You’ve made the decision to sell your home. Even if you’ve sold a house before, this process can be daunting because it is a major financial transaction that involves many steps from selecting a sales professional and marketing the home, to negotiating with buyers and finally receiving funds at the closing. Yet, the home-selling process doesn’t have to be intimidating if you know what to expect. The process can be divided in nine steps.
Step 1: List your property with a real estate professional. Select someone who is knowledgeable, listens carefully, and with whom you feel comfortable. Interview at least three real estate professionals. Use their listing presentations to compare their preparation and professionalism. Don’t base your selection solely on selling price or commission. It’s probably best to avoid working with someone who promises you the moon—in this case, an unrealistically high price—then has to make price reductions until the property sells. Instead, focus on marketing plans, service and past results.
Step 2: Establish price and time frame. Determining a fair asking price is crucial in this market. Price the property too high and it could languish on the market. Of course you could always decrease the price later, yet you’ve lost potential buyers. Your real estate professional can help you determine true market value based on a comparable market analysis, which will include recent home sale transactions as well as homes currently on the market. Supply and demand, craftsmanship, amenities, condition and any special circumstances can also impact price. For instance, a relocation move might necessitate a quick sale.
Step 3: Develop and implement a marketing strategy. To get the most exposure for your home, you should have a marketing plan with clear objectives and an outline of specific resources to be used. Your plan should include a mixture of conventional and online marketing to optimize your reach to potential buyers.
Step 4: Get Your Home in Show Condition. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. So make sure your home is in tip-top shape inside and out. Eliminate clutter and remove personal items. Refresh the paint, clean the carpets and make minor repairs. Keep the grass trimmed and add color to your landscape. You may also want to consider hiring a professional to stage your home. A home in move-in condition is much more attractive to buyers in a competitive market.
Step 5: An offer is submitted. Once your home is on the market, a buyer will make an offer through his/her real estate sales professional. The buyer’s sales professional will present the offer to your representative, who will promptly relay it to you and help you evaluate the offer.
Step 6: The negotiation process begins and eventually an offer is accepted. One of the most critical roles played by your real estate professional is in the negotiation phase. Negotiations over the terms of a home-purchase contract can be extremely sensitive. The process of offer and counter-offer may go on until parties arrive at an acceptable contract, which can go very quickly or take days, even weeks.
Step 7: Buyers submit a loan application and home inspections are scheduled. Most often, the loan approval is conditional upon a satisfactory appraisal and various inspections.
Step 8: The loan is approved and the closing process begins. Once the buyer’s home loan has been approved, preparations begin for the closing. The closing is the final step toward completing the sales transaction between the buyer and seller. During this process, your sales professional will funnel all the necessary closing documents to the lending company. A final walk-through may also be scheduled.
Step 9: Time to move! Of course this is a simplification of what is otherwise a complex transaction. As you are going through each stage of the process, look to your real estate professional to provide guidance so that you feel comfortable every step of the way.
Stunning Executive Home!
Millcroft, Burlington $878,500! Gorgeous family home, with triple car garage, backing onto the 14th fairway at Millcroft Golf Course featuring inground salt water pool, professionally finished basement with recreation room, games room, 2 piece bath, bedroom, wet bar and workshop, for the DIY enthusiast. Bright open concept main floor offering 2 storey family room with maple hardwood floors over looking the eat-in kitchen with maple cabinetry with centre island, large living room with hardwood floors and crown mouldings, seperate formal dining room. The laundry room with inside entry from garage completes this level. On the upper level you'll find the master retreat which offers an abundance of space, walk-in closet and 5 piece ensuite with seperate shower and soaker tub, the second largest bedroom also offers a walk-in closet and full ensuite, and is complete with 2 more bedrooms and 4 piece bathroom.
This home is completely finished from top to bottom and decorated with flare and contemporary colours. Surround sound system wired through the home and out into the back yard. An abundance of upgrades and features are evident through the entire home which absolutely shows like a dream...all you have to do is move in! Call for your personal tour!
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This June 2009 marks ten years of working at Prudential By the Lake Realty!! Wow! That's a long time in one spot...I'm not quite sure who deserves the biggest medal...me or my Broker!! (he would say HIM of course!)
