October Ushers in a Variety of Savannah Festivals

A lot of great festivals and events are coming up in the next few weeks.  Get out your calendar and make some plans.  Here are my favorites:


Oktoberfest on the River
10/4-6
Plan to spend all day on River Street.  The oompah bands are great, but the weiner dog races are adorable.  Shop, eat, drink, be entertained.  End the day with fireworks!
http://www.riverstreetsavannah.com/ai1ec_event/oktoberfest-on-the-river/?instance_id=150

Savannah Greek Festival
10/10-12
Got a baklava jones?  Want to see the REAL folks who break plates for fun?  The food is great and the dance demonstrations make you want to sign up for Dancing with the Stars!
http://www.savannahgreekfest.com/

Tybee Pirate Fest

10/10-13 Aargh!  Come in costume!  Attend the Buccaneer Ball if you dare.  Perhaps you’ll meet Jack Sparrow. http://tybeepiratefest.com/ Savannah Folk Music Festival 10/11-13 Savannah is gaining stature as a hub for great music.  We’ve just finished the Jazz Festival and now it’s time for folk music.  There will be great performances as well as a songwriter competition. http://www.savannahfolk.org/Portals/SavannahFolkMusic/Events/2013/2013%20Savannah%20Folk%20Music%20Festival%20-%20Press%20Release.pdf Shalom Y’all Jewish Food Festival 10/27 Grab some of the best food around!  Everything is delicious! http://mickveisrael.org/food-festival.html Halloween on the River 10/31 Dress in your costume and compete for prizes.  You won’t believe how imaginative people can be! http://www.riverstreetsavannah.com/ai1ec_event/halloween/?instance_id=116

Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm

Have you ever driven past a gate so often that, when you finally turned in to explore, you felt a little guilty for having waited so long?  That’s how I felt when I finally stopped in at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens.  The Gardens encompass 51 acres of plantings, ornamental gardens, lakes, and berry fields (where you can pick your fill in the season).  For the first half of the 1900’s, the property was used by the US Department of Agriculture to trial and evaluate Asian plants for use in American agriculture.  By the 1950’s, federal funding dried up and the acreage became somewhat neglected until the 1980’s when the University of Georgia acquired the site and revamped the Gardens as a plant research and education center.

Taking a walk around the Gardens will introduce you not only to bamboo and one of the world’s largest bamboo mazes, but it will also showcase plants that are not commonly seen in the area.  A variety of benches and picnicking areas exist so that you can stop as often as you like and just appreciate what’s around.  This would include a rose garden, fountains, as well as banana trees and other fun plants.  I had expected to enjoy the abundant greenery and peaceful lakeside vistas.  However, I was surprised to learn that a wide variety of events are held at the Gardens, including star-gazing evenings with local astronomy clubs, an upcoming Oktoberfest brew and dance bash with the appropriate Polka-style musicians, and an elaborate Christmas lighting spectacular.  Obviously, my visits may become frequent, especially since the Gardens are within two miles of my home.

Isn’t it lovely to be surprised by another Savannah treasure?

Veterans Park in Effingham County

Just about 30 minutes from downtown Savannah is a sleepy little burg called Springfield, GA.  it’s a small community consisting of a main street with a handful of storefronts, a 25-bed hospital, a county jail, and a lot of farmland.  Slowly but surely, Springfield is stretching and trying to attract industry, such as the 2010 addition of Efacec, a Portuguese manufacturer that makes power transformers.  One of the surprises I’ve discovered in the area was the Veterans Park.  Given that there is a high concentration of military in the tri-county real estate market, it wasn’t a surprise to find monuments or sites honoring veterans.  However, Effingham County’s Veterans Park did hold a few items I didn’t expect.

For example, there were monuments dedicated to wounded veterans, MIA/POWs, and many of the unsung support for armed conflict such as the merchant marines who ferried supplies to various theatres of war.  Peacekeepers were also honored.  The entire Park is lovely, with a beautiful lake, lots of places to sit and consider, all nestled within a wooded vista that is calm and peaceful.  In many veteran-honoring displays, one would expect to see tributes to local fallen soldiers from recent combat, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam and the World Wars.  These were there as expected, with names inscribed on a large curved wall.  However, Effingham County didn’t stop there.  Tributes were included for Effingham County soldiers from the Spanish-American War, Civil War, and the American Revolution.  In walking along the wall, I felt the pull and weight of history.  I recognized family surnames that are still present in Effingham.

