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So, how long will this process take to complete? The short answer is a month (or so) since it is possible to accomplish this task within about 30 days, but most professionals suggest that you plan for the closing to take closer to 45 days. “We need at least 30 days [for the closing to be completed] on a cash offer, but we could anticipate up to 90 days when using financing,” said Jeffrey Morgan of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty in Colorado.

Let’s take a detailed look at the progression from start to finish so you know what to expect, and what to avoid…

Closing on a House: The Process from Start to Finish

You will begin by opening an escrow account, which will hold all monies involved with the sale. The next step is to obtain the home and pest inspections to discover issues with the property, and since these are often required by your mortgage lender. You then have the option to go back to the seller and renegotiate the price based on your findings during the inspections.

Unless you are involved with a cash purchase, plan to dedicate a lot of time completing the mortgage application, and providing the necessary documents. You will then proceed with the appraisal of the home to satisfy the mortgage lender. The hope is that the appraisal confirms the agreed upon purchase price, but if it is too low then you need to take the time to renegotiate with the seller. Be sure to seek out a reputable title agent to perform a title search so that nobody can try to claim your property; and also have the title insurance (hazard insurance) issued to further protect your investment.

By this time, you begin to see that light at the end of the tunnel come into view, but don’t get too comfortable yet, or take your eye off the prize. The escrow/title agent should let you know the tentative time and date for your closing, which is when you can begin to at least put the Champagne on ice. You will want to review all these documents with your real estate professional or real estate attorney to confirm the details and costs involved with the closing are correct. After your final walkthrough, you will proceed with the final steps of signing your name on all the paperwork and then receiving your keys.

While there are many steps to the closing process, it does not seem all that daunting when you take it step-by-step alongside your real estate professional. Delays in the closing can be a result of many things, but generally include problems with the property, financing, or when effected by your geographical location. Jeff Morgan specializes in real estate in the Colorado Mountain communities, and adds, “Appraisals have been very slow and difficult to schedule in these communities, so dates for due diligence and inspections have to be set out at least 45 to 60 days when financing.”

Closing on a House: Plan for Potential Problems and Delays

While there are always circumstances that are unavoidable, such as the sudden death of the homeowner or if you discover the home has liens against it. These types of delays are disappointing since they often add unexpected expenses and time to your closing process. You might need to renegotiate with the seller if problems are discovered during the inspections, or if the appraisal comes back substantially lower than the agreed price. Shaun Salari of the Brad Officer Group in Jacksonville, Florida said, “One of the most common issues we see today are repair negotiations between the buyer and seller after the inspections has been performed. This has a trickle down affect because these delays also push back the appraisal during these negotiations.”

You want to minimize these time delays, but they are important to confirm the quality of the purchase, and the price that you will pay. Fortunately, with the guidance of your real estate professional and/or real estate attorney, many of the problems can be fixed quickly, or completely avoided so that you can collect your keys in a timely manner. “To further limit the amount of delays, I remind buyers that renegotiations should be reserved for larger items such as the roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and foundation; and don’t delay the closing for minor cosmetic issues that can be fixed once they own the home,” added Salari.

As soon as your offer has been accepted, you should work with your real estate professional to create a schedule for your closing so that you can have your documents and scheduled inspections completed correctly, and quickly. Many buyers today have become more efficient by being pre-approved, which is not always a guarantee, but it does often avoid many of the possible financing issues. You might be excited about the idea of buying new furniture for the new home, but experts encourage you to resist the urge to spend money or open new accounts until you own the home, as these can have a negative effect to your credit score. Plan ahead and make intelligent decisions is a great place to begin.

Financing can be a major issue during the closing process, but you hope to avoid this by taking the time to understand your credit score, getting pre-approved, and then having all your paperwork organized and prepared. Financial delays can occur on your side as the buyer, but also via the seller if he/she needs to delay the closing because they need more time. The paperwork is extensive when buying a home, but as long as you are careful to read everything before you sign your name, and also have it all reviewed by your real estate professional and/or real estate attorney, then you will be signing that final page, opening the door to your new home and popping the Champagne to celebrate a successful closing in no time at all.

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home!

These past 6 months have been anything but “normal,” and like so many people, I have been shifting to adjust with the times. Though I have collaborated with hundreds of the properties over the years as a journalists; and also worked on numerous photography projects with the various Marriott International brands; I was honored when asked to be an official vendor for the brands for their copywriting and copyediting needs.

