Whether a first-timer or seasoned home buyer, your home buying and selling process can be as challenging as learning a new language. Before you make your move, it's important to first understand the steps involved and the buzzwords of the "deal" to ensure the smoothest transaction possible.

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The silver linings that are emerging for buyers as a result of the changing housing market are greater selection, fewer competitive offers, and less pressure to make a snap decision. However, you should still be thinking of putting your best offer forward, since there may not be a lot of room for negotiating the price and terms. Having a knowledgeable agent who can pinpoint what amount will be met with serious interest on the seller's part is half the battle.

During the negotiation process, you have the right to include a home inspection to uncover any serious flaws in the structure. At the same time, you should appeal to the seller's desire for a quick and uncomplicated sale by coming close to all the reasonable terms of the closing requirements. Moreover, avoid sticking too many conditions in your offer. One big advantage for you as a buyer is to have preapproved financing so that the seller knows that you have the necessary funding to complete the transaction. Again, your agent can be your "wingman" as you make the "offer-to-purchase" run.

For a homebuyer, closing on a property means finally having the flexibility to build and create your own living space and, as homes typically appreciate over time, some measure of financial security.

Unfortunately though, closing also means having to comb over pages of legal documents, budgeting for closing costs, and finalizing your home financing. By being prepared before moving day, you'll make sure there are no surprises.

Paperwork
Some of the legal documents you'll need to look at on closing day include estimates, contracts, title searches, appraisals, home inspection summaries, and financial documents. Your real estate lawyer and/or sales associate should make these services available to you.

A week before you take ownership, consider coordinating a meeting where all respective agents, vendors, buyers, and your attorneys finalize closing details and documents. This step will help you avoid any surprises the day of, and ensure all paperwork is complete prior to taking possession.

When you close, also make sure to obtain the deed to your property.

Payments
Your mortgage is far from the only cost you should expect to pay when purchasing property. Other expenses may include legal fees, insurance, appraisal fees, moving fees, utility hook-ups, and depending on what state you live in, land transfer taxes.

Once you've been pre-approved for a loan, begin discussing closing costs with your Better Homes and Garden Real Estate sales associate. If you need more cash on hand for anticipated closing costs, this may force you to adjust the terms of your home financing. Putting down a smaller down payment is one way to free up some additional cash; however, it may make it more difficult to obtain financing from your lending agent. Also, consider that a smaller down payment may mean higher monthly mortgage payments. Carefully weigh these options with your sales associate and consider the length of time you intend to stay in your new home.

Additional Closing Costs
Land transfer taxes are costs many first-time buyers may overlook when purchasing a property. Whatever the amount, the trick is to be prepared.

Ask your sales associate to look at comparable sales in the neighborhood. With that information, he or she should be able to provide a fairly accurate cost estimate that will help you budget more effectively before taxes.

Adjusting to life in a new neighborhood can be stressful enough; the physical act of moving shouldn't make it worse. Ironing out the details weeks in advance will help make sure you and your prized possessions arrive at your new home in one piece.

Organizing the move
According to the US Census Bureau, an estimated 39 million Americans relocate annually, while half of all moves occur between May and Labor Day. If you're planning to move in during that time, make sure to book movers well in advance to avoid having to make arrangements around the schedules of others.

Before signing a contract, however, insist on getting in-home estimates from at least three reputable companies. While estimating your home's contents over the phone may seem like a simple way to obtain a quote, it often winds up costing more in additional fees, a scenario that can be easily avoided by scheduling face-to-face appointments.

Packing
Weeks before you move, start collecting boxes and gathering any necessary supplies (packing tape, sharpies, etc). Ideally, the boxes will be uniform so that they are easily stacked and stored prior to the day you close on your new home. When you start packing, work your way through your home, room by room, to make the task seem less onerous. If possible, spread out heavy items like books in several boxes as you may be the one lifting them.

