Can This Attic be Remodeled?

Home buyers in Savannah who are drawn to older homes, particularly in midtown neighborhoods such as Ardsley Park and Parkside, often think of attic space as having a great deal of finishing potential.  There are scores of great examples of attic re-do’s and likely equally as many that have missed the mark.  While I’m not an architect or a general contractor, I have found a few guidelines to share when buyers ask the question:  Can this attic be remodeled?

The first test relates to headroom.  A general guideline for considering an attic remodel is that the unfinished attic needs around 10 feet of headroom at its peak.  Code requirements may vary based on where you live, but typically around half of the finished attic living area must be at least 7.5 feet high.  Sometimes, adding a dormer is necessary to meet this criteria.  If there’s no problem with headroom, then the second hurdle would be how to improve or relocate the entrance to the attic space.  A lot of the Savannah bungalows have dedicated stairways to their attics.   However, if one doesn’t exist, a buyer would need to plan for at least a 3 x 10 foot rectangle for a standard stairway or a 5.5 square foot space for a spiral staircase.  Buyers will often sacrifice a closet to grab the necessary space.  Of course, placement will depend on available headroom.  Therefore, these two decision criteria are inseparable.

If the first two tests have positive results, then it would be prudent to ask an architect or building contractor to assess the attic floors for strength and movement.  An attic floor with a lot of “give” may need some additional joist supports, which is especially important if the attic re-do is designed to support heavy objects or furnishings when the remodel is complete.  Even if the space is destined to be a playroom, with limited furnishings or side wall built-in’s, additional joint support may be needed where the joists run for long distances.  Another architect/contractor discussion should focus on how the heating & air system will be designed for the new space.  Most remodels cannot be heated and cooled by existing systems, which usually have about 1 ton of capacity for every 600 square feet.  With all of the ductless mini-systems available on the market today, many remodelers are choosing that option.

Working with an architect will likely assure that your remodeling plans meet all building, electrical, and fire codes.  However, it is recommended that these plans be evaluated by the appropriate city or county official during a buyer’s due diligence period.  Changes, such as a certain amount of square footage of window space, might be needed.

Remodeling can be a daunting task.  However, for those of us who watch shows like “Love it or List It” or “The Property Brothers,” there’s no doubt that tackling an attic remodel can have fabulous results in both home value and functionality.

10 “Don’t’s” Every Home Seller Should Know–Part 2

If you are thinking about selling your home, I’m sure you’ve been anticipating the rest of these recommendations.  In addition to the first five suggestions, here are a few more that should make your selling experience a great one:

6.  Don’t look just at the price the buyer offers.  A good Realtor will help you understand that a great offer is the sum total of all of the terms proposed.  Of course, price is important since it will be the largest variable.  However, other key factors are the timetable, type of buyer financing, and special stipulations or requests that the buyer makes.  A “clean” offer, i.e., one with no requests for closing cost assistance, repairs, warranties, personal property, etc., may be much more important than getting the asking price.  This would certainly be true if you only had a few weeks to get to that new job, or want to make a move before the new baby arrives, or before school starts.  It is critical that all offers be put into the context of a Estimated Net Proceeds Worksheet that will allow you to get a clear picture of your bottom line, especially if you receive multiple offers.

7.  Don’t list your property with a real estate agent just because they charge the least (or the most).  As you would with any other major investment, look for the best value.  There are different levels of representation that you can accept.  Limited brokerage companies may charge a flat fee to put your home in the multi-list and then it’s up to you to negotiate in a “don’t know what you don’t know” environment, matching skills with a trained negotiator.  Unless you are a real estate veteran of multiple sales or have a portfolio of investment properties, you will likely need a full service brokerage.  Once you’ve made that decision, you will learn that there’s no such thing as a “standard” commission.  However, most brokers will set a policy for a minimum commission.  Depending on the scenario, Realtors may charge a flat fee or a percentage of the sales price.  Commission may also vary based on whether the listing agent also sells the property or whether that agent is participating in the new home purchase once the current home sale is consummated. Most Realtors are comfortable discussing what is and isn’t acceptable.  After all, it’s the way they make a living and put food on their tables.  In a typical home sale, a Realtor will perform at least 200 tasks to get the job done.  If you are making a decision to choose the least expensive cost option, take the time to ask what tasks will be left out of the mix.

