Moving with Pets

smuggling dogs in a suitcase is a crimeIf you are relocating this summer, you are not alone. Millions of Americans move during these four months between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and many of those Americans have pets. A move to your new home can be stressful for you and your family, but even more so for your pets. And a stressed pet makes for an even more stressed family! Often on moving day, the family has so many other things to worry over, the pets become overlooked in the chaos. AllHomesAZ has over 10 years of real estate experience in Arizona, especially in the Phoenix Valley and Tucson area, and know exactly how challenging a move can be for the entire family. We have taken the time to prepare a quick guide for a less stressful transition for both you and your furry family members.

The most important thing you can do when preparing for moving day is to plan ahead. You already know you will need to transport your pet to your new home, so make arrangements before moving day so that there is no confusion as to how they will be traveling. Cats and other small animals will need to be in crates until you are settled into your new home, and dogs should either be in crates or wearing a seatbelt harness while in the car. Arizona weather can be difficult for your pet due to the heat, so be sure to prepare for the hot weather in Tucson and Phoenix. If you are flying, your pet must be in a crate as well if they are too large to sit in your lap. Be sure to contact your airline regarding their pet policies so that you may make proper arrangements and decide if flying is the right decision for your family.

It is also a given that your pet will need certification of their health. This includes their rabies vaccination tags as well as all of their documentation from your vet regarding their health. Most states, especially Arizona, also require you to register your pet, so you will need to make sure that they are up to date in the registry of the state where you will be living. Be sure to keep your pet’s medications on your person when traveling and bring a travel bowl with water and food in order to keep your pet nourished during this time. If the travel to your location cannot be completed in one day’s travel, make sure that the hotel where you will be staying allows pets before you ever start driving. You may even want to make boarding accommodations for your pet for when you arrive in your new town – just for a couple of days. This will help to keep your pet safe through the hustle and bustle of moving into your new home and allow you to focus on helping your pet acclimate to its new environment when you bring them into a home already filled with familiar scents and belongings. There are several great pet-friendly hotels and boarding kennels in Phoenix and Tucson. If you are unable to place the animal in boarding, it is best to keep them locked in an empty room of the house while you move your belongings in.

Remember, your pet does not understand what moving means and will probably be afraid. Be sure to give them plenty of attention and care. We advise placing a sheet over your pet’s crate so as to keep them calm while in a moving vehicle. It is important that the humans remain as calm as possible and do not make a big deal out of the new environment to the pets. By preparing your new home for your pet and retaining a positive and calm demeanor, you ease your pet’s anxiety and make it feel safe. As an extra precaution, do research about the area you are moving into so that you are aware of any dangers the environment may pose to your pet, such as ticks carrying Lyme disease or local rodents with their various contagions. While neither Phoenix nor Tucson have an abundance of ticks or rodents, these animals still do exist in Arizona. Learn the nearest location of an emergency vet well in advance of moving and research veterinarians in the area.

No matter the reason for your move, caring for your family – pets included – is of utmost importance. With proper planning, you can help make your relocation as stress-free and easy as possible. AllHomesAZ is an expert in Arizona Real Estate. We buy houses no matter their condition because we like nothing better than helping Phoenix and Tucson homeowners sell their homes quickly and easily. We can help you sell your current home or help you buy a new one. Give us a call today at 480.227.5214 or visit us online for more information.

Moving Like a Pro: A Guide to a Less Stressful Move

We're moving...again!Moving can be, and usually is, an excruciatingly stressful occasion. There are so many things to worry about and plan that you may feel overwhelmed. This anxiety is normal no matter how many successful moves you have coordinated in the past. AllHomesAZ is based in Phoenix and Tucson and is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau. This handy guide that we have assembled lists the best ways to make your move as hassle-free as possible.

Plan ahead: Write down everything you need to do and form a plan for getting it done. Having a checklist handy will help you remember everything.
Gather supplies: Make sure your checklist includes obtaining a surplus of supplies. You will need more boxes and tape than you possibly think. You will also need a few permanent markers to label the boxes.
Label the boxes: This can be tedious, but it is very important to label each box’s contents and which room they belong in. This will make unpacking much easier.
Purge: While you are packing, make a pile of things you do not use anymore to donate to a local Phoenix or Tucson charity or a thrift store. Not only can you deduct your donation from your taxes, you can clear your new home of unwanted things before they are ever brought in!
When packing:
– Make an overnight bag with everything you and your family will need on your first night in your new home.
– Pack everything that will be needed right away in clear containers so that you can easily find them.
– Wrap breakables in clothing, linens and towels – not only does this save space, but it saves bubble wrap as well
– Place parts and accessories to items which will be taken apart (like furniture screws) in clear plastic bags labeled with marker
Pre-clean: If possible, clean your new home before you officially move. You can also paint before you move, if possible, to make it easier to decorate.
Get babysitting and pet sitting: If you are able, make arrangements for your pets and children to stay with a friend, relative or agency on moving day so that you do not have to worry about them getting lost in the hustle.
Stay organized: be consistent in your labeling so that you spend less time managing the people helping you move on the big day and more time working.
Post-clean: Clean your old residence as soon as you move all of your belongings out. This is especially important if you are renting, as you want to make sure you get your security deposit refunded.
Enjoy your new home!

