Changing Your Address & Forwarding Your Mail

Moving into a new place is fun! Making plans to arrange the furniture and dreaming about what type of events to host in your new space can get anyone excited. But as you move in (or move out), remembering to do some of the small “have tos” of moving is also a key part of relocating. And one important step to take: changing your address.

Make Sure Your Mail's Not in the Wrong Hands- Change Your Address When Moving!

How To Change Your Address

Step one of changing your address is visiting the United States Postal Service (USPS). You can visit in person, however the USPS also has a very easy online system. Click here for the USPS Movers Guide. The website will ask you if your mail forwarding is permanent or temporary – which is nice for those in short-term housing. Simply visit the website, enter your old address, enter your new address and the date your mail needs to begin forwarding.

Note that when you have mail forwarded, it may take a few extra days to get to you.

Changing Your Address on Your Bills

Your rent payment and utilities will be an easy change since you’ll need to make contact with your landlord and utility providers to get service at your new place. However, your cell phone bill, student loan bills and others that don’t provide service at your home will need to also be updated. Because forwarded mail can be delayed, it’s easier to call these companies directly and make sure they have your updated address so you don’t miss a payment.

Changing Your Address on Magazines

Magazines and other publications that you receive periodically will also need updating. Check the area of the periodical that lists information about the editor and publisher for information on changing your address. You can usually go online and update your address with the magazine, or mail in an updated address request form. Make sure to do this so that whomever moves into the rental house after you doesn’t start getting your subscription instead.

Tell Your Friends & Family You’ve Moved!

Traditionally cards were sent out informing friends and family of a new address. These days, Facebook messages make it even easier to let people know you’ve moved. Make sure to notify those who might send you “snail mail” of your new mailing address. That way you’re sure to receive any important letters, invitations or postcards! Also, if you attend a church or give financial donations to non-profit organizations, make sure they have your updated address so giving records are sent to the right place.

Why Change your Address?

Changing your address is a very important piece of the moving process. For one, it makes sure that you get your mail. (Obviously.) But, for less obvious reasons – it’s an important safety measure to take.

I recommend taking a proactive approach when it comes to changing your address. Collect each piece of mail you receive within a month, and use it to make a list of places that will need your updated address. When you forward your mail, the post office will only forward for a limited amount of time until they expect that everyone who sends you mail knows your new address. So for example, after you’ve lived somewhere 3 years, if someone tries to send you mail at an old address – it won’t be forwarded. Instead, it will be delivered to your previous home and could be in the hands of the new resident.

In a culture of identity theft and security breaches, do whatever you can to prevent your mail from being delivered into another person’s hands. Yes, it’s breaking the law to open mail that’s not addressed to you. But, it’s also against the law to steal someone’s identity. And it happens every day. Don’t take the easy way out and assume that your bills, magazines, cards and other mail pieces will make their way to you. Do whatever you can to ensure they’re not delivered to the wrong home.

Ready, Set, Move!

So you are thinking about moving? Overwhelmed yet? Between packing, finances and finding the ideal place, moving can be quite the task. So, before you take a step forward get an accurate assessment of what it would take to move and then make a plan of action.

Before you prepare for a move, make sure you do your research!

Organize You Home Before a Move

The number one way you can help prepare yourself for a move is to get organized. Getting organized ahead of time will save you from feeling stressed or pressured later in the process.

Information Binder

One tip in staying organized is to keep a note-book or three-ringed binder of all of the information you find and gather during the home-search process.

Keeping all of your information in a note-book allows you to compare and contrast each piece of information you receive, giving you the ability to make wise decisions.

Budget Tracker

Keeping track of your current budget, finances and other expenses is also vital. Paper work can easily get lost once a move begins, so having all of your financial information in a secure place is a great way to maintain organization. One easy way to combine your financial information is to keep all of it stored in an excel spreadsheet.

Finances

Getting your  financial information organized gives you a good start on assessing your budget. Evaluating your current finances and setting up a budget will help you determine what you can actually afford when it comes time to start house shopping.

The first step in putting together a budget is to set a target amount of money that you would like to spend. Coming up with this number ahead of time will help you cut your search down to homes that are in your price range. It may also be a good time to evaluate if a rental property would be a more affordable option, especially if you are a newly wed.

