Frequently Asked Questions: Cremation Services

So youve prepped your home cosmetically for sale in every imaginable way fresh paint, a deep cleaning, new landscaping, decluttered closets and even organized the garage!  Your house looks better then it ever has and you are ready to hit the market!  Before you proceed with the For Sale sign in the ground, there are several key pieces of information that you should consider gathering that todays savvy buyers are going to want to know.1.  SurveyDo you have a copy of a current survey on your home?  Have this document available and provide to your listing agent so they can include in the information about your home.  Buyers want to know about property lines, easements, conservation buffers, if there is room for a pool, if the property line extends to the water behind your home, etc.  Having a survey to provide upfront will help to eliminate these types of concerns vs. waiting until a property is under contract.If youve made any changes that would affect your property such as adding a pool or fence since you took ownership and are not shown on your current survey, its important to advise the buyer.  A new survey will usually need to be ordered prior to closing in this scenario.  If you dont have one from when you purchased the home, try contacting the title company or attorneys office that handled the closing of the property.  Depending on how long ago that was, they may be able to retrieve from their archives.2.  Floorplan or Appraisal Sketch Buyers often need to know room dimensions as it helps with determining furniture placement and to ensure how what they have will fit (or have to be reconfigured) in the new space.  As any real estate agent can attest, many hours have been spent measuring spaces while looking at a home and comparing that against the existing buyers furniture dimensions.  Ive encountered entire home searches that revolved around a great room accommodating an entertainment center and the garage size so a motorcycle could fit in addition to the cars!An appraisal is helpful as it can confirm the exact square footage of a home vs. relying on tax records which may not be accurate.  Weve all heard stories where the appraisal showed the actual square footage that was smaller than what was initially represented in a listing sheet.  Having an appraisal will help to ensure that does not happen.  You should have received a copy of the appraisal if you obtained a mortgage loan from your lender or if you refinanced.  If you dont have either, consider having a floorplan drawn up or home measured by an appraiser when prepping your home for sale. Your agent can assist with resources to this effect.3.  Utility Bills Buyers want to get an idea of what they can expect the heating and cooling bills to be in a home.  Review your bills over the last one to two years to get an average in the various seasons, or call your local utility provider as they can often provide you with information on the high, average and low costs.  This information can be very beneficial when a buyer sits down to number crunch their total costs of owning a home.  If you had an unusually high or low bill, provide some explanation to accompany the numbers.4.  Termite Bond In many markets where termites are alive and well, it is common place for homes to have some sort of protection plan in place which is also known as a bond.   In Florida, where I live and work, this is a primary concern and often one of the first questions buyers and their agents want to know.  Prior to listing your home, obtain a copy of your termite bond policy from the provider, know exactly what type of bond you have repair or treatment bond and up to what dollar amount of coverage is it good for.  Also know how long the bond is in effect, when it is up for renewal and what the renewal fee is, if there is a transfer fee and what does it provide protection for not all bonds provide protection against all different types of termites.5.  Pest Control If you maintain any type of pest control on your property, compile information as to who the provider is, what you have done, how much you pay and how often does the company come out to treat the property.  A copy of your service agreement is helpful in this instance.6.  Insurance Buyers especially want to know who a seller uses for their homeowners insurance and how much they pay.  This is particularly the case in higher risk areas (where there are hurricanes, floods, fires, etc.) With homeowners insurance potentially more difficult to obtain in some areas, going through the existing sellers insurance company can help streamline the process, particularly on an older home.7. Product Manuals and Warranty Documents  Now is the time to gather the various product manuals for all items that will be staying in the home such as appliances, water heater, heating and cooling system, ceiling fans, pool equipment, etc.  If your home came with any warranties, be sure to include these for the new owner as well.  Putting all of these in one large envelope makes it easy for everything to be readily accessible in one place for the new buyer. 8.  Service ProvidersCompile a list of all service providers/vendors and their contact information who you have used on your home lawn service, pool service, A/C company, etc. While a new buyer may or may not choose to use these services, they will certainly appreciate having resources available to them and may elect to initially use them as they make the transition to living in your home.9.  Covenants and Restrictions, Neighborhood Rules and Information  This is key critical information for a new owner to have on hand.  A contract may likely hinge on the buyers review of this information, so easiest to have it available ahead of time.  If you dont have these, contact your neighborhoods association president or management company for assistance in obtaining a copy. Many of these documents are matters of public record and are available by going online to the appropriate municipalitys website.Work with your agent to create an informational package or binder that you can provide to prospective purchasers that come through the home with the information mentioned above.  Gathering this information before you put your home on the market will save time and make the process that more efficient once you find a buyer.  It may even help your home to sell faster as all of this information is available upfront, eliminating the need for guesswork and waiting on answers while another property could possibly come on the market to grab the buyers attention.  You want to help keep the buyer focused on your home, so make it easy for them to buy by giving them what they want.  Happy selling!  You can read more home seller tips here.