If you’re ever in the area, the Park is worth a few minutes. 

Time to Get Your Picnic On!

With barely two weeks to go, it’s time to lock in your plans for Picnic in the Park!  Consider your picnic theme and be ready to strut your stuff.  It’s always fun.  Plan to set up late afternoon,  Judging for picnic accoutrement begins at 5 p.m.   Come, dine in style, and be entertained.  The Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra has a fabulous concert planned, beginning at 7:15 p.m.

Park Yourself in Style

Savannah’s downtown parks are a delight.  If you take a seat and just watch what happens, it’s amazing who might pass by.  Can you guess where this stylish park bench resides?

Six Pence Pub

If you like a pint along with a great “house specialty” dish like Shepherd’s Pie, try the Six Pence.  The Six Pence is always a great choice for lunch or a late afternoon stop.  Located on Bull Street in downtown Savannah, the Pub is a popular watering hole for those who are taking a stroll through the Historic District.  Patrons run the gamut of personalities.  I guarantee you’ll meet some interesting folks.

Meet Johnny Mercer

People strolling along Ellis Square sometimes do a double-take when crossing paths with Savannah’s own Johnny Mercer.  Mercer, a prolific songwriter and award winner, is just hanging out on the Square checking out his newspaper.  I’ve heard more than a handful of folks say, “excuse me” when they bump into him, especially in the evening after a beer or two.  Once they figure out that he’s not real, they sidle up for a photo opp.  Johnny’s good natured about it.  He always has time for picture-taking. 

5 Things That Can Happen Now that Your Home is on the Market

Congratulations!  You’ve cleaned, packed, and staged your home and it’s now on the market.  Hopefully, you have worked carefully with a Realtor to properly position your home for maximum appeal and competitive power among the rest of the inventory of homes for sale.  So, what now?  Well, there are five basic scenarios that could happen. 

1 – Multiple Offers.  This scenario would be characterized by:

• Lots of showings
• Happens just days after the sign goes up
• Home sells at or above full asking price

2 – Strong Single Offer.  The experience for this scenario would be:

• Lots of showings
• Happens within the first 30 days
• Sells at or near full price

3 – The “Norm.”  The average time on market in the Savannah area remains around 3 months.  Certain neighborhoods with lower inventory are selling more quickly.  However, a reasonable scenario would be:

• 8 to 12 showings within the first 45 days
• Offer in line with expectations
• Sells at 95 to 97% of the list price

4 – Feels Like the “Norm.”  This is a scenario that begins to feel like trouble.

• Good showing activity
• No offers
• Identification of property problems via showing feedback
• Time to fix problems
• Time to re-consider pricing

5 – Nightmare!  Unfortunately, some home sellers will find themselves in a nightmarish scenario.

• No showings.  Nothing is happening at all.
• Price problem
• Fix the price and re-position the property

The best advice for sellers is to make sure that the home is property priced and positioned from day 1.  If you are considering the sale of your home and want to make sure that you find yourself in one of the first few scenarios, call me!

Savannah Doors–#1

People who are fascinated with architectural elements often key in on a single item that draws their attention.  Mine is doors.  I spend a ridiculous amount of time looking a pictures of doors on Pinterest.  They always intrigue me, not just because of the shape or color.  More often that not, I just like to create stories about them.  For example, this is one of the doors in Savannah that has always been of interest.  It’s on Bull and Oglethorpe Streets.  Can’t you just imagine a tale of Moors or Ali Baba?  Doors can be appreciated like any other art form.  It’s all about what you feel when you look at it.  Every time I walk by this particular door, I feel like I’m one step away from jumping on a magic carpet and taking a ride to an exotic locale for the afternoon. 

Why Get a Termite Inspection?

 
When a buyer makes a home selection, one of the most important tasks to complete during the Due Diligence process is getting a termite inspection.   In the Savannah area real estate market, termites are one of the biggest threats to homes.  In fact, the heaviest area of termite infestation in the U.S. is the southeastern part of the country.  Local Realtors will often say to buyers and sellers, “You’ve either got them, have had them, or you’re going to get them.”  Of course, termites are not the only wood destroying organism that can create havoc in the home.  That’s why the inspection done to complete a Georgia Wood Infestation Report (otherwise known as a termite letter) requires the termite professional to inspect for dry wood termites, subterranean termites, wood borers like powder post beetles, and wood destroying fungus.