8.  Don’t forget that buyers will shop around looking for the best buy.  You are in competition with other sellers to get the buyer’s attention.  It is often very helpful to have your Realtor show you what he/she considers to be the “best buys” in your price range before you make a final determination on price.  If the price is not the issue, compare the competing homes in categories such as staging, new or “fresh” features such as appliances and paint, yard size and fencing, and the type of restrictive covenants that may govern use of the property.  Pretend that you are shopping for a home and take an objective look at how your home measures up.  Before launching your marketing activity, be sure you and your Realtor have taken a good, hard look at any repairs or changes that should be made in your home.  You know the old saying:  You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

9.  Don’t forget that you control the pricing of your home, how it looks, and the overall marketing plan, but the buyer controls value.  If buyer’s won’t pay your price, the house remains yours.  When you are negotiating an offer, remember that every time you counteroffer a buyer’s proposal, you are essentially buying your home back at the new price.  Take the “value” concept out of the real estate context and think about shopping.  You are walking through the mall and want to buy a new outfit.  Something catches your eye and you check the price tag.  If the outfit is phenomenal, just your size, your “best” color, and fits perfectly, you probably won’t have a problem paying full price because you don’t want to take a chance that it might not be in the store next week.  However, if the outfit is good, but you think it’s a little overpriced compared to what you saw in the last store or the price just isn’t in your current budget, you might wait until it goes on sale and becomes a better value for the money.  While that scenario is simplistic, it is applicable to real estate.  Once a buyer believes your home is a good value, he will act.

10. Don’t forget that a home is basically sold twice: first to the other real estate agents and then to the buyer.  Most multi-list systems are set up to notify Realtors of new listings.  There are internal tracking systems that can identify whether the Realtors took any action, based on the availability of your home.  In the Savannah MLS, this system quantifies how many times your property matched a buyer’s search criteria, how many times a local Realtor emailed your property to a prospective buyer, etc.  If an agent doesn’t see the value, then your property will not be recommended as a viable choice to a buyer as a showing option.  Be sure that your Realtor is sharing that information with you periodically.  My experience has been that the most valuable marketing is the agent-to-agent communication and getting agents across the threshold (with or without a buyer in tow).  If an agent personally experiences your home and finds it good value, then he/she will find a buyer for it, even if the buyer they initially brought isn’t interested.

The top ten “don’ts” in these two posts should help set a good mindset for selling.  Certainly, there are scores of other elements involved.  However, a seller’s attitude and approach to the sale makes all the difference.  If you are considering selling your home, call me.  I’d be delighted to talk with you about these and other strategies that will make the process as stress-free and successful as possible.

10 “Don’ts” Every Home Seller Should Know–Part 1

Selling a home is serious business.  Your home is one of the largest assets you have.  Consequently, making good choices and minimizing risk is key.  Following are some helpful suggestions for consideration:

1.  Don’t overprice your home.  It will cost YOU money!  The Savannah area market remains highly competitive.   Even though there are a lot of national news stories about market recovery, price appreciation, and inventory shortages, you can’t let that make you overestimate a market position and, thereby, take unnecessary risks. There’s a truism in the industry: All real estate is local.  The national news stories are based on the top twenty metropolitan areas tracked and included in the Case-Schiller Index.  That experience may have little to do with what’s going on in your home town.  So, when it comes to putting your home on the market, it will be critical to look at properties in your neighborhood (or close to it) that have sold in the last 90 days.  If home condition and features are similar, pricing at or near the average sold price per square foot is a reasonable approach.  Sellers who need to sell quickly typically market their homes at up to 10% below market average and will often create a flurry of showing activity and potential multiple bids.  However, Sellers who want to ride a potentially mythical wave of price appreciation, without serious discussion and evaluation of pro’s and con’s with their Realtor, could find themselves priced out of the market.  Overpriced homes will languish and sellers may be forced to chase price with subsequent price reductions.  Unfortunately, it could be similar to chasing a ball down a hill.  You never catch up.  In the long run, excessive days on market and multiple price reductions will encourage potential buyers to “lowball” offers.  As a result, you lose net proceeds.


2.  Don’t be surprised if the first offer on your property is the best offer you receive.  Face it, there’s never been a time like today when so much information is available to buyers.  Typically beginning on line, buyers will check for a “Zestimate” to set the ballpark of what your home’s value might be.  (These estimates may or may not have any basis in reality.)  They’ll pull county tax assessor records.  There’s even access to superior court records to see what you borrowed to buy the home originally in hopes that they’ll get a sense of how much negotiation room you might have.  And, that’s all before they even talk to a Realtor!  Multi-list features allow the buyer’s Realtor to profile your neighborhood and automatically generate reports that will show all the necessary parameters to develop a price offer that is in line with recent sales, tempered by the number of days your home has been marketed.  Reasonable buyers, assisted by knowledgeable Realtors, will craft good offers.  As a result, EVERY offer, but particularly the first received, needs to be evaluated carefully.  No knee-jerk reactions allowed!  Even an initial low offer is presented, countering with market-sensitive terms is highly recommended.


3.  Don’t let your property sit on the market too long before making a significant change in price.  For the last several years, the real estate market has been flooded with foreclosures.  When banks are involved in home sales, you can almost guarantee that every 30 to 45 days, a price change will be made until the property is sold.  The banks are not interested in holding properties; they want them off the balance sheet.  So, systematic price reductions will lead the property to the “sweet spot” when the price is so attractive, buyers will act with urgency.  Buyers have become accustomed to this type of market trend and expect that sellers will remain sensitive to market nuances, making price or other adjustments as necessary.  Your initial price reflects the conditions when you listed.  However, conditions may change.  Your Realtor should provide a monthly market positioning report to help you track market changes, enabling you to know when a price change may be needed.  Properties that remain on the market for extended periods without any price changes are overpriced --- plain and simple.  Not only do these homes become “stale,” they also come across to buyers as being owned by sellers who are likely to be unreasonable in the negotiation process.

