RISMEDIA -Interstate mover rate deregulation in 2008, combined with fewer consumers “on the move,” has created a buyers market for professional moving services during National Moving Month. As a result, Move, Inc., a leader in online real estate and operator of Moving.com, recommends consumers negotiate more aggressively to lower costs and use the free moving tips and tools provided on Moving.com when planning their move this year.
Services and tools provided free of charge to consumers at Moving.com include: Find a Mover; Find Moving Trucks; Find Moving Help; Find Self Storage; Boxes and Supplies; Free Credit Report; Move Planner; Salary Calculator, Local School Reports, City Reports, Compare two Cities, Rental Guides, and more.
“We recommend consumers leverage the convenience of Internet sites like Moving.com to locate professional movers and then shop rates aggressively to find the best pricing,” said Anne Carroll, vice president of strategic partnerships at Move, Inc. “To win business during the high season kicked off every May by National Moving Month, some professional movers may even provide discounts on supplies, such as boxes and other related services.”
Consumers unsure about what type of moving services they need can take an online quiz at Moving.com. After answering a series of short questions, they will receive a report to help decide whether full or self service assistance is necessary and what type of trucks are most appropriate. A handy chart compares the effort and cost involved in different types of moves, factoring in home size and timing.
“To help reduce stress over the cost of a move, consumers need to be sure to figure in every single item, including those in attics, basements, garages, sheds, closets and under beds,” Carroll says. “We recommend consumer reach a complete understanding about costs with a professional mover ahead of time to avoid any surprises with the final bill.”
Carroll recommends that consumers remember that quality is just as important as price in planning a successful move. At Moving.com, the company says that consumers are matched with prescreened, licensed and insured movers. Costs are higher or lower depending on shipment weight and distance since movers base their charges on shipment weight, current fuel costs, and other required services.
Effective January 1, 2008, the US Transportation Board announced the termination of mover rate agreements was necessary to protect the public interest, particularly the public’s interest in reasonable shipper rates. In compliance with the decision, the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) ceased all efforts to update, revise, maintain or program Bureau tariffs as of 2008.
Each year, approximately 19 million American households (42 million people) move to a new home, representing an average of 16% of the population or 115,000 people per day. In five years, nearly 80% of the US population will move.
For more information, visit http://www.move.com.
RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

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RISMEDIA -When it comes to home purchases, everyone wants to buy low and sell high. “Now is the low; high is just around the corner,” says Alexis McGee, foreclosure information expert, educator, and president of foreclosure property information specialists ForeclosureS.com. “Already pending home sales are climbing in the North, and appear poised to rebound in the South and West, according to the most recent National Association of Realtors Pending Home Sales Index. NAR also predicts existing home sales will climb more than 6% next year, and that median prices — down this year — also will climb in 2009.”
With interest rates at a 35 year low, affordable financing, and abundant inventory, it’s a buyer’s market. “There are plenty of great opportunities that make the American dream of homeownership more affordable today if you know where to look and how to make the right deal,” says McGee, also author of “The ForeclosureS.com Guide to Advanced Investing Techniques You Won’t Learn Anywhere Else” (Wiley) and “The ForeclosureS.com Guide to Investing in Pre-foreclosures Without Selling Your Soul” (Wiley).
A recent survey from Trulia.com by Harris Interactive® indicated that more than half of Americans would consider purchasing a foreclosed home. “It sounds like those Americans recognize a good deal,” adds McGee. “So what are you waiting for? It’s bargain time. Buy now.”
McGee offers a few tips to help you buy right in today’s markets:
- Do your homework before you buy. That means know the local market, the going price in a specific neighborhood, and what kind of financing is available. You can get free information and guidance online at sites like ForeclosureS.com (www.ForeclosureS.com) and the National Association of Realtors (www.Realtor.org). But beware those websites that promise instant riches for “no effort and no money down.”
- Open your eyes to the opportunities that surround you. Even cities with high foreclosure rates have motivated sellers in sought after neighborhoods — where well-priced homes resell quickly.
- Make sure you know the current prices for comparable properties in the area. With markets in flux, prices from three months ago no longer are good enough.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount. To figure your offering price don’t forget to deduct the costs of necessary repairs and rehab and your profit. If you’re buying a property with plans to turn around and resell it, deduct from your offering price the cost of buying, holding and selling the property until you find a buyer - and don’t forget to pencil in your profit!
- Don’t be derailed by marketing come-ons, gimmicks, and “insider secrets”. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
- Beware the “great deals” at the auctions. Competitive bidding drives up prices. Instead of buying a house at discount, you could end up paying full market price or more if you factor in auction commissions and fees.
- Consider FHA as a low-cost, safe financing alternative. With new higher loan limits, interest rates at 35 year lows, and home buyer tax incentives still being ironed out in Congress, this is an excellent opportunity for you to buy low.
For more information, visit http://www.foreclosures.com/stats/.
RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

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RISMEDIA -A home equity loan can be a great resource to homeowners who need some extra money to do a renovation project, pay for college tuition, or even make a large purchase.However, there are three mistakes that you as a homeowner might make that, if avoided, can make the application process run smoothly and give you a better experience:
1. Avoid being unaware of the differences between a Home Equity Loan and a Home Equity Line of Credit. It is important that you understand the differences between the two types of home equity loans so you will know which one is better for your situation. A home equity loan is paid out in one lump sum and it usually has a fixed interest rate and term. A home equity line of credit, on the other hand, can be drawn on whenever you need money, interest is paid only on the amount you borrow, and it usually has a variable interest rate. Ascertaining how you will use the funds, what type of interest rates you would prefer, and how you can afford to repay the loan will force you to research these loans very carefully and will allow you to make the best decision.
2. Avoid getting hit with unexpected fees. Most fees on home equity loans and lines of credit are unavoidable, but it is still important to know about them, so you are not surprised when you are charged with them. Common fees that are charged on a home equity loan include closing costs, points, appraisal fees, escrow fees, flood certification fees, and recording fees. Some financial institutions will also charge customers a prepayment penalty fee if they close out the account before a certain time period - typically within the first three years. Home equity lines of credit carry most of these fees as well, and they also tend to have annual fees attached to them. Being prepared for these fees will allow you to include them in your estimate of how much you can afford to borrow, so that you do not end up owing more than you had expected.
3. Avoid jumping at the offer of a high LTV ratio. The loan to value (LTV) ratio is the ratio of the amount of money you borrow through a home equity loan (or mortgage) to the value of your home. This ratio is considered high when it exceeds 80%. Sometimes, if you have outstanding credit, certain lenders who want your business will offer you a loan for an amount close to or even exceeding the amount of equity you have in your home. The interest and any fees you might be charged can take a high LTV loan above the value of your home, making the excess amount an unsecured loan, like a credit card. The interest on this amount is not tax-deductible, as the interest on home equity loans and lines of credit usually is. (Check with your tax advisor for more details.) Only borrow what you can afford - do not take more money just because it is offered to you.
Being aware of these mistakes and knowing how to avoid them will certainly get you on the road to becoming a wise home equity loan shopper.
SOURCE: Informa Research Services, Inc.
For more information, visit www.informars.com.
RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com

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Philadelphia, Pa.
The City of Brotherly Love has a tight housing market--just 1.9% vacancy--reflecting the lure of a charming and historic American city. Steeped in tradition, this city is priced well, with a median home price of $234,900, up from $215,000 in 2005. With abundant cultural outlets, including universities, museums and theaters, Philly is a great place to call home.

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