The Gold You Find In Your Spam/Junk Folder

Our Spam and Junk folders save us from email messages that could harm our computers and servers and are also a waste of our time if we stop to read them. In most cases, messages caught by our spam filters are really unwanted and illegitimate messages.

However, no spam/junk filter is perfect and in some cases the rules also capture relevant and important messages we should be reading. Many times you will find in your junk folder a response from a prospect for whom you quoted a price, a request for a quote from a potential customer or a suggestion for a new deal from a colleague.

The only solution is to check your junk folder on a regular basis, daily or weekly, go through your messages and look for any legitimate ones and act accordingly. We know it takes valuable time and realize it is a tedious process altogether, but hey, we never said that finding gold would be a an easy task…

Can You Handle The Bad News?

If your job responsibility requires you to speak with customers from time to time, you may have come across customers who complained about your service, an employee who they didn’t like or agree with or about a promise made to them that wasn’t kept. If your company operates a blog or uses a survey, you must have read some negative comments about your company, services or employees. How do you handle these? Can you handle the bad news?

As an owner of our agency I have come across negative comments addressed by customers verbally or via our surveys or blogs. I must admit that as hard as I am trying not to take these comments personally, it always triggers the question: What did I do wrong? However, I always with no fail make sure to look into the issue and respond back to the customer personally when possible.

How are you handling these negative comments?

What is Your Survival Strategy?

Like so many industries today, the C.O.D. market has suffered greatly as a result of the recession. Service-based industries may bear far more of the brunt, as consumers look to save money with do-it-yourself solutions. Many potential customers of yours are now considering mobile self-storage or rental trucks instead of enlisting your services.

There are success stories to be heard though. Some agents have taken steps to become government contractors for military and other federal moves. Others have added new services, such as offering the very mobile self-storage solutions that previously threatened their business.

What are you doing to combat this shift in consumer trends? Share your success and learning experiences in the comments below.

Five ways to take the stress out of moving

While moving to a new home can be an exciting time, it's no secret that relocating can also be a very stressful life event.

Here are five ways to make your move as stress-free as possible.

1. Move highly sentimental items and small items of extreme value yourself. It can relieve a huge amount of stress to know that these items are safe and sound at all times. Family heirlooms and unique artwork are good examples of items to move yourself. Basically, if it's irreplaceable and it fits in your car, move it yourself. For larger items such as art collections or grand pianos, hire specialty movers.
   



2. Choose movers whom you are comfortable with. Do your due diligence on moving companies before hiring one. Always get multiple quotes and base your decision not only on the estimate, but also on the level of professionalism the company presents. Ask for referrals, and try and talk with people who have used the company before. On move day, get to know the crew members, and maybe offer them a cold drink. Getting on the movers' good side will ensure that they take extra special care of your things, thus relieving a ton of stress on your end.
   



3. Ask questions. Wondering how the movers are going to protect that flat-screen T.V.? Just ask! So much of our stress comes from the unknown. If you're concerned about how specific items will be handled, your crew's leader would be happy to explain the process.
   



4. Let the pros do the packing. Are you worried that you just won't have the time to pack up all your things before moving day? For many, a great deal of stress can be relieved by knowing a professional team will have all the packing done on time. This kind of relief can be worth the extra cost
   



5. Insure your move! Remember, your movers are human and accidents can happen. Movers typically offer minimum liability coverage (often $0.30 or $0.60 per pound) which still leaves you at a loss in the case of an unfortunate accident. Choosing a third-party insurer for full coverage is a good way to achieve full peace-of-mind. Read more reasons why moving insurance is a must.
   

Inexpensive Home Decorating Tips

Moving can be an expensive process. Paying movers, purchasing new furniture and appliances, and storage fees are just some of the costs associated with moving. Decorating a new home can also be expensive. Instead of breaking the bank, liven up your home on a budget with the following inexpensive decorating ideas:

• Cover up flaws instead of repairing or correcting them. For instance, place a rug over a marred floor or use a tapestry to cover a rough wall. This can be less inexpensive than finishing walls and floors.


• Add some greenery. Plants will quickly liven a room. Many plants are long lasting, easy to take care of, and a cheap fix to decorate your home.


• Replace old lamp shades. Lamp shades come in a variety of textures and colors. An even cheaper way to replace a lamp shade is to buy a plain lamp shade and decorate it yourself.


• Repaint old cabinets instead of purchasing new ones. A new coat of paint will freshen the look of your old cabinets. Go to your local paint supply or home improvement store for tips on how to paint cabinet surfaces.


• Make your own wall art. Use stencil patterns, decals, and borders to cheaply create wall art.


• Add fabric to a room. Combining different styles and patterns of fabric for window treatments and accessories can be a fun and cheap way to decorate a room.


