Bayway Homes

When first time home buyers have completed the closing, many times they are often overwhelmed by what occurs next, what to do and how to do it.

Moving into a new home can be a very confusing time for new home owners. Often times new home owners will focus on the immediate obvious tasks of moving and omit or not realize the importance of the little details.

Every one is different and their priorities tend to be focused on what they believe to be of importance. The finer details of a move and some of the tasks of making the transition from one home to another often sneak up on new home owners and make the transition a more tedious stressful affair then it has to be.

With that in mind, I present my customers with a short list of the necessary items they may not think of while they prepare to move into their new home. I provide this information as a service to all home buyers, and welcome additional insights and tips that others have used to make transitioning from one home to another easy, stress free and as enjoyable an experience as possible.

When I begin thinking about the move, I setup an outline and 2 task lists: list of physical items I will need to purchase or obtain for the move as well as a to-do list.

These lists provide me with an accurate measurement of what tasks are left to be accomplished prior to moving day and help me to remember items of importance.
Here is a list of some of the physical items needed for a move:

Boxes
You can never have too many boxes. You can either purchase them from a moving supply store, find them behind department stores, or some movers will also supply a given number of boxes. You will need various sizes and types of boxes for the move: small, medium and large boxes, Wardrobe boxes (these have a cross beam so you can hang clothing items within) etc. I also use boxes of various material types: Cardboard and plastic as an example.

Packing Material
Newspaper, bubble wrap, towels etc. Newspaper can be shredded to protect fragile items from impacts when moved. Bubble wrap I use for the more delicate items including fine china, art work and other fragile knick knacks. Towels I use as box stuffers. Towels are placed inside the walls of boxes to give fragile items such as dishes a cushion from impacts.

Packing and marking Tape and dispenser

It’s always a good idea to seal the boxes. Interlocking the flaps of boxes does not provide enough lock for the box and may open during transfer. I will usually interlock the flaps, and then tape over the seams to secure the box further.

For marking tape I use either the blue painters tape, or white duct tape. I place a strip of tape on everything that is either boxed or wrapped and mark the room in which it belongs.

Twine or rope
I use this material for several reasons: to secure box flaps that may come undone and I always bind books in rope for easy movement. Books in boxes can get very heavy and often times the boxes break or are too heavy to transit. Binding books in rope gives everyone, even small children the ability to pickup a stack and place it in a vehicle. It also saves your back from trying to lift a box full of books!

Movers Wrap

Movers wrap is a large roll of saran wrap like material. I use this to wrap furniture, TV’s and other large items that either don’t fit in a container or require additional protection. It also allows me to add impact protection to the items.

Example: I have a coffee table made of wood , I place rolled towels around the corners then wrap the table with movers wrap. This provides extra padding for the table which lessens the chance of it getting scratched or broke during the move.

Extra light bulbs

I pick up a few extra light bulbs just in case they’re needed. Don’t forget to have a flashlight on hand as well!

New Locks

For safety and security, I change all the locks in the house (front, back and side doors) either before moving day or on moving day. One never knows who has keys to the new home.

You may require additional items on your physical list. Personalize the list to your requirements so you can have any necessary items readily available for your move.

To-do list

My to do list will include all the tasks needed to be accomplished before, during and after the move. This list includes:

Movers/Truck Rental

Some of my moves I have had friends and relatives help with the move. Others, I have hired professional movers. Either way, it is important to make sure all the necessary people and vehicles are scheduled for the correct day of the move.

A few years back, I hired what I thought was a professional moving company (a very well known company) for my move to a new home. The day before the move I had not heard from the company and telephoned to make sure all was well. They told me they had my move scheduled for the following week! I was livid! I had previously verified the date with the company 2 weeks prior! Now I had to rush to find a new moving company for my actual moving day since the family moving into my old home was due to arrive the day after I moved out! Needless to say, I’ll never use that moving company again (nor recommend them) and I always confirm the day of moving with the company twice after my initial contact: 2 weeks before and then again 2 days before the move!

Packing When packing, I always pack first in last out. What I mean is; if you think you are going to require an item quickly during or after the move, place it last in a box or container so it is on top and readily available as you open the container. Likewise, items on the bottom are those that won’t be needed right away.

I always pack by room. I will place several boxes and packing materials in each room and Label the box by the room in which it belongs. In the case of personal rooms, such as children’s rooms include their name on the box. If there are several of the same types of rooms such as offices, I mark them specifically as well. And don’t forget to mark boxes for storage rooms and garages!

