PODS offers 5 tips to remaining flexible during the home escrow process

You just bought your new home and the buying process with the Realtor, mortgage company and escrow service are all in motion. Packing is well underway and you have determined what you can live with over the next few weeks rather than packing everything in boxes. You have a closing date and everyone in the family is excited. Everything is a go, or so you think.

The exact date of escrow these days can sometimes shift by a day, a week or even several weeks. Where does that leave you? You have presumably already provided a moving date at the current residence, the utilities have been scheduled for disconnection and switched to your new location, items you use daily are in boxes and the moving company has been prepaid to show up on a predetermined day. Now, the moving date has been delayed a few weeks, the movers can not show up on your new date, you lose your moving deposit, and you find yourself in transition – between homes – needing temporary storage.

"This exact scenario took place with a family we know who had contracted with a traditional moving firm," said Steve Yapp, franchise owner of PODS in Ventura, Santa Barbar and San Luis Obispo Countys. "Escrow was set to close and the move scheduled for the following day. The problem? Escrow was delayed with no confirmed date provided, leaving this family in limbo. Devastated, she called PODS, to store everything until the new home closed, then had the PODS containers delivered to her new address."

Moving can be stressful on families during this hectic time. If you are not exact on your date, or the date changes, PODS can accommodate moving and storage needs on your timeframe, leaving you in control of the move. Yapp offers the following tips to homeowners.

5 tips to remaining flexible during a move:

1. Expect the unexpected. A closing escrow date is never guaranteed until you have signed all documents and are officially presented with keys to your residence.

2. Plan ahead when packing your home. Label each box clearly and keep a list of items in 3. Do not pack items you may need to use on a daily basis. Items to hold out until moving day include personal hygiene, medications, at least one week of clothing, phone books and a folder with all moving records.

4. Stay connected. Leave your home computer connected until the actual moving day to allow for important communication.

5. Let there be light (and heat). Allow for overlapping services with electric, gas and other utilities to avoid shut-off while you are still in residence.

(Steve Yapp has been a franchise owner of PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) for three counties - Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo - since May 2005. For more information, call (805) 644-6503 or visit the websites: http://www.pods.com/ventura.aspx, or http://www.pods.com/santabarbara.aspx, or http://www.pods.com/san luis obispo.aspx)

Tina Vervoorn

Consortium Media's Five Pillars of Marketing Success©

Today´s media world is complex. Consortium Media Services (CMS) navigates and saves clients money with our unique 5 Pillars of Marketing Success© - a blend of advertising, public relations, promotions, web integration, and creative to build names into breakaway brands that are leaders in their respective category.

Advertising
The 19-year history of Consortium Media Services allows for preferred media and non-profit rate structures that are legendary. We literally save our clients thousands of dollars on media costs. In addition, our work with many non-profits, including the Ventura Music Festival, have resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars of in-kind promotional coverage in local target markets areas.

Promotions
CMS has worked with the L.A. Dodgers, Albertsons, McDonald´s and other high profile firms in various charitable and retail programs. One of CMS´s most successful assets, promotions, will bring speed to timelines as additional awareness is built faster to clients through promotion and marketplace partnerships.

Public Relations
The Public Relations Division at CMS has consistently delivered many articles and managed press relations for numerous companies. Our "good news" approach delivers results and effectiveness. Over the past 11 years, CMS has developed solid relationships with key publishers, editors and reporters in Ventura County and throughout Southern California.

Web Integration CMS maintains and builds increased brand consistency in our web programs and has designed and integrated electronic components into many traditional media programs. Our latest design, Grossman Imaging Centers website, reflects its new iconic materials, brochures and folders and properly reflects the company´s commitment to excellence.

Creative
At CMS, our Creative Services Department is intimately tied to brand work, using all the various disciplines that make us an effective media management company on every level with the ability to carry out an exciting, sustained brand awareness campaigns.

About the CMS Team
Denise Bean-White, President / CEO
Denise has more than 28 years of hands-on experience in direct mail, newspaper, radio, network television and station management. Her trend analysis, brand work, and work stratagem media packaging delivers outstanding and cost effective results. She is dedicated to her client´s success. Denise is responsible for developing branding and marketing strategies and maintaining client relations.

Jennifer Curtis, Senior Vice President / General Manager
Jennifer´s diverse background includes experience in the video game industry and with Paramount Studios. Jennifer´s strength lies in her ability to create branding that translates seamlessly through a variety of media. Jennifer is analytical and multifaceted: able to write copy, direct production, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. She assists with executive management and in maintaining client relations.

Emily Raab, Creative Director
Emily has 10 years of experience in creative design services. She has an exceptional ability to capture and express a company´s brand through the power of design and relate a cohesive message throughout all facets of corporate communication from print to web and everything in between. Emily manages creative design development and oversees print and materials production.

Tina Vervoorn, Public Relations Manager
Tina has more than 9 years of experience working as a journalist, editor, photographer, and designer for a major newspaper. At CMS, she maintains positive relationships with local and national media outlets and crafts enticing press releases and supporting documents to ensure optimal coverage in various media. Tina is responsible for all public relations efforts and publicity with the media.

Denise Hodgson, Office Manager / Media and Traffic Coordinator
Denise´s excellent eye for detail is a tremendous asset to CMS. She skillfully manages to handle all facets of the firm´s bookkeeping and accounting, as well as traffic administration and media plan maintenance, including assisting with media plans, facilitation and invoicing.

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