new home

Getting Started After a Long Distance Move

Moving is a big deal, even if you’re just relocating down the road. However, when you’re making the long haul out of state, the idea of getting settled might seem a bit out of reach. But, it doesn’t have to, and there are plenty of ways that you can feel right at home in a flash.

Today, Shannon Cutler Real Estate shares some resources to help make that upcoming long-distance move a little easier. 

Look Ahead

 One of the biggest mistakes that people make before moving to a new area is not getting familiar with things like real estate taxes and the cost of living. However, this crucial step can help you determine how much you can afford and in what neighborhood. Further, because getting settled into your new home takes organization, you’ll benefit from keeping a folder handy that has all of the information you need on everything from the mortgage approval process to the schools in the area.

 Get Organized

 Once you know where you are going and how much it’s going to cost you, you can then get started organizing your home and belongings to make your move as seamless as possible. HGTV suggests first making a checklist. In this, you’ll want to include handling your utilities, receipts, and schedules. Make sure you give yourself enough time to complete all your tasks, and avoid rushing whenever possible. Trying to do too much at the same time can cause you to feel overwhelmed and frustrated, which can quickly upset your plans.

Packing is another area where it pays to be organized. Start by sorting and purging everything you don’t need. Clothes that are two sizes too small? Toss them in the donation bin. You can also have a yard sale to help you make some money on household goods, electronics, clothing, and small appliances.

When you’re left with nothing other than what you need – remember, you have to pay to move everything, so the more you get rid of, the less expensive your move will be – keep organization in mind here as well. One of the simplest tricks to doing this is to color code boxes. This doesn’t have to be anything super well thought out, and Big Man’s Moving notes that simply designating a specific color to each room will go a long way toward keeping you on track. If you still have plenty of time before the move, you can rent a portable storage unit to hold the things you don’t need now but will take with you. This is especially helpful if you have to get your current home ready for the market.

 Other Tips

●      Change your address at the post office.

●      Enroll your children in their designated school, private school, or home school program.

●      Scout healthcare providers, grocery stores, auto mechanics, and other services you’re likely to need.

●      Introduce yourself to the neighbors – they want to meet you.

●      Transfer your gym or other group memberships.

●      Change your license and registration as soon as possible.

●      Visit the local park or neighborhood playground so the kids will have a chance to meet their future classmates.

●      Moving with a pet? Pets Welcome recommends researching pet control and licensing ordinances and having an interstate health certificate ready.

●      Have fun. There’s no doubt that you’re going to be under a tremendous amount of stress during the move, but don’t forget to smile, laugh, and see the unique attractions along the way.

Moving is what you make of it. But, when you’re moving across state lines, getting yourself organized and prepared will help you make it a pleasant and memorable experience. From understanding how taxes might affect your budget to color coding each room, the above advice will help you get settled in before you know it.

Realtor Shannon Cutler of Shannon Cutler Real Estate is passionate about real estate and helping people find their perfect piece of paradise here on Vancouver Island. Team up with Shannon today by calling (250) 248-0896!

Written by: Danny Knight

Buying a House With a Home Office In Mind

Buying a House With a Home Office In Mind

If you work from home and it’s time to move, your next property should reflect your personal and professional needs. This isn’t always as straightforward as it seems, so think everything through from start to finish. Read on for important tips from Shannon Cutler Real Estate.

Weed, Mary-jane, marihuana, cannabis and real estate

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Weed, Mary-Jane, skunk, marihuana, pot, reefer, dope, ganga, and herb are just some of the names used in place of cannabis. It has been over one year since Cannabis was legalized in Canada. What does that mean for the world of real estate? What does it mean if you are selling or buying? 

 How many cannabis plants is a person legally allowed to possess? The answer is four; 4 plants per household. Even if there are four adults living in your home, the math does not add up to 16. It still adds up to four. 

