Christy's Real Estate Corner

Bryan County May 2008 Market Report

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:02:19 -0500

May Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 52

Average Sales Price: $245,262

Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 97.6%

The Average Time on the Market: 151 days

April Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 40

Average Sales Price: $233,112

Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 96.9%

The Average Time on the Market: 123 days

Effingham County May 2008 Market Report

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:07 -0500

May Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 60

Average Sales Price: $180,926

Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 96.5%

The Average Time on the Market: 112 days

April Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 49

Average Sales Price: $182,067

Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 96.9%

The Average Time on the Market: 127 days

Chatham County May 2008 Market Report

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:57:42 -0500

May Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 73

Average Sales Price: $199,491

Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 97.2%

The Average Time on the Market: 113 days

April Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 66

Average Sales Price: $199,741

Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 90.9%

The Average Time on the Market: 156 days

Bryan County April 2008 Market Report

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:52:47 -0500

April Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 40

Average Sales Price: $233,112

Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 96.9%

The Average Time on the Market: 123 days

March Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 28

Average Sales Price: $208,050

Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 97%

The Average Time on the Market: 186 days

Effingham County April 2008 Market Report

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:50:23 -0500

April Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 49

Average Sales Price: $182,067

Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 96.9%

The Average Time on the Market: 127 days

March Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 47

Average Sales Price: $192,084

Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 96.87%

The Average Time on the Market: 141 days

Chatham County April 2008 Market Report

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:47:03 -0500

April Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 66

Average Sales Price: $199,741

Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 90.9%

The Average Time on the Market: 156 days

March Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 65

Average Sales Price: $195,411

Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 96.6%

The Average Time on the Market: 127 days

122 Yellow Jasmine | The Arbors | The Villages at Godley Station

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:32:54 -0500

The Villages at Godley Station is located in Pooler, Georgia just off the Pooler Parkway. It is conveniently located between exit 104 of Interstate 95 and exit 155 of Interstate 16. Located on the Cul de sac of Yellow Jasmine, this brick/vinyl 3 bedroom, 2 bath split plan home is beautifully landscaped and maintained. The community offers a junior olympic pool, kiddie pool, clubhouse with fitness facilities, playground, volleyball courts, and tennis courts.

122 Yellow Jasmine Court in Godley Station

It's here...now...what does it mean!

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:01:03 -0500

I love to read blogs. It has become a hobby, I guess you could say. There were several (and I mean ALOT) posts about "soft market" policies that lenders were using and what that means. So, here are a few useful blogs about what a "soft market policy" is and what it means for you.

Important Soft Market Policy Update by John J Moriarty

Soft Market Policies by Dustin R. Burke

Housing Market Rankings Affect Home Loans by Michael Johnson

Countrywide New "Soft Market" Policy Changes by Kris Krajecki

Soft Market Requirements by Ed Nailor

The "Soft Market" Policy has now come to Savannah. It's being used in Tybee Island and parts of downtown Savannah. For more information, read Soft Market comes to the Savannah Area.

Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners

Office: 912-356-5001
Cell: 912-308-2699
cpower21@gmail.com
www.westchathamhomes.com

Copyright ©2008 Christy Powers

This is a personal blog representing my personal views and opinions. Any comments or opinions written by others are not reflective of Christy Powers or Keller Williams Realty's views and opinions. Christy Powers and Keller Williams Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or validity of any information provided therein.

Creatively Writing Your Way into a House

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:35:19 -0500

A couple in New Mexico have decided to give their house away. Yes, that's right! If you can't sell it, you give it away. But wait, there's a catch. If you want their house, you have to enter a writing contest for it! They are charging each entry $100 and are requiring 2,500 entries before they will decide a winner.

So after they make $250,000 on their home, they will give it away. Not a bad idea. However, officials are determining whether or not this is legal. They have said that they will refund entry money if the required number of entries is not reached.

In most markets, it does require out of the box thinking to get your home sold. With all the latest ideas, what could possibly be next. We've had the free house if you take care of the owners, free house if the owner dies within 10 years after the sale, and now a free house to the winner of a writing contest.