Haven’t sold your home yet, or perhaps you aren’t sure if listing it on the market is right for you? AllHomesAZ specializes in purchasing homes quickly and for a fair price. We are experts in the Phoenix Valley and Tucson housing markets. Our company provides a great alternative to waiting for a prospective buyer to make an offer and then haggling with them over price of your home. Our representatives can assist you in deciding if selling your Phoenix or Tucson home for cash is a good option for your circumstances. Call or email us at any time.

Buying Homes for cash in Phoenix

We are currently looking for homes in the Phoenix and would love the opportunity to consider yours! Choose your own closing date and don’t worry about any repairs, because we will buy your home as-is!

We offer fair market prices and will pay cash, fast closings with no closing costs to you, no hassles and no repair requests, and no realtor fees!

Call Reed today at 480-227-5214 to set up an appointment for a cash offer on your Phoenix home!

Buying Tucson Homes

If you are wanting to sell your Tucson home quickly and would prefer to have a cash offer, then contact us right away! We can offer you a fast, all cash, quick close deal!

We will pay all closing costs! There are no realtor fees! There are no repair fees, because we buy our homes as-is! We can close on any day that you choose! Do you need cash and need to close now? We can do that! Do you need a few weeks to close? We can do that too!

We would love to have the opportunity to come to your home and offer you a cash price that will be fair, so contact Reed today at 480-227-5214!

A Guide for New Potential Homeowners

Buying your first home can be a very exciting time, yet scary as well. With such a large azhomeinvestment, you should always do your homework before any costly mistakes are made. Here is a step-by-step guide for potential new homeowners.

Situating Finances

First of all, you must assess your finances to determine if you can buy a home, what your budget is and if there will be any red flags when attempting to mortgage. You can check your credit score online for free once a year. After acquiring your score, move to your annual income. When planning for a house, always think in terms of annually and not monthly.

You may be able to scrap your mortgage every month but you want a good deal of “wiggle room” to account for the down payment, renovations, closing costs, taxes and payment for the many contractors which will help you choose the right home (agents and appraisers). A general rule of thumb is that you should be able to offer a 20% down payment. There are also mortgage calculators available online that will determine the minimum you can pay monthly (never go with the maximum).

Assemble Your Team

Since this is your first time buying a home, you will need as much help as possible to assure you make the right decisions. This means acquiring a lender and real estate agent. There are many factors in choosing a lender, so it’s best to shop around for a reputable firm. Lenders give estimates during consultations and, although they aren’t concrete, they give you numbers to compare. You want an established lender who can offer both low rates and reliability. If your agent is late, non-attentive, pushy or, even worse, naïve, then it’s best to go with someone else.

House Shopping

The search for your dream house is the most exciting part of home buying. After determining budget, you must now choose what best suits your needs. Average homes have three to four bedrooms, two baths and a backyard. These might not fit your specific situation but they are the most sellable houses when thinking about a return on investment. Never shop with emotion, because this will cloud your judgment. Just because you love it, doesn’t mean it’s the wisest purchase.

Buyer Vs. Seller Duel

Once you’ve decided on a home that has been given the green light by your team, you can move into negotiations. All homes are priced higher than they sell for. Always look to negotiate, and expect several counter offers before settling somewhere in the middle. Once an amount is agreed upon, a modest money deposit is a good faith gesture that illustrates a serious interest in the property. It is usually credited to the down payment if the offer is accepted by both party lenders.

Mortgaging

Now you must decide on your mortgage program. There are three basic loans:

1. Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) – a short term loan which has a fixed rate for the first years of the term (typically about seven) and then adjusts up or down for the remainder of the agreement. This is meant for those not planning to stay in the house for an extended period of time.

2. Fixed Rate Mortgage – This is the most traditional loan that offers a fixed interest rate for the duration of the loan, usually 15-30 years. In contrast to an ARM, this is for those planning on living in the home for a long period of time and therefore the predictable interest rate favors them in the end.

3. Interest Only Payment – Allows the buyer to pay the interest portion of the homes mortgage for a certain period of time. This frees up cash flow during this time period since paying only interest will lower the payments. This method will take you longer to pay off the principal.

Closing your new home

The final step in the process is the closing. At this point you have decided on the home, negotiated the price and acquired the best mortgage plan. Now you must decide on a deadline, but keep in mind the original owner might not have closed on their new home or you may still have to wait for your lease to end. Once the date is established, closing costs must be settled. This includes loan fees, inspection fees, real estate commission, Deed Stamps, Appraisal fees, taxes and much more. Once this is complete, you are now the proud owners of a new home.

If you’re looking to buy or sell your home, please give AllHomesAZ a call at (480) 227-5214. AllHomesAZ is a local company and a proud member of the Better Business Bureau. We are ready to make an offer for your current home and help you get into your new home fast!