 Now, the trouble arises when marihuana is grown in a home or outbuilding. When in was policing and working in a drug section, I remember, dealing with, and dismantling major grow operations.  From electrical bypass to automated water cycles going 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 90 days. Harvest. Then start again. Chemicals, water, and electricity pumping through a home.  All of these things makeup a grow operation and can directly impact the integrity of your home, or the home you may purchase. Some of these issues are:

·      Chemicals in the air can affect the air quality in the home;

·      the moisture produced from the operation produces moisture and can lead to mold, health concerns due to air quality, and structural issues with excessive moisture

·      illegal grow operations often have electrical and structural alteration in the home. obviously leading to other potential safety issues

 Even though marihuana is legal, sort of, due to the strict limits and guidelines, illegal grow operations still remain prevalent.  This means that disclosure of grow ops when selling real property is paramount. As a buyer, that is aware there was a grow op in a home, you and your agent need to make all reasonable efforts to inspect the property to find if there are any implications.

 As a seller, you will have to disclose to your agent, and determine whether you are dealing with a material latent defect or not. This is a whole different topic. But failure to disclose a latent defect can lead to potential legal liability. A latent defect is something that effects the 

 Let me know if you have questions about this. Or get legal advice before listing / buying real property that is affected by a marihuana grow operation.

As for Organized October, unfortunately, my tidying efforts are still ongoing. Don’t get me wrong, I am loving the results of this process. But it ain’t easy.  It is a little overwhelming to say the least. I deviated from her checklist. Big mistake. In turn I was wandering around tidying a closet or drawer here and there. So, I am back on track. Today I will be tackling my pantry. My pantry is huge and is a proverbial dumping ground for everything. From plastic bags, to thrift store boxes & empty wine bottles, baking supplies, and all our snacks.

 Shannon Cutler @ Macdonald Real Estate Group.

Realtor® Vancouver Island, BC.

Realtor Life

May 12, 2019

 Realtor® life

 This week has brought about some crazy days. My daughter turned 6, three homes completed, we said good bye to our Jensen home & welcomed a new family, I met 2 new clients, and have spent over 12 hours on the phone with Microsoft support. To top this off, Macdonald Realty kindly put us in a two-day training course. Did I mention my lawn is not mowed, the laundry is piled up, and we have yet to be able to sit down to a family meal? 

Between blowing up balloons on the weekend and decorating cupcakes, I was negotiating an offer and trying to calm down an older client who was moving out of one home into another, this week, while his wife is hugging surfers (at my request) in Australia. I think she got the better end of the deal.  This lovely couple sold their lovely townhome in Nanaimo to settle in a brand-new Windward Construction rancher on a quiet street in Parksville. I welcomed him to his on Wednesday, and even though the keys for the home were missing, he was smiles all around.

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 Speaking of client stories, one client had bought a new home and was concerned he wouldn’t receive his landscaping credit. I assured him he would. When James (hubby) went to take down a sign for me, my client again told James of his concern. James said, “not to worry. Shannon will get your money for you. No one wants her after them.” Haha true. But then he also said, “well if she does not get your money I will send her over with a rake and shovel.” 

 On Monday I had the privilege of meeting my newest client. Thank you to my friend who referred her to me! She is a lovely lady and local grandma. She was looking to list her home for sale in the coming month. After a serious conversation today and a few tears, I hugged her goodbye. When I went to leave we found that my necklace was caught on her shirt. She pulled me along through her home until we could cut ourselves free. Talk about a first impression. 

 I also want to say a big thank you to J, J, and C for three new referrals! Yes, I know. Referrals are my bread and butter baby! When someone trusts me enough to refer their family or friend to me, then I know I am doing something right. Keep them coming. Refer someone to me. I will pay you a referral fee. Yes, I will. Except to Dale, who refuses to take my money. So I tried to send him and his wife to dinner while I babysat. He said no. When she found out that he refused my offer she flipped. Haha… 

Being a Realtor® is seriously crazy, fun, hectic and interesting. #realtor #lovemyjob 

Shannon Cutler

 PS I will be announcing a draw this week… stay tuned