Buying a home in rural Chatham County just got easier

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:04:13 -0500

Today in the Savannah Morning News, they have an article that says the USDA Rural Development Agency is making low-interest loan funds available to eligible applicants to purchase homes in rural Chatham County such as Pooler and Bloomingdale.

With the number of homes and recent financing fiasco, this will allow buyers to buy a home at a reasonable price with a realistic annual percentage rate. For more information, see Special Loan Program.

Lenders Let Homeowners Stay

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:38:45 -0500

According to Lenders Swamped by Foreclosures Let Homeowners Stay, banks and lenders have been hit so hard they let the homeowners stay in the house. They are doing this in particularly hard hit areas and areas where vandalism is greater. Once a home becomes vacant, it is subject to many perils. The homeowners being foreclosed on can sometime be the culprits of the vandalization. However, people will also break in and take everything they can from a house.

While this appears to be a good situation for both the banks (lenders) and the homeowners, it is apparently not allowing us to see just how bad the problem may be. According to the article, one homeowner had not paid his mortgage since July and was still living in his house.

The banks and lenders are not out to get your house. In fact, they don't want your house. They have too many houses and are not set up to be property managers. So if you fear you're on brink of foreclosure, call your bank or lender. They may be able to help you keep your home!

Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
Office: 912-356-5001
Cell: 912-308-2699
cpower21@gmail.com
www.westchathamhomes.com

Copyright ©2008 Christy Powers

This is a personal blog representing my
personal views and opinions.

Bryan County March 2008 Market Report

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:37:55 -0500

March Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 28
Average Sales Price: $208,050
Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 97%
The Average Time on the Market: 186 days
Number of Condos Sold: 0
Number of Mobile or Modular Homes sold: 1
Number of Single Family Homes sold: 26
Number of Townhomes sold: 1

February Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 34
Average Sales Price: $253,751
Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 97.4%
The Average Time on the Market: 153 days
Number of Condos Sold: 0
Number of Mobile or Modular Homes sold: 1
Number of Single Family Homes sold: 33
Number of Townhomes sold: 0

For a List of All Homes Sold, go to my Bryan County Sales Report.

Effingham County March 2008 Market Report

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:35:07 -0500

March Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 47
Average Sales Price: $192,084
Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 96.87%
The Average Time on the Market: 141 days
Number of Condos Sold: 0
Number of Mobile or Modular Homes sold: 4
Number of Single Family Homes sold: 42
Number of Townhomes sold: 1

February Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 44
Average Sales Price: $176,735
Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 93.8%
The Average Time on the Market: 147 days
Number of Condos Sold: 0
Number of Mobile or Modular Homes sold: 4
Number of Single Family Homes sold: 39
Number of Townhomes sold: 1

For a Complete List of All the Homes Sold, go to my Effingham County Sales Report.

Chatham County March 2008 Market Report

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:30:32 -0500

March Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 65
Average Sales Price: $195,411
Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 96.6%
The Average Time on the Market: 127 days
Number of Condos Sold: 0
Number of Mobile or Modular Homes sold: 1
Number of Single Family Homes sold: 54
Number of Townhomes sold: 10

February Sales Data

Number of sales during this period: 41
Average Sales Price: $251,343
Percentage of Asking Price Obtained: 97%
The Average Time on the Market: 127 days
Number of Condos Sold: 0
Number of Mobile or Modular Homes sold: 0
Number of Single Family Homes sold: 39
Number of Townhomes sold: 2

To View a List of Homes Sold, go to Chatham County Sales Report for more information

Hunter Army Airfield | Relocation

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:46:21 -0500

Hunter Army Airfield Relocation Information:

All About Hunter AAF:

Useful Phone Numbers:

Battalion numbers, recreation numbers, etc... for on HAAF. You can also find a wealth of information here about life at Hunter Army Airfield.

