So, you’ve decided to host Thanksgiving dinner this year. Congrats! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Any holiday spent around eating great food is number one in my books. There are many shortcuts and tips to make the day go smoothly and let you have some fun not spending the entire day in the kitchen.

Make sure if you have turkey that you leave enough time for it to thaw. You need one day for every 4 pounds frozen. Always thaw in the refrigerator for safety. Place the turkey in a large glass dish, I use a glass cake pan. Put it on the lowest shelf in the fridge. This keeps the chance for cross contamination at a minimum. If you prefer a fresh turkey order early! I’ve purchased the fancy expensive ones in the past but have not found them worth the price. I’ve used Butterball® for years and they always turn out well. Never stuff before roasting! It’s too dangerous, stuffing does not always reach safe temperature levels by the time the turkey is done.

Planning for such a large meal can often overwhelm cooks that are not experienced. Don’t let that stop you. I am a great list maker. First start with your menu. Use a large legal pad. Write your menu on the left side of the page. Leave a few lines in between for cooking schedule. On the right-hand side write your shopping list. I check off items as I purchase. Stuffing cubes, canned goods, snacks and even perishables like butter can be purchased well ahead of time. I found butter at Jewel last weekend for $1.88!! Many stores continue their sales through Thanksgiving so shop early!

Along with planning the menu it’s good to gather all the dishes and serving pieces you will need. Follow your menu and set out the dishes on the dining room table. I rewash everything, especially pieces I use infrequently. Throw a clean white sheet over the table to keep the pieces free from dust. Need more serving pieces? Borrow! Or check out department stores. Many have housewares on sale during holiday season. For cooking I use disposable aluminum as much as I can but always have a pretty dish for serving. Matching not necessary! I have many old dishes given to me by family members no longer with us. It’s nice to reminisce at holiday time and remember those passed.

Next week we’ll go over shortcuts for the big day.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Luxury homes come with a host of ornate and opulent amenities and features that might tickle your fancy. Whether it’s a massive beach house overlooking the ocean, a sprawling expanse backing onto the 9th hole on a golf course, or a penthouse perched high above the city scapes with its own private elevator, properties valued in the millions will offer features that will leave you mesmerized and even completely overwhelmed.

If you’re paying big bucks for your new luxury home, you want to make sure it’s money well spent. While the buying process has its similarities with your average home, it’s also got some different aspects about it that will need to be dealt with.

Here are 5 tips to help you make the right purchasing decision that will get you the estate you want at a fair price and will leave you with no regrets.

1. Work With a Local Real Estate Agent

A real estate expert who is well-versed in the neighborhoods you have your eye on will have their finger on the pulse of any potential movement on certain properties, including high-end ones. Luxury homes typically don’t have many open houses, and you’ll likely have to visit them more than once in order to gain a clear perspective on them. Local professionals will know just what’s out there and what fits your criteria, including amenities and price.

You also want to make sure the expert you work with has experience buying and selling luxury homes. The listing and buying process is somewhat unique with $1 million-plus homes, and an agent who has a healthy history working with these high-end properties can give you the insight you need.

2. Get Familiar With This Specific Buying Process

Don’t assume that all luxury homes will make it to the MLS or be vastly marketed across all online platforms. Plenty of luxury homes are often not listed in order to protect the privacy and identity of the seller. Many times homes in this category are bought and sold through networking between agents, which is yet another reason to work with an experienced local agent with ties in the real estate community.

3. Get to Know Different Neighborhoods

You might have your heart set on a specific neighborhood, but don’t count out other communities. When it comes to finding the right luxury home, sometimes it’s wise to broaden your circle to increase the odds of finding something you’ll fall in love with. Take the time to become familiar with other neighborhoods. You just never know if you’ll find something that you’ll develop a real emotional connection with that’s outside the neighborhood you initially had your sights on.

Of course, location is the most important factor when looking for a house, especially when you consider how much you’ll be spending on it. Think about the type of amenities you want in your location, whether it’s being close to downtown, on a water front, or backing onto a golf course. Whatever your desires are, it’s important to have a good understanding of amenities, trends, and future plans of the area in question.