I bubble wrap all delicate items before placing them in a box. I also bubble wrap all electronic items to prevent and lessen damage to the item due to shock or impact. I try not to mix rooms in the same box. It is much easier to unpack a room when all the items and boxes for that room are located right there.

I try to move delicate and fragile items myself. Whenever possible, I move the fragile boxes and items prior to the big moving day. When that is not possible, I place these items in my car. I know that moving day will be a rush and to minimize the confusion that day, it’s best for me if fragile items are not part of the rush.

I place comfort and hygiene items in their own small box, tooth brush and paste etc. for easy access.

I also am certain to have one small bag with paper plates, cups and disposable utensils for dinner and lunch the day of the move.

Contact Phone Numbers

I make certain I have called the necessary services prior to the move: Water Company, electric company, Gas company, refuse management company (trash pickup) and have these numbers readily available the day of moving just in case. A real estate agent can and should provide these numbers to you.

Also, if obtaining a new phone number contact the Phone Company and schedule an installation date as close to moving day as possible.

Change of address

Many new home owners often forget or don’t realize the importance of changing your address with the post office. The post office has a package you fill out and can leave with your post person or drop off at the post office. I always make sure this is done so my bills and correspondence can arrive at the new home in a timely manner. The last thing I want is to have bills show up at the new home after their due date!

Get Cash

Moving day is a very hectic day. The last thing I want to happen is to not have enough cash on hand for: tipping the movers, purchasing beverages, lunch and/or dinner etc.

Moving day

Now that I’ve prepared for moving day, I am ready and anxious for the day to arrive. If you are like me, you are excited to start your new life in your new home.

On or before (whenever possible) moving day, I go to the new home and place signs on the entrance to each room. The signs are the descriptions of the room (matching the box descriptions) so the movers will be able to place the appropriate boxes and items in their assigned rooms. Children’s rooms get a sign with their name on it, living room, dining room etc. How I intend to use a room, may not be readily evident. It also allows me to direct the process much easier as the Movers don’t have to ask where to put items.

Once moving day arrives, I am on top of my game. All items in the old house are packed and labeled and ready for the movers, all fragile items are loaded into personal vehicles or have already been moved to the new home. I then let the movers do their thing and load the truck. Most professional movers have a system for packing their trucks so I let them do what I hired them to do. Many reputable movers will examine and verify that delicate or fragile items such as televisions etc. are packed and protected appropriately.

For lunch and/or dinner I order something easy to be delivered and don’t forget the drinks. I’ll always pick up some bottled water and sport drinks to keep everyone involved hydrated.

Even though I had a home inspection prior to closing, when I arrive at the new home, I check and make sure every thing still works. I or someone I assign will go around the house and turn on all the lights, use the garage door opener, run the sprinklers (after the movers leave and there is nothing left outside on the lawn), run the dishwasher, dryer and clothes washer and check the pool or spa pump. If there is a problem, now is the time I want to find it.

I also go around the house and acclimate myself to all the various wall switches. Some of the switch uses may not be obvious. If there are allot of switches, I place blue painters’ tape (it doesn’t leave marks and is easy to remove) and mark the switches use until I become familiar with its usage.

If you’re like me, you have pets. I always put the pets in the backyard during the move and while the movers are there. I let the pets get accustomed to their new yard and give them plenty of water and some chew treats to keep them busy. Once the movers have left, I let the pets in the house and give them some time to smell around the home and acclimate themselves. After all, pets are people too!

After moving day

Now that I’m all moved in and begin to unpack, I’ve learned a few handy tips that I hope will help you settle in to your new home with ease:

Put out the welcome mat! If you don’t have one think about getting one to welcome visitors to your new home. It helps your neighbors feel comfortable in welcoming you to the new neighborhood.

Assign weekly family project tasks for maintenance and general upkeep for your new home. Assigning family projects is a great way to motivate children to do chores and give the family some quality time together.

More tips
Here are some handy cleaning tips I’ve learned for the house:

To clean a lavatory bowl: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the bowl and… Let the “real thing” sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.
To clean the caulking around bathtubs and showers: Fill a trigger-spray bottle with vodka, spray the caulking, let set five minutes and wash clean. The alcohol in the vodka kills mold and mildew.