Termites, the biggest culprit, live in colonies and eat 24/7.  They don’t like exposure to the light and rarely break through the surface of the wood that is providing the meals.  They hollow out the wood and are not always detectable until enough damage is done that the wood actually gives way.
There are some sure signs that a homeowner or buyer can look for:

• Damaged wood
• Dirt termite tunnels
• Small holes in the sheet rock
• Water leaks or water damage around doors and windows or in crawl spaces (the equivalent of ringing the dinner bell)
• Swarming termites (sometimes confused with flying ants)
• Wood in contact with soil, such as around siding, decks, and porches

There are two primary ways to prevent termites.  One is to create a chemical barrier between the home and the termite colony in the ground.  Crossing the barrier will kill the termites.  Another effective method is to install baiting stations in the ground surrounding the home.  Regular inspections of the bait stations will reveal any termite activity.  If any is detected, then a special bait is inserted which will kill the termites.

In this market, having a termite bond, or warranty, is a critical item to negotiate when buying a property.  The bond, which typically costs from $150 – $200 annually, can ensure that annual inspections (at minimum) are performed to check for any signs of infestation.  Two types of bonds are available: a treatment bond and a treat & repair bond.  They do exactly what it sounds like.  If a homeowner has a treatment bond, then the termite company will treat the property at no cost if active termites are discovered during an inspection.  The better option is the treat & repair bond, which goes beyond treatment.  The termite company will pay for any repairs to the property needed as a result of the termite infestation.

Whether a person is buying or selling, having the proper termite inspection, treatment, and/or bond is critical to protecting the home, and ultimately, the current or future owner’s investment.

Sunrise at Tybee Island

Living on the coast does have its benefits!

10 Things to Know About VA Loans

Savannah is known for its rich history, educational facilities, great restaurants, and the beach, to name a few traits.  One of its most important attributes is status as a military town.  We have the honor to be home to Hunter Army Air Field as well as be close neighbors to Fort Stewart just down the road.  Soldiers and their families are woven into the fabric of our community.  Depending on family size and duration of the assignment, many military members opt to purchase homes in the Savannah area real estate market, using a VA Loan.  VA Loans require no down payment, making it a perfect choice for buyers who may have great credit, but a limited stash of cash. 

Buyers using VA Loans should be aware of a few basics:

1.  A VA loan is available despite bankruptcy or foreclosure.  Even borrowers who have had a VA loan foreclosed can still utilize their home loan benefits.  This makes the VA loan unique among loan types.

2.  They are re-usable.  You can use your full VA entitlement over and over again as long as you pay off the loan each time.  There will be a slight adjustment in the VA funding fee, but the benefits outweigh the small cost.

3.  VA loans are only for certain types of properties.  This is the characteristic that typically causes the most confusion, especially over the last few years during which “as is” foreclosures and short sales have represented a high percentage of the “great deal” inventory.  VA loans are designed for the purchase of single family homes that are in move-in condition.  Buyers wanting a fixer upper are not likely to be able to use this approach.  An experienced Realtor can usually walk through a property and determine if it could pass VA standards.

4.  They are for primary residences only.  VA benefits are not to be used for investment property or a vacation home.

5.  VA loans are not issued by the VA.  The VA isn’t in the business of issuing home loans.  However, a part of a package of benefits available to military members, the VA provides a guaranty on each qualified mortgage loan.

6.  They are guaranteed by the government.  What is the guaranty?  If you have a VA entitlement, the agency guarantees up to a quarter of the loan amount.  This gives lenders confidence and helps the military member to secure great terms and interest rates.

7.  A VA Loan comes with a mandatory fee.  At closing, a VA Funding Fee is charged which can either be paid in full or added to the amount of the mortgage loan and financed.  This fee is around 2 percent of the loan amount.  It helps the VA keep the benefit program going.  The funding fee is waived for military who have service-related disabilities.

