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Finding a new dream home can be an emotional nightmare. From the work it takes to search through houses, to build a relationship with a real estate agent and to qualify for a loan, you are probably exhausted even before attempting to move that awkward-to-hold couch into your new place.
 

1. Budget

   Figure out how much money you have available to spend against what tasks you can realistically handle on your own. This will help determine how much to let the professional movers handle.
   
    

2. Get an Estimate

   Make sure to get a free estimate before hiring movers, which most moving companies provide. Union members can get a free quote from Union Plus' two professional moving discount providers, NorthAmerican Van Lines and Allied Van Lines. And for self-moves, check out Union Plus Budget rental discounts.
   
    

3. Know Which Items Need to Be Packed

   Prior to your move, assess your household inventory. Only taking items worth keeping can save a lot of time and money. You can put your other belongings to good use by donating them or selling them at a garage sale. Need to move a vehicle?  Don't miss these tips and get a free quote.
   
    

4. Lock in a Move Date

   Once you receive estimates from a mover, ask them about availability. If you have specific moving days in mind, don't hesitate to lock in your moving dates - even if your plans are not necessary set in place.  It is generally easier for moving companies to delay your packing and loading dates than to schedule dates with only a week's notice.
   
    

5. Plan Ahead as Much as Possible

   The more time that you can allow for pre-planning, the better. Start getting moving quotes no less than 30 days from your anticipated move date.  During the summertime, even more time may be required.
   
    

6. Adjust for the Change of Address

   Take the necessary steps to discontinue your current household services and utilities, and schedule these services for your new home. Make sure your change of address is reflected where important.

And check out these other Union Plus relocation services and savings:

• Union Plus Moving Discounts
• Budget Truck Rental Discounts
• Union Plus Mortgage

Have your own moving tip? Tell us below!

Know Your Market

Look at trend reports for your area to get a sense for your market – are homes selling? Where are they selling? When are they selling? And, at what price point? You’ll notice that in some areas certain neighborhoods, price points or types of homes might be selling quicker than others. Look for these trends so that you can better position your home when you list it.

Not Getting on the MLS

Getting your home on the MLS is extremely important. Adding your listing to ancillary sites like Zillow or Trulia is also a good idea – but, typically your real estate agent will manage this for you.

Not Even Considering a Real Estate Agent

If you’re looking at the dollars and cents, you might be apprehensive about hiring a real estate agent. But, before you make a final decision consider this:

• You will most likely have to pay for the buying agent out-of-pocket, so your listing agent would (typically) only be a 3% commission on the sales price.
   
• Calculate 3% of your home price and think about the hours it might take away from your work or home life to market and show your home.
   
• If you don’t have a real estate agent, you might need to pay for a lawyer to double-check your contracts (which will cost some money).
   
• Agents have access to numerous marketing tools and sites, not available to the public.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Union Plus Real Estate Rewards Program* or for a SIRVA-Approved real estate agent in your area, you can contact 800-284-9756. If you decided to use one of our pre-screened agents, you can receive $50 cash back after closing for every $10,000 of home sale or purchase price.

Click here to learn more >>

Here Are Five Facts You Should Know About AT&T:
 

Exclusive Savings, Just for Union Members

• With the AT&T wireless discounts through Union Plus,¹ union members can save 15% on the monthly service charge of qualified AT&T wireless plans and 20% on select accessories from AT&T.
   

Member-Backed, Member-Endorsed

• 96% of union members recommend the AT&T wireless discounts through Union Plus,² according to a recent email survey to program participants.
   

Equipped for Your Lifestyle

• AT&T offers benefits that support your lifestyle – like same-day screen repair³ and free roaming in Mexico,⁴ ensuring you can stay connected with those who matter most.

Network Reliability

• The AT&T network has the fewest dropped calls⁵ – and covers over 99% of Americans.
   

Union strong wireless

• Nearly 150,000 union members from the Communications Workers of America are employed at AT&T – the nation's only unionized wireless carrier.
   

 For more information on AT&T, visit UnionPlus.Org/ATT.

By signing a contract and paying an annual fee, you can rent a safe-deposit box to protect things you don’t want—or can’t afford—to lose.