I got into this industry due to my Broker, Roy Stephens, selling a home that I had listed on the market here in Burlington, which I had previously listed privately (guess I had the real estate gene in me even then!). After conversations about the industry, office etc. he hired me and somehow convinced me that becoming a Real Estate Salesperson myself would be a good move. As to whether it has or not?? Of course!! I then went on to become a Broker and subsequently manage the small office in which I work. I definitely enjoy this industry...it's always fast paced, dynamic, exciting, changeable, but most of all fun!
As much as ten years sounds like a long time, (I mean, it is, it's a whole decade!) to me it feels like the time has flown by in a flash! Here's hoping the next ten years are every bit as interesting and as much fun as the past ten have been...though hope it goes at a much s-l-o-w-e-r pace!
Are you trying to figure out the best place for you to live, work and play? Why not consider Burlington, Ontario...here are a few good reasons why...
MoneySense magazine has named Burlington the top city in which to live in the GTA and the fourth best city in Canada, according to information released in April 2009 by the publication.
The rankings from MoneySense, a leading lifestyle and investment magazine, are based on a database of 24 indicators, ranging from weather and crime levels to home prices and employment prospects. Burlington appears on the top 10 list behind Victoria, Ottawa-Gatineau and Kingston and is the only GTA city to appear in the top 10.
“It is no surprise to the people who work, live and play in Burlington that our city is one of the absolute best Canadian cities. Whether you measure temperature, education, average income or job opportunities, we come out on top,” said Burlington Mayor Cam Jackson. “This is a city with strong local government, a stunning natural environment, world-class festivals, a stable and diversified economy, and incredible community spirit.”
MoneySense magazine says its ratings are based on the impressions of people who live within a city rather than on “touristy” accounts.
“We focus on the factors most likely to affect your long-term happiness,” the magazine’s website states. “While we've got nothing against charming downtowns and nice beaches, we prefer to concentrate on more practical matters: your chances of landing a good job, affording a nice home, and getting high-quality medical care. Much of what we measure is invisible to the tourist's eye.”
For more about the MoneySense rankings, visit list.canadianbusiness.com For more about Burlington, visit www.burlington.ca or www.burlingtontourism.com
Some facts about Burlington...
- Burlington is an environmentally-focused, fiscally-responsible city of 172,500.
- Burlington was founded in 1798 by Chief Joseph Brant. The city first developed at Port Nelson and Aldershot where goods such as fruit and vegetables were transported by water to the mainland. Burlington has kept both its agricultural and commercial roots, emerging as one of the most liveable cities in Canada.
- Burlington is a festival city, offering great opportunities for visitors, including the Bruce Trail on the Niagara Escarpment, award-winning restaurants and shops in the downtown, an award-winning waterfront, the popular Sound of Music Festival and Canada’s largest RibFest.
- Burlington is committed to managing growth in the city, and is working with the Region of Halton to meet the requirements of the province’s Places to Grow plan.
- Burlington is an inclusive city, and has been recognized by Burlington residents for its great recreational facilities and attractions and accessible public buildings, winning the Burlington Post People’s Choice Awards in 2008.
- Burlington is recognized as one of Canada's most dynamic cities. Strategically located west of the GTA, in the heart of the golden horseshoe and close to the U.S. border, Burlington attracts the best in business from across Canada and around the world.
- Burlington is a diverse, energetic and innovative community with a well-educated, highly skilled workforce. Burlington’s core economic strengths are advanced manufacturing, software development, financial services, biotechnology, environmental and logistics enterprises.
Contact me to find out more about this great city, fun things to do, great neighbourhoods and why NOW is a great time to invest in real estate in Burlington!
A sale can be made or lost as a direct result of your home's curb appeal. When it comes to selling your home, the first impression is probably the most important impression. If the outside of the property doesn’t create interest or appear well-maintained, a buyer may choose to not even come inside the home. Here are five ways to create curb appeal.