Education - Hunter Army Airfield School Assignments: Uniforms are required and vary from school to school

Pulaski Elementary School - Kindergarten to 5th Grade - Located at 5530 Montgomery Street (straight out the main gate for Hunter AAF). The principal is Joseph Thomas and the phone number is 912-303-6466.

DeRenne Middle School - 6th through 8th Grade - Located at 1009 Clinch Street. The principal is Marsha Tolbert and the phone number is 912-201-5900

Beach High School - 9th through 12th Grade - Located at 3001 Hopkins Street. The principal is Deonn Bostic Stone and the phone number is 912-201-5330

For more information on these schools, go the Savannah Chatham Public Schools and Georgia Department of Education

Housing

With all the troop movement, Hunter Army Airfield housing is not able to accommodate the housing needs. As soon as you know you will be moving here, call the housing department immediately.

Entertainment and Recreation

Hunter AAF has a new gym, a golf course, a dock with fishing pier, a bowling alley, and a skeet and trap range. They also have a wonderful child care facility and events throughout the year. For more information, see Hunter MWR.

Temporary and Guest Lodging

The Landmark Inn is a hotel on Hunter that can accommodate your friends, family, or guests. It can also be used for temporary stays of soldiers there for training, school, etc.

Guest Housing is perfect for people that are waiting for housing on Hunter or off. There are more like apartments. They have a living area, separate bedrooms, an eating area, and a kitchenette.

Phone numbers for both can be found under the useful phone numbers section above.

All Around Hunter AAF:

Education : Unforms are require and vary from school to school.

Find your local Public Schools by County, City, or Zip Code, this will help you narrow down your areas to search for a home.

But I don't want to go public!, what are my options? For those of you that would like alternatives to public schools, I have tried to find all the choices available in Savannah and its surrounding areas.

Housing

Where do you belong? This is a general description of the local areas. The Savannah area has many parts that can fit almost every lifestyle.

Take a chance on a new house in a new community or stay with older homes in well established neighborhoods discusses the pros and cons of building a home or adding new memories to a home that already has a few.

Recreation and Entertainment

Time to tee off gives you a list of local golf courses. There are plenty of courses to test your skill and keep you busy.

History can be fun overviews local museums, historic sites, and the many forts. Savannah is full of history. Just taking a walk downtown will give you a glimpse into the past.

Kids just wanna have fun, but so do Adults will give you locations that are fun for the whole family or just for adults. From miniature golf to discovery walks, your kids will have fun and even learn a few things too! But they don't get to have all the fun! There are plenty of fun activities for adults too.

I ain't afraid of no ghost, ok well, may be I am tells about some local ghost tours around what most people believe is the "most haunted" city. Do ghosts really linger around the buildings here? Come find out for yourself!

Shop Til You Drop! Savannah has a lot of local shops and your favorite name brand shops to boot. Don't forget about all the little shops on River and Broughton streets!

But what do we do with the children? - lists several child care facilities so you can have an evening out.

Relocation Process

The first step in any relocation is to get your orders! Once you know the area you will PCS (Permanent Change of Duty Station) to, you can begin your research phase. For housing on Hunter, the sooner you notify them of your move the better off you will be. If you are looking for housing outside the Hunter gate, let the loan process begin. You should get a certificate of VA eligibility (if using VA) and get a loan pre approval. Once you have your pre approval, you will know what range to look for housing. Keep in mind, the amount you are told is not necessarily the amount you should spend. Look at your budget and determine a monthly mortgage payment you can be comfortable paying. If you have children, you should look at local schools to determine the areas that you would prefer to live in. If children or school are not concerns, you can start looking at available housing in your comfort range.

During your online home search, you may find that you need more help or information. This is where I can help. I can take more pictures of your home's of interest, give you a relocation package to help your move go smoothly, give you market knowledge so you can make an informed decision on price, negotiate on your behalf, and assist you through all the paperwork. For more information on the process, see finding YOUR home?

Keller Williams Realty CAP
Office: 912-356-5001
Cell: 912-308-2699
cpower21@gmail.com
www.westchathamhomes.com

This is a personal blog representing my personal views and opinions. This is not a substitute for legal advice.