• Keep essentials in the box. Use a safe-deposit box to protect a home inventory, or family records such as birth, death and marriage certificates. Store original papers, such as insurance policies, stocks, bonds and deeds, in the box. You also may choose to store valuable heirlooms or cash in the box.
• Items you may need quickly, need another home. Banks aren’t open 24/7, so a safe-deposit box may not be your best option when you need an item on short notice. You may want to consider your attorney for certain legal documents, rather than store those in the safe-deposit box.
• Consider giving another person access. If you name another person as the co-renter, either of you can access the box. You also could name an agent, who must be appointed when a bank employee and the box renter are present. Note: An agent is guaranteed immediate access to your box; a power of attorney is not.
• Assume the contents are unprotected. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures the money you have in the bank—but typically not the contents of your safe-deposit box.
• Protect your items. Often you can insure the value of items in your safe-deposit box through your homeowners or renters coverage. Talk to your MetLife Auto & Home® representative about your options.
• Remember what’s in your box. Take photos or update a list of the contents whenever you add or remove items.
• Keep track of your keys. Drilling a new lock and replacing keys can be expensive. Designate a spot for your keys—and be sure your spouse, agent or family member knows where they are.

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Nearly 400,000 burglaries take place in the United States during the short span from November to December, according to the FBI. Keep your holidays merry and bright by taking precautions to deter thieves.

While You’re Away

A quiet house is a prime target for thieves. Be careful to avoid advertising when you’re away from home — even just for a few hours. Never leave a note on the door announcing when you plan to return, or post your travel plans on social media. If you expect packages to arrive while you’re gone, have a trusted neighbor collect them for safekeeping. Or ask the courier to deliver the boxes straight to the neighbor’s house.

While You’re Home

Leaving expensive gifts or evidence of big purchases in plain sight can tip off thieves about the valuables inside your home. Close your window shades or remove valuable items — wrapped and unwrapped — from an outsider’s view. Also, break down boxes for big-ticket gifts, and on garbage day place them inside your trash can or recycle bin rather than on the curb.

While You’re Shopping

You’re also at risk for theft when you shop for holiday gifts. Follow these safety tips to help keep yourself and your belongings safe from thieves:

• Always keep your wallet or purse close to your body.
• Wait to pull out your credit card until you absolutely need it — someone could easily steal your information from over your shoulder.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or more than one credit card.
• Lock purchases in your vehicle’s trunk rather than stowing them in the back seat.
• Evaluate a website’s security before making online purchases. (Look for a URL beginning with “https”). Always use a credit card rather than a debit card when shopping online because your debit card is linked to your bank account.

Once the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, take time to evaluate your gifts and determine whether you’re adequately insured. 

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Keeping an eye on what you’re cooking is important when preparing everything from weekday dinners to holiday meals. “Cooking fires — particularly those caused by unattended cooking — are the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries, so it’s really important to pay attention,” says Lorraine Carli, spokesperson for the National Fire Protection Association.

A simple grease fire can escalate quickly, spreading to surrounding cabinets and other combustible materials and engulfing the kitchen or the entire house. Help protect your home, your loved ones and your belongings with these tips for putting out a grease fire:

• Never use water to extinguish a grease or oil fire. Instead, use a multipurpose fire extinguisher.
• If grease or cooking oil catches fire, immediately slide a lid over the pan to smother the flame, Carli says. Be sure to wear an oven mitt when handling the pan.
• Next, turn off the heat and slide the pan off the burner. Keep the pan covered until the contents cool to prevent the fire from restarting.
• If the pan overflows and the contents ignite, get everyone out of the house and call the fire department once you’re safely outside.

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More home fires occur during the winter than any other season, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). The most common culprits are kitchen implements, heating equipment and electrical issues.

Learn how to prevent fire hazards in each of these areas with the following tips:

The Kitchen

• Never leave the kitchen while the stovetop is on.
• Always use a timer. Turn off the heating element before turning off the timer.
• Secure loose clothing and hair while cooking.
• Keep flammable items — such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, dishcloths, food packaging and paper products — away from the stove.
• Be cautious when cooking with oil. If you smell smoke, turn off the burner.
• Keep a lid beside your stove to help smother small grease fires. 
• Wipe off your stove after every use to avoid grease buildup, which can fuel fires.

Heating Equipment

• Have a professional inspect and clean your heating equipment annually.
• Keep kids and flammable objects at least 3 feet away from heating sources.
• Place space heaters on a level, nonflammable surface. Never power the appliance with extension cords or power strips.
• Turn off space heaters before leaving rooms that have them.
• Regularly inspect the walls near the furnace or chimney — if the wall is hot or discolored, you may need additional insulation.
• Always use a glass or metal screen in front of a wood-burning fireplace.

