyone in the neighborhood gets along, what the noise levels are like, and if the community is kid friendly or not.

Neighbors could also tell you if the area floods, if the neighborhood is subject to power outages and some of the HOA rules and regulations.

Is there anything I should know about this home?

Finally, be sure to ask your neighbors-to-be if there is anything out of the ordinary you should know about the home you are looking to buy.

Of course, some people want to know if the house is said to be haunted or if anyone has died there.

But more seriously, current neighborhood residents can tell you whether the home was lived in long-term or if it has had many owners.

Additionally, you can learn if the current owners ever had issues with areas of the house flooding, electrical problems, how their lawn was cared for, etc.

Prospective neighbors can be invaluable sources of information. So before you buy, be sure to get to know the neighborhood by getting to know the neighbors.

For more home buying advice, take a look at our “5 Questions Before Choosing a Lake Home” and “Questions to Ask about Your Local HOA Before Buying” articles!

Smart Home Tech for Seniors

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Smart gadgets for your home are becoming more and more commonplace. But homeowners don’t have to be tech gurus to make smart updates to their homes, especially those who are reaching  retirement age.

The”aging in place” movement emphasizes how smart home improvements can help the baby boomer generation save money, time, and energy though simple smart home improvements.

See how your life can be made easier, safer and greener with these handy smart home gadgets!

Ecobee Smart Thermostat

Ecobee devices work by monitoring outdoor, indoor and body temperatures through sensors placed throughout the home.

These sensors help regulate room temperatures based on occupancy by detecting temperature changes caused by people entering or exiting a space.

Through this technology, the Ecobee smart thermostat saves consumers an average of 23 percent on energy bills annually, according to the company’s website.

Like many modern thermostats, Ecobee can be set to kick on when residents are expected to be home and off when they are away.

Unlike traditional devices however, temperature readings and activity reports can be accessed remotely through Ecobee’s smartphone app.

Homeowners can also control temperature settings from the app as well as receive energy conservation reports and system alerts at no additional cost.

Most Ecobee systems are compatible with smart hubs like Amazon Alexa, Echo and Samsung SmartThings and can be installed without the help of an electrician.

Ecobee home systems start at $169.

For more product information and pricing, visit the Ecobee smart thermostat website here.

Roomba and Braava Cleaning Systems by iRobot

iRobot is making the “self-cleaning home” dream a reality with their Roomba automatic vacuums.

Each system features the iRobot patented three-stage cleaning technology, which “loosens, lifts and suctions dirt” from all floor types and can run for 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the model.

All Roomba vacuums are wifi compatible, with the exception of the base model, Roomba 614. Wifi connection allows users to schedule cleaning times, pause cleaning and keep the device up to date with the latest operating system.

These hands-free cleaners use sensors to make 60 decisions per second to detect dirt, cleaning paths and obstacles to avoid while operating. Such obstacles include furniture, toys, and corners of the room.

The Roomba’s companion, iRobot’s “Braava,” combines the basic components of the vacuum with Swifter-like elements to provide homeowners with an automatic broom and mop system.

Braava offers two devices, the jet and 300 series, which can perform wet mopping, damp or dry sweeping and can clean spaces 200 square feet to 1000 square feet in size.

A complete list of models and performance capabilities can be found at irobot.com.

Lutron Automatic Lights

Lutron products are all about conserving energy and saving money. Simply installing one of the company’s motion activated lighting controls can help homeowners cut annual energy costs by 20 to 60 percent.

Lutron’s Maestro occupancy/vacancy sensors detect motion through temperature changes and ultrasonic sound waves upon one’s entering or exiting a room.

As changes and motion are detected, wall or ceiling sensors will trigger the light.

Spaces to consider installing motion sensors include closets, bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens, where lights are frequently lit while not in use.

Maestro sensors can typically be installed without the help of a professional and can be found online or at most major hardware stores starting at $20.

Discover how Lutron can make a difference in your home by visiting their products page here.

Protecting Your Pets: Animal Safety While Showing Your Home

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Not all loved ones walk on two legs.

In 2017, the ASPCA reported 78 million dogs and 85.8 million cats were owned as pets in the U.S.; and that doesn’t even include the birds, reptiles and a large number of other animal kept by Americans! In fact, nearly 68 percent of the country’s population owns at least one pet.

Just as important as keeping your human family safe, is the safety of your pets, especially when your home is on the market.

Try these expert tips for protecting your pet family members next time your home is being shown.

Stretch their legs

One of the biggest issues with showing a home with pets is the potential for these pets be let loose by mistake, whether from the house or yard.

A way to prevent this from happening is simply to remove your pet from the house while showings are taking place.

For some, this may be as easy as taking the dog for a walk around the neighborhood, if not with you, then with a neighbor or trusted friend.

The average showing takes about 30 minutes to complete.

This is plenty of time for you and your fur baby to stretch your legs and take in the scenic views of your lake while potential buyers check out your home.

This is also a great time to take your pup to the dog park, where he or she can run and play with other dogs instead of going on a solitary outing.

Your pet will be happy for the exercise, and your potential buyers will be happy to tour your home without distraction.

Post Friendly Reminders

For others, like cat, bird and reptile owners, going for a walk isn’t really practical.