Shop Til You Drop!

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:32:11 -0500

Savannah doesn't just have a lot of ghosts and golf, it also has tons of shopping. Of course, there is the Oglethorpe Mall and the Savannah Mall, which is right outside the Rio Gate of Hunter Army Airfield in the Southside. We also have our fair share of National Retailers and Chain Stores.

On top of that, there are numerous local shops that line River Street, the City Market, and Broughton Streets. If you walk around, you are sure to find some unique shopping areas. It gets even better as you head to the beach! On Tybee Island, you will find local shops dotting the streets. They have some unique crafts, great ice cream, and interesting antiques.

Check out these Local Shops!

Then enjoy some Sweets for the Georgia Peaches.

Don't forget the clothes and accessories.

There are so many more shops around here. Don't forget to look around the City Market, walk along River Street, stroll down Bay Street, and peruse the shops on Bay Street. Keep an eye out, you never know what you might find along the way.

Keller Williams Realty CAP
Office: 912-356-5001
Cell: 912-308-2699
cpower21@gmail.com
www.westchathamhomes.com

This is a personal blog representing my personal views and opinions. This is not a substitute for legal advice.

Clothes and Accessories

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:08:50 -0500

As they say, when in Rome do as the Romans. So when in Savannah, you have to shop like one. There are plenty of places that you can find anywhere. But who wants to buy everything from a place that is everywhere. It's nice to be able to pick up a few unique items that will add a little flavor to your wardrobe. Here are a few local shops that might tickle your fancy.

BleuBelle Boutique

Cherub - I have linked their website but it is not up yet! Cherub is the place to go to dress your little angel.

Citi Trends - They aren't affliated with the bank. But they will allow you to buy clothes without breaking the bank.

Fine Consignments

J. Parker Limited - We have to include the men!

Jos. A. Bank - more for the men.

Kathi Rich

Men's Warehouse

Strasburg Children

J. Renee Shoes

Monkee's of Savannah

Keller Williams Realty CAP
Office: 912-356-5001
Cell: 912-308-2699
cpower21@gmail.com
www.westchathamhomes.com

This is a personal blog representing my personal views and opinions. This is not a substitute for legal advice.

But what do we do with the children

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:48:47 -0500

I know as a parent, it is difficult to find someone to watch the children when you need a night out. It's also hard to find someone trustworthy. If you are just moving here, you are at an even bigger disadvantage. I do not endorse any of these places. The list provided is a result of search for childcare facilities in this area. All childcare providers should be carefully screened. These are just a few of the many.

Childcare Options

Childcare Network has a couple locations here in Savannah

The YMCA has several locations available with different programs.

ABC Childcare Center

Greenbriar Children's Center Inc.

