Here’s a list of things to be aware of during the final walk-through of the property:

• Get all operational manuals, records of sale, warranties and repair receipts for all the appliances and systems and keep them in a file.
• Check the exterior, paying particular attention to the roof, especially if there has been a storm since the home inspection. If there is a sprinkler system, run it.
• Check all interior rooms, looking for moving damage if homeowners moved out between the inspection and the closing. Operate all windows and doors. Check ceilings for water stains.
• Check countertops and interiors of all drawers, cabinets and closets.
• Check any area that might have been inaccessible during the inspection because of personal storage, furniture, etc.
• Check alarms, intercoms and other cosmetic items typically not covered in a home inspection
• Operate all systems, appliances and garage door opener. Check lights (bring a couple of bulbs with you).
• Run all faucets and toilets; fill tubs and sinks, checking for leaks.

  Check basement, looking for stains and leaks at walls, floors and under and near plumbing;

• Check for signs of pests.
• Check inside the attic (if possible).
• Verify that seller has properly completed any promised repairs.
• Verify that seller has notified you of any change in condition of property since the inspection.

When you prepare to put your home on the market, remember this rule of thumb: If what the buyer can see looks well cared for, he or she will generally assume what they can’t see has also been cared for well. Making that happen is a simple matter of three steps: Deciding how much to spend. Getting the most out of the exterior of the home. Getting the most out of the interior of the home. If you’re trying to decide how much to spend to get the house ready, don’t overdo it. Making a few minor improvements, such as a coat of paint or a new light fixture, is better than making a major revision, such as remodeling the bathrooms. If you hire a real estate agent, seek advice regarding specific improvements. A few areas to consider when working on the exterior of the home: Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly. Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds and prune trees regularly. Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling. Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint. Clean and align gutters. Inspect and clean the chimney. Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles. If the home is on the market during the winter, keep sidewalks cleared of snow and ice. During the spring and summer, consider adding several appealing potted plans, preferably near the front entrance. Keep the garage door closed. Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door. Likewise, there are a number of areas you can tackle to help the appeal of the interior of your home. A few tips: Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. This will make the house seem larger and brighter. Hire a professional cleaning service once every two or three weeks while the home is on the market. Remove less frequently used items from kitchen counters, cabinets, closets and the attic. If required, repaint walls a neutral color such as off-white or beige. Also consider replacing worn carpet or linoleum with a neutral color. Check for cracks, leaks or signs of dampness in the attic and basement. Replace broken or cracked windowpanes. Inspect and replace, if necessary, heating, cooling, plumbing and alarm systems. Replace dripping faucets and showerheads. One thing to always try to remember is to look at the home from the buyer’s point of view. Remain objective and be honest with yourself. Tips to make your home more appealing to prospective buyers viewing your home: Keep countertops cleared. Replace all burned-out light bulbs. Open all drapes and window blinds. Put pets in cages or take them to a neighbor. Make sure there are no dirty dishes in the sink. Make sure there’s no laundry in the washer/dryer. Clean or replace dirt or worn carpets. Put on soft music. Burn wood in the fireplace on cold days; otherwise, the fireplace should be clean.

You have found the house of your dreams, and signed all the mortgage papers. What next? It is time to move in. For some, this part of the process might seem to be as complicated and frustrating as buying or selling, but it can be simplified just by being organized.

The best advice from experts is to be as involved as possible in the process. Do your own research on your new community and your new neighborhood. Ask questions every step of the way. Write the chamber of commerce and ask for an information packet. Familiarize yourself with what will become your new surroundings. By taking these steps, you’ll be able to minimize some of the stress that comes with making a move.

The toughest part of any move is planning. Loose ends such as changing your address, closing bank accounts and making sure everything takes place the same time as the move involves more than a little science.

The address change is one of the most important aspects of relocating. Contact your local post office with your new address as soon as you have it, ideally about four weeks before the move. Also notify credit card companies, periodicals to which you subscribe, and friends and relatives of your new address.

Plan travel and make the necessary arrangements. If flying, get your tickets ahead of time and make sure they’re in a secure place. If you plan to use a moving van, arrange for it. If you’re moving across the country, plan your route and determine where you’ll be making overnight stays.

Contact your local utility and phone companies and provide them with a date to end services. Make the same calls for your new residence, so you don’t move in without heat, water or electricity.

Round up moving supplies. This means boxes, bubble wrap, boxing tape and large black markers. Discount stores and grocery stores are generally good places to start looking for boxes.

Once you’ve resolved those challenges, it’s time to start packing. Again, planning is the key. Decide what room you want to start with. A good rule of thumb is to plan to pack one room a day. Keep in mind that it may take longer to pack larger rooms, so have an idea of how much time you will need and plan accordingly.

While packing, go through your belongings. Decide what you can live with and what you can live without. Keep in mind that many items can be purchased after you move into your new home. Divide everything into three categories: what you’re packing, what you’re tossing and what you’re giving away.

Pack the rooms you use the least first. This should limit the amount of time digging through boxes prior to the move. Label each box with three things: the room they were in or will be in; a summary of what’s in the box; and whether what’s inside the box is fragile. Resist the temptation to over pack boxes because they become difficult to carry or load.

Some other points to remember:

Pack your items carefully. Use sheets, blankets, pillows and towels to cushion items. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, without stacking them.

The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. If you can’t lift a box easily, it’s too heavy.

Keep your pets away from all activity during moving day.

Teach your kids your new address and phone number as soon as possible.

Pack your old phone books in case you need to call a neighbor or business from your new residence.

Make sure you have “open me first” boxes, which will contain items your family will need for the first night in the new home. Fill two boxes with snacks, medicine, towels, toiletries and other essential items to make the first night go smoothly.