• Paint! Painting old furniture, walls, and accessories can create dramatic changes to your home at low price.

Decorating your new home doesn't need to be expensive. Look online for cheap ideas and don't be scared to decorate yourself. Get creative and you can decorate your home cheaply and easily.

Deadline Approaching for First-Time Home Buyers Credit

Thinking about purchasing your first home? The federal government is offering up an $8,000 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorizes this tax credit for purchases made on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. For purposes of the tax credit, the date of purchase is when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner. A tax credit is different from a tax deduction. This tax credit is an actual reduction in the taxes the homeowner owes. In addition, the tax credit may be claimed even if the homeowner owes little or no federal income tax.

To see if you qualify, click here, and you can read more information at the IRS website.

Treat Your Movers Right

If you have hired movers to do the heavy lifting for you, then you will want to reward them for their hard work, assuming that they did the job well. Tipping is customary for good service, so you should add that into your moving budget. Here are some suggestions for tipping your movers:

• Refresh and refuel: If it's a hot day, make sure you have plenty of cold drinks on hand for your movers, as well as coffee and snacks. If your move takes up most of the day, you should provide lunch such as pizza or another quick bite to keep your movers in a good mood.


• If there are just one or two movers helping you, be generous with your tip since they will probably be working hard. Take into account the weather, stairs, heavy items, etc. A $40 tip for one mover or $60 (to split by two) is considered appropriate.


• If you have several movers handling your move, a $20 per mover tip is the norm. Hand over all of the tip money to the lead mover so that he can divide it at the end of the move.

When it Rains, It Pours: Moving in Bad Weather

Moving is usually a hassle even when the sun is shining, so if you find a dark cloud over your home on moving day, you may feel extra stressed. Whether you are dealing with pouring rain, high winds, sleet, snow, or other forms of messy weather, unless it's a hurricane or a tornado, chances are moving in a storm is worth the effort. Here are some tips for moving during bad weather:

• If rain is in the forecast, cover furniture (such as items made from fabric, wood, and other untreated materials) with plastic sheets or tarps. This will ensure that your furniture is protected from moisture and dirt.


• Make a walkway out of your old home and into your new home by taping down either rugs or cardboard. Do not put plastic sheeting on the floor as this is very slippery when wet.


• Make your movers comfortable. If there is heavy rain, offer your movers clean towels to dry off. If the weather is especially cold, try to have the heat on in your new home. Hot drinks such as coffee and tea are a nice gesture too.


• Avoid getting cardboard boxes wet, as water disintegrates the cardboard. Carry boxes from the bottom and watch out for unexpected tears.

Smaller Houses on the Rise

For the first time in 15 years, the median square footage of new homes shrunk this year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, homes built in the first three months of this year were 7 percent smaller than in the same period last year. Could this be a sign that America's affinity for McMansions is on the decline? Perhaps due to a desire to be more eco-friendly and reduce carbon footprints, or simply because the recession is causing homeowners to cut costs, this trend could result in a shift in attitude of quality over quantity. This means more homeowners may find themselves making better use of the space that they do have, such as converting basements into entertainment rooms and attics into home offices. Smaller homes also have lower energy costs and are selling quicker in the current housing market. Is a smaller home the right fit for you? Here are some things to look for if you are in the market for a smaller home:

• A flexible, open floor plan--combining the kitchen, living room, and family room into one great room is a growing trend.


• Lots of windows will boost your mood and make the house feel bigger.


• High ceilings--adding just an extra foot will make a standard 8-foot ceiling feel taller.


• Outdoor living space--making use of patios, porches, and other exterior spaces will give you more room to gather or escape.


• Smart storage--clutter looks worse in smaller homes, so be sure to have clever built-ins and other ways of organizing and hiding your stuff.

Are You Ready for Your First Place? Costs to Consider

As spring graduates (hopefully) secure employment, one of the next major steps on the road to adulthood is to acquire a place of one's own. Are you ready to handle the responsibilities of renting an apartment or house, or should you stay in Mom and Dad's basement for a few more months? Here are some costs to consider before you sign a lease:

• Move-in deposit: Most landlords require first and last month's rent (and/or a security deposit), and if you found the place through a broker, a broker's fee (usually equal to one month's rent) will probably apply as well. This means you may need at least three times the rent just to move in. To be safe, you will also want to have three months' rent in your savings in case you lose your job or in case of any sort of emergency.


• Hook-up fees: If you have never had an account with a utility company before, they may require initial fees for setting up your service. Ask whether or not the apartments you are considering include utilities with the rent or not, as this can be a cost-saver for apartments in colder climates.


• Parking: If you are planning on bringing a car with you, you will want to ask if parking is free or not. In dense cities, parking rules may apply, and in some cases, you may need to pay for a parking permit.