4.  Don’t think that all real estate agents and companies are created equal---they’re not.  When you plan to sell your home, it will be critical to know the real estate brokerage’s track record as well as its business philosophy.  Every company (in every industry) has a “feel,” an intangible dynamic that affects activity.  Is the company busy? Productive? Well regarded?  Have they won service awards?  Do they reward their Realtors for working together instead of acting in isolation?  Do they have a strong web presence?  Do virtual and physical caravans? Ask for their numbers.  Likewise, agents may be incredibly different in their approaches to marketing a property and causing it to sell.  Ask for the details on the home marketing system.  Is it heavily focused on web-based strategies? Will it include high tech elements?  Video/virtual tours?  What is the plan for agent-to-agent marketing?  You are going to need more than a sign and a profile in the multi-list!

5. Don’t make it difficult for agents and buyers to see your home.  Yes, you have a life.  You have dinner guests planned, family from out of town,  and kids to feed.  Keeping your home clean and available for showings is a necessary evil of the process.  However, buyers want to look at homes at their convenience, and that may not always be on Saturday afternoon between 2 and 4, when you know you will be at the kids’ soccer practice.  It is critical to maintain a high level of flexibility in the times your home can be shown.  Requiring restrictions, such as “24 hour notice required,” will result in potential buyers bypassing your home for another. 

Meet The Red Lion

Savannah is home to many structures that are well over 100 years old.  One of these is the Old Savannah Cotton Exchange.  The Cotton Exchange, constructed in 1889, was the center of Savannah commerce during a time when cotton was king.  Over two million bales of cotton were shipped through the Savannah port each year.  The building was (and still  is) unique in its Romanesque architectural style.  The Exchange was designed by Boston architect, William Gibbons Preston (1844-1910), and is one of the few structures in the world erected over an existing public street, Factor’s Walk.

Perhaps equally well known is The Red Lion, a beautiful red terra cotta winged lion fountain that sits in front of the Cotton Exchange building on Bay Street.  The seated lion continues to overlook the city’s downtown commerce.  It is around 52 inches high and is inset in the north end of the fountain’s base.  A single stream of water flows from its mouth.  The entire collection pool is surrounded by an ornamental fence containing silhouettes of famous statesmen and authors.  The Red Lion is as memorable as the Exchange itself and is one of the most photographed iconic images of Savannah.
 

The Shell House

Savannah is the perfect destination for folks who love seafood.  There are dozens of dining choices available with a wide range of price options.  One option in Southside Savannah is The Shell House.  This restaurant may not be the first one that comes to mind if you ask locals for a recommendation, but it might be worth a try.  Located at the intersection of GA 204 and I-95, The Shell House seems to be a staple for a lot of locals.  I stopped by on a Saturday late afternoon around 5:30 p.m. and there were already about 75 cars in the gravel parking lot.  I thought I was in for a long wait, but the restaurant is deceptively large. (It is available for banquets and private parties as well.)  My party was immediately seated.  Within 10 minutes from parking the car, we had placed our food order.

At first glance, the menu seems a little pricey by Savannah standards.  However, the portions are large.  I shared a fried shrimp dinner and both of us had more than a dozen shrimp each, along with a side salad, corn on the cob, hush puppies, and sausage --- all for about $30.  I’d say that was a bargain.  The food was tasty, served hot, with a smiling server who kept our drinks full.  An added bonus was the ability to look out at the peaceful lagoon.  Having said all that, don’t expect a “fine dining” experience.  The food is served on disposable plates with plastic tableware.  You'll sit at a typical oyster shucking table, wood with a circle carved out in the center for disposing shells, shrimp tails, or your table trash.  Diners who aren’t used to these types of tables might consider it unsanitary, but the locals understand. 

On line reviews are positive and fairly consistent.  The most frequent praise I’ve heard is for the fried shrimp, low country boil, and snow crab legs.  I’ve tried all three of those dishes and can give them a thumbs up.  However, forget about having water with your meal.  The taste is terrible.

After dinner, or between courses, check out the deck over the lagoon.  The Shell House comes with its own resident alligators who are often found swimming under the deck.  The largest one I’ve seen was about 4 feet long.  He’s sure to wow any children in your party.  Large turtles and egrets are also usually close by.

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears --- Oh. my!

Savannah Mall has undergone a lot of changes over the years.  It has Bass Pro for dad, Target for mom, two university program sites for the young adults, and a double-decker carousel for the kids. The carousel was added this year and has been very popular with the younger crowd.  And, why not?  Instead of the traditional  prancing ponies, this ride is filled with exotic creatures sure to thrill.  My personal favorite is the dragon, but there are loads of other creatures from which to choose.  The carousel provides a great break opportunity for children tired of shopping as well as a visual feast for those stopping for lunch.  When you watch the faces of the young riders, it’s obvious that they think the carousel has been a worthy addition.  It’s not free, but who can put a price on imagination?  Happy riding!