Tremont Temple Baptist Church Pre-School Learning Center - (912) 232-1860

Victory Day Care and Kindergarten - (912) 233-5166

Kiddies Korner Inc Childcare Center - (912) 354-8789

Saint Matthew's Day Care Center - (912) 234-8126

Jo Jo's Family Daycare - (912) 236-7474

Wright's Child Care - (912) 233-4306

Shining Stars Daycare - (912) 238-0646

Angel's Child Care and Enrichment - (912) 234-8363

Little Bits Child Care - (912) 272-4219

St. Paul's Lutheran Preschool - (912) 234-4255

Terry's Child Care Center - (912) 233-5868

Little Day Care - (912) 303-0668

My Little Darling Child Care - (912) 964-1550

Jasper Springs Day Care Center - (912) 964-6850

Allen Group Day Care - (912) 234-7142

The Starting Point Daycare - (912) 236-7373

Yamacraw Head Start Center - (912) 238-2987

Idlewild Child Care and Preschool - (912) 897-1644

Kid's Korner - (912) 232-3328

Kayton Head Start Center - (912) 238-2984

Wee Tot's Academy - (912) 236-9166

New Beginnings Children's Center - (912) 692-0026

First Presbyterian Preschool - (912) 351-0609

Busy Bee Day Care - (912) 232-4480

Wee Care Child Care - (912) 748-5977

Carson's Family Daycare - (912) 964-8715

Totally Kids - (912) 692-0042

Terry's Daycare Inc. - (912) 925-8181

Treetop Daycare - (912) 303-9980

Johnson Day Care - (912) 898-9078

Kids R Us Child Care Center Inc. - (912) 756-1959

Patricia's Academy - (912) 964-9500

Little Country Day Care - (912) 964-4532

Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
Office: 912-356-5001
Cell: 912-308-2699
cpower21@gmail.com
www.westchathamhomes.com

This is a personal blog representing my
personal views and opinions. This is not a
substitute for legal advice.

I ain't afraid of no ghosts...

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:23:59 -0500

...ok, well, may be I am. Are you? In fact, I am not afraid of ghosts because I don't believe in them. However, I do still get that creepy feeling when you walking into a strange new place. My great grandmother's basement was like a dungeon. It had a pull string light located at the bottom of very steep and narrow stairs. I would rush down and turn the light on as fast as I could, get what I needed, turn out the light, and race back up.

Savannah is said to be one of the most haunted cities in America. In fact, the history channel has it ranked in second place while parapsychologists seem to feel it's a winner. Because of this, there are plenty of ghost tours here. The only way to find out, is to experience Savannah for yourself. So, I have compiled a list of the ghost tours available. If you take any of these tours, please come back and tell me if this place is truly haunted.

Ghost Tours - Galore!

Are you looking for a Creepy Crawl or a Creepy Stroll? Well, this is the tour for you. The first tour last over 2 hours and visits some haunted pubs along the way, adults only. They wanted you to meet all the "spirits". The second takes you along the historic district and last an hour and a half. For both of these, walking shoes is a necessity because you're on foot the whole time! Beware, this link plays the Ghostbuster's theme song.

Ghost and Gravestone Tour anyone? If you want to get into the Sorrel Weed House, the largest house in Savannah, why not see it at its best! Take the Trolley of Death around Savannah and experience our "ghostly" past. I found this cute map and thought I'd include it.

Talk a walk through the historic squares while being told of ghost sightings and house exorcisms on the Savannah Ghosts Tour.

Ghostly Nights offers 5 tours. Three by trolley. They actually tour a pirate's house. Then there are two walking tours.

Do you see dead people? If not, Sixth Sense Savannah Ghost Tours will try to make you! They offer several different tours and a number of different places you can tour.They have also started the Haunted Oatland Island Tour. With wolves' and other various animals around, I am sure it sets the right mood.

The Ghosts and Legends of Savannah is a walking tour that will even get into voodoo. They boast they have the friendliest guides. I wonder if they are all named Casper.

The Savannah Candlight Walking Tours offers two tours as well. They have the haunted history tour and the haunted pub crawl. Experience all the "spirits" Savannah has to offer. The one type of "spirit" is definitely real! The Pub Crawl Tour is for adults only.

The Ghosts of Savannah is a 90 minute walking tour. It spans a little over a mile.

Do you see the ghost in this picture?

Scary Ghost Tours claims that you have a 99% chance of taking a picture that will have a ghost in it. Learn about death, murder, and possessions. So, do you believe in ghosts yet?

The Original Ghost Walk Ghost Talk Savannah Walking Tour is a more informative tour that will tell stories based off a book.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Book Tour is a tour based on the book and movie. View the actual garden and other sights from the book and movie. I bought this movie as soon as we moved here. It is quite an interesting movie.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride in a hearse? If so, Hearse Ghost Tours are for you. You can be one of the few to ride in a hearse while alive. Talk about setting a mood?

Keller Williams Realty CAP
Office: 912-356-5001
Cell: 912-308-2699
cpower21@gmail.com
www.westchathamhomes.com

This is a personal blog representing my personal views and opinions. This is not a substitute for legal advice.

Kids Just Wanna Have Fun...