• The bare necessities: Even if you are moving into a furnished apartment, there will be many items you will need to make your house a home. Pots and pans, dishes, flatware, appliances, shelving, fixtures, towels, bedding, garbage cans--the list goes on and on. If you can't afford to buy new, utilize friends and family who may have perfectly useful items collecting dust in storage, check out free listings on sites such as Craigslist.org, or shop at second-hand stores and flea markets for bargain deals.

Tips for Moving Your Child to a New School

If you have moved your family to a new location this summer, chances are you also have the double duty of introducing your child to a new school. The transition can put stress on your child's temperament, but with some understanding and careful planning, you can encourage your child to embrace the change. Here are some tips:

• Practice the route to school: Children will be reassured to know the exact trip that they will be taking by schoolbus, car, or on foot ahead of time. Point out attractions along the way to help your child get familiar with the area.


• Visit the school before the first day: Most schools are open during the late summer for teacher preparation, so call the school in advance to see if a visit is possible. Be sure to check out the areas that your kids will be most interested in, such as classrooms, the gym, cafeteria, and playground/sports fields.


• If possible, introduce your child to his/her new teacher: Even a simple hello will help your child feel more comfortable about starting a new school.


• Meet other school-aged children in the neighborhood: Encouraging your kids to meet new peers at places such as the local park or community center will increase their chances of making friends that will also be attending their new school. Talk to other parents about getting the neighborhood kids together at your home or the local play area.

To Pack or Not to Pack? Here Are Some Answers

If you have chosen to hire a moving company to handle your move, there are some things that are typically not allowed to be loaded onto a moving company's truck. Here are a few categories of items that are usually not good to go:

• Irreplacable items: If you are moving jewelry, family heirlooms, or valuable documents, you will want to keep these things on your person during your move. If you are not sure, ask your moving insurance provider if any of these items can be covered in transit.


• Perishables: Most moving companies will not permit food and other perishables onto the truck, so you'll probably want eat or give away whatever's sitting in your freezer.


• Flammables: Hazardous materials, gasoline, and lighter fluid are probably not okay to put on the moving truck. If you aren't sure, pack questionable items such as paint, aerosol cans, or ammunition in a separate box and be prepared to take the box with you if the movers refuse to pack it.


• Living things: Plants, animals, and people are usually not allowed to go into the moving truck.


• Essentials: Anything you might need during your personal move such as your cellphone, wallet, medication, eyeglasses, or keys should not be loaded onto the moving truck. This might seem obvious but with so many of your belongings going into boxes, you'll want to make sure you don't lose anything important.

A Checklist for the Week Before You Move

The week before your moving day is likely going to be a very stressful week. Organize your priorities and create a checklist to make your move as smooth as possible:

• If you are doing the packing yourself (as opposed to a moving company) label boxes according to which room they will go to in your new home. Also, mark boxes such as "fragile," "load last," or "do not load."


• If you have hired a moving company, call and confirm the dates of your move. Make sure you have notified them of any extraordinary items, such as heavy appliances or a piano.


• Ensure you have money to cover the cost of your move, including cash tips for the movers.


• Back up your computer files and gather all of your software start-up discs. Be sure that your computer and electronic equipment is not exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture during your move.


• Properly dispose of hazardous waste such as paint, oil, and pesticides.


• Make sure your utility companies have been notified of your move, as well as your doctors, pharmacists, banks, schools, friends and family.


• Make sure your subsciptions (newspapers, magazines) have been notified of your move.


• Return any items you have borrowed from friends and neighbors.


• If you have children, prepare them for moving day by engaging them in the process. If possible, let them have a going-away party with their friends.


• Try to either eat or give away food in your fridge and freezer.


• Pack valuables that may not be covered by moving insurance such as jewlery and heirlooms separately. You will want to carry these items with you on moving day.


• Thoroughly clean areas that have been cleared.

You Don't Know What You've Got 'Til You Move It

Once you start packing, you'll probably realize that your belongings have somehow multiplied like rabbits. You might be wondering how you will fit all of your stuff onto the moving truck on moving day. Hopefully you've found arrangements for the things you no longer need, such as selling them at a yard sale or online, donating items to charities and friends, or simply throwing them away. Even if you have a huge garage or attic awaiting you at your new home, you will probably want to purge many items that you don't use anymore because the more things you move, the more expensive your move will be. If you are still stuck with too many things you can't bear to part with, you may want to consider renting a storage space. Whichever solution you choose, starting the packing process earlier than later is going to help you organize your belongings for the easiest move possible.

Is Your Move Tax Deductible?