If you work with one of the Marriott brands, and need to bring on an approved copywriter and/or copyeditor for brochures, website copy, advertising and marketing campaigns, or any other brand projects, please reach out so I can work with you and your team…

As someone who has been working with hotels for 10+ years while developing news and editorials for magazines, websites and other media outlets; being able to now “officially” work with the hotels that are part of the impressive Marriott International portfolio is such a natural fit on every level. Thank you for the support of those of you who I have already worked with in this new capacity, and to those who endorsed me for these services. Thanks!!

Reach out to discuss how I can help you with your copywriting and copyediting needs…

“With our prime location only a short flight away from many North American gateways, guests can celebrate the rich culture of Mexico and reconnect with their family and friends one sunset at a time,” says John O’Sullivan, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. “Our mi casa, su casa philosophy is at the heart of everything that we do and we look forward to inviting guests back to experience the true spirit of Mexican hospitality.”

The oceanfront Resort provides plenty of wide-open spaces for loved ones to be together. You can enjoy the Resort’s sprawling beaches and large pools with pre-reserved loungers, whale watching excursions, long walks along nature trails and a round of golf on the Resort’s two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses. Many of the things that we have always loved about the resort have not changed, such as their signature poolside ice cream attendant, sunglass doctor, churro maker and celebrated hourly complimentary snack amenities at Nuna pool, but with some enhanced measures.

5 Reasons to Love the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

1. The Lead With Care Program

Grounded in health care expertise and enabled by access to leading technologies and tools, the Lead With Care Program is focused on providing care, confidence and comfort to all Four Seasons guests, employees and residents. The new program outlines clear procedures that educate and empower Four Seasons employees to take care of guests and each other.

In addition, Four Seasons App and Chat will give you the option of contactless engagement throughout your stay, and further allow you to control how you engage with team members – limiting face-to-face interactions while maintaining the highest levels of Four Seasons service that we know and love. 

2. Private Villas and Beach Homes

Private villas and beach homes at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita provide a seamless way for families and friend groups to experience the destination with all of the Resort’s amenities and service. The three-, four- and five- bedroom hacienda-style villas and private beach homes offer unparalleled privacy, personalized service and spacious layouts that allow you to reconnect and relax with ease. Features include private pools, patios and grilling areas, as well as daily access to a personal host who is dedicated to taking care of every detail throughout guests’ stays, from groceries upon arrival to special in-villa activities. You can also take advantage of the Private Retreats Weekly seven-night offer and create your own “home away from home” in paradise.

3. More Dining Options

With 10 open-air restaurants and a variety of cuisine, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita provides many options for you to dine without ever having to leave the property, including a toes-in-the-sand experience at Bahia by Richard Sandoval and new plant-based vegan bowls by Chef Leslie Durso at Tamai. Signature restaurant Dos Catrinas, helmed by Executive Chef Jorge Gonzalez, now features live nightly music and a new coffee bar on the second level – perfect for those of us who want to work remote with ocean views.

4. Fitness and Wellness in Nature

You can celebrate the joy of gratitude and the healing power of nature with new socially-distanced indoor or outdoor fitness offerings that include a dedicated meditation room for private sound baths and sound healing, morning yoga on the beach and readapted touchless spa treatments at Apuane Spa such as Reiki healing. The Resort has also created several fitness trails throughout the property fully equipped with hydration stations that include cool towels and fresh fruit. Additionally, if you who wish to break a sweat in the privacy of your own casita, you can access in-room fitness kits complete with resistance bands, balance balls and more. It’s all about balance, so enjoy the amazing dining options paired with fantastic fitness options to make the most of your getaway!

5. New Kids for All Seasons Program

This might be number five, but one that we are most excited about when it comes to out-of-the-box thinking at a place that I know any of us would love learning! They have expanded their legendary Kids For All Seasons Program to support learning remotely with Tech Hotline, Study Buddy Program and Art, Culture, History and After-School Sports classes for a memorable beachfront worldschooling experience.

The Knowledge for All Seasons Program is designed to make distance learning convenient and fun for parents and kids in your home-away-from-home. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita will support learning remotely with a new worldschooling program that features a tech hotline; study buddy program; and art, culture, history and after school sports classes to encourage educational learning through travel. You can even enjoy some downtime poolside, at the spa or in fitness classes while your kids are studying as well as spend family time together once they are done with school for the day, providing a fun “schoolcation” experience for everyone.

“Traveling is a life journey, as is knowledge acquisition. Learning can truly happen anywhere. At Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, we are here to support kids and parents in this new learning paradigm with educational classes inspired by our destination and caring team members to help kids with their schoolwork. We have tech amenities and creative work spaces to make learning fun too,” says John O’Sullivan, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.

“And let’s not forget the ‘-cation’ in all of this. Parents can have both time on their own relaxing and working out as well as time with their kids in their private home-away-from-home with family-style meals prepared by our chef followed by after dinner walks on the beach, as life goes by one sunset at a time.”