Paint and polish. A fresh coat of paint breathes new life into a tired-looking home. If your home looks dull or suffers from peeling, cracked or chipped surfaces, a paint job is a great investment. Polish the doorknocker and mail slot on the front door, as well as any light fixtures by the entry. Re-condition your deck. Consider renting a power washer to clean dirt and mildew from the wood, and then apply an all-weather sealer or stain.
Manicure the grounds. Mow and edge the grass, and trim the trees and bushes. Also, clear away dead leaves and flowers, and mulch and weed the beds. Check to see that tree branches are not touching the home's roof or outer walls. Add some color to your landscape by planting annuals and placing planters of flowers in strategic spots. You can even spruce up the property by hanging flowering baskets. Add flowering plants in the back yard, too.
Make needed repairs. See if anything is unhinged, loose or just an eyesore. Fix everything including broken fencing, windows and screens. Make sure winter’s cold weather didn’t leave any gutters sagging or loose. Replace any missing shingles from the roof. Try the doorbell. Check stairs and railings. Test doors for squeaks and rusted hinges. Don't forget to take a critical look at the property at night. Make sure the lights work, and replace dim and burned-out bulbs.
Unclutter. Tidy up the deck, patio and back yard. Rearrange the outdoor furniture to look inviting. Put away gardening tools and toys. Clean up the barbecue area. Eliminate any "evidence" of pets, and restrict them to the back yard when showing the home. Move extra vehicles from the view of passersby.
Clean. Clean the windows, inside and out, wash down the walks and driveway, and hose down the siding. Clean outdoor furniture and cushions. Check for oil spots on cement surfaces, especially the garage floor.
The old saying about making a good first impression couldn't be truer than when you are selling your home. Even the smallest enhancements can make a big difference in creating love at first sight for buyers.
Walk to the Lake!
• 4 bath, 4 bdrm two-story - 
MLS® $849,000
Indian Road, Burlington - Location, location, location!! Stately home plus incredible addition, approximately 4800 square feet of luxury overlooking the bay. Sitting on a mature 79' x 156' ft lot close to QEW/407 access, steps to Lake Ontario, Spencer Smith Park and waterfront trails. Ideal for home office/nanny with 20' x 20' suite, vaulted ceiling/skylights. Master bedroom retreat with fireplace and deck. The home offers elegance at it's finest!
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If you are buying a home, one of the first things your real estate professional will do before taking you on home tours is interview you to determine the type of house you want such as a 2,000-square-foot four-bedroom, split-level with a formal dining room and two-car garage. But just as important is the type of community you want to live in. Knowing what your requirements are will help narrow your home search and save time.
To expedite the house-hunting process, start by making a list of the dream home factors that are most important to you and your family’s lifestyle. Consider style, location, proximity to work and schools, yard size, children in the community, and of course, price.
Price and location generally are the key factors you’ll use to identify the communities that best suit you. If you are moving within the same city, you may want to start your community search by getting in your car and exploring. There are also resources on the Internet that let you compare communities.
You’ll want to ask yourself critical questions, such as: Do you dream of something quaint and charming that can only be found in an older area? Or, do you prefer everything new? Are you willing to sacrifice size and space for architectural detailing? What about drive and commute time to the office and schools? Will you forgo the number of bedrooms and a big yard for proximity to a lake or other recreational areas?
Whether you have children or not, buying a home in a community with good schools is important. It not only adds value to your property, but also is an attractive feature when and if you decide to sell. There are plenty of resources available to get information about schools within the communities you are considering. Various Internet sites offer school reports and profiles. They provide statistical data such as graduation rates, college-bound percentages, and standardized test scores. You can also learn about special programs the schools offer. In addition to these reports, many schools have their own Web sites you can peruse. And of course you can always talk to people in the area or take a tour of the school.
Additional factors you’ll want to consider during your community search are crime, recreational activities, proximity to shopping and restaurants, and other specific family needs.
Once you’ve narrowed your search to two or three communities that fit your price range and lifestyle, make comparisons of price and sales activity. Your real estate professional can help you determine which communities are most sales-worthy at present, and which are more likely to continue to be.
There are many factors involved in selecting the right community for you and your family. Discuss your options with your real estate professional. This will provide the information he or she needs to help you find property listings to tour. Remember, a targeted approach to house hunting is less time consuming, less expensive and more efficient.