If you are moving because of a job opportunity, you may be able to get some help from Uncle Sam in recovering your moving expenses. There are strict time and distance requirements and you will need to fill out the 1040 long form, but if you think you apply, hang onto all of your receipts and seek an accountant during next year's tax season. Here's a rundown of the requirements:

• Your move must have occured within one year of your start date at your new job, unless you have a valid reason for moving more than a year after you started your new job.


• The location of your new job must be at least 50 miles farther from your previous home than your last workplace was. So if you lived three miles from your old job, your new job must be at least 53 miles from your old home.


• You need to have worked full-time for at least 39 weeks within a year after moving to your new location. The worked weeks don't have to be consecutive or even with the same employer, but if you are self-employed, you need to have worked full-time for 78 weeks during the first 24 months after your move.

If you are confused about whether or not your move is tax-deductible, see this flow chart here, or read more at http://www.irs.gov/publications/p521/index.html.

Make Sure Your New Neighborhood is Safe

By day, your new neighborhood may seem quaint and charming, but have you checked it out at night? Be sure you will be comfortable walking around your new area after dark by doing a little detective work. If possible, go to your prospective neighborhood at night and see how many people are out on the streets. Is it bustling, or is it eerily quiet? What sort of people are in the area at night? If you are not able to see your new neighborhood before moving, enter your zipcode a search engine such as SpotCrime.com to view crime statistics for that area. Before you sign your lease or pay your broker's fee, do your research and make sure you will be able to rest easy in your new home. Other useful websites on crime include:

http://www.familywatchdog.us/

www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/registry.htm

http://www.nsopr.gov/

Uprooting: Tips for Moving Plants

When planning your move, your houseplants and garden plants are probably the least of your concerns, but depending on how far you are relocating, you may want to take some of your greenery with you. Since plants are delicate living things and require special care when moving, you will want to plan ahead to make sure your plants survive the trip. Keep in mind that moving insurance typically does not cover plants because they are perishables. Also, many moving companies will not move plants for long distances, especially overseas. Contact your moving company at least a couple weeks before your move to find out if they'll take your plants. If you are planning on moving your plants yourself, here are some tips:

• If you are moving internationally, you may not be able to bring certain plants, such as fruit trees. Contact customs in advance of your move.


• Decide which plants you will want to move, and get them in peak condition prior to moving day. Keep them watered, remove pests, and prune them.


• Plants in breakable pots, such as clay, should be re-potted in plastic pots. Pack the breakable pots separately, wrapped in packing paper or bubble wrap.


• One or two nights before your move, water your plants normally. Be careful not to overwater them--if they are too moist, fungus can grow during the move.


• Line sturdy boxes with plastic to move your plants in. Pack plants in snugly--but not too tightly--and fill gaps with packing paper to prevent shifting.


• Punch holes in the sides of your plant boxes for them to breathe and mark them "plants," with instructions to pack them last.


• Dig up any garden plants you want to move on moving day, and protect the root ball by wrapping it in plastic. Alternatively, if you must leave your plants behind, you can bring cuttings in small plastic bags with wet paper towels.


• Tall plants should be bagged or wrapped in plastic. Just make sure you poke some holes in the plastic to let your plants breathe.


• If possible, the best way to move plants is in the back seat of a car or van. This will give you some peace of mind knowing that you can keep an eye on them. If you have to spend a night in a hotel, make sure to check the weather. Cold temperatures can damage fragile plants, so to be safe, move them indoors with you.


• Try to unpack your plants as soon as you arrive at your new home. Remove the plastic immediately, water them, and try to gradually expose them to sunlight.

Bottled Up: Tips for Packing a Home Bar

Moving delicate items from one place to another is complicated enough, but when those delicate items are glass bottles filled with precious liquor or wine, the task can seem overwhelming. If you are doing the packing yourself, take a deep breath and get a few friends to help. Promise them a drink when you arrive in your new place, and you'll likely have a few volunteers. Here are a few tips for keeping bottles intact during a move:

• Go through your inventory and weed out anything you don't need to bring. Bottles are heavy, so moving anything unnecessary will be a waste of energy. Perhaps you'll want to throw a going-away party and your friends can help you finish off near-empty bottles.


• Ask your local wine or liquor store for boxes with cardboard dividers, which they should give to you for free. Otherwise, purchase divided boxes from your local moving or shipping company. This type of box usually holds one dozen 750-ml bottles. Remember, smaller boxes are best for heavy items, so you don't pull your back out trying to lift them.


• Make sure your boxes are well-secured. Reinforce the bottoms with tape and/or cardboard.


• For odd-shaped bottles, you can place them in a milk crate or large plastic container with handles.


• Make sure bottles that have been opened are capped and/or corked tightly. If a cap seems loose, you may want to wrap that bottle separately in a plastic bag and secure the top with a rubber band.