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:45:38 -0500

...and so do adults! If you are moving to or just visiting the area, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy. When done during the day or with the family, everyone is entertained. However at night, it can be a romantic evening or just some relaxation for yourself.

Family Fun For Everyone!

Discovery Walks take a guided tour along the beach or the marshes. Get familiar with shells, the tides, and life in the sand or marshes.

Dolphin Tours will take you out on the water for a dolphin siting. Who doesn't love these beautiful creatures? There are several tours available across Savannah such as Dolphin Magic, Bull Creek Dolphin Tours, and Captain Mike's Dolphin Tours.

First Friday and Saturdays at River Street are the the place to be. Celebrate the end of the first week of every month with fireworks and fun. Then on Saturday, enjoy arts and crafts!

Five Star Family Fun Park has go-carts, miniature golf, an arcade, party rooms, and a playground for the little ones.

Pirates Walk tells you about the inhabitant of this area before it was a city. Pirates and swashbucklers ruled the land and ocean.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center has nature trails that lead you around to different animal exhibits. My favorite animal has been and will always be wolves. At this wildlife center, I got the closest I have ever been to these beautiful animals. They have programs like Toddler Tuesday to educate children while having fun. They are also expanding their bird exhibit and have other plans in the works.

Skidaway Aquarium gives you a glimpse at the creatures along our coastline, in the marshes, and below the water. The kids will have a great time playing with the hermit crabs and looking at the nurse shark.

Islands Miniature Golf and Games not only has miniature golf, it has batting cages, bumper go-carts, a party room, an arcade, and beautiful landscaping.

Oglethorpe Speedway Park will rev you up. They have various stock cars, late models, and 440's. Come out and enjoy the races. They also have go-carts.

Ogeechee Canoe and Kayak Rental gives you the tools to take a ride down the Ogeechee River. They are also now offering rentals at the Tom Triplett Park in Pooler (off highway 80) on Saturdays and Sundays.

Murder Afloat is a murder mystery cruise. You will get on board and you will not know the actors from the other passengers. Solve the mystery and enjoy the sights.

cpower21@gmail.com
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
Office: 912-356-5001
Cell: 912-308-2699
www.westchathamhomes.com

History can be fun

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:26:44 -0500

History can be fun, especially in Savannah. For you historians out there, Savannah has a lot to offer. With 275 years of history to explore, you will be kept quite busy.

Museums:

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is National Girl Scout center. However, it is more than that. It is where the founder of the Girl Scouts was born. Thus, it was named after her.

Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum was set up to honor the 8th Air Force that was activated after Pearl Harbor. They were activated at the National Guard Armory on Bull Street. There are so many photographs, model planes, and artifacts in this museum. Some displays are quite striking. This is a must see for anyone!

Roundhouse Railroad Museum is in the actual building as headquarters for the Central of Georgia Railway. However, it was abandoned and nearly demolished. After a group of people prevented the destruction, the city of Savannah stabilized the buildings that now house the museum.

The Savannah History Museum is located in a passenger shed of the Central of Georgia Railway structures. There are artifacts from 1733 to the present, roughly 10,000 of them. If you want to see the Forrest Gump Bench, this is the place to be.

Ships of the Sea - Maritime Museum is devoted to paintings, models, and antiques of ships that traveled in the Atlantic Era and between England and the United States.

Tybee Island Light Station was built before Savannah was a city. It has guided many mariners safely into the Savannah River. It is one of the most intact light station in America. If you do decide to visit, don't forget to take a stroll along the beach as well!

Tours:

Savannah Civil War Walking Tour is a great way to take a step into the past. You'll see the houses of the most prominent generals in the South and hear about Savannah's role in the war.

Historic Savannah Tour will give you a 90 minute tour of Savannah via an open-air trolley. While it's impossible to see all of Savannah's history in 90 minutes, you will get a glimpse of the historic district, the City Market, River Street, and the famous squares.