For Sale by Owner: Marketing for Top Dollar

Pick up any real estate news article and there will be references to the fact that many markets are now experiencing inventory shortages.  When that happens, sellers begin to consider tackling the real estate market on their own.  However, the prospect of managing a “for sale by owner” or FSBO may be more challenging that it appears.  For those sellers who decide to attempt to FSBO, there are some things they should do to market their homes and find the best buyer.
Finding a buyer for your FSBO home might not be impossible.  Nevertheless, the key is finding the RIGHT buyer that will help you net the most amount of money in the desired time frame.  To accomplish this, you will want to develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan so that you reach the most ready, willing, and able buyers in your market.  You don’t want to lose thousands of dollars because the right buyer never noticed your house.

Prior to launching your marketing efforts, be sure to read the Federal Fair Housing Laws and Guidelines regarding advertising so that you do not violate any federal laws in your ads.  Being a FSBO does not provide protection against federal liability.  The laws apply to anyone advertising a home for sale.  After you become familiar with the guidelines, you might consider advertising in the local newspaper, homes magazines, real estate journals, cable TV, Craigslist, and a variety of on-line residential marketing websites.  Create a website for your home and consider crafting a series of blog posts about the unique features of your home.  If you have excellent computer skills, try developing a virtual tour as well for your website.  (Or you can consider hiring a high school student!)  Before taking your photos for the tour, do some research on local stagers who could help you identify the best approach to showing off your space.

Once you have done your initial marketing launch, consider mailing brochures and flyers about your home to your immediate subdivision and adjoining subdivisions near you that might be priced lower than yours.  You might be able to entice a move-up buyer.  Then, identify the top 25-30 Realtors in the market and plan mailers and possibly an agent open house to showcase your home to the Realtors.  National statistics show that more than 80% of FSBOs are sold by Realtors.  After all, they represent the professional group who work with the most buyers.  While a seller might consider tackling the sale without professional help, a buyer hardly ever tries to purchase a home without representation.

A social media campaign would also be helpful so that you can leverage family, friends, and close acquaintances to pass along the information about your home to people they know.  In addition, email marketing via programs such as Constant Contact or MailChimp could be used effectively to continue communications with local Realtors and other professionals to keep your property in top-of-mind status.

These are just a few marketing strategies that might be helpful.  There are hosts of other alternatives as well as precautions you can take for safety.  In addition, talk with a lender who can prequalify any potential buyers you might meet.  Understanding the “ideal” buyer and being prepared to discuss loan options will help you weed through buyers and lookers.
For more information on FSBO strategies, don’t hesitate to call.

Watermelon Creek Vineyard

 
Great wine doesn’t have to come from Napa.  There are several vineyards around the Savannah area, but my favorite is Watermelon Creek Vineyard, located about 45 minutes away in Glennville, GA.  (It’s just on the other side of Fort Stewart.)  Watermelon Creek is relatively young in terms of years of production, but that hasn’t stopped the vineyard from developing medal-winning wines.  Internationally know winemaking consultant Tom Payette has assisted proprietors Charles & Deborah Tillman in developing a variety of wines specializing in the muscadine grape.  In March of this year, each of the six wines currently offered won medals in the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
The first releases of wines comprise the Heritage Series and includes:  Lower Mill White; Ohoopee River White (semi-sweet Carlos grape wine); Mill Pond Blush (my favorite, with the combined sweetness of the Carlos & Noble grapes); Altamaha River Red (Noble); Lane’s Bridge Red (semi-sweet Noble); and Stafford’s Ferry White. Free tastings are offered and can often be enjoyed with raw milk cheeses, fresh fruit, and bruschetta from Flat Creek Lodge. The Tasting Room and Vineyard Store offer all kinds of wine-related accessories and fun items.  However, that is just the beginning of what’s available at Watermelon Creek.
 


Watermelon Creek has been in the same family since 1820.  Over the last century, the property has been home to a sawmill, grist mill, turpentine still, barrel making business, general store, and post office, as well as remaining the homestead of the original Padgett family.  Charles Tillman, the ninth generation of the family, has carved out a new future for the land, centered on its rural heritage.  In fact, the label of the Heritage Series pays tribute to the historic and geologic landmarks of the area.  The front label includes a likely of Charles’ great grandfather, Charles Columbus Padgett, as well as a General Merchandise invoices from his turn-of-the-century general store, and Lane’s Bridge that once spanned the Altamaha River nearby. 
The Tillmans have a great vision for Watermelon Creek Vineyard.  The Vineyard is already being sought out as a destination venue.  Parties, family reunions, and weddings are becoming routine.  However, it doesn’t take a major life event to choose to visit the Vineyard.  Dropping in is perfectly acceptable.  Group functions for 10-16 can usually be accommodated with a week’s notice, and there are five menus from which to choose.  The 15-acre site includes The Barn Yard, The Pond, The Mill House, The Vineyard, Watermelon Creek nature area, and the Winery Complex.  Larger venues for functions include the Bud Break Banquet Hall and Vineyard Terrace, which seats 144 and 30, respectively.  The spaces are unique and are decorated with historic memorabilia.  Wedding packages are offered via all-inclusive packages.  You can even arrive in style by buggy.
  