• Wrap bottles tightly in sheets of newspaper or packing paper. For valuable bottles, do not use newspaper--the ink can stain the label on the bottle. Secure wrapping with tape before placing bottles inside the box.


• Write "fragile glass" prominently on the box so that when you or your movers transport the box, extra caution is taken. The last thing you want at your new home is a big spill on the floor that reeks of Kahlua. You may also want to write "booze" on the box so that you can easily find it and open it first!

Flooring: Hardwood vs. Carpet

Unless you are building your home from scratch, it is likely that your next home will either have carpeting or hardwood floors. Of course, tile, lineoleum, and stone are other options too, but hardwood and carpet are more common. Which do you prefer? Here are some pros and cons of each:

Hardwood:

• Pro: Durability. If maintained well, hardwood floors can last for generations, even centuries.


• Pro: Easy to clean. Dust and dirt are simply swept and mopped away, reducing allergens.


• Pro: Natural beauty.


• Con: Can be expensive, both to install and to maintain.


• Con: Easily scratched by moving furniture.


• Con: Noisier than carpeting.

Carpet:

• Pro: Inexpensive and less of a hassle to install compared to hardwood.


• Pro: Soft and quiet. Great for infants and toddlers learning to walk, and also adds extra insulation in the home.


• Pro: Can add to the decor of the room.


• Con: Can trap dust particles and allergens.


• Con: Stains easily, although carpet cleaners usually do the trick.


• Con: Traps odors.

Take It, Don't Break It: How to Move a Refrigerator

One of the most difficult parts of your move is probably going to be lugging heavy items into your new home, and refrigerators require careful planning to avoid damage. If you are transporting heavy appliances to your new home, your best bet is to hire a moving company, but if you are doing it on your own, be sure to have at least one other strong-armed person to help maneuver large items, such as a fridge. Here are some tips for moving your refrigerator:

• If possible, refer to your fridge's instruction manual to find out what steps you need to take to move your fridge without damaging it.


• Hopefully you have planned your meals to empty your fridge, but if you still have food in the fridge and/or freezer, either eat it, give it away, or store it in a cooler with dry ice.


• Unplug the refrigerator for 48 hours before moving. The fridge and freezer must be fully dethawed prior to the move. Disconnect the ice maker if you have one.


• Clean the interior of the fridge and freezer with warm, soapy water, and remove any trays and other items that could shift during the move. Be sure the shelves and trays are completely dry before packing. Wrap any glass in bubble wrap and pack separately.


• Let the fridge and freezer air out for at least 24 hours before your move to prevent any moisture turning into mildew. Secure the doors open so that nothing (and no small child) gets trapped inside.


• Secure the fridge and freezer doors shut with bungee cords or ropes--tape may damage the finish. Cover the fridge with a blanket or other soft cover to protect it during the move.


• Use a dolly to help move the fridge onto your moving truck or vehicle.


• Be sure to move the fridge in an upright position. If you move a refrigerator by laying it on its side, you run the risk of oil running up the cooling tubes from the compressor. If possible, lay the refrigerator in the opposite direction of the discharge line. Consult your owner’s manual to determine what and where the discharge line is. Also, try propping up the “top” end so that one end is higher than the other, to keep oil from escaping into the cooling coils or discharge line.


• Load your refrigerator and any other large appliances into your moving truck first. Secure the fridge with straps if possible, and tightly pack other items around the fridge to keep it from shifting.


• At your new home, allow the fridge to sit upright for 24 hours before turning it on. This will allow time for the oil to settle, preventing damage to the compressor.


• If you have an icemaker and/or water dispenser, you'll want those connected to your water line by a professional.

Sunny Weekend? Have a Yard Sale!

If you are about to move or have moved recently, you probably have a few boxes (or tons) of things that you consider clutter. Sunny summer weekends are a great opportunity to hold a yard sale and make some extra cash off of things you can do without. Think yard sales are a thing of the past, now that eBay and Craigslist are popular? On the contrary, if you host a yard sale properly, you will be surprised how much traffic you'll get. Here are some tips for turning your trash into cash:

• Check the weather report in advance. For obvious reasons, your sale will be a much bigger success on a rain-free day. If you have a garage or a canopy, even better.


• Check with your local government to see if you need a permit to hold a yard sale.


• Clean the items you want to sell. No one is going to buy a dusty blender, no matter how new it is.


• Price every item or group items by price into labeled boxes. This will avoid confusion for both the customer and you.


• Spread out your stuff and organize it nicely. Give the appearance that you have a lot of nice items for sale and people will be more likely to stop and check it out.


• Don't sell broken items--give those away for free. You will be surprised how willing people will be to take free things off your hands.


