Moving is stressful—anyone who’s ever done it (and that’s nearly everyone) can tell you that.
But how do our pets feel about it?
It turns out that pets are just as prone to moving-day (and pre-moving-day) stress as we are.

Moving With Pets: What to Know Before You Go

ASPCA President Larry Hawk, D.V.M. says, “Moving is very stressful for a family. That stress is also experienced by the pets. They want to know that they’re part of the family and that they’ll be going, too.”
Before you move, know that dogs and cats react differently. (If you’re moving with fish, here’s how you can make the move easier.)
Because dogs tend to be more socialized, they seem to adapt better to change. Cats, on the other hand, are more focused on their immediate surroundings; they thrive on consistency, whereas dogs can bounce back and readjust… as long as you’re with them.

Tips for Moving With Cats

Now is the time to get your cat familiar with his or her carrier. Leave it open where your cat can examine it each day. Ideally, your cat will be able to hide in it when he or she feels stressed.
Make sure that when you do move, your cat is confined to a hard-sided carrier. (The same is true with other small animals, such as birds, rabbits, ferrets and hamsters.) If possible, cover the carrier with a light sheet for the first few hours of the trip.
“Cats get a little freaked out when they see the world moving by,” says Arnold Plotnick, D.V.M.

Tips for Moving With Dogs

Make sure your dog is restrained when you move—for your safety and for his. If your dog is disoriented, he may bolt when you stop for gas or to stretch your legs; further, he or she will be safer in case something happens.

On Moving Day

Make sure your pets are confined to one room on moving day. All the activity can be overwhelming—and you want to keep them as calm as possible before and during the trip.
Bring along a separate bag for your pet that includes water, treats, and food. You’ll also need a pet first aid kit, some extra towels (in case of accidents), and extra ID tags attached to your pet’s collar.
 

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas or North Padre Island?

Whether you’re looking for a home for sale in Port Aransas orNorth Padre Island, we’d love to help you find the perfect place to live.
Call us at 361-563-7788 or get in touch with us online to tell us what you want from your next home. We’ll start searching right away.
In the meantime, check out our:

• All-in-one mortgage calculator
• Free homebuyer handbook
• Free eBooks about buying a home (and more)

Filed under: Blog, How-To, Moving by Julie Woodward
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When your home is on the market, lenders typically want to see a current appraisal—but for many homeowners, that’s a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat experience.
While we all know our own homes, what will an appraiser see when he or she walks in? How will the appraiser judge its appearance, state of repair, and value?
The good news: if you’re prepared for the appraiser, you don’t need to lose any sleep.
But how do you ensure your home is ready for an appraisal?

How to Ensure Your Home is Ready for an Appraisal

Double-check all the maintenance around your home. Is there chipped paint? A stain on the carpet that you’ve covered with a rug? A loose tile in the bathroom?
The appraiser is going to look at how well your home is maintained, and everything that could use some work is going to chisel away at the value.
Other things to check:

• Make sure appliances are in good, working order
• Trim bushes and clean up flower beds
• Find and repair cracks in sidewalks and driveways
• Tidy up your yard
• Repair damaged or loose fence slats
• Check the roof for loose shingles
• Check your gutters for blockage, bowing or other damage

Does Cost = Value?

Cost doesn’t equal value.
What that means is that if you spent thousands of dollars on a master bath makeover, you may not recoup it all when you put your house on the market.
(It’s always a good idea to think about resale value when you’re making home improvements, and if you’re not sure—or if you’re thinking about making improvements just to sell—talk to your Realtor® to be certain you’re making the right choice.)

Are You Selling Your Home in Port Aransas or North Padre Island?

If you’re selling your home, we’d love to help you do so quickly and at the right price. We’ll be happy to give you a free comparative market analysis so you know exactly how much your home is worth. While you’re here, you can also download our free home-selling eBook and read our useful tips for selling your home faster.
When you’re ready, call us at 361-563-7788 or contact us online to find out how we can help you sell your home in Port Aransas or North Padre Island.
 
 

Filed under: Appraisal, Blog, How-To, Selling by Julie Woodward
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If you’re buying a new home in Port Aransas or the surrounding communities, you’ve probably already thought about your décor—but do you have a great conversation piece?
According to etiquette expert Margaret Shepherd, having a great conversation piece (or two) on-hand can make you the best entertainer in the neighborhood.

3 Great Conversation Pieces for Your New Home in Port Aransas

#1: Musical Instruments

Musical instruments make great conversation pieces, says Shepherd, but pianos don’t really count; people see them as if they’re furniture.
Don’t play the instrument unless you’ve been asked twice, though.
“Don’t accept the first invitation to perform, but thank the guest and promise to play later,” Shepherd said. “And then wait to be asked twice! A host’s performance stops the conversation and the party dead, while afterward no one can say anything but compliments.”

#2: Exotic Plants (or Anything Exotic, Really)

“If you have any spectacular object like this that is sure to excite curiosity and comment, be ready with a response that takes advantage of the moment,” says Shepherd.

#3: A Best-Selling Book

Steer clear of controversial or political books if you’re looking for a conversation piece—you don’t want to alienate your guests—but other best-sellers, “coffee table” books, or a novel that’s being made for the big-screen can be ideal.
“Any book that is floating around in popular knowledge is a conversation starter,” Shepherd said. “Even if someone hasn’t read the book on your table, he can then say ‘Oh, I have heard so much about that book. What’s all the hype about?’ That’s your hook. Now, you or one of your guests can build a valuable conversation with that person.”

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas or North Padre Island?

Whether you’re looking for a home for sale in Port Aransas or North Padre Island, we’d love to help you find the perfect place to live.
Call us at 361-563-7788 or get in touch with us online to tell us what you want from your next home. We’ll start searching right away.
In the meantime, check out our:

• All-in-one mortgage calculator
• Free homebuyer handbook
• Free eBooks about buying a home (and more)

Filed under: Blog, Buying, Decor, How-To, Luxury by Julie Woodward
No Comments »