Summary

Moving into a new home, if properly organized before hand can be a great day for everyone involved. Creating lists to prepare for the move, marking items and the rooms in which they belong assist the helpers and make the move much easier. Many times it can also save you money by reducing the time needed to use professional movers.

There are many more events and tasks that can occur prior to moving. Creating a list will help minimize the tasks and items that need to be completed for a move to a new home.

Oh, and don’t forget… You are allowed to paint the walls, hang pictures and shelves and get new carpeting or other floor covering.

After all… It’s YOUR home now!

One of the final steps in securing your new home purchase is going to the title company to “close” on your new home.  This is some information about that process. 

Shopping For Title Insurance

In most states, consumers are free to shop for title insurance and to select a title company, settlement company, or attorney to conduct their closing. (Ask a local title company if consumers are able to shop for title insurance in your state.) Many consumers rely on their real estate agent or lender for a recommendation for a title company since they are in a position to know which companies provide good service. However, you are not required to use the title company they recommend. If you decide to choose your own title company, we encourage you to shop for title insurance. There are some things to keep in mind, however, which vary from state to state. And there are some terms you will want to know when speaking with title companies asking for a rate quote.

Types of Title Insurance

Knowing what you are asking for is your first step in shopping for title insurance rates. There are two kinds of title insurance: the Loan Policy, which protects the lender’s investment, and the Owner’s Policy of Title Insurance, which protects the buyer’s interests. If you are obtaining a loan to purchase your house, the lender will usually require that you purchase a Loan Policy to protect their investment. We strongly encourage consumers to obtain an Owner’s Policy for a one-time fee paid at closing to protect their interests. Who pays for the Owner’s Policy varies from state to state and sometimes even within a state. For instance, on much of the West Coast, the seller would purchase the Owner’s Policy for the buyer. On the East Coast, however, the buyer usually pays for the Owner’s Policy. An Owner’s Policy is not automatically issued in every state. Be sure to ask your local title company or real estate agent how it’s handled in your area and whether the Loan and Owner’s policies come together or are sold separately.

How Title Insurance Rates are Set

How title insurance rates are set varies from state to state. Some rates are set by the companies themselves and some are set by the State Department of Insurance. For those states that set the rates (Florida, New Mexico, and Texas), each title company is required to charge the same for title insurance for each different type of policy and for each different type of rate. Some other states, including but not limited to, NY, PA, NJ, OH, and DE, which have rating bureaus authorized under state law, may have uniform rates as well. When shopping in the states listed above, you will receive similar rates for title insurance from each company. While title insurance rates may not be as “shoppable” in these states, the cost of other services provided by the title company may or may not be included in the rate so you can shop for those services. Talk to your local title company for how rates are determined where you live.

As mentioned above, some rates may or may not include other services provided by the title company such as conducting the closing, preparing and notarizing documents, adding endorsements to the policy which may be required (usually by the lender or buyer), and other services. When comparing one rate to another, be sure to get detailed information on what is included in that rate, so you are comparing equally.

Rate Terminology

Here are some terms that would be helpful to know when talking to a title company. Ask your title company which of these you may qualify for:

Basic Rate: The rate charged to a consumer who does not qualify for a reduced rate such as, but not limited to, the reissue rate or simultaneous issue rate. (see below).

Reissue Rate: The reduced rate for an Owner’s Policy issued on a property which was previously insured within some period of years. In some states, the term is also used for a refinance rate (see below).

Simultaneous Issue Rate: The reduced rate for a Loan or Owner’s Policy issued on the same property or loan at the same time as another policy. The term usually refers to a Loan Policy issued at the same time as an Owner’s Policy when a property is purchased.

Refinance Rate: The reduced rate for a Loan Policy issued on the new loan in a refinance transaction, in which the original loan was previously insured within some period of years.

Risk Rate: A rate that does not include the cost of researching the title or the cost of conducting the closing.

All-Inclusive Rate: A rate that includes at least some part of the cost of researching the title or the cost of conducting the closing.

Settlement Agents

A settlement agent glues together the process of the sale, working with both the buyer and the seller in the transaction. They research the title, making sure there aren’t any liens on the property, pay the seller and the old lender, obtain recording fees and taxes for the government, and file the paperwork at the local courthouse. In effect they orchestrate the settlement from the start to finish.