2977 Mt. Zion Church Road
Glennville, Georgia   30427

Five Keys to Minimize Surprises When Selling Your Home

Local sellers who have tried to sell their home can testify that, with all the “routine” stress of taking on such a task under the best of circumstances, no one wants to experience any unpleasant surprises.  So, how can a seller minimize surprises?
1.  No matter how thorough a Realtor’s market analysis might be, some sellers are convinced they are more knowledgeable about what their home’s value might be.  Fair enough.  In most industries, the mantra is “the customer is always right.”  However, in real estate, a good Realtor needs to be direct and firm on home values.  Improper pricing is the fastest way to a loss of profit as well as extended time on the market.  If there is a significant difference of opinion about a home’s value, get an independent appraisal prior to launching the property for sale.  This will help to take the guesswork out of the equation and assure that the home is properly positioned to compete in the market.  Having the appraisal in hand will also put the seller on firm footing when negotiating an offer.
2.  We’ve been through some tough economic times in the last few years.  As a result, some sellers could still be spinning from having to ride on a financial roller coaster.  If and when sellers are selling due to financial hardships, it could be incredibly helpful to get a preliminary title report.  Attorneys who specialize in real estate closings can tackle this relatively inexpensive step to assure that the homeowner does not have any unknown liens that might be on the property as a result of financial issues and/or work done in preparation to get the home ready to sell.
3.  Homeowners with properties that have seen multiple rounds of renovation over the years (particularly true in many of Savannah’s historic districts) might consider the option to get an inspection by the local municipal building inspector.  Preparing a home for listing includes pulling a variety of public records about the target property.  One of these is the county tax assessor’s property record card.  This on-line record, which is reviewed by most buyers, should have details regarding permits given for major property renovations.  If a property has had a few facelifts, but there are no permits documented, there’s an obvious red flag.  No one wants to open a can of worms.  However, it’s preferable to know about any potential building code or zoning violations up front.  Sometimes, a more “comfortable” option for sellers is the next key.
4.  Get the home pre-inspected by a licensed, professional home inspector.  Repair-related issues are one of the most common deal-killers in real estate.  Having the home pre-inspected will accomplish two primary goals:  a) the seller will be able to confirm that all mechanical systems are in good working order (or identify items that can be addressed prior to launching the property listing); and b) the seller will be able to improve the market standing of hi/hers home by advertising that the home is pre-inspected and has no repair concerns.  This will save a potential buyer hundreds of dollars and is a “value add” that could tip the balance in terms of getting a buyer to make an offer.
5.  Get the proper documents in order for buyer review.  There are two key documents that can affect the marketability of the seller’s property:  a survey and a flood elevation certificate.  In Georgia, the provision of a survey is not a requirement for the transfer of real estate.  Nevertheless, if you were buying a home, wouldn’t you want to know the boundary lines?  Even if a privacy fence was installed years ago, there is no guarantee that there are no encroachments unless a survey is available.  I could tell horror stories about property line disputes over structures that had been in place for over a decade!  The second item, the flood elevation certificate, may be unique to coastal areas like the Savannah market.  If the seller has a certificate that pre-dates 2000, it’s a sure bet that an updated one will be needed for the transaction.
These are a few simple suggestions that can facilitate a smooth transaction.  So, why are there six keys in the artwork?
BONUS:
6. Hire me!  My job is to make either the purchase or sale of a property as painless as possible so that the client can achieve his financial goals and savor the excitement of opening or closing a chapter in his life.  There are a variety of other steps a seller can take to enhance the process.  I’ll be happy to discuss them with you when the time is right.

Savannah Slow Ride

Want to slow down and enjoy Savannah squares? Do a pub crawl?  Host a party?  Savannah Slow Ride could be the answer.  Tourists and locals alike have jumped onto one of the company’s largest single bicycles around and pedaled their way to fun.  It’s the equivalent of a rolling adult beverage center (if all riders are over 21).  A variety of tours are available, including visits to historical sites, Savannah hauntings, or between pubs.  Your tour guide will regale you with stories, some of which are actually true!  Each bicycle can accommodate 16 people.  If you’re visiting on your own, this is a great way to meet some new people and get a little exercise to boot!  At the very least, it is a totally different way to experience what Savannah has to offer downtown.