• Advertise your sale the evening before. Place bright, easy-to-read signs around your neighborhood, and post a listing on Craigslist if possible. Be sure to include the hours of your sale. Place balloons in front of your home so you can't be missed.


• Make sure you have lots of small change, and plenty of grocery bags to bag up items. If you are selling breakables, have newspapers on hand to wrap them in. You'll also want an apron to put cash in and a calculator.


• Don't sell anything you will regret later, such as your children's toys. If you are having trouble letting go of a sentimental item, take a picture of it--a photo will take up far less space than those


• Make sure the area where you are having the sale is clean and free of any debris, such as dog doo, clumps of leaves, or glass.


• If you are selling clothing, remember that people won't be able to try anything on, so you will want to keep prices low. If you have nice clothes, you will be better off selling those at a consignment shop.

Moving with Kids: Breaking the News

It's the end of the school year, and many families choose this time to move to a new home, giving children the chance to close out the year before moving on to a new school. If you are planning a move with school-age children, here are some tips for breaking the news:

• Talk to your kids about each phase of the moving process. They will be less likely to feel anxious about the move if they are informed and know that you care about their feelings too.


• Get them excited about the details of the new home that will matter to them. Will they be getting their own room, or a new backyard? Will there be fun things to do nearby? Remember, if parents are anxious, kids will pick up on that and feel anxious too.


• Have them create an address book and/or a scrapbook to help them keep in touch with their old friends.


• Let them host a farewell party. This will help them accept that the move is really happening and leave them with warm memories.


• Read children's books about moving.


• On moving day, let children know it's ok to feel sad, but also reassure them that you are going through the transition as a family.

New Home Construction Up 17.2 Percent

Encouraging news broke this week signaling that the 18-months-long housing slump may have bottomed out. Construction of new homes and apartments jumped 17.2 percent in May, the largest increase in three months, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. The spike comes after construction fell in April to a record low of 454,000 units. May's seasonally adjusted rate of 532,000 was better than the 500,000 units economists had predicted.

Applications for building permits, seen as an indicator for future development, also rose in May. The increase includes a 7.5 percent rise in construction of single-family homes and a 61.7 percent increase in multi-family units. The West led the surge with a 28.6 percent increase, followed by an 11.1 percent increase in the Midwest. The South had a 6.8 percent increase; the Northeast only a gain of 2 percent.

Even with the promising news, analysts don't expect a quick rebound in housing, since the economy is still shedding jobs and home prices are falling in many places, making people hesitant to commit to buying a new home. Many economists say any sustained rebound isn't expected to take hold until next spring. That's partly due to the huge surplus of unsold homes and a record wave of mortgage foreclosures dumping more unsold homes on the market.

House-Hunting in the Digital Age

The days of circling house ads in the newspaper with a highlighter are a thing of the past—house-hunting has officially gone digital, making the search process both easier and quicker. Want to get with it, and make a more informed decision before buying? Here's a few places to start:

• Zillow.com: Type in the zip code you are seeking to easily access pricing information, photos, square footage and other details. If you have an iPhone, you can download Zillow's free application that uses your phone's GPS to find out which homes are for sale near you.


• InvestorLoft.com: Looking to invest in real estate during this affordable dip in the market? This website lets you search for properties near you that are listed below value or that offer a percentage of profit, for example.


• Trulia.com: This year, this online real estate search engine launched an option for users to search for bargains. Enter your city or zip code and reduced-price homes will pop up, and you can see how often the sellers have dropped the price—an important consideration when negotiating an offer.


• YouTube.com: Real estate brokers are just starting to utilize this free video streaming site to offer visual tours of properties. Why look at static photos when you can watch a video of a house tour, narrated by the seller or broker?


• Cyberhomes.com: Wondering if the neighborhood your looking in will increase or decrease in value? This paid service ($9.99 for a full report) offers 12- and 24-month price forecasts per zip code, and compares that data with the surrounding area and state.

Money Watch: Hidden Moving Fees

Moving is often expensive, and even legitimate moving companies may have hidden costs that you don't know about. Speak up and ask questions to get a more accurate estimate of your total moving costs. Here are some potential additions to your moving bill:

• Packing or disconnection fees: If you are paying movers to do the packing for you, you may be charged extra for items that are more complicated than just putting them in a box. Ask your movers if they charge extra to disassemble furniture or disconnect gas lines. If you are packing on your own, the movers may charge extra if they decide your boxes need to be re-packed to make the trip trouble-free. Be wary that items you pack yourself may not be covered by moving insurance.


• Heavy items: Weighty items such as pianos, hot tubs, and gym equipment may require extra manpower or equipment. Ask if heavy lifting fees are included in your estimate.


• Inconvenient location: If you are moving into a six-floor walk-up, your movers may charge extra for all that additional exertion. Or, if your home is located on a narrow street or has other obstacles, there may be additional fees.