8.  They have limits on co-borrowers.  Some loans allow any co-borrower on the loan, even someone who is not going to live in the home purchased.  However, the VA loan program has only two acceptable co-borrowers, a military spouse or another eligible veteran who will live in the home.

9.  They don’t have mortgage insurance.  Mortgage insurance is a monthly fee rolled into the mortgage payment, included in loans where the buyer does not put at least 20% down payment.  For the average home in the Savannah area, the mortgage insurance premium equates to at least $100 of the monthly payment.  The VA guaranty eliminates the need for the mortgage insurance premium, increasing the affordability of the home for VA buyers.

10. VA loans do not have pre-payment penalties.  Extra payments on the mortgage (which save a ton of interest over the life of the loan) can be made at any time.  Making the equivalent of an extra principal payment each year can literally knock 10 years off the loan term.

While it is usually preferred to work with local lenders for VA loan processing, simply because they are easier to get in front of for general communication or problem resolution,  many of my military clients have had fantastic experiences with USAA and Veterans United Home Loans.  If you are currently serving in the military or have previously served, you may want to consider using the VA loan for your next home purchase.  For more information about this loan, lenders, or the home buying process, please contact me.

Savannah’s City Market

Where can a person enjoy the best of the old and new in Savannah?  The answer is simple:  City Market.  The four block area located in the northwest section of Savannah’s Historic District has been a center of commerce since the city’s founding in the 1700’s.  Originally, farmers and fishermen sold products there.  It was a place to get a haircut, have some blacksmith work done, and catch up on the city’s gossip.   Over the centuries, the nature of the commerce has changed, but the draw of City Market as a place to dine, stroll, shop, and be entertained has never been stronger.  No visit to Savannah is complete without spending a little time there.  City Market is easily accessible from any of the downtown hotels.  For those who don’t like walking, transportation is waiting in the form of trolleys, horse-drawn carriages, and pedi-cabs.

A stroll through City Market will tempt visitors with fine art, a good percentage of which is done by local artists.  Works include paintings, photographs, sculpture, and one-of-a kind items.  In addition, there are gift, candy, clothing, and specialty stores.  A wide variety of dining experiences, both casual and fine, are available with indoor and outdoor seating choices.  You can even pose with Marilyn while waiting for a table!

City Market is also a hub for entertainment.  In the evening, you can sit out in the courtyard, have a beer and some wings, and listen or dance to the tunes of local musicians.    For major holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, the area is the center of the city’s “after party.”  On Valentine’s Day, you might stumble across a mass Vow Renewal ceremony.  There are always surprises in store.  It’s definitely a place to see and be seen, Savannah style.

Distressed vs De-Stressed: Short Sale Basics

If you stopped people on the street and asked about the economy, the majority would probably say that the US economy is improving.  However, there are still a good number of folks who remain unemployed or underemployed.  Moreover, with the prospect of “Obamacare” on the horizon, many more are fearful that their work hours will be reduced, causing financial strain or full-on crisis.  Homeowners facing financial uncertainty experience incredible stress.  Often, the stress puts owners in a state of denial, driving inactivity until a point of desperation is reached, typically caused by receipt of bank/mortgage letters that threaten action on delinquent or missing mortgage payments.  Still others find themselves in a financial fog due to a job-required relocation, illness or death in the family, or a change in marital status.  In this scenario, the homeowner has one stress upon another piled on until he/she reaches the proverbial last straw.

Fortunately, there are options with respect to home selling that can transport a homeowner from “distressed” to “de-stressed.”  If selling a home is a key tactic that will help an homeowner regain financial equilibrium, a Realtor can assist in facilitating a Short Sale.  A Short Sale allows the borrower to sell his/her home for less than the total amount due on the mortgage loan.  Choosing the Short Sale process allows the homeowner to avoid foreclosure and allows the lender to minimize its losses.  It is a cooperative process versus a legal resolution (foreclosure or eviction).  A Short Sale is usually not considered for homeowners who are not delinquent on payments, unless a major change in financial status is imminent.