Electrical Issues

• Review your home for signs of faulty or failing wiring.
• Replace missing or broken wall plates on outlets.
• Inspect cords on all appliances — replace any with frayed or damaged wires.
• Only buy electrical products approved by a nationally recognized safety laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
• Never force a plug into an outlet or remove a prong.
• Use extension cords only temporarily.
• Check that lightbulbs meet each fixture’s requirements.
• Make sure Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are installed in rooms with water hookups — such as the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and basement — and test them monthly.

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Home ownership is nothing new for West Chester, Pa., resident Deborah Weischedel. Having been a homeowner most of her adult life, she is well-acquainted with the benefits of home ownership. However, when life circumstances forced her to sell her house a couple years ago, Weischedel wanted to get into another one as quickly as possible.

"I’m recently divorced. I’m getting back on my feet again, I had to sell a big, beautiful house that I owned on acres of land. Being able to buy something of my own again was a big priority for me."

The Union Plus Mortgage Program, with financing provided by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, helped Weischedel purchase a new house, which she moved into in July 2013. She received an e-mail regarding the Union Plus Home Sweet Home Contest earlier this spring and decided to enter.
“I don’t usually enter contests, but it seemed like such a simple process,” she said.

Homeowners with a Union Plus Mortgage were eligible to win either a first-place prize of two monthly mortgage payments or a second-place prize of one monthly mortgage payment (up to $1500 each). Contestants simply needed to upload a photo of their homes at UnionPlus.org and submit an essay explaining what home ownership means to them.

"I’ve been a homeowner almost my entire life up until the past couple years," Weischedel said. "It was devastating to have sold my home. To have a place of my own and not throw away money on rent, to be able to work toward something – it just gives you a feeling of confidence."

Much to her surprise, Weischedel, who serves as treasurer for CWA Local 13301 in Ridley Park, Pa., won the contest’s first place prize.

"I’ve never won anything of any significance; I was very excited," Weischedel said. "Being a new homeowner, there are things I need to get done to make it more of my own. That helps me get these projects started."

Union members can apply for a mortgage loan through the Union Plus Mortgage program by phone or meet with a home mortgage consultant face-to-face in areas where Wells Fargo has branch office locations. The program provides a full range of competitively priced mortgage loans for purchasing and refinancing, including conventional, FHA and VA loans.

Weischedel is quick to tell fellow union members about benefits offered through Union Plus.
“I always tell people at meetings about the Union Plus programs,” she said. “There are so many good benefits for union members.”

Thanks to Union Plus, Weischedel is once again a homeowner, and she can attest that it is home sweet home.

“It’s such a good feeling to be back working toward goals in life,” she said. “Everything is good.”

The Union Plus Mortgage program has provided more than $40 billion in mortgages to help more than 260,000 union members and their families buy or refinance a home. It is packed with special benefits tailored to meet the needs of active or retired union members, as well as their parents and children, who want to buy or refinance a home.

Some of the benefits of the Union Plus Mortgage program include:

• Hardship Assistance – Union Plus Mortgage Assistance¹ helps members and their families who are unemployed, recently disabled, on strike, or locked out make their mortgage payments with interest-free loans and grants. Mortgage Assistance has provided more than $11 million to help members keep their loans current and stay in their homes.
• Award Card – Union members and their families receive a Wells Fargo My Mortgage Gift^SM award card after closing on a purchase or refinance loan, $500 for buying a home or $300 for refinancing a home²

Learn more about the
Union Plus Mortgage program

And if you have a home to buy or sell, look into Union Plus Real Estate Rewards which provides discounts to union families, over 4,600 experienced, pre-screened agents nationwide, and even offers a cash-back rebate program, available in most states.
 

Sandra Willing of La Puente, Calif., and California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 133, rented a house for six years. But now it finally belongs to her and her husband, Richard, and thanks to the Union Plus Mortgage program, with financing provided by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

The house was Richard’s mother’s house...We rented it from her all those years, and that was fine, but we really wanted to buy it. Finally, she decided to sell it to us. You really want to have something that’s yours.

Finding a house to buy is one thing. Choosing a mortgage is another — and it’s a very important decision. "Our bank mentioned that Union Plus has a great program for union members," Sandra says, "so we decided to look into it."