• Too much downtime: If you are not prepared before your movers arrive, they may add to the original estimate while they spend additional time boxing up your stuff. Also, if the movers arrive before you at your new home, they may bill you while they wait for you.


• Additional trips: If your moving truck is not big enough to hold all of your belongings and needs to make more than one trip, this will add to the cost of your move. Find out if the movers offer a larger truck at a reasonable price, as it may be less than the cost of multiple trips.


• Personal expenses: Most likely you will incur costs moving yourself and your family to your new home, so don't forget to add these expenses to your budget. Items such as refreshments for your family and for the movers are essential.

12 Tips to Make Moving Day Easier

After packing some initial boxes and lifting a few heavy items, you may be thinking to yourself, 'This move is a drag.' Well wipe off that sour expression and put some pep in your step. Got kids? Get them involved too to prevent anxiety. Here's some tips for making moving day as easy as possible:

• Hire movers. This might sound obvious, but professional movers can make all the difference in a stress-free move. Getting moving insurance will give you even more peace of mind.
• Make an upbeat playlist. Blast your favorite songs on a portable stereo to keep you in constant motion.
• Eat a big breakfast. You'll be burning a lot of calories today, so here's your excuse to load up on carbs! Pick up pastry and coffee from your local bakery--don't bother cooking.
• If your kids are old enough to pack their own things, let them do it--this will help give them closure and feel involved. One easy activity to make children feel useful is to give them color-coded stickers that they can put on boxes for each room. If they are too young to help, make sure you have someone to look after them while the work gets underway.
• Also, let the kids pack their favorite toys and games in backpacks for the trip to the new house.
• Have lunch and snacks prepared--such as pizza, sandwiches, and munchies for the kids. Don't forget to pack a cooler full of water, juice, and sports drinks--the last thing you need on moving day is an energy meltdown. Save the bulk of the beer for celebrating at the end of the move.
• At your new place, let children decide where they want to put their furniture. Even if you change it later, this will give them some feeling of control on moving day. Depending on their age, let them pick paint colors too.
• Tape floor plans where you want your furniture set up so that your movers can unload quicker.
• Have cash on hand to tip your movers before they leave.
• Have bedding readily accessible so that you are not spending your first night in your new home in a sleeping bag.
• Before you crash into bed in exhaustion, break out the beer, champagne, and other treats--it's time to toast a new beginning!
• Once you are settled, explore your new neighborhood. Start introducing yourself (and your little ones) to your new surroundings. Plan a housewarming party and celebrate all of your hard work.

Too Good to be True: Moving Cost Estimates

In researching moving companies to handle your move, did one company offer a far lower price than the rest? They might be setting you up for a scam. Some companies will lure you in at a low-ball price, only to charge you extra fees on moving day until you end up paying more than you should. Worse, a rogue mover could hold all of your goods hostage until he gets his money. Here are some tips for getting an accurate moving cost estimate:

• Don't take quotes over the phone. Estimators need to come to your home to give a realistic price quote.
• Get estimates from at least three different moving companies. Make sure they are licensed and insured.
• Try to schedule all of your estimators to come to your home on the day, spaced a few hours apart. An estimate normally takes an hour. You'll want to compare those discussions while they're still fresh in your mind.
• Be clear and thorough during the walk-through. Include attics, garages, basements, and storage spaces. Also, mention which items will not be coming with you.
• Ask as many questions as you can to determine whether or not the company is trustworthy.
• Be prepared to be flexible with dates if you are moving long-distance. If you are looking for guaranteed loading and unloading dates, you may have to pay a little more for quicker turnaround.
• Ask for a packing and unpacking estimate, even if you plan on doing that yourself. You might find that the movers offer a good deal on packing.
• Discuss what insurance options the moving company offers to determine whether you want insurance from a third party.
• Make sure you agree with everything in the written estimate before you sign the moving contract.

A Clear Picture: Know What You Are Buying

So, you think you have this moving insurance stuff figured out? Or perhaps you think your belongings are covered by your moving company and you don't need to buy insurance? Do you know what valuation is? Have you read the fine print? A recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) survey shows that while most Americans believe they understand insurance, on average, they could not answer basic insurance questions. So this means that people don't really know what they are buying.

For a similar example, look at what has been happening with the purchasing craze of HDTV sets. Customers bring their new tvs home and become furious when they plug them in and see that the picture is not the same quality as it was in the store. They complain to the store and are told that they must purchase a high-definition signal from their cable provider. According to a study by the Leichtman Research Group, 42 percent of HDTV owners aren’t actually watching any high-definition shows on them, but 18 percent of them think they are. Adding insult to injury is the fact that standard-definition broadcasts look worse on HDTV screens.