Thinking about upgrading your property in the new year? Since the housing market is expected to remain competitive, its more important than ever to consider improvements.Michel SmithOctober 24, 2024Read on for tips to elevate your quality of living and your homes desirability.1. Revamp Your KitchenA well-designed kitchen remains a surefire way to add value. Kitchen improvements can yield a 70 to 80% return on investment when its time to sell. Consider replacing old countertops with quartz or granite, updating appliances and refacing cabinetry. Even smaller upgrades like a modern backsplash can deliver great visual impact.2. Renovate BathroomsRemodeled bathrooms are another biggie on a buyers wish list. If you go the total renovation route, think about incorporating the latest trends, such as luxurious finishes and spa-like walk-in showers. More affordable options include replacing faucet fixtures, retiling the shower or upgrading lighting.3. Update FlooringOutdated flooring is an eyesore for potential buyers. Replace older carpeting or tile with hardwood, engineered wood or luxury vinyl planks. Look for durable, low-maintenance options in neutral tones that will hold their value for many years to come.4. Extend Living Space With Outdoor AmenitiesOutdoor living continues to be a popular choice for increasing your propertys appeal. Whether you take on a DIY project or hire a contractor, adding a patio or deck will extend your living space. Other sought-after amenities include built-in grills, fire pits, pergolas and for the ultimate upgrade, an outdoor kitchen.5. Get Smart With New TechnologyIts never been easier or more affordable to incorporate smart technology into your home. Choose from a variety of upgrades that include tech-advanced thermostats, lighting, video doorbells and security systems. These devices provide comfort, peace of mind and can be easily controlled remotely through apps.6. Invest in Energy EfficiencyMake your home more energy efficient, which not only boosts your propertys appeal but also reduces your bills over the long haul. Consider updating appliances like refrigerators, washers and HVAC systems that meet Energy Star standards. Other ideas include improving insulation, adding solar panels or replacing old drafty windows.7. Modernize Your LightingWell-placed lighting enhances your propertys ambiance and functionality. Replace outdated fixtures like fluorescent box-style lights or those that dont provide adequate lighting. Other updates include recessed lighting, dimmers on switches, pendant lights and wall sconces. As a statement piece, consider adding a high-quality fixture above your island or in your main living space.Enhancing your homes worth doesnt require dramatic changes. Whether youre selling soon or simply want to enjoy a more modern and efficient dwelling, these practical tips will ensure your property remains marketable. Connect with a local real estate professional to learn more.

