Happy ThanksGIVING

Thanksgiving evokes images of being with family, eating lots of good food and the start of the holiday season. Many people are raised to count your blessings, and name what you are thankful for. Well, sure that's one part of Thanksgiving, but were missing out if we stop there.

ThanksGIVING is just that ThanksGIVING not ThanksFULL. If everyone could just look around them and be more giving, I think we could change the world one person at a time. Each day we have countless opportunities on making someone smile. Instead of asking the same old phrase "How are you doing?" to someone and not really being interested in their response, how about asking someone about their family, recreation, job, or dreams? Taking the time to ask, and really connect with someone gives someone something very valuable your time.

The blessings you get by just giving someone your time is huge. Here are some quick ideas: talk with the grocery store clerk, wave at someone while you are driving, chat with people in line while you are waiting or sitting in a waiting room. There are so many people who especially during the holidays, need a reminder that they are not forgotten and they are loved.

I challenge you to try this! My goal is to really listen more, and love people by giving.

5 Things to know when buying a home

1. Get a realtor who can be your trusted adviser. Ask lots of questions~ Do they know your area that you want to live in? Can they be reached after hours and on weekend? Do they have a website? Get a list of their past clients. How many homes have they sold this year? Keep in mind that the seller, not the buyer, pays the commission. Get a realtor who is a buyer's agent who can protect your interests, find a home for you and guide you through the buying process – from negotiating a price to navigating home inspections.
2. Get pre-approved for a loan before you start looking at homes. This will save you lots of time since you will know your price range of homes. Buy the house you know that you can afford. This can be different from the price that your mortgage company believes that you can afford. The less expensive house means that you can make your payments and have a little left in your pocket. 
3. The asking price is just that. The home might be overpriced. Have your realtor do a market analysis on the home. Are there other fees associated with owning the home? HOA? Covenants? Who takes care of the road? Fire mitigation?
4. How are the neighbors? Are they animal and kid friendly? Is there place junky? Find out about other home sales in the area.
5. Once you have the home under contract, get the house inspected and checked for radon. Even if you are a builder, it's best to get it inspected. They check everything from light switches to roof leaks to crawl spaces. They are very thorough. Your realtor can then negotiate and get the items fixed before the sale closing or if the seller doesn't want to fix them they can give you money back at closing for you to fix them.

Buying a home is one big decision and I'd love to help you!