Knowledge for All Seasons Program Highlights:

KFAS Tech Hotline – The Resort’s tech team will help with computer/iPad issues at the press of a button, and are available 24/7. Printers, larger monitors, portable chargers, and other school supplies are available upon request and the Resort’s poolside Screen Doctor will clean your kid’s laptops/iPads and provide them with lap pads for those who want to learn poolside.

KFAS Study Buddy – The Resort’s study buddies will help your kids with their homework and schoolwork and can sit in on their classes to provide additional learning supervision. Professional educational support is also available for those looking for private tutoring.

Study Cabanas – Pool and beach cabanas can be reserved and transformed into private workstations with ocean views. Each study cabana is outfitted with Wi-Fi, a TV monitor, headphones, a portable charger, lap pad and energizing snacks such as fresh fruits, smoothies and popsicles.

Worldschooling Classes – Education through travel at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita includes opportunities for your kids to learn about Mexico’s history, cuisine and culture.

Plan Your Getaway Now: https://fourseasons.com/puntamita

“While many luxury travel brands have focused on intimate localized experiences with guests for years now, we are seeing this become more important than ever as guests want to make the most of their travel experience, but social distancing is a must,” said Damon Banks, editor and managing partner at LuxeGetaways. “Early mornings are an ideal time to set out on these experiences to start your day on a high note while enjoying some freedom from your social bubble at home.”

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Featured Image Courtesy Mandarin Oriental

While I switched directions in an effort to stay home and stay safe during this pandemic, I took some time to look back at several of my favorite hotel experiences over the years. I chose to highlight 14 of these properties within the United States as part of a 14-Day Hotel Challenge to further support the hospitality industry, which has been turned upside down during the past few months. While I could easily expand this to include additional positive hospitality experiences I have had at properties around the world, these 14 hotels and resorts provided a memorable experience worthy of some recognition.

We will travel again, but until then, here is a look at 14 hotels and resorts from coast to coast that still stand out to me after all these years. When it is time to begin planning your travels again, I hope that you find an opportunity to visit a few of these options that I have listed alphabetically, based on each state. Stay safe everyone!

Arizona | Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

This is a true getaway into the desert, and one that will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed. Like so many Four Seasons properties, the level of service here is exceptional while you savor every minute taking-in the amazing views of Pinnacle Peak and the surrounding landscape. This is also perfect for families with a complimentary kids program, a kids pool, larger casita options and more.

Favorite Features: The blissful pool, local golf options, and the Patio Firepit Casita option is ideal for the area.

Learn More: www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale

California | Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa

My love for this property goes back many years, but it remains one of my favorites in California when needing a great golf and spa getaway with friends and family. Not only is the resort in one of the most desirable regions in the country due to the weather and views, but it also takes it to another level with an unpretentious luxury experience from the moment you check-in to the time that you must check-out. I cannot wait to visit this one again to see the latest renovations…

Favorite Features: The spa, Aviara Golf Course, and though there are no “bad views” from anywhere on the property, I love the Coastal View rooms and suites.

Learn More: www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/park-hyatt-aviara-resort

Colorado | Sonnenalp Vail

This is about as close as you can get to a European getaway without leaving the United States. Vail Village is a favorite for the cozy feel with world-class shopping and dining; and the personalized services at Sonnenalp make you never want to leave this dreamy destination. Let them take care of all the details when enjoying hiking and golf in the summer months, or skiing and snowboarding during the winter season.

Favorite Features: The Two-Bedroom Suites, indoor/outdoor pool and spa area, and do not miss the amazing breakfast experience that is one of the best I’ve enjoyed in the United States.

Learn More: www.sonnenalp.com

District of Columbia | Fairmont Washington DC Georgetown

This has been another favorite hotel for many years, even back to when I visited D.C. before moving to the area. A recent renovation has taken this property from great to simply amazing. It is certainly worth the upgrade to Fairmont Gold for the private check-in and concierge service, and to have access to the beautiful club lounge to use throughout the day.

Favorite Features: Fairmont Gold is hard to beat, as is the location being so close to all Georgetown has to offer – and relaxing in the gorgeous lobby in hopes to catch a glimpse of their canine ambassador, Georgie.

Learn More: www.fairmont.com/washington

Florida | The Breakers Palm Beach

I never shy away from telling others that visiting The Breakers is a must-do at least once in your lifetime. The services, amenities, spa, golf and dining make every stay priceless, but it’s the awe-inspiring architecture and attention to detail that makes this place such a treasure.

Favorite Features: The Ocean Course on property, the bungalow rentals and the renovated suites… and for the ultimate experience, the hotel within a hotel at the Flagler Club.