Land & Sea Tour will give you the best of both worlds. You can tour Savannah via a trolley before or after you take a cruise on the paddleboat, Savannah River Queen. You can also just take a cruise or eat dinner while cruising on the Savannah River Queen or the Georgia Queen.

Sorrel Weed House Tour is the largest house in Savannah. Walk the same halls as Robert E. Lee, who was a frequent guest.

A Walk Through Midnight Tour of Savannah takes you to the infamous spots in the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil".

The Greenfeet Walkabouts Tour takes you through the historic squares, will give you some informative facts, and will give you the history of the flora and fauna.

Forts:

Fort Pulaski

Old Fort Jackson

Fort McAllister

cpower21@gmail.com
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
Office: 912-356-5001
Cell: 912-308-2699
www.westchathamhomes.com

Finding YOUR home

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:30:14 -0500

After getting your loan pre approval, the fun begins. Now armed with the knowledge of what price range to look in, homes can be selected based on your criteria. Once homes of interest have been identified, your agent will preview the homes to make sure they really meet your needs. Afterwards, your agent will tell you which ones they felt were the best. Then you can decide from their list and the original list of homes which ones you want to see.

If you are an out of state buyer, having an agent to take pictures of the areas and the homes is very important. Your time is valuable and precious. Having someone to assist you in the area, will reduce the amount of your time needed to search for homes. The agent can give you all the necessary information to ensure you make an informed decision.

Once you have found your home, your agent will search for all comparable homes sold in the last few months. Armed with this information, you will see current market conditions and make an offer accordingly. The agent will write up the offer to meet all your terms and conditions. They will also make sure you understand the terms and responsibilities that required.

If the seller doesn't like any part of the offer, they can make a counter offer. Your agent will bring the counter offer to you. They will go over the changes that the seller is requesting. If you choose, you can make a counter offer as well. Your agent will make all your changes and submit it to the listing agent or seller(s). This can go on as long as both parties continue to try to come to a compromise.

Once both parties have accepted the offer, the buyer's work really begins. This is when all the inspections are coordinated. Depending on the house, the typical inspections are the home inspection, the pest inspection, and lead based paint testing. The Georgia Real Estate contracts have changed. All the burden is on the buyer. If inspections and such are not completed during the due diligence period, the buyer is assumed to accept the home as is! Also required during the due diligence period is verification of your loan approval. If your financing is declined after this period, you are still obligated to purchase the home.

If any problems are found during the due diligence period, the buyer can request these items to be addressed. If the seller is unwilling to negotiate on these issues, then the house can be accepted as is or the contract terminated. If the seller is willing to negotiate, then an amendment is made to include the new terms.

The next step is to get all the paperwork to the lender, title company, etc. This will ensure a smooth transaction for all concerned. A final walk through will be made prior to closing. At this time, the buyers will make sure all appliances are in working order, ensure everything found during inspection has been addressed according to the terms, and make sure the home's condition has not changed. If everything goes well and no liens or problems are found, you will be closing on your home.

At closing, the buyers will bring their closing costs that were detailed on their HUD-1 sheet. The HUD-1 sheet should be obtained at least 24 hours before closing so that the buyers are able to make arrangements to have their funds at closing. The number of people attending the closing can vary. The buyers and sellers can have different times to sign the documents, or they can be at the same time. The buyer's agent and listing agent can both be present as well. After this, you finally have your new place to call home! Congratulations, you've survived.

Let the loan process begin

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:36:24 -0500

So, you've decided to buy a house. Congratulations on taking this huge step into homeownership. While it is a thrilling idea, it can also be a tedious task. There are so many steps involved. The first step should always be starting the loan process by getting a loan pre approval.

Why is the loan pre approval so important? It tells you how much of a loan you are able to obtain based on your credit history. This should be seen as the maximum amount you can spend and not what you should spend. Your monthly mortgage payment should be something you are comfortable paying not something you have to struggle to pay. Knowing your limits and your budget will allow you to get a price range to begin your home search.