4. List the Priorities You Want in a Home

When you’re spending millions of dollars for a home, you’ll likely want to have as many desired amenities on your wish list as you can, and rightfully so. Before you even start-house hunting, make yourself a list of your needs and wants. You would likely be doing this even if you were looking at a $200,000 condo, but the list will likely be a lot longer with a luxury property. Depending on your exact budget, you might just be able to get everything you want.

Your agent will certainly make an effort to find a property within your price point that will allow you to check off every item on your list. Luxury homes tend to be very unique, so finding that right house that meets all your needs could take some time, but it’s out there.

5. Be Patient

On that last note, a little bit of patience is generally needed when you’re in the market for a luxury home. These types of properties require a lot more time to sell compared to lower priced homes because of their high prices, as well as their exclusive traits. While you might be lucky enough to find the home of your dreams right away, you’ll probably be looking for quite a while, as much as a few months or more.

The Bottom Line

Not everyone can afford a luxury home, but if you are able to, you should absolutely take the time and make the effort to ensure the home you buy is the right one for you. Get familiar with the luxury home buying process, understanding housing trends in various neighborhoods, and practice some patience as you go from house to house in search of the perfect home.

Closing costs can add a lot more money to the final price tag when buying a home, and much of them need to be paid right out of the gates. Some of these fees might seem like they came out of nowhere and can be difficult to understand, like origination fees or title insurance. Luckily, there are steps you can take to cut back on these closing costs to potentially save you thousands of dollars at the end of the day.

Here are some tips to keeping a lid on potentially out-of-control closing costs.

Shop Around For Different Quotes From Different Lenders

Getting on the phone with one lender after another is a pain, but it could wind up saving you quite a bit of money in closing costs. Don’t just settle with the first lender you come in contact with – you just never know if there is a better deal out there. Get estimates from a minimum of three different lenders to give you more options for comparison purposes. Consider the entire package when comparing, including interest rates and closing costs. Ask for a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) form, which details every individual fee and makes it easier for you to compare lender packages.

Schedule the Closing For the End of the Month

If you close at the beginning of the month, you’ll be stuck paying in full for that month’s interest, taxes, and HOA fees. Instead, if you close near or at the end of the month, you’ll be left with fewer costs associated with these pro-rated items.

Roll the Closing Costs Into the Mortgage

Lenders might charge you a little bit more to wrap all the closing costs into the mortgage, but if you’re strapped for cash to cover all those pesky closing costs, this could be a great option. Rather than paying all the closing costs upfront, you can pay this amount off over the life of the mortgage instead.

Ask About a Loyalty Program

Some banks offer ‘loyalty programs’ which involves helping clients with closing costs if that bank is used to obtain the mortgage to finance the home. Loyalty programs can lower origination fees for preferred reward members, and thereby reduce the overall total.

Ask the Seller to Help Cover the Closing Costs

This might sound outrageous, but it is an option under the right circumstances. If the seller is motivated enough to make a sale, you could save some money on your closing costs. Many home loans allow sellers to pay up to 6% of the sales price as a closing cost credit, which could be attractive because it is tax-deductible. However, you might need to offer as close to asking price in order to make this option attractive to the seller.

Avoid Paying Points With a Low Mortgage Rate

Buyers can consider “paying down” interest points in order to lower the interest rate on the mortgage. However, considering the fact that mortgage rates have been hovering near historic lows over the recent past, this might not be a good idea right now. Paying upfront discount points is often unnecessary when interest rates are really so low. Doing so will just increase the final closing cost total upfront, which is the opposite of what you’re trying to do.

Get Different Quotes For Homeowner’s Insurance

Just like you should shop around with different lenders to find the best mortgage package for you, shopping around for homeowner’s insurance can also save you some money. Getting different quotes from different insurance providers can lower your closing costs and save you money over the long haul on insurance premiums.

The Bottom Line

Closing costs are inevitable when buying a home, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take some steps to see if they can be reduced. With a little bit of effort on your part and some guidance from your real estate agent, you can get into your new home without breaking the bank.