Learn More: www.thebreakers.com

Georgia | The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

This is truly a different kind of Ritz-Carlton experience, but that is what makes it so special. The lodge feel from the moment you enter the lobby puts you at ease, and the signature service you would expect makes for a relaxed luxury adventure. The lakeside vibes are perfection, and even better when you take advantage of The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge Suites for their elevated concierge experience.

Favorite Features: Access to the local golf, relaxing by the lake, and joining others by the fire for evening s’mores.

Learn More: www.ritzcarlton.com/reynolds

Illinois | The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

This location is simply the best in Chicago that is within walking distance of just about everything. Plus, it has immediate access to the great shops of Water Tower Place, which is ideal during the winter months. A recent renovation has only made this property that much better, and certainly my pick for anyone looking to visit Chicago.

Favorite Features: The Club Lounge, the concierge team, and the Lakeside Suite (or any of the lake view rooms and suites).

Learn More: www.ritzcarlton.com/chicago

Interstate | Home 2 Suites by Hilton

I had to throw this into the mix of favorite hotel experiences because I was so pleasantly surprised when discovering several Home2Suites by Hilton while driving to another hotel project. Of course, the few times that I visited these properties, they were fairly new, but still really impressed with the inventive design within the rooms that just makes sense. Hilton invests a lot of time and money into creating unique experiences, and this is seen here.

Favorite Features: They were clean and modern, and I appreciated the in-suite kitchens, and the commitment to being Green.

Learn More: www.hilton.com/en/home2

New York | The Kimberly Hotel

This hotel treats me like family each time I visit, and this goes back nearly twenty years now. The intimate feel within one of the busiest cities in the world makes this a special place to call “home” while in Manhattan. The location is perfect to all you want in midtown, and the larger than average rooms and suites provide a unique, yet cozy experience.

Favorite Features: The staff is amazing and the views from their rooftop “Upstairs” are fantastic for locals and tourists during breakfast or happy hour.

Learn More: www.kimberlyhotel.com

North Carolina | The Ivey’s Hotel

I was finally able to experience this boutique hotel after hearing great things for several years… and it did not disappoint! Nestled in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, this hotel was charming on every level, and the attention to detail was amazing in the suites. For anyone looking for a boutique hotel experience that is full of character, then this is a must-visit for them.

Favorite Features: Attention to detail in the suites (bathrooms, furniture and décor), and enjoying coffee in the Library Lounge each morning.

Learn More: www.theiveyshotel.com

Ohio | The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland

If you find yourself in Cleveland, this is where you need to stay. Period. I was so pleasantly surprised with every new discovery at this property. The rooms and suites are intelligently designed with all the technology we want in rooms today, the Club Lounge is friendly and inviting, and the localized food options and craft cocktails at Turn Bar & Kitchen are spectacular.

Favorite Features: The Junior Presidential Suite is one of the finest “standard” suites I’ve experienced in years, and the level of friendly and professional service is simply refreshing.

Learn More: www.ritzcarlton.com/cleveland

South Carolina | Andell Inn

As many people know, I worked at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort while in high school and college, so getting back to this area is always a treat. The Andell Inn is a true treasure for this area, and just steps away from all the great coastal stores and local restaurants of Freshfields Village. The hotel has a boutique feel with a great dose of whimsy and beach coziness that I love.

Favorite Features: The large wrap-around patio is ideal to relax, and the one- and two-bedroom residences are perfect for extended stays and families/groups with plenty of room to spread out (and includes a kitchen).

Learn More: www.andellinn.com

Utah | Montage Deer Valley

Another beautiful destination, whether it be for skiing by day and enjoying snowy nights by the fireplace in the winter months, or hiking the beautiful mountains, followed by cocktails outside in the evening during the summer months. Montage Deer Valley has a lot to offer, and the concierge staff here is focused on creating the perfect Deer Valley getaway for every guest.

Favorite Features: The Peak View Suites are the perfect combination of masculine features with elegant accents and the spa is a must-visit while at the property. Monty is their canine ambassador, who is a Bernese Mountain Dog that everyone loves to visit!

Learn More: www.montagehotels.com/deervalley

Virginia | The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner

This is one of those special hotel properties that has all the luxurious services and amenities you want from a large hotel, but it is also able to provide a very “boutique” feel because of the level of personalized and bespoke services you receive each step of the way. The Club Lounge is another great addition to the property, while also having easy access to the local malls and restaurants.

Favorite Features: No detail has been overlooked when it comes to the room and suites here, and the personal approach to each guest is hard to beat.

Learn More: www.ritzcarlton.com/tysons-corner