Downtown living at its finest!
• 2 bath, 2 bdrm Condominium - MLS® $347,500
Yonge/Harbour, Toronto - Fabulous 2 bedroom condo in the luxurious "Pinnacle" buildings. South facing unit. Kitchen offers granite counters with breakfast bar, ceramic floors, stainless steel appliances, In-suite laundry. Spacious living and dining room with walk-out to the balcony with lake views! Master bedroom offers 4 piece ensuite. Walking distance to Harbourfront, Air Canada Centre, Union Station and Shopping. Comes with one parking spot.
Enjoy lazy days in the pool, hot tub, sauna or be entertained in the theatre room, playing tennis, business centre with computers, golf centre or party room. Also offers guest suites and a day care centre.
This wonderful condo is all about location and downtown living at its finest!
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It’s not surprising that two of the most popular rooms for home makeovers are the kitchen and bathroom. When potential homebuyers are searching for homes, they generally are more attracted to homes with updated kitchens and baths. These same rooms rank high in return on remodeling investment at resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost-vs-Value 2008-09 Study.
However, both can be pricey ventures. According to the same study, the national average for minor kitchen remodel was $21,246. A sample remodel at this cost includes replacing cabinet fronts, flooring, laminate countertops and oven and cooktop; installing mid-priced sink and faucet, adding wall cover and repainting trim.
The national average for a mid-range bathroom remodel was $15,899, which included replacing fixtures, installing a porcelain-on-steel tub, new shower and ceramic tile flooring.
If you’re like many consumers today, you are more budget conscious and may not be able to afford thousands of dollars on a remodeling project. Here are some alternatives that will give your kitchen and bathroom a fresh, modern look without breaking your piggy bank.
Kitchen
Cabinets—Give your cabinets a fresh look by either refinishing or refacing the fronts at a more economical cost than buying new ones. You can even take the center face out and install a glass front.
Hardware—Replacing your cabinet knobs and drawer pulls, can give your kitchen an entirely new look.
Paint—A fresh coat of paint is always a sure bet. And it is one of the least expensive ways to give a room a makeover. To further transform the room, choose more modern hues, such as a warm yellow or deep red.
Countertops—The price of natural quartz or stone countertops can quickly eat away your kitchen remodeling budget. Less expensive, yet still attractive alternatives are solid surface materials such as Silestone® or granite and ceramic tiles. An even more affordable choice is laminate, which is easy to install yourself and comes in a variety of colors and styles.
Faucets and Sinks—Add a fresh new look by replacing your sink and faucet with a high-arched spout in an updated finish, such as brushed nickel, brushed chrome or stainless steel.
Backsplash—Another option to modernize your kitchen’s look is adding a backsplash. But rather than having ceramic tiles, consider creating a mosaic with ceramic or glass or install a faux backsplash panel.
Window treatments—Switch out older valances with options that let the natural light in.
Lighting—By adding under cabinet lights or even track lighting, you can create a dramatic look to your kitchen.
Bathroom
Paint—As with the kitchen, a new coat of paint is a low-cost way to renew a room’s look. Choose a warm color to give the room an intimate feel.
Showerheads—Change out old showerheads with a new rain showerhead.
Shower Doors – If you still use shower curtains for your bathtub, you can update the look by installing glass doors. Frameless doors are preferable. However, if the walls aren’t flush to the tub area, framed doors will still give you the modernized look you’re seeking.
Hardware—Just as with the kitchen, replacing the knobs and handles can give your vanity a fresh new appearance.
Lighting and Mirrors—In addition to the vanity, the lighting and mirrors above that area can combine to make the perfect focal piece for your bathroom. If changing the vanity is not in your budget, consider swapping out your unframed glass for a more decorative mirror and add a new lighting fixture.
You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to add pizzazz to your kitchen or bath. Just changing one or two elements can make a huge difference in its appeal to you and a potential buyer down the road.
Amazing value!
