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It is by no means a secret that the moving process can be overwhelming. After all, you're on your way to settle into your dream home! It's both exciting and new and as a result, it can be easy to overlook a few key items like fees along the way.

If you're moving to a new home in Delaware or Pennsylvania this summer, it is important to keep an eye out for these extra fees that could pop up when changing homes. Even little things like disposing of packing materials can add up in charges.

Packing and Unpacking
If you don't take the time to carefully package each item or piece of furniture, you could risk damaging them in your move. However, some new homeowners just do not have the time to dedicate to this task. It's understandable, but know that it can cost you! 

Some moving companies will pack for you and even unpack when you arrive. Fees are typically calculated on an hourly basis and if you want them to dispose of the packing materials when it's all said and done, you could acquire a disposal fee as well.

Disassembling and Assembling Furniture
We all know how much time it can take to disassemble furniture and try to remember what goes where before packing it onto the moving truck. Your moving company can do this for you (they oftentimes have extra tools to make it efficient!), but for a fee. They will also reassemble the furniture in your new home for an added charge so you can jump right into unpacking.

Handling Heavy Items
If you have extremely heavy personal items like a piano, pool table, hot tub or safe, movers can charge an additional handling fee as these often require special treatment and packing. Items like appliances can be transported to your new DE or PA home and set up, but movers will also charge an appliance servicing fee.

Carrying a Distance
It may not even cross your mind, but if movers have to park more than 50 to 75 feet from the entrance of your home in Delaware or Pennsylvania, you could be required to pay an extra fee for them to take the items inside. This is called a "long carry fee" and is assessed based on the distance movers need to carry items from the truck to the entrance of the home.

Moving to a new home in Delaware and Pennsylvania is an exciting time, so don't let unexpected moving fees catch you off guard! With our experience in the local real estate market, the Kat Geralis Home Team is happy to help your home buying process run as smoothly as possible. 

We also offer a FREE Home Buyer e-Guide and FREE First Time Home Buyer Seminars!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty

Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook

How to Shop Around for a Delaware or Pennsylvania Mortgage

by Katina Geralis

When it comes to homebuyer mistakes in Delaware and Pennsylvania, perhaps the biggest one is failing to shop for a mortgage. Many homebuyers simply take the first mortgage they are offered without knowing they could have secured a better loan, with lower fees and a lower rate. 

As you shop for a home in Delaware and Pennsylvania this summer, make sure you then also take the time to shop around for a mortgage. Use the following tips to ensure you're getting the best possible deal and loan for your dream home:

First, research your budget
Use a mortgage calculator to determine how much you can afford in a DE or PA home. Include all of your monthly expenses, including property taxes, monthly maintenance and utilities, insurance and any private mortgage insurance (PMI) that you may acquire. Once you've determined your budget, you can then proceed with shopping for the best rate.

Research the different types of mortgages
It's important that Delaware and Pennsylvania homebuyers know the different types of mortgages— from fixed rate mortgages to adjustable rate to those that allow payment adjustments. Each loan type will come with its own set of fees, terms, requirements and limitations. For instance, you may receive a penalty for paying off your mortgage early with some loans. Take the time to find which loan type is best for you.

Compare loans among lenders
On one specific day, gather quotes from several lenders and even brokers. Lenders can give out different rates and fees to consumers on the same day for the same loan, so it's important to shop around. Once you have a list of rates from many lenders, then you can go about finding which is the best deal.

Ask for help
If finding lenders and brokers in your area is stressful for you, always ask for help! As your local real estate experts, the Kat Geralis Home Team can provide suggestions for experts in the mortgage space that can help you find the best rate for your new home loan. A recommendation can oftentimes put you at ease, knowing that you are working with a trusted pro.

Shopping around for a mortgage in Delaware and Pennsylvania can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan, so don't leave it out of the mix! Our team is happy to help walk you through the process of buying a home and answer any questions to calm your concerns. Just give us a call!

We also offer a FREE Home Buyer e-Guide and FREE First Time Home Buyer Seminars!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty

Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook

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