http://gjhomesbyrhonda.com/blog/categoryname_moving/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ Moving is already a strenuous task, but when you have furry family members to move too, it can get complicated.  Your pets don’t know what is happening and it is up to you to make the transition as easy and carefree as possible for them.  Continue reading for some quick tips on moving with animals.You need to decide what form of travel you are going to take for the big move.  If it is within driving distance, probably better to transport your pets that way.  If it is too long to drive, get familiar with the rules and regulations of flying with pets with the airline you choose.  Depending on your pets’ feelings of riding in a car, it can either be fine, or you may want to get them used to the idea of being in the car for an extended period of time.  If you are going to put them in a kennel for the drive, start by adjusting them to the kennel, (we talk more about this adjustment period below) then easing them into the idea of riding in the car in the kennel.  Put them in the kennel and drive around a few times before you move. See how they react and notice ways you can help comfort them more. Provide food and water for the final journey and make sure to have several pit stops for them.  If you do end up flying, check your airlines website for their rules on flying with pets. Usually, smaller pets will be allowed to fly in a carrier under your seat on the plane, but larger dogs will be required to take the flight in the cargo area.  The cargo area is pressure and temperature controlled, so no need to worry there. You do want to make sure you are traveling in the spring or fall because airlines will not allow pets on the flight if during travel they expect temperatures above 85° or below 45°.  Some airlines may require up-to-date vaccinations and such, so be prepared with your paperwork for this request as well.Your pets can read your mood, so during this time, try to remain calm during moving difficulties.  If you feel angry or like yelling, take it away from your pet. This time is already stressful enough and for them to have you acting out or being loud, it can make them even more anxious.  You want to soothe your pet during this time. Speak in soft tones and separate them from the area when moving large objects. You don’t want them to be underfoot when you or your movers are hauling heavy items.  If your move allows you the opportunity, try and do it at a slow pace.  Move a little at a time and move your pets items (dishes, toys, etc.) very last.  This will help with the transition and not make the change so overwhelming for them.  Give them peace with constant affection and maybe some new treats. Animals are very perceptive to changes, so you want to treat them as such during this time. Onto kennel training.  If your pet is already comfortable in a kennel, then you probably don’t need this tip.  Those of you who have animals that are unaccustomed to being in a kennel, read on. Kennels can be very intimidating for animals.  You’ll want it to feel safe and relaxed for them, not like they are in trouble in a cage. Start by putting some sort of bedding in the kennel if it didn’t come with any and then their toys.  Practice kennel training when you are calm and have time to work with them. Reward them for going in their kennel and encourage them to stay in there often. If you feel content about them sleeping in there, try it out for a night.  This will help them understand that the kennel is not something to be scared of, but something to relax in.When the move is finally complete, your pet will need assistance with adjusting to their new surroundings.  Be sure that dishes are set out similar to past situations, so it’s familiar to them. Show them the pet doors and take them for walks often.  Don’t rush animals into their new living area. Let them explore the home and get comfortable, just like you are trying to do. Make sure you have toys and security items out and easily accessible.  Be cautious! If you have an outdoor cat for example, make sure you are ok with them going outside at their leisure before just setting them free. A new neighborhood can be confusing to animals and you want to be sure they don’t try and find their way home (to your old house).  Dogs are notorious for running away when you move because they want to go home, so keep doors closed and check fences for easy outs.Your pets are part of your family too, so you’ll want to be as encouraging as possible.  Remember that they are moving too and that they need reassurance and coddling sometimes as well.  Use these tips to assist in an easier move for both you and your furbaby. http://gjhomesbyrhonda.com/blog/5961/your-guide-to-moving-with-pets/ Mon, 25 Jun 2018 12:00:00 -0700 Selling or buying a home is a big deal.  When you find yourself in the real estate market, you’ll read and hear about all the do’s and don’ts.  But which of these pieces of advice are true and which one are myths? Here are 5 real estate myths you shouldn’t fall prey to.  You will save money when you sell your home yourself.  While some people do gain more from selling their homes by themselves, remember that most of us are not experts in the real estate world.  Most of us never even get to experience selling a home more than a couple times in our life. Hiring a professional real estate agent will help make sure that your home sells smoothly and without major hiccups that would actually lower your net gain.  List your home for higher than market value.  Many people believe that listing their home for higher than the market value will give them a greater return.  In reality, this tactic will leave you with a bigger headache since your home will likely sit on the market for longer and potential buyers will begin to wonder why your home didn’t sell initially.  Remember that buyers are more informed today than ever before and they know what similar homes are selling for.Getting pre-approved doesn’t need to happen until you find your dream home.  Before starting the lengthy home hunting process, take care of getting pre-approved for a mortgage.  You definitely do not want to be in the situation of find out you don’t qualify for a loan or have another buyer snag your dream home before you’re finished getting pre-approved. Do this early on in the process and when it comes time to purchasing your dream home, the process will be significantly smoother.Renovate everything before you sell.  