It wasn’t just Sandra’s union membership that made the Willings eligible for a union mortgage—Richard is a CSEA member, too. Together, they made a smart choice, because a union mortgage means much more than just getting a great rate.
 
It also means protection in the event of strike, lockout, layoff or disability.

"Everything went great with the mortgage process," Sandra says. "Union Plus and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage make it easy."

Now came the hard part: making the house feel like home. “Of course, we had done plenty of work on the house in the last six years, but now that we own it we really felt like it was time to make some changes,” Sandra says.
 
For the Willings, it’s the same address but a whole new feeling — the feeling of home ownership.
That means a sense of pride, accomplishment and excitement. "Thanks to the Union Plus Mortgage program my husband and I have a house!" Sandra says.

The Union Plus Mortgage program, with financing provided by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, has provided over $40 billion in mortgages to help more than 260,000 union members and their families buy or refinance a home. It is packed with unique benefits tailored to meet the needs of active or retired union members, as well as their parents and children, who want to buy or refinance a home.

Some of the Other Benefits of the Union Plus Mortgage Program Include:

Hardship Assistance¹ – Union Plus Mortgage Assistance helps members and their families who are unemployed, recently disabled, on strike, or locked out make their mortgage payments with interest-free loans and grants. Mortgage Assistance has provided more than $11 million to help members keep their loans current and stay in their homes.

Award Card – Union members and their families receive a Wells Fargo My Mortgage Gift^SM award card after closing on a purchase or refinance loan.²

The Simplest Way to Make a Will

The simplest way to ensure that your funds, property and personal effects will be distributed after your death according to your wishes is to prepare a will. A will is a legal document designating the transfer of your property and assets after you die. Usually, wills can be written by any person over the age of 18 who is mentally capable, commonly stated as "being of sound mind and memory." Your state may impose additional requirements.

Everyone Needs One

Although wills are simple to create, about half of all Americans die without one (or intestate). Without a will to indicate your wishes, the court steps in and distributes your property according to the laws of your state. Wills are not just for the rich; the amount of property you have is irrelevant. A will ensures that what assets you do have will be given to family members or other beneficiaries you designate. If you have no apparent heirs and die without a will, it's even possible the state may claim your estate.

Having a will is especially important if you have young children because it gives you the opportunity to designate a guardian for them in the event of your death. Without a will, the court will appoint a guardian for your children.

Union members and their families can use the Union Plus Legal Service with a 30% discount on legal fees to find a lawyer in their area.

Elements of a Will

Here are the basic elements generally included in a will:

• Your name and place of residence
• A brief description of your assets
• Names of spouse, children and other beneficiaries, such as charities or friends
• Alternate beneficiaries, in the event a beneficiary dies before you do
• Specific gifts, such as an auto or residence
• Establishment of trusts, if desired
• Cancellation of debts owed to you, if desired
• Name of an executor to manage the estate
• Name of a guardian for minor children
• Name of an alternative guardian, in the event y our first choice is unable or unwilling to act
• Your signature
• Witnesses' signatures
• Two of the most important items included in your will are naming a guardian for minor children and naming an executor.

Naming a Guardian

In most cases, a surviving parent assumes the role of sole guardian. However, it's important to name a guardian for minor children in your will in case neither you nor your spouse is able and willing to act.

The guardian you choose should be over 18 and willing to assume the responsibility. Talk to the person ahead of time about what you are asking. You can name a couple as co-guardians, but that may not be advisable. It's always possible the guardians may choose to go their separate ways at some later date, and, if so, a custody battle could ensue. If you do not name a guardian to care for your children, a judge will appoint one, and it may not be someone you would have chosen.

Naming an Executor

An executor is the person who oversees the distribution of your assets in accordance with your will. Most people choose their spouse, an adult child, a relative, a friend, a trust company or an attorney to fulfill this duty. You should expect your estate to pay an independent executor for this service.

If no executor is named in a will, a probate judge will appoint one. Probate refers to the legal procedure for the orderly distribution of property in a person's estate. The executor files the will in probate court, where a judge decides if the will is valid. If it is found to be valid, assets are distributed according to the will. If the will is found to be invalid, assets are distributed in accordance with state laws.