There are a variety of documents that will be required, submitted by the Realtor often in a national online system such as Equator, including:

• Hardship Affidavit, noting the reason(s) for the financial issue
• Third Party Authorization, which allows the lender to discuss all aspects of the mortgage with the Realtor
• Verification of the borrower’s income (pay stubs)
• Copies of most recent bank statements
• Copies of most recent tax returns
• Buyer’s Offer to Purchase
• Preliminary settlement statement

The timetable for completing a Short Sale can be considerable.  In the Savannah area market, Realtors have experienced up to 3 to 4 months to get a bank decision AFTER an offer to purchase has been submitted.  This is down from an average of one year, as recently as three years ago.  During this time, the lender will obtain either an appraisal or a Broker’s Price Opinion (BPO) on the property; will evaluate the borrower’s financial documents; and seek authorization to accept the offer from the investor and/or the insurer of the homeowner’s mortgage loan.  The good news for the homeowner is that the Realtor coordinates the paperwork, keeps up the continuous dialogue with the lender, and assures that the process is managed properly.  In short, the homeowner moves from distressed to de-stressed.

Of course, there are a few caveats:
1)  Each potential Short Sales is reviewed on a case by case basis.  There is no guarantee that the bank will accept an offer.
2)  There may be potential tax implications to the homeowner.
3)  The sale of the home must be a “arm’s length” transaction, meaning that it can’t be sold to anyone with close personal ties to the homeowner.
4)  The odds of the Short Sale success are reduced if there is a second mortgage or equity line on the property.
5)  If the homeowner has sufficient assets, he/she may be required to make a monetary contribution of some of the difference between the net proceeds of the sale and the amount due on the loan.

If you are facing financial difficulties and want to know if you could qualify for a Short Sale, contact me.  I will be delighted to be part of the solution to your financial needs.

Best Hash browns in Town!

Some people are just breakfast people.  I’m one of those.  I can eat breakfast at ANY time during the day or evening.  If the dish is prepared well, it can be just as satisfying to me as dining in a 5-star resort or famous restaurant.  Okay, so I can sometimes be a cheap date?! 

Nevertheless, in every industry, there are stand-outs for various reasons.  In real estate, I stand out because I am a market nerd.  I love the statistics and neighborhood profiling that lead to good negotiation strategy.  Being the “market expert” is important to me.  In the breakfast world, I think the stand-outs can be classified according to the quality of the hash browns.  Most establishments can get the eggs or pancakes right.  Some will do better than others on the bacon.  However, hash browns are the real differentiators.  Getting them just browned and crispy enough seems to be an elusive skill for many establishments.

In Savannah, there is one place that always gets them right:  The Diner on Abercorn.  It doesn’t matter if you want them plain, or with cheese, onions, or whatever else, they are perfect.  And, who can beat the diner setting?  I’m sure that other items on the menu are equally good, but the real breakfast lover should give The Diner a shot at making a great impression.  Fast, cheap, prepared exactly the way you want it --- what’s not to love?

Skyline Across the River

What a great city!  This is the view across the Savannah River from the Trade Center.  Our gold domed City Hall really stands out.

Meet John Wesley

In the continuing series of Savannah monuments, let me introduce you to John Wesley, who oversees Reynolds Square in downtown Savannah.  The monument is bronze, set atop a rectangular granite base.  It was crafted by Marshall Daugherty and dedicated in 1969.  John Wesley, who is considered the founder of Methodism in America, played a role in the early days of Savannah.  In fact, he came to the city as General James Oglethorpe’s secretary. 

Wesley also served as the rector of Christ Church.  While in Savannah, his life was plagued with a little romantic drama.  After all, isn’t Savannah well known for scandals?  The breadth of his congregation was a challenge to Wesley, both ethnically and geographically.  He had so far to go to serve his parishioners that he is considered the first “circuit riding” preacher.  Ultimately, Wesley returned to England.

The sculpture shows Wesley in his Church of England vestments, holding his Bible.  You almost expect him to start preaching any second.  One side of the base is inscribed:

“My heart’s desire for this place is not that it be a famous or rich, but that it may be a religious colony; and then, I am sure, it cannot fail of the blessing of God.”

Wesley’s influence is seen in the number of Methodist churches still standing and influential in the community.

Buyer Brokerage: What is a “Fraudulent Activity?”

Home buyers in Georgia often sit down with their Realtors prior to previewing homes and have a buyer’s orientation.  This process accomplishes a plethora of preparation activities and not only includes an overview of the buying process, but also a discussion of the Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement (BBA).  The BBA is an agreement between the broker and its affiliated licensee (your Realtor) that allows the Realtor to legally represent the your interests.  In fact, it’s illegal for a Realtor to provide advice without the BBA.

