Western Canada - Moving...

I'm moving from just east of the mountains to Prince George, to go to school and buy a house that's actually affordable. Being the young buck that I am, I have zero experience with major (major = interprovincial) moves, or any experience with home ownership.

I don't suppose any of you have bits of knowledge to pass on about such things?

Also... can anybody recommend a good LBS in PG? The move is going to be sometime in July '09

Do you have a car? How much stuff do you have to shift?

A truck, and not very much. I can fill two pickups, so moving the stuff isn't an issue.

You'll probably need to switch license and plates after something like 3 months, check the local rules. Also medical insurance is provincial, you'll have to figure out what happens there.

-- Driver's Licence
-- Vehicle Insurance
-- Medical Insurance
-- Rerouting mail ... check with your local Canada Post, you can set it up so they'll automatically reroute mail for the first 6 months, I believe
-- The whole change of address process, which might take you the entire 6 months, dpending on how many companies send you things
-- Banking ... although with my bank, I was able to keep my Winnipeg account and just access it from here
-- Property/home insurance
-- CAA membership
-- Check every single bill, licence, monetary transaction you have to see if it is provincial or not.


Now ... does anyone have any advice for inter-country moving?

Home ownership...

Get ready, better have a clean record, bunch of cool stuff you are going to learn...

- Origination fees
- City, State, County Property taxes
- Lock-in rate
- Title Insurance
- Home Insurance
- Mortgage Insurance
- And any applicable insurance, flood (most times mandatory if your house is in a flood zone)


In the states the basic handbook is called HUD-1, which states all your rights, things you are eligible for. Find a few mortgage and real estate agents and ask them questions. Requestr a good faith estimate, approval form. Some states offer free mortgage classes to first time home buyers so check your local housing authority or any similar public entity. Depending on your gross income, verify if you qualify for any bond, grant money, AND do check the conditions if at some point you sell/rent the home. Many grants have limited conditions, usually with money incentive, you never have to pay back as long as you keep the property.

Never give a deposit to any mortgage or real estate agent as a warranty of that you will stick with them. I had a few who try that and right away I cut them loose, they get paid well, never believe anything unless it is in writing!!! Look for references, ask them to show you the last three sales etc... There is information that by law they must tell you, but you also have to do your homework, that is why I highly recommend taking any one day crash course 101 about home purchase. I did, it was boring, but well worth it the fifty bucks, ask ask and ask, it does not matter if they give you the stupid look...

There are many books available which will guide you about how to shop for a house, money management (BUDGET), yep the dreaded budget plan...