1. If you are moving out of town, be sure to have your closing documents prepared in advance. If you are already living in a different area, allow ample time for turnaround on overnight deliveries. An original, properly notarized deed will be required for closing. Most localities require that the documents are signed with BLACK INK. I know a story of out of town sellers who returned a deed signed in green ink! The closing attorney in Poquoson could not record it. So, be sure to clarify signing instructions with your settlement agent. Also, if your deed has been signed by a power of attorney, the original power of attorney will be required in order to record the deed.

2. Coordinate the timing of your final house payment, especially if you are closing between the 1st and the 15th of the month. Your settlement agent will request a "payoff" from your mortgage company, which will be used to calculate your net proceeds. If you do make a payment, you need to be sure that it gets properly posted and that your payoff is adjusted accordingly.

3. If you have an FHA loan, it is critical that the payoff is received by your mortgage company by the 1st of the following month, or you will incur an additional 30 days of interest and I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want that! This will mean closing at least 3 days before the end of the month, and making sure that your settlement agent records immediately and overnights your payoff. As a rule of thumb, closing should be the third week of the month which allows sufficient time to compensate for any last minute issues.

4. In Virginia, it's customary for sellers not to attend the actual closing. So, it's important that you arrange to review the HUD statement (the summary of all closing charges) in advance. Because HUD's are rarely available until hours before the closing, be sure that your agent can reach you on the day of closing to review the figures.

5. It takes a day or so for the settlement agent to record the new deed (depending on what time the buyer closed, and locality), and issue your proceeds check. Make arrangements in advance for how you would like to receive your funds. Whether it be over-nighting your check to you or having your agent physically pick it up and get it to you, that should be addressed in advance. If you need your funds wired to you to accomplish the closing on your new home, make certain that both parties understand that well in advance. Refund of any monies that you have in escrow can take up to 30 days, depending on your mortgage company.

Knowledge is power! Ask questions!! Be pro-active!! The more that you know (in advance), the SMOOTHER the transaction will be.

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
5350 Discovery Park Blvd
Williamsburg Virginia 23188

EARLY MORNING PICTURES...

Colonial Horse & Buggy

LOCAL WEATHERMAN

Girl in Colonial dress

GEORGE WASHINGTON OR AL ROKER!!!

IT'S MATT LAUER!!!

The crowd was great. We had so much fun!! Folks with voting signs, lots of students from William & Mary (with "mom please send money signs!"), teachers, children, a guy with a "looking for a wife" sign and everyone in between. I hope you've enjoyed the pictures as we enjoyed being there!! Now, on to my nap!

Courtesy of Yvette Smith SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
5350 Discovery Park Blvd
Williamsburg Virginia 23188

Take a chilling prowl through Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area on a Tavern Ghost Walk. Your guide will tell dramatic tales of the ghosts that are said to still haunt modern Colonial Williamsburg's taverns and sites. The Historic Area is full of current accounts of mysterious 18th century ghosts and the occasional story of familiar contemporary spirits.

Guests on the family friendly ghost walk will each receive a collectible souvenir pin to commemorate the tour. The tour is offered in the evenings this fall beginning at 7 o'clock. The tour begins at Shields Tavern and are $12 for those age 12 and over and $7 for those between ages 6 and 11. Free for children under 6. Call 1-800-HISTORY for your reservation.

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
5350 Discovery Park Blvd
Williamsburg Virginia 23188

COLONIAL HERITAGE is an active adult gated community for age 55 and better! Located minutes away from COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG and PRIME OUTLETS as well as many other cultural and historical attractions.

695 Acres of lush greens and beautiful homes. There traditionally styled luxury homes, carriage homes and villas that surround 170 acre Arthur Hills golf course. The amenties: Heritage Clubhouse - 25,000 square foot elegantly appointed which features social, recreational and cultural events year 'round, a grand ballroom, fine and casual dining, card and billiard rooms, a library with computer stations, woodworking shop, arts and crafts room and a full time activities director; Four tennis courts; Athletic club; indoor and outdoor pools and community-oriented activities program to keep the busy bees busy!

Single family and townhomes ranging from the $300K. Special inentives are available on select inventory homes. The homes are low-maintanence, single-level living equipped with first floor master suites and open floor plans for great for entertaining. Homeowners are able to purchase golf memberships, however Colonial Heritage is also open for public play and evenst such as tournaments. There is a full practice facility including putting green and driving range. Are you convinced yet? If you'd like a personal tour, please call 757-753-7472.

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
5350 Discovery Park Blvd
Williamsburg Virginia 23188
YvetteSmith@lizmoore.com