Before Moving Anything Into Your New Home

Before moving any of your belongings into your new home, its important to make sure that everything is as it should be.  You may have had a list of repairs you expected – or this may be the first time you've seen the house empty. 

Take some time to go around with a notepad and check all of the sockets for obvious signs of wear and tear and look for damage that you might be otherwise liable for.
 
Ensure that any cupboards are empty, free of damp, mold or bad smells, and keep a close note of what where the electricity, water and gas stopcocks are.  While doing this, you'll also be getting a feel for where you can place any furniture, how to get it up any stairs or even just into the house. 

Note down any damage or concerns you have to be discussed with whomever you're dealing with – its important to have these notes before moving anything in so that you can get the problems remedied as soon as possible.

If you're letting from a landlord, he'll give you a list of any fittings, fixtures and furniture he's leaving – its very common nowadays for landlords to leave 'white goods' – kitchen appliances, such as the fridge, freezer, washing machine and cooker. 

If you're letting, your landlord should also give you contact details, emergency repair numbers and any paperwork pertaining to these emergency repairs that you may need.  You may also want to get bank details or arrange a good time to come and collect rent.  Any final paperwork can be signed now, and then you can start making your new place your own.

You should also ensure that the central heating and boiler are working correctly and collect any manuals for these from the previous occupant – these manuals will save you a lot of frustration in the long run.

Assembling your Real Estate Investing Team

There are several important things you need to be successful in <a href="http://www.biggerpockets.com">real estate investing</a>, one of which is a great team. I'm going to talk briefly about who should be on the winning team:

1. <span style="font-weight:bold">Your Mentor</span> - every successful entrepreneur needs a good mentor. A guide. By training under the watchful eye of one smarter then us, we can only get smarter. Start at your local investment club

2. <span style="font-weight:bold">Mortgage Broker</span> - you want someone who has the experience of working with other investors. They need to be creative and smart!

3. <span style="font-weight:bold">Real Estate Attorney</span> - it is really important to have someone on the team who can go through contracts, and who knows the legalities of all your moves.

4. <span style="font-weight:bold">Escrow Officer or Title Rep</span> - having a good one on the team helps to close deals that much quicker. You always want people looking out for YOUR interests.

5. <span style="font-weight:bold">Accountant</span> - Preferably a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). Your numbers guy should also be well aware of the ins and outs of real estate. Come tax time, this is the man to help you through the write-offs!

6. <span style="font-weight:bold">Insurance Agent</span> - It is always better having an insurance rep that is looking out for you when things hit the fan.

7. <span style="font-weight:bold">Contractor</span> - The good contractor seems like the hardest one to find, but can often make or break your profit margin. You want someone who gets things done on time and under budget!

8. <span style="font-weight:bold">Supportive Family & Friends</span> - Having the support and backing of loved ones is important in any endeavor.

Other Optional Team Members:

9. <span style="font-weight:bold">Realtor</span> - someone keeping an eye out for you

10. <span style="font-weight:bold">Property Manager</span> - someone to watch over your investments

11. <span style="font-weight:bold">Great Handyman</span> - Someone to take care of the little things that come up on a daily basis.

Assembling the team will not happen overnight, but once together, they will give you the backing and help you'll need to make your real estate investing dreams come true.