During the buyer orientation, I often get questions about various sections of the BBA.  As a result, I thought I’d provide an overview related to those items that are sometimes confusing to buyers.  Today’s post is about fraudulent activities.  While I am not an attorney, I can offer some examples related to the BBA content.  Paragraph 11 of the Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR) BBA reads:

Disclosure of Potentially Fraudulent Activities
A.  To help prevent fraud in real estate transactions, Buyer does hereby give Broker permission to report any suspicious, unusual and/or potentially illegal or fraudulent activity (including but not limited to mortgage fraud) to:
     1.  Government officials, agencies, and/or authorities and/or
     2.  Any mortgage lender, mortgage insurer, mortgage investor and/or title insurance company (and/or their agents and representatives) could potentially be harmed if the activity was in fact fraudulent or illegal,
B.  Buyer acknowledges that Broker does not have special expertise with respect to detecting fraud in real estate transactions.  Therefore, buyer acknowledges that:
     1.  Activities which are fraudulent or illegal may be undetected by Broker; and
     2.  Activities which are lawful and/or routine may be reported by Broker as being suspicious, unusual or potentially illegal or fraudulent.

Clear as mud, right?  After having done countless buyer orientations, I have yet to have a buyer sit up and say, “I know what a fraudulent activity it.”  Unfortunately, this is one of those examples where ignorance is not bliss.  When fraud occurs, somebody goes to jail.  So, what are "fraudulent activities?”  They can include one of these elements:

• Making ANY false statement to a lender.
• Accepting rebates or credits as a result of the real estate transaction that are not disclosed on the settlement statement.  This could include selling bonuses to Realtors, cash incentives from sellers to buyers “under the table,” or inclusion of high value items as incentives such as keeping the boat in the back yard.
• Unacceptable, undocumented, or misrepresentation of the buyer’s down payment.  This is often a confusing element when buyers are using gift money for their down payment.  Gift funds are acceptable, with the proper documentation.
• An inflated appraised value for the property that is the collateral for the mortgage loan.
• Secret second mortgages, which may or may not be recorded.
• Bogus earnest money deposits.
• Falsely claiming that the owner will occupy the property.  Some loans are intended only for owner occupants, not investors.   If a buyer gets one of these loans (e.g., FHA or VA), then the buyer will have to sign a statement at closing that they will occupy the property.  Some loans ask for verification that the buyer will occupy the property for a specified amount of time.
• Using a fictitious or stolen identity on the loan application.

In addition to the loan-specific fraud, there are a other types of schemes that have been tried such as:

• Foreclosure re-mortgaging.  Homeowners who are at risk of defaulting on their loans or who are already in the process of having their homes foreclosed may be solicited to transfer the deed to their home to a “professional” who is supposed to help stall or eliminate the foreclosure.  Unsuspecting homeowners pay a fee for the service, but the schemer may re-mortgage the property and take any existing equity or pocket the fees paid by the homeowner.
• Equity skimming.  This is a scenario wherein false credit reports and income documents are used to secure the purchase, then the buyer signs the property over to an investor via a quitclaim deed.  The investor does not make mortgage payments and rents the property, pocketing the cash, until the bank eventually forecloses.

These activities are serious and scary.  Fortunately, they only occur in extremely small percentages of real estate transactions.  The bottom line for a buyer is to have clear and frequent communication with the Realtor who is representing him/her.  Any questions, concerns, of “funny feelings” about the activities surrounding the real estate transactions should be put on the table.  For more information about buyer representation, give me a shout out.  I’ll be happy to discuss the pro’s and con’s.

The Scoop on Home Inspections

It is never a good idea to purchase a home without the benefit of a home inspection.  After all, we are talking about investing large sums of money in the property.  The purpose of a home inspection is to identify items of concern as well as safety issues associated with a property.  In addition, the inspection can give a buyer (or seller) a better understanding regarding a home’s condition.  No home is going to be perfect --- not even new construction.  Having an inspection is a means to identify acceptable risk.