Cat owners especially experience pet safety problems when showing their homes because doors are not always closed in a timely manner.

An easy way to ensure your cat doesn’t get let outside is to post signs on all the doors, kindly reminding guests that the cat is not to be let out.

These reminders should be easily read and featured at eye level on the backs of front, rear and garage doors. Reminders should also be posted on the front side of each of these doors.

By doing this, potential buyers and agents are kept mindful of your pet’s presence and well-being.

Additionally, reminders can be hung from bird, reptile and small mammal cages.

Though it is unlikely that someone would willingly open one of these, accidents do happen. Having reminders placed where they can be seen easily will also serve to keep guests aware of your animals’ safety.

Crate or Relocate

Some smaller dogs and cats can be crated while a home is being shown.

If going with this option, it may be beneficial to put the crate in a less trafficked area like a bathroom, guest bedroom, or garage.

In these areas, your pet is less likely to experience any undue stress or disruption. It may be a good idea to also cover crates or carriers with a blanket or something similar.

Additionally, posting a note on the cage or carrier asking potential buyers and agents to not disturb the animal will help keep your pet from unnecessary handling or attention.

It is also a good idea to let guests know that an animal is being kept in a certain area of the house.

This can be achieved by alerting the showing agent prior to the showing, putting a note on the front door of the house or by putting a sign in the area of the house where the pet is being kept.

For larger animals, animals with particularly strong odors or animals who make a lot of noise it is best to relocate while a home is being shown.

One potential solution is to enlist the help of a friend, family member or neighbor.

While the house is on the market, your fur, feather and scaly babies can stay with these people at their homes and in their care.

By leaving your pet in the care of someone you know, you can ensure they are properly taken care of, and most importantly loved.

Pet-cation

If finding someone you know to take care of them is not possible, there is still one last, more unfavorable option, and that is sending your animal family member on a vacation.

While it is certainly difficult to be apart from your pet for any extended period of time, for some, this is the best option.

Sellers who utilize this option include those who travel a lot for work, who are temporarily residing elsewhere while their home is on the market, and for sellers who are vacationing outside the state or country.

There are many animal resorts and spas your pet can enjoy. These facilities offer short and long-term boarding, pet grooming and other pet care services.

If you decide this is the best option for you and your pet, be sure to do your research about the best facilities in your area and any boarding requirements they may have.

For more tips, look to this expert list of things you should do before you board.

Paws, and Review

A few final things to consider when showing a home with pets include not keeping animals outside, chained up, or loose in the home or garage.

No matter the option you think is right for you, at the end of the day, your pets’ safety, happiness and well being is what matters most.

For more Lake Homes Realty pet news, feel free to read our Pet Travel, Invisible Fence and Must-Have Dog Toys articles.

Most Commonly Forgotten Moving Tasks

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Moving can be a stressful affair.

From closing on the property, packing, transporting, unpacking and everything in between, it is easy to forget some of the most important jobs associating with a move.

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with these most commonly missed moving tasks to help ensure your next move goes a little more smoothly.

Address Change

Putting a change of address is something a lot of people, surprisingly, forget.

In the past, residents would have to go to the post office to file a formal change of address. Today, address changes can be filed from the comfort of your own home.

Though the task can be completed after you have moved, it may be easier for you to get your mail squared away before leaving your old address.

On your phone, laptop or tablet, visit the U.S. Postal Service website where there is an easy and quick change of address form.

The form provides spaces to put your new address and when mail should start being forwarded to that address. You can also mark whether the residence will be permanent or temporary.

A lake home that serves as your primary residence in the summer qualifies as a temporary change of address.

Contact Utility Companies

When moving into a new home, your utilities will need to either be canceled or transferred. This depends on where your new home is located.

Some companies only operate in certain areas so it is important to determine whether your current provider services your new address.

If not, these companies may be able to provide an alternative servicer in the area to whom you can take your business.

In the event that information cannot be provided, websites like InMyArea provide databases of service providers that serve your zip code.

It may also be possible, if your new home is part of a homeowner’s association, that a list of preferred companies is provided.

Before cancelling your utilities and your current address, it is a good idea get final readings and reports to keep for your personal records.

This is the time to settle up any unpaid balances with these companies, as well.

Also, you should strive for utilities such as water, electric and gas to be connected at your new residence on the same day.

Smoke Detectors and Emergency Exits

Once in your new home, check that all smoke detectors are in working order. Be sure to check that all batteries have been changed.

Additionally, discuss a fire escape plan with your family. This discussion should include determining a family meeting place and what to pack in an emergency go-bag.

Change the Locks

High on the priority list is changing the locks.

Though this may seem trivial, your family’s safety is number one. You never know how many people have copied keys to your new home.

Protect yourself and your loved ones by eliminating the chance that the previous owners, or other unwelcome guests, might try to gain reentry into the house.

Update Important Documents

It is important to ensure that all significant documents are updated with your new address as soon as possible.

These documents include your diver’s license, voter and car registration, insurance, student loans and professional memberships or licensing boards.

Subscription service services and mailing lists should be updated, as well.

Moving into the next home of your dreams may be a little nerve wracking, but checking these items off your to-do list will help ease that stress, even if only by a little.

Try reading our “Tips to Make the Moving Process Easy” and “Moving on a Budget” articles for more advice and tips.