Don't Miss the Holiday Home Selling Season

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A lot of people think that the real estate market freezes over in the winter, especially during the Holidays. However, this is not true, and the winter can actually be a great time to sell for some people.

Here are three reasons why this is true:

1. Buyers are very serious in the winter. They often have to buy because of a job transfer, or for tax purposes. When buyers are more motivated, you can expect a quicker sale and probably a better price for your home if they have to buy quickly. Some buyers are desperate to purchase a home because of tax reasons or because of a job transfer. This puts you in a good position as a seller. 
2. There isn't as much competition during the Holidays. A lot of sellers think that it's a bad time to sell a home, so they take it off the market. This means that your home has a better chance to stand out and sell quickly! The supply of listings increases dramatically in January, so the time to sell is now before everyone else puts their home on the market. 
3. You can sell now and we can provide you with a delayed closing or an extended occupancy so that you can stay in your home throughout the New Year.
4. We can also restrict showings during Christmas and New Years. We realize you want to spend this time with friends and family, and we believe that buyers understand this as well.

The Holidays really are a great time to sell a home, it's just that selling during this time doesn't match conventional wisdom. If you've been wanting to sell your home, please don't hesitate to contact my team. We can help you sell quickly and for top dollar!

How TRID Will Affect Buyers and Sellers

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Today, Harris Haley with Access National Mortgage joins me to discuss the new TRID regulations that went into effect on October 3rd. TRID stands for TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures. What that basically means is the government has designed something to slow the buying process down for the consumer. 

The biggest change a buyer can expect to see are the time requirements and communication changes. As far as time requirements, the government built in a minimum of three business days so that the buyer has time to see the closing statement before closing on the property. This is a mandatory three-day period so that the buyer has time to review everything.

As for communication, they now require an E-consent to be acknowledged by the borrower so that the borrower and the lender are able to communicate and send documents electronically to each other. Although it's not required, it is a good idea to set this up when you begin your loan application just so you don't have to worry about it later on in the process.

If you choose not to set up an E-consent, the parties involved will have to resort to what we call the mailbox rule. Essentially, this extends the process. There's a built-in time frame that the mailbox rule automatically allots for there to be an additional three days that need to be added on to any timing requirements.

Basically what this means is when you decide to purchase a home, consult with your Realtor. We will be able to set you up with a lender so you can get started with your loan application as soon as possible. 

Harris can still close a loan in 30 days. Access National Mortgage offers a free loan approval process prior to going under contract that allows them to close in 30 days despite the new timing regulations.

As a seller, once your home goes under contract, you need to be in constant communication with your agent. Complete all of the information with the closing attorney in order to keep the process moving. The timing regulations affect both buyers and sellers, and it's important to have a great team to work with. 

We can certainly guide you through the new TRID regulations. If you have any questions for Harris, you can contact him at 770-989-7397 or HHaley@AccessNational.com. If you have any questions for me, please don't hesitate to give me a call or send me an email! We would be happy to help you!

What Can You Do in Cobb County?

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Today, we'll discuss the top five things to do in Cobb County. As we approach the end of the year, relocations are picking up. I wanted to point out some great things to do in our area so that newcomers have some options. 

First off, there's the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. This park offers over 17 miles of hiking trails, and it's a lot of fun for the family. It is the most visited National Park in the United States. Bring your pets and enjoy this great attraction. 

Up next is Six Flags! We have a Six Flags Water Park as well as the original amusement park, so take the family along for a day of fun! 

Another place to check out in Cobb County is Marietta Square. Bring the family and bring the dogs. There are farmer's markets, art galleries, and a free summer concert series. It's a great place to check out in the winter as well. There is always something going on there.

Number four on my list is the Silver Comet Trail. It's 94 miles of paved road that used to be the bed of a train track. It's a great walking and biking trail. 

The final thing on my list is the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. This is a premier venue for Broadway shows, ballet, concerts, operas, and much more. Stop by and see a show when you're in town.

Those are my top five picks. For more events, check out travelcobb.org. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you!