• 2,100 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $412,500
Bronte Woods, Burlington - Just steps to Bronte Creek this fantastic 4 bedroom Fernbrook home sits on a premium fenced lot with interlock patio & hot tub! On the main floor you'll find a spacious living/dining room w/upgraded flooring & bay window, large kitc hen offers upgraded oak cabinets, potlights, centre island w/breakfast bar, ceramic flooring. Main floor laundry w/inside entry from the double garage & a 2-piece bath complete this level. The bright family room has palladium window s, vaulted ceilings & gas fireplace. The Master retreat offers double door entry, large bay window, walk-in closet & ensuite bath w/separate shower & soaker tub, 3 more sizable bedrooms complete the upper level. Professionally paint ed through-out this home also comes with a cold cellar, roughed-in bathroom in the basement, state of the art water purification system, 6 appliances, and offers great curb appeal. Located close to major highways, schools, and shopp ing its the perfect home for todays family! Call now to book your personal tour!! Shows 10++
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The key to an easy move is careful planning. There are many action items that need to be taken prior to the move all the way up to the actual day the first box is loaded on the moving truck. Take time to write down and organize the decisions and activities that will need to be accomplished prior to the move such as securing a mover and changing your address. Ideally, you should try to break up the tasks over a two-month period. By doing so, you won’t overload your schedule, plus it can save you time and money. To get you started, consider using the checklist below as a guide.
Eight Weeks Prior
ü Get estimates from at least three professional movers. If you are going to do it yourself, get estimates on rental trucks.
ü Decide which furniture and household goods you’ll be taking, which needs to be disposed and which needs to be replaced.
ü If you will be moving to a new city, contact the Chamber of Commerce of that town for a new residence packet. Your sales professional may also have information.
Six Weeks Prior
ü Inventory your possessions besides furniture – kitchenware, decorative items, electronics, apparel and so on.
ü Complete a change of address form with the post office. Make sure you notify organizations, credit cards companies, and publications to which you subscribe of your new address, too.
ü Obtain copies of all medical, dental, legal, accounting and veterinarian records.
ü If children are changing schools, arrange for transfer of educational records.
ü Itemize moving-related costs with the mover including packing, loading, special charges and insurance.
Four Weeks Prior
ü Make arrangements for packing your belongings. If you will be using professionals, schedule with the company for packing to take place a day or two before the move. If you will handle packing on your own, purchase adequate boxes, packing materials and tape.
ü Arrange for short-term or long-term storage if needed.
ü Make travel arrangements for pets including necessary medical records, immunizations, medication and so on.
Three Weeks Prior
ü Begin packing items you won’t need immediately or that will go into storage.
ü Contact utilities on both ends of the move to order termination or turn-on for occupancy date.
ü Confirm travel arrangements for family and pets.
Two Weeks Prior
ü Terminate newspaper and other delivery services.
ü If necessary, arrange and confirm new bank accounts and local services in your new neighborhood.
One Week Prior
ü Gather important papers, records, and valuables for protected shipment to new home or safe deposit box.
ü Obtain any prescription medications needed for the next few weeks.
Day Before or Actual Moving Day
ü Defrost refrigerator/freezer and give away all perishable food.
ü Keep a box marked “Last Box Packed/First Box Unpacked” for tools, flashlights, first aid kit and so on. On moving day, this should be the last box placed on the truck.
ü Pack items to carry with you such as valuables, financial records, personal papers and so on.
ü Give the movers a telephone number and address to reach you.
To be sure, a detailed action plan can get your move well down the road before you ever depart to your new destination.
Shopping for a home is an exciting adventure and it’s easy to get lost in a sea of dazzling for-sale homes and all of their fabulous amenities – which can cause you to temporarily forget that a large backyard is your top priority. To keep yourself focused, take time to identify and organize exactly what you’re looking for in a home by creating thorough “must-have” and “wish” lists before you begin home shopping. You may also want to make a third list that details your dislikes.
To get started ask yourself these questions: Which items and features must your home have? Which items and features would you like to have, but could live without? What would your dream house include? And, what features or issue must you avoid?
For the must-have list, try to focus on essentials and hard-to-change details, like a home’s layout. If you must have a three-bedroom, two-bath house, put it on the list. Ranking your must-haves in order of importance is also a good idea.