What does it cost to bury a person in a cemetery?First is the purchase price of the "right to use" the burial plot (unlike a real estate purchase, where you buy the land and all the structures on it; here you are only purchasing what is called the "interment rights" to the land). In addition, there are fees for the "opening" and "closing" of the gravesite; and any fees required to obtain the necessary permits and to maintain cemetery files and records. In addition, there's the fee for the use of any special equipment (such as a casket-lowering device); as well as the costs for any other services or items purchased. There's also the headstone or grave marker installation fee, and a one-time "perpetual care" (sometimes called "endowment care") fee paid to ensure your loved one's burial site is well-maintained.Does my loved one have to be embalmed prior to burial?This is a question we hear a lot. Many funeral homes suggest (and may even go so far as to require) embalming if you're planning a viewing or visitation. That's because they want the experience to be as good as it can be for those in attendance, and proper embalming can ensure the deceased looks as good as possible. But as a general rule, embalming is not necessary or legally required if the body is cared for in a relatively short amount of time. Please contact us for specific state or local requirements.How much will a casket cost?The Federal Trade Commission states that average casket costs around $2,000. If you are concerned about casket costs, speak with your funeral director who can advise you on the most appropriate casket for your situation and your budget.What is a burial vault, and why do I need to buy one?Today, modern cemetery grounds are well-groomed, with vast expanses of green grass. A burial vault protects this pristine view, ensuring there is no sign of burial plots "settling". Certainly the vault also protects the casket; but the primary role of a burial vault is to protect the beauty of the cemetery environment.What's involved in a cemetery burial?If your loved one has not made previous arrangements for their burial, leaving you to pick the location of their interment, the first thing you'll need to do involves the selection of the cemetery and burial location within the grounds. You'll also choose the most suitable casket and burial vault, and provide us with the clothing you'd like your loved one to wear (and any 'special items' you'd like us to place in the casket) . Once payment is made, the date and time of interment is agreed upon. At that time, the cemetery grounds keepers will take care of the "opening" and "closing" of the grave and the proper placement of the casket in the burial vault.Do I have to buy a headstone or grave marker?The cemetery will put a temporary identification marker on your loved one's grave, but it is only intended as a placeholder until a permanent headstone or grave marker is set in place. Without one, your loved one's burial site will, when this temporary marker becomes illegible or is somehow removed, appear "unmarked".Where do I purchase a headstone or grave marker?We, and the cemetery where your loved one will be interred, have strong working relationships with trusted monument companies. When you are ready to order a granite headstone or bronze grave marker, we will come together to orchestrate its selection, manufacture and placement. Speak with your funeral director to get the details.What is "direct burial"?When we make arrangements for the direct burial of an individual, we are expediting their interment. There will be no funeral, memorial service or celebration-of-life; instead, we provide the physical care of the deceased (perhaps embalming their body, but certainly dressing and casketing) and then escort the casket to the cemetery for immediate burial.Is direct burial right for our situation?It's very hard to know without having the opportunity to speak with you. Direct burial works well when there are few mourners or if your loved one's wishes were for a simple interment. It's done quickly and professionally, without ceremony of any kind. With that said, what do you think? Does direct burial feel like the right course of action for you? Speak with a funeral professional to further explore the idea.What services do you provide when I choose direct burial?Your funeral director will complete and file the death certificate, obtain signatures on any required permits or authorizations, helps you select a cemetery in which to inter your loved one, as well as a casket and burial vault. He or she will oversee the physical care of the deceased: they will be dressed in clothes you've provided (or purchased from us), casketed, and then escorted to the cemetery for immediate burial. This same individual will witness the burial and provide you with copies of all pertinent papers for safekeeping.What is a graveside service?Rather than having a service in a church or funeral home chapel, and then adjourning to the cemetery for the burial; some families choose to gather solely at the cemetery. There, they are led through a ceremony prepared by a clergy person or celebrant and witness the in-ground committal of their loved one's casket. If the idea of a graveside service appeals to you, speak with your funeral director about your options.What "extra" fees or charges will I need to pay?Some of the things you'll discuss with your funeral director involve purchases made from outside vendors, and you will be asked to pay for those items at the time of the arrangement conference.  One of the most common is the fee charged by a newspaper to print your loved one's obituary. Another cash advance charge could be for clergy or musician's fees, floral arrangements, reception necessities, such as food/beverage or facility rental. Your funeral director will provide you with a detailed invoice for all cash advance items.When do I pay for a funeral service?The exact answer to this question largely depends upon the services, products and cemetery you've selected; but a good rule of thumb is to expect to pay at the time the service contract is signed (at the time of the arrangement conference, or soon afterwards). Speak with your funeral director to learn more.Who will write my loved one's obituary?We're tempted to answer this with another question: who would you like to write it? Perhaps you'd like to ask a friend or family member to do so; maybe you're thinking it's something you would like to do. Or perhaps you'd rather turn the duty over to your funeral director. He or she is experienced in obituary writing, and would be delighted to relieve you of the task; so don't hesitate to ask them to craft a suitable obituary.