So, what’s the scoop on the basics?  First, a home inspection should be completed by a full-time professional inspector or housing contractor who is either licensed (varies by state) or certified by ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors).  Additional educational preparation is desirable, such as having an inspector who is also a accredited in laser thermography, which allows him/her to take temperature and moisture readings.  This is not a process when you want your third cousin once removed, who used to do sheetrock work, to take care of the inspection for you.  Most Realtors have at least three or four “go to” inspectors who are trusted, with literally hundreds of inspections under their belts.

Second, it is important to know what the inspection will and won’t cover.  A good home inspection will include a thorough visual inspection of the structure, inside and out, and from the foundation to the roof.  Even minor items such as a crack in the driveway should be documented in the inspection report.  Most inspectors will not only document any issues found, but they typically will also note items to watch over the short term.  Some will provide a maintenance guide as well.  The inspection main focus will be on the major systems in the property, i.e., mechanical and electrical.  Product dates and serial numbers will be documented.  If appliances are included in the sale, they will be operated to assure proper functioning.  Sometimes, the inspection will identify items that might require additional experts.  For example, a common scenario might involve the heating & air system.  An inspector will check the inside and outside components and will measure “differentials,” the range of temperature difference between the return and the vented air.  If the differential is low (e.g., below 17 degrees), then the inspector may recommend that the buyer ask an HVAC professional to do further inspections to determine if there is an insufficient charge on the system, leaks present, or other maintenance issues.

Overall, an average home inspection for a 2000 SF home takes around 2 hours, more if the home is an off-ground construction, since the inspector will have to don hazmat gear and crawl under to explore all the places you really don’t want to go.    For a price tag of between $250 – 350 for most Savannah area homes, an inspection will give you peace of mind about the following:

Exterior	Interior	Structural	Systems
Roof Gutters Windows Doors Siding & Trim Grade Driveways, Walkways, Deck	Doors Fireplaces (limited) Ceilings & Walls Appliances Included in Sale	Foundation Framing Floors Attic Crawlspace (must have 18” clearance)	Plumbing Fixtures Water Heater Electrical Service Panel Electrical Outlets Heating & Air

The price tag is a good value.  The inspection report meets objectives beyond curiosity.  It provides the foundation for negotiation as well as documentation for home warranty purposes.  If you have further questions about inspections, contact me.  I’ll be happy to give you more information and/or a referral to an excellent local inspector.

Fish Tales at Fort McAllister Marina

In the continuing saga of Savannah area seafood restaurants, it’s time to focus on a small place with a big impact in Richmond Hill.  Richmond Hill is a bedroom community of Savannah, and home to a wide range of residents, including a good number of military stationed at either Fort Stewart or Hunter Army Airfield.  Anyone living in Richmond Hill can tell you that fishing and boating are some of the most loved pastimes of the area, with a lot of activity centered in and around the Ogeechee River.  A central element in all of this activity is the Fort McAllister Marina located on GA 144 Spur.  Not only is the marina home is a good number of boat slips, it’s also the home of “Fish Tales,” a great hole-in-the-wall type seafood restaurant.  Fish Tales has two separate interior sections, including a room with a full bar and a few booths, as well as a dining room with three walls of windows looking out over the boats and river.  The dining room looks like it seats around seventy-five.  Dining extends to the outdoor area with as many tiki tables and chairs.  On weekends and special occasions, there will be live entertainment.  (In fact, yesterday diners were treated to an incredible fireworks display over the water in honor of the Labor Day weekend!)

The food choices are fabulous. Do yourself a favor if you’ve never been and get a lot of the appetizers for your table.  For example, the jalapeno poppers that are stuffed with crabmeat are great and  the hush puppies are sweet.  The buffalo shrimp are also a good choice.  Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the seafood choices!  The service may not be particularly speedy, but the trade off of not feeling rushed through dinner is worth it.  If you stay long enough, you’ll see anybody who’s anybody in Richmond Hill.  It’s a favorite watering hole.

First Saturday on the River

The first Saturday of the month in Savannah brings a variety of activities down on River Street.  This Labor Day Weekend was no different.  For the folks who didn’t want to trek to the beaches, there was music, arts & crafts, and just a lovely day to take in the sights.  Each “First Saturday” usually has a theme.  This past weekend was dubbed a giant tailgate party, with activities leading up to watching the University of Georgia football team play on a huge screen in Rousakis Plaza.