While certain renovations can help you in selling your home, dumping a lot of resources into remodelling the kitchen or bathroom will likely not get you a lot of return.  Buyers usually don’t have the same taste as you, so the brand new kitchen you just designed could get stripped out in a few months time. If you want to renovate, do so when you are still planning on living in the house so that you have the time to enjoy all your hard work.  A home doesn’t need to be ready to sell.  Putting your home on the market before you’ve thoroughly clean it, finished all pre-listing inspections, and properly staged it, might make your home sit on the market for longer.  Like we mentioned above, if your house sits on the market, potential buyers start to wonder what’s wrong with it. Take care of these pre-sell tasks before listing your home and you’ll experience the benefits of selling your home quickly. http://gjhomesbyrhonda.com/blog/5789/5-real-estate-myths-debunked/ Tue, 08 May 2018 12:00:00 -0700 A new survey from Coldwell Banker Real Estate shows the decision maker in the family when it comes to buying a home may not be who you think... It seems as if the children are the ones who get a big say on this major life decision! The article, originally published on Realogy:  The Business of Real Estate, reports on a survey done by Coldwell Banker Real Estate.  The survey was conducted among 2,800 parents from three different generations.  The Millennial parents, Gen X parents and the Boomer parents.  There has been a huge shift of parents involvement in their kids lives in the later generations.  It makes sense that this would be true when it came to decisions such as moving or buying a new home.  Parents today look at these large decisions through the eyes of their kids.  This new parenting style changes the way we think of consumerism. Some interesting findings in the survey:Parents today are more concerned with how moving will affect their kids. Well over half of Millennial and Gen X parents are concerned with the immediate impact moving will have on their children.  This concern of the impact a move will have on their emotional well-being sits above it being a good long-term decision for the family.Parents today also have an increased desire to live near their own parents. Not only do the two recent generations want their kids to be happy, they also want to live near their own mom and dad.  Something the Boomer generation didn't feel as strongly about.  The survey found this to be true for a variety of reasons...having grandparents near to help with childcare as well as to help care for their aging parents.Each generation believes they have more involvement in their children. I think most would agree each generation continues to be more involved in their kids lives. There are plenty of studies out there showing how this will affect the future adults of our society, both good and bad!  The survey found this increased involvement has moved from play dates and day-to-day to bigger picture items like buying a new home.For any parent thinking of buying a new home and making a move it's important to remember the following:Long and short-term impact on your family. As parents we often think of the immediate impact it will have on our children.  This becomes especially true when moving to a new city or neighborhood when the kids will have to start at a new school.  These are important factors, but you have to remember the long-term implications and decide which are more important.Change can be good. Kids are far more resilient than most parents, especially more recent generations, give them credit for.  It may seem scary at first, but children quickly adapt to new things as long as they feel loved and supported by their family.  And to quote the Boomer generation..."what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."Make the decision as an adult. Thinking of your children is natural because parents only want the best for them.  However, as the adult parents need to be the final decision maker because, well, they are the adult.If you are thinking of buying a home, remember our very family friendly agents at The Rhonda Bever Group.  They are sure to help find something to make both parents and kids happy!  http://gjhomesbyrhonda.com/blog/5456/who’s-the-final-decision-maker-when-buying-a-home?/ Wed, 14 Feb 2018 12:00:00 -0700 At a certain point in everyone's life, bribing your friends and family with free beer and pizza becomes insufficient payment for helping you move.  If you've gotten to that point, we have 5 helpful tips… read on...1. Give Yourself TIME Moving day will be here sooner than you expect! It seems like there is never enough time to get it all done – so be sure to start early! If you start off in a rush, you will only end up making things more difficult on yourself along the way. Start early, do little things each day even if the exact move date isn’t yet set in stone. 2. Look for Ways to Save This can be anything from packing boxes yourself rather than paying the movers to do it, or cleaning up your old house rather than hiring a service before you leave. Packing your own stuff can help ensure your things will be safe, while also saving you money. In many cases there is no need to pay for packing supplies if you are doing a DIY move – try hitting up your local appliance, grocery, or department stores to find free boxes! 3. Keep Your Receipts Save receipts for moving boxes, packing services, anything that goes into your move, because these things may be tax deductible. To determine who’s eligible, the IRS has set up two tests. Pass them and you can cash in; fail and you have to eat all the costs of your move. Keep in mind, the IRS lets you take this deduction only if you are moving because of a job. And it doesn’t matter if it’s a new job, the same job or your first job.4. Make a Checklist For the super-organized: make a checklist inventory of your packed items. This will help you know exactly what you’ve got to move, and where it needs to go. If you’ve got a lot of stuff, an itemized list of your things will make for a much easier move; if you are using a moving service this may be essential if items do get lost. 5. Color Coordinate Assign each room in the new house a color, then mark boxes with a sticker or marker in the color of the intended room. This is a great way to save time when it’s time to move everything in – you can even assign each family member their own color responsibilities so they can help with the unpacking! http://gjhomesbyrhonda.com/blog/5384/5-tips-to-take-the-stress-out-of-your-move/ Fri, 19 Jan 2018 12:00:00 -0700