Hard-to-change, must-have features can include the type of house, for example a two-story colonial or sprawling rancher; the number of rooms and square footage; the home’s proximity to shopping; or its overall condition. Your must-have list can’t be too detailed because it aims to itemize the features that are most important to you and your family.
Your wish list is the flexible and fun list. Wish lists are good for cosmetic features that would be great to have, but that can be changed. Hardwood floors can replace old wall-to-wall carpeting. If the yard is large enough and has adequate open space, a pool can be installed later. And landscaping can be a work in progress. Since the wish list is secondary, there are no limits so be sure to also include your dream amenities.
While compiling your lists, don’t hesitate to confer with your real estate professional, who is a great source for information about neighborhoods, homes and other pertinent “must-have” information.
Once you’ve determined your must-haves and optional features, create a checklist to take with you during your home tours. Besides helping you stay focused, it will provide an organized review of each house.
Your lists will most likely change as you tour homes and see what the market really has to offer. It’s also unlikely that one house will include all of your must-have features. But, your efforts will be well worth it once you find the perfect house that includes just enough must-haves and even a few wishes. Your perfect home might not include that must-have basement, but its view may be a dream come true.
There is no question that in many parts of the country, houses are currently on the market longer. As a seller, this slow-down means there is more competition for a limited pool of potential buyers. Consider the following five tips to place your home on the fast track to sale:
Price It Right
The first 30 days are the most critical. If your home is priced too high, interested buyers may never even tour your listing. The longer the property is on the market, the fewer the prospects.
Deciding the value of a home isn’t an exact science. Yet, there is data to help you determine a fair asking price that is right on target. You may want to hire a real estate appraiser for an objective, unbiased estimate. Then consult with a real estate professional who can help you determine true market value based on a comparable market analysis, which will include recent home sale transactions as well as homes currently on the market. From your analysis, you may want to price your home conservatively to give it a competitive edge.
Make Your Home Irresistible
Unless they are looking for a fixer-upper, most home buyers are more likely to make a bid on a home that they can enjoy immediately. Therefore, you need to create an environment the buyer can’t resist. In other words, do everything you can to make the home so attractive, charming, cozy, inviting, comfortable and exciting that a buyer will want to buy that lifestyle for himself.
Evaluate the home from a buyer’s point of view. An experienced real estate professional will be able to offer an objective view and will also know what buyers are asking for. Get your home in tip-top shape by making repairs and cosmetic improvements, and removing clutter. This may mean investing in a few upgrades to modernize your home’s look such as installing newer carpet and light fixtures and painting the walls a neutral shade.
Create Traffic
If you want buyers to see your home, you must first find the buyers. Work with your real estate professional to design a marketing plan that is flexible and capitalizes on your property’s most desirable features. Your strategy should include ways to reach buyers online and offline – such as word of mouth, the Internet, yard signs, direct mail, open houses and so on.
Go with a Professional
Selling a home is more than just putting a sign in your yard and having a listing on the Internet. And in a competitive market, you don’t really want to take the chance of making novice mistakes that can slow the selling of your home. By hiring a real estate professional, you get the benefit of an experienced marketer and negotiator who is familiar with real estate issues in your community. A real estate professional can offer worthy advice on pricing and staging your home based on their vast experience.
Plus, there’s the added value of the peer-to-peer networking among real estate professionals, which can bring buyers and sellers together – sometimes even before the property goes on the market.
Offer Incentives
Offering incentives can be just the impetus a potential buyer needs to select your property over others. You may want to consider offering a carpet or paint allowance. Or, pay for a professional home inspection or a home warranty – and, depending on your market and budget, offer to pay some of the closing costs.
Don’t be discouraged if there are competing homes for sale in your neighborhood. With just a few smart moves, you can turn a buyers’ market in your favor.
When making your moving plans, don’t forget to include your beloved pets. Although they present a new set of challenges, it doesn’t have to add to your stress if you take the following steps before your big move.
Visit the vet
Schedule a pre-move visit with your veterinarian for a checkup and to make sure that all vaccinations are current. Use this time to get copies of your pet’s records, a recommendation for a veterinarian in your new location, and possibly a tranquilizer to give your pet during transportation.
