RISMedia
  • News
  • Premier
  • Reports
  • Events
  • Power Broker
  • Newsmakers
  • More
    • Publications
    • Education
No Result
View All Result
  • Agents
  • Brokers
  • Teams
  • Marketing
  • Coaching
  • Technology
  • More
    • Headliners New
    • Luxury
    • Best Practices
    • Consumer
    • National
    • Our Editors
Join Premier
Sign In
RISMedia
  • News
  • Premier
  • Reports
  • Events
  • Power Broker
  • Newsmakers
  • More
    • Publications
    • Education
No Result
View All Result
RISMedia
No Result
View All Result

5 Big Mistakes Consumers Make When Moving

Home Consumer
August 8, 2008
Reading Time: 3 mins read

By Fayette Wester

RISMEDIA, August 11, 2008-Moving may seem like an overwhelming experience for some home buyers, so we’ve compiled a list of “don’ts” to help consumers gear up for a smooth move.

1. Getting a quote over the phone or Internet: A big mistake that consumers make, when planning their moves, is obtaining a quote over the phone or the Internet. Any quote obtained in this manner is a non-binding quote. The only way to obtain a guaranteed or binding quote is to have a visual survey of your household goods by a reputable mover. If you choose to accept a quote over the phone or Internet you are setting yourself up for a nasty scenario when the mover shows up at your new home and demands more money.

2. Waiting too long to line up a mover: Allowing time for a visual survey, receiving a written and binding quote, and reserving a truck for your move takes a lead time of 4-6 weeks. Although moves can be arranged in a shorter period of time, many consumers find that their choices are limited by availability, especially in the busy summer months. In our current real estate market many homes are taking longer to sell, but once sold are closing very quickly. The time to obtain estimates for your move is before your home sells so that you are prepared when it does.

3. Misrepresenting what you are moving: It is very important to show the surveyor or estimator everything you are planning to move. If you forget to show items in a basement, garage, attic, or off-site storage unit and then add those items at time of pick-up, your estimate will no longer be binding. In the same vein, if you commit to packing your own items but don’t have time to finish, the van line will pack your items and charge you for the service. If you are uncertain of whether you will be taking something, or are not sure if you will have time to pack everything, ask the surveyor to put the items or service in the estimate. If you decide not to take something, or do not require the packing, the cost will be adjusted downward.

4. Paying a deposit up front: Reputable movers do not ask for payment up front to reserve trucks or dates. This is a classic red flag in moving. A reputable mover will expect payment upon delivery.

5. Finding a mover based upon price rather than reputation and service: If a mover gives you a price that is significantly lower than other movers it is likely that you are being low-balled. If a surveyor has underestimated your weight in order to give you a lower price you may find, on moving day, that the moving truck does not have enough room for your shipment. This is called an overflow. An overflow means that your items will not all travel together, will not all arrive at the same time, and will generally just cause you a big hassle. Another way to lower cost is to compromise service. Look for a competitive bid from a professional mover who is certified and reputable. Although price is an important factor, don’t base your decision on price alone.

The Move Advocate was designed to help you and your clients navigate your way to a smoother move. Call 800-617-1918 to discuss your moving needs with a professional moving coach, and to obtain multiple binding quotes at no cost and with no obligation.

For more information, visit www.moveadvocate.com.

ShareTweetShare
Beth McGuire

Beth McGuire

Recently promoted to Vice President, Online Editorial, Beth McGuire oversees the editorial direction and content of RISMedia’s websites, and its daily, weekly and monthly newsletters. Through her two decades with the company, she has also contributed her range of editorial and creative skills to the company’s publications, content marketing platforms, events and more.

Related Posts

The 10 Best Markets for First-Time Homebuyers in 2023
Agents

The 10 Best Markets for First-Time Homebuyers in 2023

January 27, 2023
Mortgage Performance Remained Exceptionally Healthy in November
Agents

Mortgage Performance Remained Exceptionally Healthy in November

January 27, 2023
Renting Remains More Affordable, Despite Rising Prices
Agents

Renting Remains More Affordable, Despite Rising Prices

January 27, 2023
What Donations Charities Will Pick Up at Your Home
Agents

What Donations Charities Will Pick Up at Your Home

January 27, 2023
Anywhere Appoints Egbert L.J. Perry to Its Board of Directors
Agents

Anywhere Appoints Egbert L.J. Perry to Its Board of Directors

January 27, 2023
Maryland Brokerage Hubble Bisbee Joins the Christie’s Network
Agents

Maryland Brokerage Hubble Bisbee Joins the Christie’s Network

January 27, 2023
Tip of the Day

Quiz: Discover the Best Coaching Program for You

No matter what stage of your real estate career you are in, working with a coach can increase your earnings... Take the Quiz.

Business Tip of the Day provided by

Recent Posts

  • The 10 Best Markets for First-Time Homebuyers in 2023
  • Mortgage Performance Remained Exceptionally Healthy in November
  • Renting Remains More Affordable, Despite Rising Prices

Categories

  • Spotlights
  • Best Practices
  • Advice
  • Marketing
  • Technology
  • Social Media

The Most Important Real Estate News & Events

Click below to receive the latest real estate news and events directly to your inbox.

Sign Up
By signing up, you agree to our TOS and Privacy Policy.

About Blog Our Products Our Team Contact Advertise/Sponsor Media Kit Email Whitelist Terms & Policies ACE Marketing Technologies LLC

© 2023 RISMedia. All Rights Reserved. Design by Real Estate Webmasters.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Premier
  • Reports
  • News
    • Agents
    • Brokers
    • Teams
    • Consumer
    • Marketing
    • Coaching
    • Technology
    • Headliners New
    • Luxury
    • Best Practices
    • National
    • Our Editors
  • Publications
    • Real Estate Magazine
    • Past Issues
    • Custom Covers
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Podcasts
    • Event Coverage
  • Education
    • Get Licensed
    • REALTOR® Courses
    • Continuing Education
    • Luxury Designation
    • Real Estate Tools
  • Newsmakers
    • 2022 Newsmakers
    • 2021 Newsmakers
    • 2020 Newsmakers
    • 2019 Newsmakers
  • Power Broker
    • 2022 Power Broker
    • 2021 Power Broker
    • 2020 Power Broker
    • 2019 Power Broker
  • Join Premier
  • Sign In

© 2023 RISMedia. All Rights Reserved. Design by Real Estate Webmasters.

X