Responsibilities usually undertaken by an executor include:

• Paying valid creditors
• Paying taxes
• Notifying Social Security and other agencies and companies of the death
• Canceling credit cards, magazine subscriptions, etc.
• Distributing assets according to the will 

Preparing a Will

Start by organizing what you need: outline your objectives, inventory your assets, estimate your outstanding debts and prepare a list of family members and other beneficiaries. Use this information to carefully consider how you want to distribute your assets.

Ask yourself lots of questions:

• Is it important to pass my property to my heirs in the most tax-efficient manner?
• Do I need to establish a trust to provide for my spouse or other beneficiaries?
• How much money will my grandchild need for college?
• Do I need to provide for a child who has a disability?

Taking inventory of the assets may be the key to making a will. Assets should be mentioned in your will. Any items not specifically mentioned may be addressed in a catchall clause of your will called a residuary clause, which generally states, "I give the remainder of my estate to ..." Without this clause, items not specifically mentioned will be distributed in accordance with state law.

Outstanding debts usually will be paid by your estate before your beneficiaries receive their shares. You may want to clear up debts that you know will be a problem, or make specific provisions for payment of those debts in your will.

Remember to be specific and clear when naming beneficiaries. For example, state the person's full name as well as his or her relationship to you (child, cousin, friend, etc.) so your executor will know exactly who you mean. Clarity will also help to prevent challenges to your will.

States require that you sign the will in front of witnesses-the number of witnesses varies by state. A witness should not be a beneficiary under the will. Only one copy should be signed.

Updating a Will

You'll probably need to update your will several times during the course of your life. For example, a change in marital status, the birth of a child or a move to a new state should all prompt a review of your will. You can update your will by amending it by way of a codicil or by drawing up a new one. Generally, people choose to issue a new will that supersedes the old document. Be sure to sign the new will and have it witnessed, then destroy the old one.

Estate Taxes

The property included in your will may be subject to taxation. In planning your will, take into account the following:

• Federal estate taxes will generally be due if the net taxable estate is worth more than $1,000,000. This amount is scheduled to gradually increase from $1,000,000 in 2002 to $3,500,000 in 2009 so that it will eventually shield $3,500,000 in gift or estate transfers from tax per taxpayer. Estates in excess of the exempt amount can be taxed at a rate from 37% to 50% (the top percentage is scheduled to gradually decrease to 45% in 2009).
• Also, note that these estate tax changes are scheduled to be repealed in 2010. If not extended, the tax law will revert to the estate and gift tax provisions in affect 2001. Consult a tax or financial professional to determine a plan that is right for you and your family.
• State death or inheritance taxes
• Federal income taxes
• State income taxes
• You may be able to minimize your estate tax by establishing a trust or giving gifts during your lifetime. You can also cover the cost of estate taxes by purchasing a life insurance policy intended to pay taxes. Talk to your lawyer and life insurance agent to find out more about how this works.

 Where to Keep Your Will

Once your will is written, store it in a safe place that is accessible to others after your death. If you name a trust company as executor, it will hold your will in safekeeping. You can keep it in your safe deposit box, but be aware that some states will seal your safe deposit box upon your death, so this may not always be the safest place to store your will.

Make sure a close friend or relative knows where to find your will. If you had an attorney prepare your will, have him or her retain a copy with a note stating where the original can be found. 

A Living Will

A living will is not a part of your will. It is a separate document that lets your family members know what type of care you do or don't want to receive should you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious.

It becomes effective only when you cannot express your wishes yourself. If your state recognizes a power of attorney for health care, have one executed to authorize someone to act in accordance with your present intentions.

Discuss your wishes as reflected in your living will with family members, and be sure they have a signed copy.

Plan Ahead

The end of your life is something you probably don't want to dwell on, but thinking about what will happen to your loved ones and your assets and personal possessions is important. Making sure you've done all you can to make their lives easier will give you peace of mind. And once your will is drafted, you won't have to think about it again unless something significant in your life changes. 

Contact a Union Plus Legal Service Lawyer
and complete your will

Additional References

• The American Bar Association Guide to Will and Estates 
  Call 800-793-2665 to order and mention reference number 032-03.
• Publications from Nolo
  • Plan Your Estate 
  • Nolo's Will Book, or call 800-728-3555
• Federal Government Pamphlets
  • The quarterly Consumer Information Center Catalog lists more than 200 helpful federal publications. 
  • Consumer Information Catalog
    Pueblo, CO 81009
    888-8-PUEBLO (888-878-3256)