The autumn leaves, the crisp air and thoughts of Thanksgiving dinner remind us it is November.  Is anyone out there like me and wonder where the year went? But when I look back over the past months I have many blessings to be thankful for and for most of us the elections will be over and we don't have to hear those crazy ads anymore.

The October month was a busy month for Real Estate. There was an unusual amount of showings, (more than September) and that makes us all feel good about the economy and
The confidence in Hancock County that The Real Estate market is alive and well.

There is still time to select a home and make the offer and get moved in before Christmas.  The interest rates and the selections are still great and at this time of year the negotiations are sometimes more beneficial depending on the strength of the market.

After you find the right house, the process speeds to a frantic pace. Making the offer, then the counteroffer. Find financing and getting an inspection.  Understanding how to make the right offer will get the rest of the process off to a good start Study the property and know the market. Know comparable sales, how much the seller paid for it and length of ownership and what improvements have been made to the property. Then weigh how well the house meets your needs. If it is everything you have dreamed of it's probably worth close to asking price. Ask your Realtor if it is a hot market or weak market. That will help determine your negotiating plan.

The offer is made in the form of a contract to buy and sell property.

It lists the items to be included in the sale, such appliances, draperies, light fixtures, etc., as well as any items the seller plans to keep. It also spells out any conditions that the sale may be contingent on, such as an inspection by a structural engineer or the sale of the buyer's current home.

The contract will include a date to close the sale and the date you can take possession.

If the seller accepts your offer, there's virtually no turning back unless an inspection reveals serious flaws or financing is denied. There is more to selling the home than the price, buyers and sellers also may bargain over closing costs, and other items like carpeting and paint.

The good news is that contracts are usually set within a few days to a week after the first offer. And don't worry about having second thoughts almost everyone has a twinge of buyer's remorse but it goes away and most buyers are so glad there took the plunge towards making their dream home come true. So, how about you? Now is the time to call your Realtor and get the process started to make your dream come true.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Starley Cannon
Broker/Realtor