Telfair Museum Free Family Days

Savannah is fortunate to have the Telfair Museums.  The Jepson Center is a favorite place to explore, especially with children.  Telfair makes it easy by hosting Family Free Days throughout the year.  To give you an example, I went to the Near East day this past weekend.  The “Allure of the Near East” exhibit (which will be open through January 5, 2014) showcases over 70 objects from Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Iran, and other exotic locales.  The metalwork items are exquisite, with such intricate designs on metal bowls, plates, and trays that you’ll wonder how long it must have taken to create such “everyday” items that no one would want to defile by putting food on them.
Another fascinating discovery was the amount of Christian iconography that is present in the metalwork and art from the center of the Islamic cultures represented in the displays.  And, for the those interested in military history, there were Egyptian daggers, Turkish rifles and pistols, and my personal favorite, a late 19th century steel damascened shield and helmet with gold and silver inlay from Iran that looked similar to the armor worn on the set of “Kingdom of Heaven.”
The Museum makes it easy to engage children in the review and appreciate of the art objects.  For this weekend’s display, they had prepared “Journey to the Near East: A Family Guide,” which was an activity filled booklet designed to have kids find objects, complete designs, and draw their own versions of items.    There was also a lobby display of Karagoz puppets from Turkey.  A table was set up for children to create their own puppets and Museum volunteers were on hand with scissors, glue, crayons, and other necessities to create these works of art.  In addition, in the mid-afternoon, TURKU, Nomads of the Silk Road, played music that was a blend of traditional and modern music from the Middle East and Central Asia.  Folk tales from Persia, Turkey, and the Middle East were done at story time for an added treat.   Basically, a Family Free Day is an excuse to spend an entire afternoon with the Telfair folks.

Dates and activities for remaining 2013 Free Family Days include:

Date	Theme	Activities
September 14	Shiny Shapes & Detail	Looking through the Rizza Silver collection to explore ideas of shape and script in drawing and sculpture
October 19	Family Sketch Crawl	Exploring with a sketchbook, with drawing activities around the Museum
November 23	Spanish Family Day	Studio activities, flamenco performance and workshop
December 14	Holiday Special	DIY cards, printmaking, & wrapping paper how-to’s

The Free Family Days are MUST DO items, whether you have children or not.  Put them on your calendar!  You’ll have a great time.  I know I did.

Hope for Buyers with Prior Bankruptcy, Short Sale, or Foreclosure

Over the last several years, the economic cycle in housing has been tough on many families.  The scenarios of upside down mortgages, job loss or modification, and declining investment values created conditions that drove many homeowners into foreclosure and/or bankruptcy.
Now that the housing market has shown signs of recovery and price appreciation, The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has revised its guidelines to facilitate continued recovery by cutting the time requirement that home buyers must wait after a bankruptcy, foreclosure or short sale to one year before they may qualify for an FHA-backed mortgage.  Until now, buyers had to wait two years after a bankruptcy and three years after a foreclosure or short sale, as well as show a clean slate of credit rebuilding and timeliness of payments on any existing debt.  This new “Back to Work” program is an attempt to bring more buyers back into the market.
Who can qualify for this new program? The first test of eligibility is whether the home buyer experienced on of the following “economic events”:

Pre-foreclosure Sale	Short Sale	Deed-in-lieu
Foreclosure	Chapter 7 Bankruptcy	Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Loan Modification	Forbearance Agreement

For former homeowners who experienced one of those financial crises, there is a second eligibility test.  The obvious element is that the potential borrower must be able to demonstrate a full recovery from the event.  In order to qualify, borrowers will need to prove:

• Household income fell by 20 percent or more for at least six months during the year of the crisis;
• The income drop was tied to unemployment or another event beyond their control;
• They have had at least one hour of approved housing counseling; and
• They have had a full year of on-time housing payments.

The acceptable documentation of the economic factors related to income will be tax returns, W-2s, or a written Verification of Employment.  If a complete job loss was experienced, unemployment income receipts can be provided.  The “20% loss of income” eligibility applies to any member of the household.  The most appropriate documents needed can be determined by a lender.  The lender will review the borrower’s credit report and verify that the credit history prior to the economic event was good and that any derogatory credit occurred after the onset of the event, and that there is 12-month perfect payment history re-established on major accounts. 
Savannah area buyers who want more information about whether or not they would qualify for FHA’s new initiative should contact Michael Caputo at Starkey Mortgage.  Once eligibility is determined, let’s get shopping!

Forsyth Farmer’s Market

Every Saturday from 9a – 1p at the south end of Forsyth Park locals can enjoy the fresh wares of a variety of farms and local food producers.  There are a wide variety of regular vendors at the Forsyth Farmer’s Market, but it’s always fun to see and taste what the season brings.  I recently stopped by and picked up some zipper peas, Italian artisan bread and cheese, squash, and Vidalia onions.  The tomatoes and peaches were gorgeous, but my menu planning didn’t include those items for the moment.  The farmers and sellers are very nice and will happily tell you about their farms and methods, how to select the right items, and will even spin a tale or two if you’ve got the time. 
Whether it’s rain or shine, they’ll be there.  There’s a steady crowd, chatting and checking out the organic items.  I always meet interesting people.  In addition to the fresh produce, local vendors who sell breads, coffees, plants, honey, and more, will be lined up to entice buyers.  If you don’t need any fresh fruits or vegetables, you should visit anyway.  It’s a great reason to stroll along one of Savannah’s premier green spaces.

