Keep your pets out of packing boxes and away from all activity on moving day.

Let all your electrical gadgets return to room temperature before plugging them in.

Since you may need to call old neighbors or businesses from your new home, pack your phone book.

Work hand in hand with your mover. Give mover's foreman your reach numbers and email addresses so you can stay in contact.

Read inventory form carefully, and ask mover to explain anything you don't understand. Make a note of your shipment's registration number, and keep your Bill of Lading handy.

If you're moving long distance, be aware that your property might share a truck with that of several other households. For this reason, your mover might have to warehouse your furniture and belongings for several days. Therefore, ask your mover whether your goods will remain on truck until delivered. If they have to be stored, ask whether you can check warehouse for security, organization and cleanliness.

(c) Copyright 2005 Madan Ahluwalia. All rights reserved.

Locking in rates assures your lowest interest

If you do decide you want to lock in at a certain interest rate, you will need to complete a loan application and send it to your lender as soon as possible. This must be done so that your commitment doesn't run out before your loan is approved. Follow up and be se sure that lender is receiving all of necessary documentation. Get a property appraisal, which usually costs about $300, through your loan agent as soon as possible.

Don't obsess and miss a good real estate deal

Although rising interest rates can create more problems for home buyers, waiting and hoping for low rates is not necessarily a smart move. You may end up paying a higher price. Also, refinancing is always an option in event that interest rates come down.

(c) Copyright 2005 Madan Ahluwalia. All rights reserved.