Page 50 - Steps to Success

4.5 Moving expenses and services connections

When you're totalling up all the costs of buying your first home,
don't forget to include moving expenses and

connection fees or deposits for services, such as phone, electricity,
and other utilities.

Moving expenses vary widely, depending on your personal

circumstances and possessions. As a first-time

homebuyer, perhaps you're moving from an apartment, or even
your parents' home. If this is the case, you

may not need the services of a moving company. You could choose
the do-it-yourself route and enlist the

help of family and friends. If so, ask them or your WEST ANDERSON
agent for a referral for a truck rental

company they trust, as this is an area of your move that you want to

go smoothly. Don't be fooled by the price! Reliability is the key.

If, however, you do contract a moving company, do your homework
well in advance; get referrals from your

WEST ANDERSON agent and friends and do your own research.
Rates and levels of service can vary widely among moving

companies, as can insurance coverage, so give yourself lots of time
to look into these matters.

Often overlooked are the costs of making sure your services and
utilities — such as your phone, electricity, satellite, and other

connections — are up and running for move-in date. Make sure you
call well in advance to make these arrangements, and ask about all

associated fees. For example, some utility companies require
deposits, or charge other fees for new customers with whom they
have no billing history