Research laws in new area
Research the requirements regarding animals in your new locality. Nearly every province/state has laws regarding entry of dogs, cats, horses, birds and other pets. For example, most provinces/states require health certificates for dogs and horses coming from another country/state. If you own an exotic animal such as a ferret or potbellied pig, check to see if it is allowed as a pet in your new city. Some provinces/states may require an entry permit. You can obtain compliance information from the provincial/state veterinarian or other appropriate authority. It’s important to get this information well ahead of your move so that you can get any necessary examinations or documents.
Make sure your pet’s identity and rabies tags are current. You should also have a special travel identification tag just in case they become lost during the move. The tag should include the pet’s name, your name and new address, and an alternate contact.
Decide on transportation mode
Decide how you will be transporting your pet. Animals are not allowed on moving vans, so your choices are by car or air.
By car
If traveling by car, it is suggested that you take your pet on short rides before the trip so that he can get accustomed to the movement. The day of the trip, don’t feed your pet for several hours before departure. It’s also a good idea to take him on a long walk before heading out.
Pack a travel kit to include food, food and water dishes, can opener, scooper, paper towels for clean ups, and plastic bags. You may also want to include a blanket to cover your car seats, plus treats and a favorite toy.
If you are traveling with birds or other small pets, such as a hamster, make sure they are in a stable cage with proper ventilation. A kennel for cat or dog may also be a good idea.
If your trip will require an overnight stay, find out well in advance of your trip whether pets are allowed at the lodging of your choice. The website www.petswelcome.com is a great place to search for lodging that accommodates pets.
By air
Traveling by air definitely requires preplanning. Each airline has its own policy regarding pet transportation. In addition, there are federal requirements you must follow. For example, dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and weaned for at least five days. In addition, cages and containers must meet certain standards.
You need to decide if your pet will accompany you in the cabin or be checked as baggage, or shipped separately by air freight.
Check with your airline to make sure that pets are allowed to travel in the cabin and obtain guidelines. It is required that pets traveling in the passenger cabin be in a carrier that can fit underneath the seat without blocking the main aisle. The container must remain stowed the entire flight.
If your pet will be transported as baggage or by freight, make shipping arrangements as far in advance as possible so that space can be reserved. It is recommended that you schedule a non-stop flight on a weekday. You also need to supply the air carrier written instructions for food and water.
Other precautions to take when transporting your pet by air include:
· Before traveling, get your pet accustomed to the kennel in which it will be shipped.
· Don’t give your pet solid food six hours prior to the flight. Providing water a few hours before the flight is advisable.
· Write your contact information on the container and make sure your pet is wearing a tag with the same information.
The Federal Aviation Administration (www.faa.gov) and Department of Transportation’s (http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov) websites have valuable information regarding traveling with pets.
Transitioning to new home
Once you are in your new home there are some things you can do to help ease the transition for your pet. If you have a dog, take him for a walk immediately so that he can become familiar with the new area. Cats, on the other hand, have a tendency to run away searching for their old home. They should be kept indoors for several weeks until they become comfortable in the new home and familiar with its scents and noises.
Veterinarians also advise that you bring water from your old home, because a change in water sources can sometimes cause your pet to become sick.
Like humans, pets are can become stressed when change occurs. By planning ahead, you can help to make sure your pet has a smooth transition to its new environment.
• 5 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "Detached" - MLS® $799,900
Millcroft, Burlington - Located on a large pie shaped ravine lot in the prestigious Millcroft community this 4 yr old Monarch home offers approximately 3,200 square feet of luxury living. The main level features a gourmet kitchen with granite counters, built-in stainless appliances, centre island, walk-out to spacious deck and is open to the large sunny breakfast area and overlooking the family room. The seperate formal living and dining rooms offer plenty of entertaining space and the work at home enthusiast will enjoy the main floor den. The upper level has spacious bedrooms two of which share a bath, the other with an ensuite and the master retreat is complete with an over-sized spa-like ensuite. The walk-out basement is completely finished and comprises of a bedroom, 3 piece bathroom and huge recreation room with gas fireplace and wet bar. Just drop your bags at the front door and move in with nothing to do but enjoy Burlington living at it's finest!
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