Closing the sale of your house or business is easy, if you chose the right title company. Title companies, or any settlement agent who performs a closing – attorneys, escrow agents or title insurance companies – are involved in a multitude of activities involved in a closing. Some states require that an attorney conduct the closing. Some escrow agents, and others a title company or agent. Be sure to find out how it’s done in your area.

A settlement agent glues together the process of the sale, working with both the buyer and the seller in the transaction. They research the title, making sure there aren’t any liens on the property, pay the seller and the old lender, obtain money from the buyer and new lender, obtain recording fees and taxes for the government, and file the paperwork at the local courthouse. In effect they orchestrate the settlement from start to finish.

Bayway Homes uses Texas American Title Company for our closings, but if you choose to use another firm, you can seek one out for yourself.  One way to find a reputable compnay is to ask friends and neighbors if they were happy with their settlement agent and get a referral. You are free to select your own title professional. If you do, there are some things you should look for. How many transactions does the company do? Find out how many employees the company has. A company that does hundreds of closings will be more informed about how to perform the service than a company that does only a few. Is the company sufficiently staffed for the amount of work they do?

Find out if the company is part of the state title association or the American Land Title Association. If they are members, they are keeping abreast of state and federal level current trends and requirements. You can also contact your state insurance department or the Better Business Bureau to see if they have any information on the company.

Keep in mind that settlements vary from state to state and even from county to county. Be sure to ask how it’s done in your area so you know what to expect.

Bayway Homes chooses to use Texas American Title Company for our closings as they already have the title open when we start construction of the home, and their service to you, the buyer, is never outdone. 

Texas American Title Company presently has twenty-nine (29) offices in the Houston and Galveston area and eight (8) offices in the Austin area. TATCO is a part of the largest independantly owned title operation in the State of Texas. We employ a staff in excess of three hundred (300) professionals, with an accumulation of many years of title, escrow and marketing expertise. Our title policies are underwritten by nine (9) of the nation’s leading insurers. Texas American Title Company is approved as a title agent and closing agent by all local and national lenders.
Our corporate headquarters are located on Bering in the Galleria area of Houston and on Barton Springs in Downtown Austin. Our title plants, which include Harris, Ft. Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, and Galveston Counties (in Houston) and Travis and Williamson County (in Austin), with film and indices that date back to the sovereignty of the State of Texas, are also situated in our Corporate Office locations. Our title departments are comprised of a veteran group of title examiners and abstractors.
The growth and success of Texas American Title Company in the twenty-seven plus years subsequent to its inception, has made us a forerunner in the title industry. We look forward to working with YOU!

For the 13 years Bayway Homes has been building homes in this part of Texas, Bayway Homes President, Jon Skeele, has strived to build a better home from the ground up.  The foundation is not only the first part of the home people see while we build it for them, it is possibly the most important.  We choose to use a concrete with a PSI of 3,000, while guidelines require a PSI of 2,500.  The higher the PSI, the better the slab.  Although a little more expensive than the ‘standard’, at Bayway Homes the slogan “Built Better” is a practice we use in each and every home we build.

Along with the increased PSI in the concrete, the Bawyay Homes community of Steeplechase Terrace in NW Houston off of Jones Rd. & 290 uses Builders Post Tension for the tension cables in the slab.  Founded in 2001, Builder Post Tension has proven to be the right choice for building a slab that meets our engineered specifications, and exceeds code. 

While the  post tension cable system is relatively new, the need for better concrete has been around for quite awhile- the concept may be much older than you may think.  

In 1867, a French florist named Joseph Monier was simply trying to make a stronger flower pot, but his use of reinforcing bars (re-bar) in cement ushered in a whole new era of construction possibilities.

Today the building industry is taking the next step in concrete technologies by using post-tension cables in slab construction. Post-tensioning is a method of strengthening concrete using high-strength steel strands or cables, typically referred to as tendons. Slabs using the post-tension method can be built thinner, which can cut down on construction costs and curing time.

The post-tensioning method is the best practice for building stronger, more reliable foundation slabs.

Concrete is very strong in compression, usually rated up to 2,500 PSI for most homes, but up to 3,000 for a Baywyay Home, but even that could be relatively weak in tension. This means that a concrete slab can be prone to cracking due to deflection, or bending, when the earth under the slab sinks or becomes unstable. This is common in areas with expansive soil such as Denver and Houston. Expansive soil is a type of soil that expands and contracts based on its moisture level, and it can damage the structural integrity of homes.