When moving, a lot is at stake. Valuation only covers a fraction of the value of your items, as little as 60 cents per pound per item. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 10-pound stereo component valued at $1,000, you would only receive $6.00 in compensation (60 cents x 10 pounds). Be sure it's clear what you are getting into. We're happy to answer any questions you may have.

Choose a Moving Company Wisely

In researching moving companies, you have probably come across some horror stories--pricey items end up missing, belongings are damaged, and terrible customer service are just a few. Most moving companies wouldn't stay in business unless they provided quality service and proven hard work. So how do you know whether a company is reputable or not? Here are a few questions you should be asking your potential mover:

• How long has the company been in business?
• What type of protection does the company offer against loss or damages? In most cases they will either offer full replacement value or limited liability, which covers as little as 60 cents per pound per article. This means if your movers damage your 10-pound stereo that cost you $1,000, you would only receive $6 in compensation.
• Ask for an in-home estimate from at least three companies. A salesperson from the moving company will go through each room of your house to determine an accurate quote. Estimates given over the phone are usually too good to be true.
• Go to the website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. There, you can look up the company's insurance status, licensing, and how many trucks it owns. You can also read about your rights and responsibilities.
• Check a company's ratings with the American Moving & Storage Association and the Better Business Bureau.

Creating a Home Inventory

If all of the contents of your home suddenly disappeared into thin air, would you be able to remember each item that you owned? Whether you are about to move, or you do not plan to move for some time, creating an accurate home inventory is a smart step for anyone, anytime. If you purchase full coverage type of moving insurance, you will be required to create a valued inventory. Although the thought of evaluating every item in your home may seem overwhelming, the peace of mind you will gain in knowing that you will be covered in the event of loss or damage is worth the time and effort. And just because you don't have gold statues at home doesn't mean your items are not of value--the cost of replacing all of your clothing and electronics will far outweigh the cost of your moving insurance.

Whether you are days away from moving or you have set aside your inventory project for a rainy day, plan on setting aside several hours. It will be helpful if your home has recently been cleaned! Too busy? If you are comfortable with hiring someone to help you go through your personal items, you may want to seek a professional organizer if you have a large amount of stuff.

Unless you are using home inventory software, get a clipboard and start making a list of your most valued possessions, describing each item, and if possible, noting where you bought it and how much you paid for it (or the estimated cost to replace it). High value items are those which cost more than $500 to replace. Clip to your list any receipts, warranties, or appraisal notes. Taking photos of each item is also recommended, or you could walk through your home with a video camera. For major appliances and electronic equipment, record the serial numbers. If you have a large collection of similar items, such as rare books, you can value the collection as a group. For valuable items such as jewelry, art work, and collectibles, consider that they may have increased in value since you received them, and you may need an appraisal. Some valuables may need to be insured separately, see your insurer's terms and conditions. Remember, in the world of insurance, sentimental value is not considered--for example, a wedding photo album is valued at its commercial value, not its sentimental value. And don't forget to include items that are in storage.

Once your inventory list is complete, be sure to store a copy in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box. When you move, keep a copy in your personal baggage so that you can go over the list when your items arrive at your new location. And now that your inventory is established, it will be that much easier to update it when you make significant new purchase.

Ask An Expert

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What Is Moving Insurance?

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Well, one type of moving insurance is full coverage. It's for when you're having a moving crew load and drive your valuables to their new location. There are two types of Full Coverage moving insurance:

This type of coverage applies to goods transported or stored by a full service moving company.
All Risk Insurance offers two options

Full Replacement Value - Valued Inventory

• This is the most comprehensive insurance option available and provides the best coverage. This insurance is offered for Interstate (moving from state to state), Intrastate (moving within the same state), and International shipments. For your benefit and for proper coverage, you must list and declare a replacement value on all of the items that you wish to insure. Items may be categorized as a group, such as "living room set, 7 pieces". However, please remember that in the event a claim is filed for any of the items in that category, the settlement amount may reflect the average value of the declared grouped items in that category.
• Full Replacement Value - Lump Sum
  This insurance is offered for Interstate shipments only (moving from state to state) and for International shipments. The total coverage amount is determined when you, the assured, place a lump sum value on all of your goods to be insured considering the declared value of the shipment equals no less than $6.00 times the weight of the shipment. Any items individually valued at $500 or more need to be listed separately in order to be covered at their specific replacement value.

Welcome to the Moving Insurance Blog

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Starting today, we will be posting weekly entries on the subject of insurance, the moving industry and the news within those two fields. We also encourage you to utilize the comments section to pose any questions you may have. The comments are also a great place to provide us with your general feedback on MovingInsurance.com's services and how we're doing as your provider. So check back next week, and every week thereafter.