Moving to a new home
while your old one is still on the market adds an extra level of
challenges during the buying/selling process. But that doesn't mean
you can't easily manage your previous home while you're moving on.
What do you need to know about moving with an old and new home? Take
a look at the ways that you can keep your initial investment safe.
In 2016, the rate of
property crimes in the United States topped 118 per every 1,000
households, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. If
your home doesn't already have an existing alarm, considering adding
one before your final move day. This is the first step to prevent a
property victimization while your home is vacant.
When you spend the
day moving boxes out of the house and into the truck, you basically
tell anyone who drives or walks by that your house is soon to be
vacant. This gives potential burglars an easy target. An incognito
move or one done under the cover of darkness isn't reasonable. But if
a wood-be thief sees that you have an alarm set up, they may stay
away. Most security companies will provide you with a sign or window
sticker to notify others that the building comes equipped with an
alarm.
If your neighbors
know you're moving, they can be a first-line resource against
potential problems once your home is vacant. If you're close to your
neighbors, talk to them early on in the moving process. This gives
you time for a few different asks. For example, if you need help
packing or moving furniture/boxes, now is the time to ask your
neighbors.
Along with help for
the move itself, ask your neighbors to watch out for your old home.
Depending on your comfort level, consider giving your neighbor a
spare key. They can check up on your home every few days, making sure
that there are no interior problems. If you don't feel comfortable
handing over a key, ask a neighbor to call or text you if they see an
intruder, damage, or something else that's suspicious.
Now that you have a
second mortgage and move-related expenses to pay, the sooner you
unload your first house the better. But you still need to take care
of your old home, which includes landscaping expenses.
Curb appeal sells
houses. An overgrown yard presents two problems. An unkempt yard
lowers the curb appeal, which makes it more difficult to sell your
home.
Also, while a messy
yard looks bad to potential buyers, iit has the opposite effect on
potential burglars. Grass that's growing wild, bushes that are
jagged, and flower beds filled with weeds are obvious sign that the
house is vacant - making it a prime target.
A landscaper can
stop by at your request to mow the grass and declutter the yard. Try
to set a regular schedule so you don't have to worry about an unkempt
yard and the potential consequences.
Smart home features
are major selling points. Even though you're moving and won't use
these features, the next owner may pay more for a house that comes
equipped with them. Along with adding value to your home, these
features can protect it after you've moved:
-
Smart
thermostat. An empty, hot house is a recipe for warped wood and
other potential problems. A smart thermostat allows you to set the
indoor temperature remotely, get interior environmental information
while you're away, and create a money-saving on/off routine for your
heater or air conditioner.
-
Doorbell
sensor. If you don't have a security system, or you want added
protection, a doorbell sensor allows you to see anyone who
approaches your house.
-
Smart lights.
Periodically turning the lights on makes it look like someone's
home. Instead of using an old-style timer, a smart system allows you
to remotely control the lighting.
Consider also adding
smart or timed features to your home's exterior. Outdoor smart lights
or motion sensor lighting can prevent a break-in or vandalism.
Are you ready to
sell and buy? Or are you struggling maintaining your old home after
you have moved to a new one? Contact us at Heritage
Realty & Insurance
for more information.