Meet General James Oglethorpe

Savannah is the first planned city of America.  Its grand design of patterned streets and squares was developed by General James Oglethorpe in the drawing rooms of his native England.  Oglethorpe arrived on a small ship ANN with 115 colonists and a plan.  The city was founded in 1733.  The colonists were a hodge-podge of the poor from England; Jewish groups from Germany & Poland; Salzburgers from Central Europe; Scots and Moravians from Bohemia.  The colonists settled comfortably with Tomochichi and the native Yamacraw Indians.
Oglethorpe’s vision for Savannah was realized and the city layout remains the envy of many modern-day city planners and is a pleasure for area tourists and residents alike.
In 1910, Savannah erected a monument, sculpted by Daniel Chester French, in Chippewa Square.  Facing south in the Square, Oglethorpe ‘keeps watch against the Spanish in Florida.’  The statue of Oglethorpe is one of the most photographed icon of Savannah history.

Whole Foods Finally Opens

I know that people all over the country are already well-acquainted with Whole Foods.  However, it has taken FOREVER for Savannah to draw the retail giant to the area. Whole Foods officially opened this week.  I gave it a whole 24 hours before I showed up.  Naturally, my thought process was that, at midday on a weekday, I shouldn’t have trouble getting in and checking it out.  Reasonable assumption, right?  Not so much.  After circling for about 10 minutes, I found a parking spot and then walked in to join the hundreds of other people walking the aisles.  I’ve never seen a grocery store packed in the middle of the day.  I stood in the middle of all the hubbub and wondered: What do all of these people do for a living?
Everywhere I turned, someone was offering samples.  I was able to try raspberry lime cheesecake from FORM as well as fried catfish on the other side of the store.  The bakery items looked like something from a TV show.  For items that were fresh selections (such as the olive station), there were so many choices.  As I scooted up and down the aisles to get my bearings, I noticed a lot of “local” products like spices from The Salt Table and Vidalia Onion Relish from Leoci’s.   And, I’ve never seen so many labels touting “gluten free” products.  My sister will be delighted!
And, of course, I had to buy something for dinner: chili and peach glazed BBQ ribs with grilled zucchini.  Very satisfying.  I have a feeling I’m going to have a long and happy relationship with Whole Foods. 

Guyton Gem: Beulah’s Coffee House

Guyton, GA is a a Savannah suburb located about 30 minutes west of the city.  Many professionals who work at Gulfstream, Georgia Ports, Effingham Health System, and Fort Howard select Guyton due to location and charm.  Driving into this one-traffic light town is like stepping back through time.  Guyton has a “Mayberry RFD” appeal.  While there are opportunities for new construction, the majority of the residential structures are interesting Victorian style homes.
One of these Victorian homes has been transformed into what I consider the best lunch spot in town, Beulah’s Coffee House and Consignments.  Don’t let the name fool you.  You can get a lot more than coffee in this restaurant, tucked away on a little side street at 407 Church Street. In fact, the unique salads and paninis could rival anything that Savannah has to offer.  The menu variety includes a wide variety of seafood, beef, and chicken dishes as well.  Your food could likely be prepared by proprietress, Maria Simmons.
Beulah’s is one of those places you’re always looking for off the beaten path.  Of course, to the locals, the restaurant is a hub of town activity.  It’s open Monday through Thursday (and Saturday) from 8a – 3p.  Friday’s hours extend to 10p, during which you might be able to enjoy live entertainment from local musicians.  During any given week, patrons might include a Bible study group, wedding or birthday party, local club, or random straggler like me.
Not only is the food terrific, but the restaurant also offers a gallery of art and consignment items.  So, grab a bite to eat, do a little shopping, and enjoy a Victorian home decked out with all the period furnishings.

Feng Shui Tip: Create an Exceptional Entrance

No matter how much the Savannah real estate market heats up, Sellers need to continue to do everything they can to be competitive and get a Buyer’s attention.  From the first conversation at the listing appointment, I’m often asked for tips on how to make a home attractive.  The first approach is the “no cost/low cost” approach, starting with a little basic feng shui.  Feng shui is a design philosophy that focuses on how to bring harmony and balance into a space.  The term means "Wind and Water" in Chinese.  The industry fell in love with the philosophy a few years ago, and even though the faddish romance seems to have fizzled a bit, the concepts make too much sense to ignore.

Today’s tip is all about the entrance to your home.  Pay attention to the front door, which is considered the “mouth of chi” or the life force.  The front door is actually one of the most powerful elements of the property.  All good things enter there --- blessings, opportunities, and good fortune.  It is also one of the critical elements of the Buyer’s first impression.  I’ve never understood why Realtors often put lockboxes on side or back doors.  Buyers need to feel how the energy enters the home.  So, what do you do?