Before buying loosefill peanuts or other packing materials, first consider what you have around the house for this purpose. Linens are excellent for wrapping and insulating delicate items, while old newspaper will help cushion plates, mugs, and cups and will more than likely ensure they arrive intact at your new home.

Insurance
Before movers start angling your widescreen TV down narrow hallways, make sure most, if not all, contents in your home are properly insured. If you're unsure, contact your insurance provider and get a list of what is covered under your home insurance. Does it cover items in transit? If not, most moving companies offer additional insurance, something you may want to consider purchasing for added peace of mind.

Also, few, if any, reputable moving companies will be held liable for the safe transport of important documents, jewelry, or currency. Pack those items yourself, and, along with any other precious keepsakes, keep them in your car to ensure they arrive safely.

Last minute
When moving, you'll likely discover items around the house that have been dormant for years. Heirlooms, collections, and other possessions with sentimental value aside, this is an ideal opportunity to clean up and donate any unwanted or unused items to a local charity. You'll not only be giving these items a second life, you'll also be limiting the time you spend creating space for them in your new home.

Are you excited and happy about moving? Or are you dreading the sorting, packing and other chores?

If you look at moving as an exciting adventure full of fun, new possibilities, then you’re halfway to getting your children on board for the ride. Your children will absorb your enthusiasm like little sponges.

There will be some worries, of course, but you can defeat those with a little preparation and understanding. 

Most children don’t like the changes associated with moving. The younger the child, the less able they are to "see into the future" as you do. They tend to focus on losing the security they’re used to, and they worry about missing friends and family. 

You can make childish anger and doubt grow into a sense of wonder and adventure. You can do that by acknowledging and empathizing with the loss they feel and showing them how to balance their feelings with what they have to gain.

1. Communicate with your child patiently and frequently.  Let your children know, step by step, what is happening and what is likely to happen next. Tell them what the move means to the family -- how important it is that Mommy got a big promotion or that Daddy is opening a new office for his company. 

2. List all the advantages there are for the child in the move. For example, will the family be closer to Grandma, the ocean, or another favorite person, place, or activity? Will they be able to see old friends and family frequently? Or at least at holiday time?

3. Show the child as much as you can about the new home. When you show your child their room, bath, and play area, make a game of it by asking where certain favorite toys or furniture should go. Have fun by showing your child the new house plans, or draw them yourself and let your child cut out furniture and toys to place in the rooms. Show your child a typical day in the home as you go from room to room.

4. Introduce your child to the new community online. Draw a map, and show how close Mommy and Daddy work, where schools are, where Aunt Bea lives, and other points of interest to help them orient themselves in their new surroundings.

5. Be ready for those "What about me?" questions. If your child is in scouts, little league, or other organizations, contact those associations for referrals in your new neighborhood or city. Knowing they won't have to give up favorite hobbies or sports goes a long way toward helping children adjust.

6. Let your child participate. Make a fun activity out of researching services you’ll need online, like finding a new veterinarian for your dog. Older children can find blogs online about their new school.

7. Keep your child occupied by letting them plan and pack a box or two of their special things. Consider their input on new decor and the layout of their new rooms. Encourage them to take the time to exchange good-byes with friends and loved ones and get addresses, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers to stay in touch.

8. Try to stick to normal routines as much as possible. Let your children know that, although they will soon live in a new house, the rules of the household will still be the same. Bedtime is still at 9 p.m., and homework must still be completed before TV time is allowed. And although Mom and Dad are a little busier and distracted with the move, they love their children very much and are giving the entire household a new opportunity to grow.

9. On moving day, have a bag packed of personal belongings for each member of the family, being careful to include medications, clothes, and personal items. Let your children choose what amusements and favorite "loveys" they wish to take along, and reassure them they will see their other favorite toys when they arrive in their new home.

Your preparedness will go a long way in reassuring your children that their needs are being considered, even while big changes are happening around them.