It’s the first week of November already! Boy, does time fly. Thanksgiving week will be here before we know it. Now that we have enough time it’s good to plan for an easy and stress-free holiday.

Think about your menu. You probably have some idea of how many people you are having so plan accordingly. Thanksgiving is a most forgiving menu. Add or subtract a few guests and you are still good.

Turkey and fresh baked goods like pies should be ordered at least two weeks ahead. Plan now for quantities. Bakery pies yield 8 servings. As for turkey, 2 pounds per adult and 1 per child is good and will yield sufficient leftovers. Make sure to stock disposable containers in various sizes for guests to take food home.

There is plenty of time now to try a few new recipes. We all have our family favorites but it’s great to introduce at least one new item a year. Roasted root vegetables are easy and appeal to many eaters with their sweet taste. They can also be made ahead of time for ease on the big day. Mashed skin on red potatoes with garlic are delicious. Sweet potatoes are yummy too. Go online and search. I love americastestkitchens.com and foodnetwork.com.

Go through all your dinnerware, silverware and serving pieces. I bet last year you thought you could use a few more. If you are doing a buffet for a large gathering, see about renting. For one time a year it’s more cost effective than buying. Borrow slow cookers in various sizes to keep side dishes warm. You can buy small slow cookers small enough for hot dips! 

If you work as much as I do it’s hard to find the time to do a thorough house cleaning. Now there is enough time to take it one room at a time. Don’t forget baseboards and ceilings. Check for carpet cleaning specials. Declutter as much as possible. Less to dust! Better yet spurge on a cleaning professional. For around $200 you can get your house cleaned in one day. Money well spent I say!

The sooner you plan for the holiday the less stress you will have. Imagine everything going so smoothly and having enough time to enjoy yourself and your guests. It can be done!

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

There are plenty of advantages of having a VA home loan compared to a conventional mortgage, including a minimal down payment requirement, no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates. Most military members, veterans, National Guard members, and spouses of military members who died on active duty can apply for a VA loan and reap the rewards that come with some mortgages.

However, not only do you have to be eligible for this specialized type of home loan, so does your property. The reasons for this is to protect you against any unexpected and unpleasant surprises that can end up being very costly.

In order for a home to qualify for a VA home loan, it needs to meet Minimum Property Requirements (MRPs) to help ensure that military personnel and veterans have a safe place to live.

Access

The property you’re trying to obtain a VA mortgage to pay for must be accessible all year long, no matter how your next-door neighbor’s property is being used. There also needs to be adequate space between your home and the one next door to allow for sufficient maintenance of each building.

Residential Needs

VA appraisers will look at a number of things about the property before it is considered eligible for a VA home loan: it needs to have a space for living, sleeping, cooking and eating, as well as a bathroom.

Water, Sewer, and Mechanical Systems

Not only does the home have to provide an actual residential living space for the occupants, it also must pass certain requirements as far as its mechanical, sewer, and water systems are concerned. The property must have:

▪ Safe waste flow into a sewer or septic tank

▪ An adequate water supply that is continuous and safe to drink, and is sufficient for all its occupants if it is shared

▪ No more than four units that share a utility room, storage space, and laundry facilities

▪ A separate shut-off for gas, power, water and sewer

▪ An adequate and safe mechanical system

▪ Proper drainage away from the building with stable ground cover

Roof

The roof of the home can’t have any leaks, and if any repairs were done in the past, at least three layers of shingles had to have been removed before replacing the roof with new shingles. 

Attic and Crawl Space

These spaces need to have natural ventilation that is void of any dirt or dust, and have plenty of room for any ductwork, plumbing, and electrical repair.

Structure

The actual building itself needs to be in good shape. That means no termite damage, mold, rotting wood, broken windows, bad construction, moisture, or exposed electrical wires should be present.

The Bottom Line

Basically, the MPRs associated with VA home loans require that a home should be safe, sanitary, and structurally sound for those who live in it. A VA appraiser will need to assess the home and the lot it sits on to ensure that it meets these requirements before a VA home loan can be approved.