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Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Experts at The Pet Realty Network in Naples, Fla., offer these helpful tips for easing the transition and keeping pets safe during the move. 1. Update your pet’s tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move. 2. Ask for veterinary records. If you’re moving far enough away that you’ll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations. You also…

A home is the biggest financial investment most people will make in their lifetime. However, dream homes can quickly turn to nightmares if destructive termites find their way into the structure. With warmer weather on the way, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) warns that termite swarmers will be on the hunt for vulnerable homes where they can establish new colonies and inflict costly property damage that is often not covered by homeowners insurance. Termites, known as "silent destroyers," feed 24-hours a day, seven days a week on the cellulose found in wood and paper products and cost U.S. homeowners about $5 billion each year. As spring also kicks off the house-buying season, the NPMA encourages all homebuyers to obtain a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection separate from their home inspection,…

If you're one of those homeowners who's been moaning about how hard it's been trying to sell your house, your bargaining power -- you remember that concept, right? -- hasn't been completely devastated just because a flood of new foreclosures is expected to hit the market as a result of the recent $25 billion "robo-signing" mortgage settlement. In fact, while studies have shown your own property value could take up to another 4 percent hit if you're within a quarter mile of a foreclosure ultimately snapped up at auction or taken back by the lender, the thing to remember is this: Most buyers today are only interested in homes that are "move-in-ready," so if yours isn't ... well, there's your problem. "Buyers generally look at 'as-is' properties that need work,…

Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and…