On the one hand, children are creatures of habit. As long as they have a routine and clear expectations, they’ll do well, and if something disrupts that routine, things can become difficult for them. On the other hand, children are also amazingly resilient. They can handle far more than we give them credit for. The trick is, kids will survive and thrive as long as they are prepared. Yesterday, we discussed a few things you can do to make a move a little easier for kiddos, and we’ll continue that discussion today.

• When you’re packing up, the worst thing you can do is to pack up toys first. Why? Right up until you load the last box and turn in the keys to your old home, the kids will need something to do. Try to pace them, and leave one box of toys to be packed for the last day.
• Speaking of boxes, be sure to label the stuff for your kids extremely clearly. It’s virtually a guarantee that they’ll want a particular toy or stuffed animal within a day or two of moving. Looking for that toy in a box labeled, “TOYS,” will drive you nuts. Include lots of detail about what is in which box.
• If you have access to a friend, family member, or babysitter during the packing process, use them. Kids have a much lower tolerance for boredom and repetition than we adults do, and they will slow you down. If nobody can watch them, give the kids a break from packing for a few hours with a movie, sculpting clay, or crayons and paints.
• Remember when we talked about kids being creatures of habit? A great way to help them ride out the chaos of moving is to turn the whole thing into an adventure. If you don’t ordinarily take them out for fast food, or you have a hard and fast bedtime schedule, change it up. Let them stay up a little later, and the occasional treat won’t hurt.
• Every parent knows that kids can get messy from time to time. A wise move is to keep spare clothing close by during the move to take care of unforeseen messes. Along with extra clothes, include your favorite stain removal spray and a few Ziploc bags. It may be a little while before you have access to a washing machine.
• Odds are that, before you make the move, you’ll need to unplug the refrigerator and empty it out. Keep a cooler with you and fill it with drinks, fruits, veggies, cheese, and other snacks. Your child’s appetite may be unpredictable, and they will pick the moment where you’re trying to get a mattress down a flight of stairs to tell you that they’re hungry.

The post Moving Smoothly With Your Kids-Part 2 appeared first on CarrHomes.

It’s one thing to buy a pre-existing home. You walk through it, check the accessories that are already there, and you’ve got a running checklist in your head. You’re thinking, “I’ll need to do something about the water heater in a few years, the counters are terrible and I’ve got to replace them, wow, the faucets in the master bathroom are ugly. But I can make this work.”

With new construction, since you’re working with your home builder from the ground up, you don’t have to make those thousands of tiny compromises. You can make the choices to have the home of your dreams. However, the process of buying a new construction home is a little different from the traditional house buying experience. Yesterday, we shared a few tips with you regarding what to expect when you’re working with a home builder and buying a newly constructed house. Keep reading to learn a few more.

• We all know that in life, there are no guarantees. However, most people working with a builder are planning to purchase a home that hasn’t been built yet. What happens if the builder runs behind on construction? What happens if you’re held up by a delay with closing or your lender is taking their time? The documents for your purchase agreement should specify a closing date, but they should also mention what happens in the event of delays.
• Trust us when we tell you that hiring an independent home inspector is money well spent. There are those who believe that problems will only crop up in an older home. But mistakes can happen and problems can occur in a newly built home as well. Reputable builders understand this, and they know that there’s nothing wrong with a fresh pair of eyes checking the place out. Be sure to have your agent determine how the inspection process works, and what your rights are in the documentation regarding requesting repairs or terminating the agreement.
• Before you sign anything, know what is and is not covered under your warranty. Most builders provide a warranty, but it won’t necessarily offer blanket coverage for everything. Plus, certain components, such as the windows, might have a separate manufacturer warranty. If there’s an issue, your builder may refer you to the manufacturer to solve the problem. Your builder should be happy to go over all of the warranty information ahead of time.
• Let’s say the house you choose is set on a lot with a lovely view. Will that view still be there in 5 years? Take the time to contact the municipality you’re moving to and find out what they have planned. They can give you an idea about upcoming traffic planning and development of surrounding areas.
• Are you planning to go crazy with holiday decorations after you move in? Before you pull a Clark W. Griswold, check with your homeowner’s association, if one is in the neighborhood. If there is an HOA, you can find out about monthly fees and what is expected of you as a resident.

The post More Tips For Buying A Designer Home appeared first on CarrHomes.

Carr Homes is dedicated to being the most trusted house builder in Fairfax, so we wanted to share a list of questions that any building contractor should be able to answer to your satisfaction.

“How many homes have you built in the Fairfax, Virginia area?”

Each region has its own specific needs and concerns. A home builder from Colorado might not necessarily be the best choice in Virginia. The number of homes also indicates overall experience and expertise.

“Can I have the contact information for a few recent buyers or occupants of your homes?”

A top quality builder will have no problem having you get first-hand testimonials from past customers.

“How many features or areas of the home can be customized to my preferences?”

Customization is a major advantage of building a home, and there should be ample opportunities for you to get it just the way you like it.

“How often (and when) will I have access to the home during the building process?”

Prospective homeowners are excited and want to be able to monitor the progress of their house. Contractors that don’t allow or try to restrict access to the home during the building process can be very frustrating.

Armed with these questions, you can be better prepared to choose the right home builder. Happy house hunting!

The post 4 Must-Ask Questions When Choosing A Home Builder appeared first on CarrHomes.

Location
Location is key when buying a home, whether a new build or a previously owned home. Look for new home builders that do construction in areas where you work or your children go to to school. You can find the perfect house but if it’s not in the perfect location for you, the home will feel more like an inconvenience than a safe harbor.

Ask the builder about all the their construction sites to find the best fit. Also, consider the lot location once you have settled on a site. Lot location is influenced by roads and traffic, lot size, access, and drainability.

Experience
Look for a builder with experience. Read reviews and look into their history with clients. A builder that has been around will have solid warranties, consistent quality, and an understand of what their clients are looking for in their homes. Experience is key in an industry with many builders to choose from.

Ask about the benefits a builder can provide and ask for references you can check.

Timeline
Let’s be honest, if a home isn’t built by the time you need it, you can face more expenses and difficulties in moving. Look for a builder that fits your timeline, whether that’s over a year out or one that provides already built semi-custom homes.

Ask how long a new build will take and what you can expect during the process.

Tour
The best interview with a home builder will involve seeing their work. Touring model homes, homes in process, and homes built for past buyers. Look for the custom touches that make a buyer stand out.

Ask yourself if the home has the look and feel you’re searching for. Also, ask for specifics on what would be included in your price versus a model home.

The post Choosing a New Home Builder and Essential Questions to Ask appeared first on CarrHomes.