10 Things to do after you sell your house

Once you sell your house, it is a good idea to:

1. Keep copies of all the paperwork related to closing and settlement. Although it might be tempting to run the mountain of paperwork through the shredder or tuck it away in storage, you'll want to have it handy for April 15. When you file your taxes you'll need documentation for the expenses and proceeds of the sale. And once you file your return, you'll want to keep the paperwork in case you're audited.
2. Keep proof of improvements and prior purchases. This is for tax purposes, too. The IRS allows you to add the cost of improvements to your home's cost basis during the time you own the home, which is nice if you have a sizeable capital gain. But to use this tax provision, you need to keep receipts of everything spent on home improvement.
3. Put your cash in a money market fund. If you sell and then don't immediately buy, you'll need a safe place to put your money. A money market mutual fund offers safety and a reasonable rate of return. Money market funds offer daily access to your money and check-writing privileges.
4. Stay on top of tax laws. A recently passed law allows you to exclude from tax a significant portion of the profits from the sale of your primary residence. Because tax laws are constantly changing, you'll want to stay on top of tax laws to avoid losing a lot of money.
5. Choose your next home carefully. Scope out a variety of areas and housing options that meet your family's needs.
6. Don't feel pressured. Take your time purchasing your next home; rent for awhile if you'd like extra time or want to try an area out first before buying. "Keep in mind that you have two years to defer tax on your house-sale profits," Tyson and Brown point out.
7. Reevaluate your personal finances if things change. If your situation changes before you buy another house, you get a promotion, have a baby, go through a divorce, you'll need to rethink your finances and how much you can afford to pay for your new house.
8. Think about what you need from an agent to help you buy. While the agent who helped you sell your house might fit the bill to help you buy, you should carefully consider whether he or she can meet your needs when buying. Buying and selling require different skills. And, if you're moving to a new area, you may want someone familiar with the area.
9. Think through your next down payment. Brown and Tyson recommend putting at least 20 percent down on your next house in order to qualify for the best mortgage programs. If you can make more than a 20 percent down payment, you'll want to consider whether you can earn a high enough return if that money was invested elsewhere. "Younger home buyers willing to take on more investment risk should lean toward a 20-percent down payment, whereas older home buyers who tend to invest less aggressively should opt for larger down payments," the pair recommends.
10. Remember to send change of address notices. The U.S. Postal Service recommends you complete and mail your Change of Address Order Card or Internet form.

Coastal Realty Moving Tips

Planning ahead for your move will make it less stressful and a more positive experience. Although this is not always possible, here are a few tips and techniques to make your move easier.

• If you hire a moving company they will pack everything for you, however you should pack your important paperwork and any sentimental items. If you have children allow them to help by packing their toys.
• Make sure that you are there when the movers are packing your stuff.
• Make sure that all boxes are clearly labeled on both the top of the box and on at least one other side of each box. Be sure the boxes are clearly labeled with which room they should go into. If you are using movers label the bedrooms at the new house the same way you labeled the boxes.
• If you want to save money and still use the movers you could pack your stuff yourself.
• If you have any friends or family that have borrowed any of your items this is the time to ask for them back. This would also be a good time for you to return any items that you have loaned from family and friends.
• If you have lots of books please consider either packing them in lots of small boxes or spreading them out among your furniture, such as cabinets and drawers.

• Do not store breakables or heavy items in drawers!
• Do not overload drawers.
• If you are using drawers to move things, please tie them shut so that they do not fly open while moving. Using tape is not a good idea because it may strip paint or varnish.
• Use thick tape and make a big "X" across mirrors and picture glass so that if the glass is accidentally broken during the move there is less glass to clean up.
• To remove sticky residue from tape and other adhesive products you can use mineral oil, baby oil, eucalyptus oil, or goop remover.
• Make a list of any new items you may need for the new house.

• Please keep aside any cleaning equipment so that you may use it right away at your new house. Please include in this list light bulbs!
• Before you pack any of your appliances please clean them thoroughly and let them dry completely. Especially tip all the crumbs out of the toaster.
• Be sure to clean out your refrigerator and freezer really well before moving them. To prevent the fridge from smelling use one of these ideas: wipe out the fridge with a damp cloth with vanilla essence, dry out the fridge with a hair dryer especially the corners, and/or put silica gel in the fresh department or fine blend coffee in a piece of muslin, these will soak up any extra moisture. When you have cleaned out the fridge and defrosted the freezer keep the doors slightly open to keep the air circulating just before you move them.
• If you are moving with children show them around the new house just before your move in and answer any questions they may have.
• See if any of the neighbors have any kids around the same age as your children.
• Introduce yourselves to your new neighbors.

• Look around your new neighborhood to find out where the local hospitals are located as well as restaurants and various forms of entertainment.
• Ask your current attorney, doctor, and dentist for their recommendations on professionals in your new neighborhood.
• Be sure to transfer any medical records school records.
• Be sure to remember to discontinue the following services at your old home: gas, electric, water, phone, newspaper, cable TV, DSL and other local internet services if you have them, and cellular phone.
• Be sure to notify the following of your change of address: post office, credit cards, insurance, magazines, and bank.
• If you have any pets, it will probably be best to move them first and find a quiet place for them while all the moving is happening. For example if you have cats put them in a bathroom with their food, water, and litter box (on the opposite side of the room away from the food). Then leave a note on the door "Please do not enter!" If you have outside dogs put them in the backyard so that they can get used to their new environment and if you have lots of windows inside they can watch everything that is going on.
• Smaller caged pets especially easily stressed animals should be moved last after all the excitement has settled down.
• Make sure you have plenty of drinks and snacks for the move. Moving is a lot of hard work!

If you plan your move very carefully and use some of the above advice you may find the move relaxing and a little bit fun. If it gets too stressful take a break and find something to laugh about, you will probably feel better. Just remember you can take your time with unpacking and this is a perfect opportunity to completely reorganize your home!