The Water element is associated with the entry into a space because of the flow of energy through the door. Black is a great color for an entryway because it evokes the Water element and creates energy flow, bringing positive energy into the home.  Black (and dark blue) anchor the energy of reflection, concentration, and truth.    Another good choice might be green, which anchors the energies of growth, healing, harmony and vitality. An interesting exercise is to sit with the Seller and define the “ideal Buyer” for the home and what that Buyer’s characteristics might be.  Then, a door color specifically designed to appeal to that type of person could be discovered.  A Seller can also replicate the color in the foyer.  For example, if the home has a black door, it would be possible to accentuate the energy by using a black & white entry rug with a lively pattern.

In terms of décor, the best feng shui art for your front entry will be connected with Water.  This gives a lot of flexibility since the Water element is represented by undulating, sinuous shapes, mirrors and glass, and (of course) some type of small water feature.  Photos or paintings of water scenes or of objects associated with water (e.g., a painting of river rocks) are highly desirable.  Abstract are that includes sinuous shapes are also good.  A welcome rug/carpet should be a dark color and would be enhanced if it has winding shapes within in.

Of course, the basics must be addressed as well.  The area around the door and entry has to be clean.  No cobwebs, no clutter. Moreover, all exterior entry lighting should be straight and properly hung.  If the Seller has a few bucks to spend, new outdoor porch & landscape lighting is always a good choice.  Rounded shapes have better feng shui.  Likewise, the foyer lighting is important.


People generally agree that first impressions typically do not change over time.  So, if you are selling a home, it is critical that a Buyer connects with your home from the moment he/she approaches the front door.  An exceptional entrance will set the tone for a great showing experience, and hopefully, a great offer!

Fort Pulaski Fun

   
Fort Pulaski National Monument is located along the Savannah River midway between Savannah and Tybee Island. The Park is made up of a 5400 acre tract of tidal marshes and mud flats as well as Cockspur and McQueens Islands. The fort covers nine acres and has a circumference of 1580 feet, with walls standing at 32 feet high. An estimated 25 million bricks were used to construct the Fort.
Construction on Fort Pulaski, ordered by President James Madison, began in 1829 as part of a plan to strengthen coastal fortifications against foreign invasion. The project was originally started under the direction of Major General Babcock and then passed to (then) Second Lieutenant Robert E. Lee. It was named for Casimir Pulaski, a Polish solder who fought in the American Revolution under George Washington. Pulaski took part in the sieges of Charleston and of Savannah and was named the “Father of the American Cavalry.”

It took 18 years of construction and nearly $1 million to build the Fort, which was completed in 1847. At the time, Fort Pulaski was considered invincible. However, during the Civil War, Union General David Hunter was able to secure the surrender of the Fort after only 30 hours of bombardment by federal James Rifled cannons and Parrott rifles. The rifled projectiles could be accurately fired farther than the larger cannonballs used by the Fort.  So, the Union was able to fire volleys that hit Fort Pulaski from a distance that was too far away for the Pulaski soldiers to return fire.

Today Fort Pulaski offers the activities you’d expect at a National Park, including hiking, biking, bird watching, and fishing (with a license). There are nature trails galore. However, kids especially just have a great time running over the fort, checking out the cannon, and listening to a soldier who gives a show and tell (as well as firing) of Civil War era rifles.

The Fort is filled with displays showing how the soldiers lived.  The collections will thrill any history lover.  The vistas and details of the Fort will thrill the photographers.  Park rangers are available for periodic tours throughout the day to talk about the interesting elements of the Fort, such as dike system designed by Lee.  If you’re lucky, they’ll fire the cannons as well!  It’s a great place for spending an entire day of exploring, hiking, taking pictures and learning about American history.  And it won’t cost you a dime!
       
     

Keller’s Flea Market

Anyone who has wanted to make the most of a garage sale event in the Savannah area knows about Keller’s Flea Market.  Keller’s is a huge maze of warehouse type stalls of vendors as well as little specialty “cottage” stores.  It’s open year round, has free admission, and free parking (including RV).  There are established permanent vendors selling everything from the expected flea “junk” to fresh produce to antiques to puppies.  At last count, this flea market had more than 400 stall spaces.  Renting a weekend table at Keller’s will almost guarantee sales (and a pre-home sale purge).

Located at the intersection of Highways 17 & 204 in southwest Savannah, Keller’s is a place you can’t miss.  A giant milk cow with an “I Love Fleas” cowbell marks the spot and draws people in.  She promises that, whether you are a buyer or a seller, you’ll be saving or making “moo-lah.” In addition to displays of interesting wares, Keller's also serves as a site for a variety of events throughout the year.  For example, on August 17th (9a – 3p), the Southeast Blacksmith Association is hosting meetings and demonstrations.

For those flea market junkies who just want to pick up a bargain or the next new “Flea Market Flip” project, plan to spend a few hours.  There’s absolutely no way to check out all that’s offered in less time.  If you get hungry, there’s a variety of food sellers and places to sit and munch.  There’s a continual ebb and flow to the traffic.  You never know who you might run into.  But --- take my advice --- bring a compass or a friend who has a great sense of direction!  The buildings and halls twist and turn and it’s very easy to lose your bearings.  Happy hunting!