Post-tension concrete construction creates a tight grid of steel cables that actively help support the slab. Unlike conventional “inactive” re-bar, which only helps keep the slab intact after cracking, post-tension tendons continually contribute to the structural integrity of home. Plastic sheathing is used to cover the cables to protect them from corrosion.

Once you’ve performed engineering research on what types of post-tensioning specifications are required for your region, here’s how to build a post-tension slab:

• Lay plastic-sheathed steel cables in a grid where the slab will be poured. 
• Pour the concrete, making sure that the cables remain at the right depth (these are usually held in place with positioning tools called “chairs”). 
• After the concrete has cured to 75% of its designed strength, pull the cable taut using a hydraulic jack. This is the ‘post-tension’ put on the cables. Cables should be pulled to 25,000 PSI.  
• Anchor the ends of the cables and let the concrete cure completely.

In addition to being used in residential construction, post-tension concrete construction is widely used in commercial applications today. The combination of structural integrity and thinner pads allows for many practical applications. Office buildings can have thinner floors but retain comfortable ceiling heights to reduce the total height and weight load. More interesting and creative structures can be used in event stadiums and ball parks. Even parking garages can be made stronger, more functional, and less expensive (to construct). For more information on post-tension slabs, visit the Post-Tensioning Institute’sweb site.By employing post-tension concrete construction methods, home builders can deliver a superior product at reduced costs. Just like for Monsieur Monier, everything could be coming up roses. 

At Bayway Homes, we don’t need to build a better mouse trap or re-invent the wheel, so we relay on certified engineers and time proven techniques while building your new home.  But, we do realize minimum building codes are just the minimum allowed.  Going above those standards are part of what makes our company and the homes we construct just that much better than the other guys.   Over the years, and the large number of homes we have built, we  know that our clients demand a home that will stand up to the harsh conditions that the South Texas soil and weather can throw at a home from day one and for many years to come.   Come in to a Bayway Homes community near you to allow us to show you the homes we build and how they really are Built Better.

If you have been an apartment renter in the past, you are well aware of the wonderfully drab colors they force you to live with.  It’s white, white, or off-white.  Don’t like it?  Too bad.  That is one of many of the pitfalls when comparing renting versus owning.  When you own your home, the walls are YOUR walls.  You have bought the new furniture, picked out just the right accent rugs, the lighting is just right, and now it’s time for some color to jazz things up!

Several of the homeowners in the Steeplechase Terrace Town home neighborhood in NW Houston have taken the jump into personalizing their new homes by adding paint color to their interior walls.  As it is the inside of their home, and not just a house or apartment they are renting, they get to have those colors reflect their personality.  Turns out the choices are almost endless.  Almost as many as they made when we built there home for them, allowing them to custom choose their carpet, tile, grout, cabinets, counter tops, and more.

One homeowner visited the Sherwin Williams store here on Jones Rd., just North of the neighborhood.  While she entered feeling overwhelmed, she left with a new confidence that this was something she could accomplish.  She was impressed with the salesman, Dung, and his patience and knowledge.  When she returned home, she would have with her 6 paint samples, mini-rollers, drop cloths,  rubber gloves and a wealth of knowledge.  Their slogan of ‘Ask Sherwin Williams’ was taken to heart as she asked plenty of questions and was able to understand how factors such as different lighting, paint finishes, roller styles, and how the wall texture can affect the overall outcome of the wall.   She then proceeded to paint sample swatches on the walls and ceiling of the bedroom where she is going to paint first.  Putting the paint on the walls allowed her to actually see what the different lighting conditions would do to the colors she is considering. 

Half way into her selection, she has decided that what she felt might be a chore in selecting the right color, is actually fun.  She asked me to come for a look at her sample walls, and although I gave her my opinion, it was so nice to see her enjoying the further customizing of her new home. 

Whether brown, red, green, or purple- regular paint or a faux finish, the homeowner gets the advantage of   having their home reflect their own design style and the fun of accomplishing the next step in home ownership- making their house turly feel like their HOME. 

At Bayway Homes, our motto is “Built Better”.  That is a motto we strive to live by as we build homes for our clients.  We know that while we build the home in 3-4 months, parts of the warranty last for up to 10 years, but the homeowner may live there indefinitely.  We’ll build the house better than most, and you can make it your home for many years to come.