Before You Move to Chilliwack…

Thinking about moving to Chilliwack? Be sure to check out the following first:

• Find out as much as you can about each area or neighbourhood you’re interested in – chat with people in those areas (Chilliwack neighbourhoods)
• Pick up all of the local newspapers. (Chilliwack Progress, Chilliwack Times). Subscribe to them or read them online before you move to get a feel for Chilliwack or Sardis or whichever area you’re considering
• Contact a  Chilliwack Real Estate office or Chilliwack Realtors to find out about the local housing market.
• Find a good moving checklist
• Explore local transportation, grocery stores, schools, city & community services, churches, clubs

Moving to Chilliwack: First Time Home Buyers in Chilliwack

Moving to Chilliwack: First-time Buyers in Chilliwack

If you are thinking of moving to Chilliwack and getting into home ownership for the first time, you have come to the right place!  Working with first time buyers is favorite way for Chilliwack Realtors to provide professional real estate service. If you’ve ever watched the TV show, Property Virgins, you know that you are in for an emotional experience as you look for your first home in Chilliwack. Everything about the process is new and personal service is more valuable than ever. Before you move to Chilliwack, find the best Chilliwack real estate agent who can guide you through all the ups and downs that come with searching for and discovering your first Chilliwack real estate purchase.

The process begins with a buyer meeting, face-to-face whenever possible. Here you will go through a step-by-step, ‘What to Expect’ guide, and a complete first-time buyer package that explains everything from mortgage financing, first-time buyer benefits from the government, all the legal fees, home insurance information, and contracts, just as a start. Don’t worry though as your Chilliwack Realtor will be with you the whole way.

Chilliwack is a great place to purchase your first home. Our housing prices are still within reach for the first-time home buyer. The community is growing, the amenities are growing and we are only a short drive away from work for commuters.

Now is also the perfect opportunity to be a first-time buyer! Interest rates are so low, prices have dropped (in some cases dramatically), and it truly is a buyer’s market. That means that the buyers are in the driver’s seat. As well, we will vigorously negotiate on your behalf to make sure that you get the home that you have been dreaming of that fits your budget.

Real estate values over time will increase in Chilliwack (and elsewhere). A survey we recently saw stated that an average homeowner has 46 times the personal net worth of the average renter! That it certainly one other good reason to consider buying a home this year!

Moving to Chilliwack: Employee Relocation for your Business

Are you thinking of moving your business headquarters to Chilliwack? If you are, you are one of many companies that  have investigated and chosen Chilliwack as a prime location for their business. When you move your business, you move your employees. Local Realtors in Chiliwack can help with that!

Moving to Chilliwack: Moving Checklists

Are you thinking about moving to Chilliwack?

Moving can be a hectic time, but this list can help you stay organized.

Courtesy of Kelly Lerigny & Anita Lloyd
Your  SoldonChilliwack Team
Re/Max Nyda Realty Ltd  604-858-7179

Moving Checklist

One month before your move        Date____________________

__ Clean out your closets, basement and garage. Donate unused items to your favorite charity or have a garage sale to help pay for some of your move.

__ (Can’t decide whether to sell it or move it? Consider how much you could sell it for versus what it will cost to ship it.)

__ Get packing supplies; tape, boxes, tissue paper, bubble wrap, markers.

__ If this is a big move, start packing items of no use prior to your move. Pack up things like photo albums, books, and seasonal decorations.

__ If you’re packing items that will go in storage, make itemized lists of each box and its contents.

__ Start a log of moving expenses and keep all your move-related receipts. Some items may be tax deductible.

__ Find a reputable mover. If you’re hiring professional movers get written estimates from at least two moving companies; include their written commitment of pickup and delivery dates. Ask for and check references. Check the limits of insurance they offer and whether or not it covers replacement costs. Purchase additional insurance if you need it.

__ Arrange to transfer your household insurance to your new home.

__ Advise regular tradespeople (gardener, housecleaner, pool service) if you’re moving out of their service area. Look into services for new home.

Two weeks before your move      Date___________________

__ Arrange for disconnection or transfer of your BC Hydro service.

__ Arrange for disconnection or transfer of other utilities (gas, cable, phone, ISP, security company). Get new phone number.

__ Contact the post office to have your mail forwarded.

__ Arrange to close or transfer your bank accounts. Order cheques with your new address & phone number.

__ Stop or transfer newspaper and other home deliveries.

__ Advise friends, family and professionals of your new address and phone number. (Don’t forget your doctor, dentist and other medical professionals, schools, library, accountant, financial advisor, credit card companies, Canada Customs & Revenue (Revenue Canada), Motor Vehicle Branch, frequent flyer plans, your employer, medical plan, magazine and other subscriptions.)

One week before your move     Date____________________

__ Clean your home or arrange for a cleaning service.

__ Confirm delivery address, phone number and delivery date with the movers.

__ Clean out and defrost the freezer.

__ If you’re moving to another city, pick up dry cleaning, prescriptions, photos or anything else left outside your home.

__ Clean out school or gym lockers.

__ Return library books.

__  Double check sales contract to make sure you leave behind all items included before packing (all fixtures like curtain rods, blinds, etc. must stay with house)

A few days before your move        Date____________________

__ Complete packing of all household goods for the move. Make sure boxes are clearly marked with the room they will go in, as well as “Fragile” if necessary.

__ Place important documents in a safe box that you will carry. Include home purchase/sale papers, will, financial records, passports, birth certificates. Mark “Do Not Move” on the box; move this box yourself.

__ Prepare an “open first” box with towels, bedding, basic kitchen and bathroom supplies, toys or games for your children, tools (hammer, screwdriver) to set up furniture.

__ Label all keys for new occupants

__ Place all appliance manuals & warrantees, etc in one place for the new occupants.

Move day!          Date___________________

__ Keep phone connected or have a cell phone in case you need to contact your movers, Realtors, etc.

__ Carefully supervise the move. Make sure your instructions are understood, and that boxes are delivered to the right rooms.

__ Check all the rooms and closets to make sure you haven’t left anything behind.

__ Turn down the thermostat.

__ Lock up and leave labelled keys, garage door openers, etc. with the Realtor.

__ Arrive at your new home before the movers. Show the movers where to put boxes and furniture.

__ Check that you’ve been given keys to every lock in your new home.

__ Carefully review the movers’ bill of lading before signing. Check for damaged items.

__ At your new home, make sure the utilities are on and working properly.

__ Unpack your “open first” box. Set up your bed; unpack the kitchen and bathroom to help you feel at home.

__ Relax, order in dinner, and take a long hot bath.

After your move

__ Unpack, then donate or flatten and recycle boxes.

__ Change the address on your driver’s license and car insurance.

__ Plan your housewarming party!

Good luck with your plans to move to Chilliwack!