After getting your pre approval, your job is not over. You must remember that the approval was given based on your current credit history and current loan balances. If you buy a vehicle or miss a few loan payments, your pre approval amount can decrease or you can lose your pre approval. It is important to keep your finances in order while going through the home buying process.

If you will be using your VA benefits, you will need to get your VA certificate of eligibility. Using a VA loan will allow you to have fewer closing costs. Therefore, you will not have as much out of pocket expenses at closing. There is a cost added into your loan for this service. If you are using your benefits for the first time, the funding fee is 2.15% of the home loan. It changes based on downpayment, military status, and the number of uses, so look closely at the funding fee. The funding fee link is near the bottom of the page.

Time to tee off

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 23:48:17 -0500

Savannah known for its history and art is also a great place for golf enthusiasts. There are many golf courses in Savannah, Pooler, Rincon, and Richmond Hill. With so many to choose from, you will find a course to challenge even the best.

Savannah Area:

Bacon Park Golf Course

1 Shorty Cooper Drive

912-354-2625

Henderson Golf Club

1 Al Henderson Drive

912-920-4653

Hunter Golf Club

Building 8215 Perimeter Road

912-315-9115

Mary Calder Golf Club

West Lathrop Avenue

912-238-7100

Wilmington Island Golf Club

501 Wilmington Island Road

912-897-1612

The Landings Golf Club

This club is located on Skidaway Island and boasts 6 golf courses that were designed by golf professionals such as Arnold Palmer. For more information, click on the name of the course above.

Southbridge Golf Club

415 Southbridge Boulevard

912-651-5455

Pooler:

Crosswinds Golf Club

232 James B. Blackburn Drive

912-966-0674

Rincon:

The Links at Lost Plantation

1 Clubhouse Drive

912-826-2092

Richmond Hill:

Waterford Landing Golf Club

731 Waterford Landing Road

912-727-4849

Ogeechee Golf Club

1 Clubhouse Drive

912-756-2742

cpower21@gmail.com
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
Office: 912-356-5001
Cell: 912-308-2699
www.westchathamhomes.com

Take a chance on a new house

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:04:03 -0500

While the choice of home varies depending on each individual's situation and needs, there are some basic pros and cons that should be addressed. In the Savannah area, you will be faced with this tough decision. There seems to be new subdivisions popping up all over the Pooler area. With the number of listings in the area, buyers have many choices. So, should you build a new home or build new memories in a home that has a history of it's own? Let's take a look at the pros for buying new first.

Pros:

Everything is NEW! You will be the first one cooking on your new oven, the first to make your marks on the newly painted walls, and the first one to make this house a home.

Builders can offer more incentives to entice you. Most will offer to pay closing costs, others will throw in upgrades, and then some will even make BIG price reductions if a home is sold in a certain time frame.

Newer homes tend to be more energy efficient than there older rivals.

Maintenance and upkeep should be a minimum. The first year of mishaps is usually covered!

Some homes are being green built (ie. more environmentally friendly with reduced energy costs, better building material, etc.)

Cons:

You must do A LOT of research on your builder.

With the slowing market, how will it affect the builder's initial plans? Will they still build the ammenities as promised? Will they go bankrupt? Will they finish the subdivision? Will they sell off land for some other use?

You will have to deal with all the settling that can occur. I know builder's offer a 10 year warranty on the structure. But what happens if on the 11th year, when your home's left side is now higher than the right?

You still may have problems that are generally covered your first year. Sometimes, trying to get the people in can be frustrating.

If the builder is offering you CRAZY incentives, what happens when they do the same thing after you buy your home? How will it affect your home's future value?

It looks as if the number of pros and cons of buying a new home are tied (at least from what I came up with). Everyone gives different values to each of these pros and cons, thus swaying them one way or the other. So before you jump on that new home deal, keep in mind it may not be the deal of the century. Dig deeper than the price, look at the future and all it's possibilities!

cpower21@gmail.com
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
Office: 912-356-5001
Cell: 912-308-2699
www.westchathamhomes.com