Know Your Options

There are many different reasons people decide to move. Finances, schools or jobs are usually at the top of the list. After assessing your financial situation and deciding on the ideal location don’t be afraid to explore all of your options.

Buying a house is not your only option. Nowadays there are rental properties that can meet all the criteria you are looking for while saving you a good amount of money. Rental homes, duplexes and even apartments may have everything you need. Finding a great rental property can be a reality!

If renting is out of the question, try to connect with a local real estate agent. The agent will be able to do a lot of research, saving you hours of extra work. Whether you are set on owning a home or are open to a rental, knowing your options will help you make the best decision possible.

A Done Deal

Once you have finalized on a property the real fun begins, packing. Packing can be one of the most difficult parts in the moving process. Staying organized and having a packing plan is vital to a successful move. Research your options before packing as well. Compare packing companies by getting quotes and service details. If you are moving yourself be sure everyone who is helping is on the same page.

The excitement of moving can sometimes quickly diminish when the details start spinning out of control. Having a plan before the process begins can save you and your family in the long run. If you are in the market to move, start making a plan today!

Security Deposits, A Mutual Benefit

When looking for a rental have you ever asked yourself the question, “Why is a security deposit needed for me to rent?” Did you know that security deposits not only benefit the landlord, but can benefit you as well? Yep, that’s right, security deposits create mutual accountability.

Your security deposit is an investment in the quality of your rental home.

Making a House your Home

While a security deposit may seem like an initial crunch on your budget they provide a safety net for the renter and also give you an extra reason to keep the property looking like it did when you moved in. Basically a security deposit acts as an insurance policy between you and your landlord, insuring that you will take the best care possible of your rental.

Benefits

A security deposit can actually benefit you as a renter, too. When you are looking for a nice rental property, you want to know that everything is working and functioning properly. If the tenants before you took good care of the facility it will maintain a better living area for you. Knowing that you are renting from a company that cares about quality is reassuring.

Another benefit to a security deposit is that it lessens the chances for legal actions to be taken if there are minor damages done to your rental property. If you have made minor damages to your rental (accidental or intentional) your security deposit will be withheld when you leave, most likely covering the cost of the damages. If there was no initial security deposit then the landlord may have to use legal action to acquire money from you for the damages.

Before you Sign

Before you put your name on the dotted line, you should definitely be aware of everything the security deposit covers and does not cover.

Walk-Through

The first step in this process is to to do a walk-through with the landlord and bring a camera to note any damages that are already present. And when you leave, ask to see if you can do the final walk-through with the landlord to make sure you both are on the same page about new or already existing damages.

History

While you can’t ask for a tenant history, you can ask specifics on the history of the rental. A great example is asking about pets and smoking restrictions. Smells may easily be covered up on a walk-through, but after a week in the rental they may make and ugly appearance. If you don’t plan on having pets, finding a pet-free rental property is ideal.

Charges

The final thing you should look into before you sign is making sure you are aware of every charge your security deposit covers. You can also look for hidden fees and the exact rules for receiving your deposit back at the end of your stay.

A good-upstanding landlord will not withhold your deposit If you have taken proper care of your rental home.

It is crucial to understand all the ins and outs of a security deposit including the pros and cons. Before you land on your dream property be sure to do your research. And remember to enjoy the process!

5 Reasons to Rent in Blue Springs, MO

We have several properties available for rent in Blue Springs, MO. And if you’re new to the area, or never really considered living in Blue Springs, here are five of our favorite things about the area:

Santa Train came through Blue Springs, MO this year!

1. Blue Springs, MO has Great Schools

The public school district in Blue Springs, MO is one of the top districts in the state. The Blue Springs School District received a top score on the Annual Performance Report for 10 years in a row, one of only seven schools in Missouri to receive such an accomplishment. We offer elementary schools, middle schools, a Freshman center and two high schools for students. In addition to the public schools, Blue Springs has a handful of private schools.

2. Great Shopping in Blue Springs That Keeps Getting Better

If you head east on I-70 you’ll see one of the major areas of growth in our town. Adams Dairy Landing has become a booming shopping and dining area for all of Blue Springs and the surrounding areas. Not only do we have the big box stores like Kohls, Target and Michaels, but we also have great outlets and famous restaurants that have recently planted in our area. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon. In addition to Adams Dairy Landing, we also have a charming downtown area, as well as many stores and shops along 7 Hwy and 40 Hwy.

3. Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival

Each September, the downtown area lights up with the Blue Springs Fall Festival. It’s a great time to get out and run into neighbors and new friends. Booths line the streets and a special area for kids is full of carnival games and children’s activities. And the highlight among many resident in Blue Springs is the “Timmy Burger.” These juicy burgers bring out many to the festival, and the long line is worth the wait.

4. Location, Location, Location

Blue Springs is located off the major interstate I-70, and just 20 miles east of downtown Kansas City. Having easy highway access is one of the best things about this town. You can get anywhere you need to go within the city in a short amount of time – maybe 20 minutes if traffic is good. Plus, road trips to St. Louis, or Denver, are just hours down the highway.

5. Historic and Natural Attractions in Jackson County, MO

Because Blue Springs is located in Jackson County, MO, we have some great nearby attractions. For the outdoor lovers, Burr Oak Woods off 7 Hwy is a great place to hike and see the beautiful Missouri landscape firsthand. We also are near Fort Osage and Missouri Town, historic landmarks that host reenactments from the days in which they were booming. We also have several nearby lakes for those who enjoy boating, fishing and swimming.

These are just a handful of things we love about Blue Springs, MO. The people are nice, the town is affordable, and it’s well-kept. It’s a quaint community with quick access to just about everything. We know many others living in our Blue Springs rentals love to call it home.

Just Married and Renting | Why Newlyweds Should Rent Their First Home

Ahh.. the engagement news has spread to all your friends and family and now the hustle and bustle of wedding planning begins. But what about a house? Where will the two of you live once you are married? For newlyweds these days, renting is one of the best ideas out there!

After the wedding, finding that perfect home can be easier than you think!

Why Renting May be a Good Idea for Newlyweds

It is said that the American Dream now starts off by renting a home instead of owning one. With the economy as it is, this makes perfect sense. For newlyweds, renting is a smart option.

The Dream Home

The greatest part about choosing to rent the first place you live as a newlywed is the chance to really decide where you want to live long-term someday. Instead of rushing into a starter home, renting a home allows you to dream without a hefty mortgage to pay. You and your spouse can get settled in, get grounded and start saving. You can figure out if a double-sink is a must-have for you, or if you want a large kitchen.

Investigate The Other Person

Before you said “I Do,”you thought a lot about your to-be spouse. You didn’t just find any average person off the street and drag them to the altar. The two of you invested in one another, got to know each other and found out if you were made for each other. The same is true when you are looking for a  home. Wise people take time to investigate their options before they rush into a decision.

Renting a home is a great way for you to fully investigate the options you have for your dream home. Renting can give you a good idea of what you like and don’t like. And it can help you find out what it looks like to be one your own, without all the extra fees.

The Mortgage Investigation

Part of the investigation process is finding out what you can afford and what fees you will have to pay. While owning a home is an investment, it is one that you can be locked into for what seems to be forever. The standard mortgage is 30 years. Thirty years is a long time.

On top of a mortgage you will also have to find someone to finance you. Mortgage rates vary daily, and finding a good rate can be hit or miss. And most newlyweds (not all) are new into the careers, and so finding a few years to save money and build up your cash flow is a good idea before you buys.

The Repairs

While paying for a mortgage when you own a home, you will also have to pay for any repairs. Anything in the house that breaks is yours to fix. With rental properties the property manager is responsible for attending to repairs.

Home Sweet Home

Along with being able to save money, one great highlight is that when you find a great rental property it is really easy to make it feel like home. Just because you do not own the house doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own. Adding your own look and feel to your new place can even create a little excitement in your marriage!

Buying matching furniture sets or even combining each of your furniture into a new living room can be a fun way to enjoy your first moments together in your new rental property! Hang photos, buy curtains and make the look and feel match your style

Let’s admit it, for most people the first year of marriage is full of unexpected twists and turns, both good and bad. Shared bills and combined finances are one of the greatest tension builders for newlyweds. Why not set up your marriage for success and try renting your first home. It just may surprise you to find out how much you really like it!