Aire Flamenco Turns Up the Heat in Savannah–Part 2

For the benefit of those who weren’t able to attend the Flamenco exhibit at the Jepson, I wanted to share some of the dance:

The dancers were either from Spain or studied there

Speed and feeling are apparent in this demonstration

Aire Flamenco Turns Up the Heat in Savannah–Part 1

Aire Flamenco, a dance troupe from Atlanta, recently visited the Jepson Museum in conjunction with the focus on Spain this month and provided both flamenco lessons as well as a dance exhibition.  Woven in between the dances, a history of flamenco and the dance styles contained was given.  The exhibition was standing room only. 


The exhibition included dances from three different dancers, singing, and guitar solos.  I would make a bet that the steps were faster than those I saw in Riverdance.  Check out Part 2 for video to prove it.  Thanks to the Jepson for continuing to bring fascinating and entertaining programs and exhibits.

Savannah’s Best Christmas Event: The Journey

Who would have guessed that you could get to Bethlehem by way of Savannah GA?  Well, Savannah Christian Church has made that possible with a very life-like recreation of the little town where Christmas began.  The Journey is something that SCC has done for several years, but this year marks a first.  The new Bethlehem market place is phenomenal.  SCC event creators even got some pointers from Disney.

The Journey combines music (while you wait to leave for the Journey), a boat ride across the sea, encounters with Roman centurions, and multiple live-action drama vignettes that tell the story of Christmas. In addition, the kids will enjoy seeing camels, donkeys, goats, sheep, and more.  It is outside and there’s a lot of walking.  However, golf carts are on hand for special needs and elderly guests.  Over 1000 volunteers are needed to make The Journey a great experience.  My advice – Get there early!  Over 2000 guests enjoyed the opening night this week, including me!  SCC projects that as many as 20,000 people will make The Journey this year.   The cost is $5/person (or maximum of $20/family).  You can pay when you get there or buy tickets in advance from the SCC book store.  It's worth every penny and is guaranteed to get you ready for the holidays!


Photos taken by SCC Volunteers

2013 Holiday Boat Parade on Savannah River

The City of Savannah continues to develop great family opportunities.  The most recent was the 2013 Boat Parade along the Savannah River, complete with a variety of boats and motifs as well as fireworks.  It was great fun for all. 
(Photos by Lyndsey Mixon)

Spooky Savannah Squares

Aren’t the squares downtown delicious day or NIGHT?  Savannah has been voted the most haunted city in the US.  I have no trouble believing it!

Will The Younger Generation Be Able to Afford a Home?

Many economists will not commit to announcing a housing recovery in the US.  It seems that for every positive indicator (supply of inventory, major market price appreciation, drop in foreclosures), there are negative indicators (rate increases, increased mortgage regulation, prospect of inflation) to balance the equation.  Realtors understand a theorem that ‘all real estate is local.’  While that’s true and recovery can often be neighborhood-specific, there are global forces at work that are more difficult to manage. 

I read an article this morning (http://www.housingwire.com/blogs/1-rewired/post/27895-globalization-could-be-stunting-the-housing-recovery) wherein the economist projects that the younger generation will be unable to afford purchasing a home.  His thesis is simple:  With median household income falling and the globalization of jobs (i.e., sending jobs outside the US), the future buyer's income will dry up.  Harsh?  

I have long held the opinion that the link between jobs and home purchasing is more important than what new regulation is coming down the line affecting mortgages. After all, people were still buying houses back in the day at 18% interest rates and have not stopped shopping more recently as credit became harder to find.  It’s not rocket science:  no job, no income, no savings, no down payment, no home.  I understand what the economist is trying to say.  Even if globalization is more focused on off-shoring lower paying manufacturing jobs, the entire economy is still affected.  

So, what's the answer?  People who have been sitting on the sidelines of politics need to get more involved.  This country needs jobs! I heard a report today that 1.5 MILLION more people are unemployed than this time last year.  I'm not sure how to correlate that to the government reports of declining unemployment rates.  Many say that folks are just giving up on looking for employment.  It's a confusing time.  However, one thing is certain.  The traditional "American Dream" has always included owning your own home.  It would be a travesty for the younger generation to miss out on that opportunity.

Savannah Cobblestones

When I was a little girl, my family told me that the ships that delivered cotton and other wares to the Savannah harbor back in the day used to unload their cobblestone ballast as well as their goods.  These cobblestones, in turn, were used to pave the river front, factor’s walk, and build up the bluff on which Savannah sits.  I made up stories about the people who delivered the cobblestones and where they might have originated.  While the cobblestoned areas are beautiful, they can also be treacherous if you don’t watch your step.  Likewise, my stories had more than a sample of pirates and ne’er do wells handling the stones.  The cobblestones have always maintained a mystique to me.

Historians guess that the cobblestones that pave Savannah’s waterfront area hale from the American northeast, Canada, the British Isles, Spain, Portugal, and Madeira.  I imagine an expert could trace the stone’s origin by its content.  It doesn’t really matter to me what the expert says.  The word itself simply signifies a rounded lump of stone, implying a large size, which has been rounded by the flow of water.  No matter what the true origin, I think I’ll stick with my childhood fantasy that assured me that the person who brought them to the ship to be used as ballast salvaged them from some stream bed in a magical forest.  Isn’t that more fun?

Hats off to our Veterans!

After WWI, President Woodrow Wilson established November 11th as Armistice Day.  It was a day to celebrate world peace and was a memorial for those military members who sacrificed their lives in WWI.  At the end of WWII, a veteran suggested that the focus of the day be changed to honor all veterans, not just those who gave their lives.  However, the change wasn’t made official until 1954, when the “Armistice” was replaced with “Veterans.”  Today, November 11th stands to celebrate ALL veterans who are serving or have served.  As a military town, Savannah GA could not be any prouder to take up this celebration.  We love our military!

Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood

Savannah Buyers often express the opinion that finding the “perfect neighborhood” is more important than finding the “perfect house.”  After all, homes can be updated over time and be made to accommodate any needs the Buyer might have.  I agree.  The neighborhood chosen has a huge impact on lifestyle—safety, available amenities, and convenience all play their part.  In addition, Buyers want to live where there are individuals and families who have similar interests and would make good friends.

There are some simple points of evaluation a Buyer can address to assure that he/she narrows down the neighborhood options.

1. Make a list of the activities—movies, health club, sports, church—engaged in regularly and/or stores visited frequently. The first test is whether the neighborhood options would require too much travel time to maintain those activities. Certainly, Savannah is not so large that a person couldn’t get just about anywhere within 30 minutes.  However, our society is a convenience-oriented one.  Too much time in the car will become burdensome.
2. Check out the school district.  Even if a Buyer is single or without children, this is still an important element of the neighborhood search.  Buying a home is a significant investment.  Unless a Buyer is planning to stay put in a “forever” home, future resale potential has to be part of the equation.  Realtors are prohibited from advertising that a home is in a “great school district.”  However, there are several websites that can provide information on test scores, class size, percentage of students who attend college, and special enrichment programs. These include:  http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/CRCT-Statewide-Scores.aspx (where you can download school-specific test scores; and http://www.greatschools.org/search/search.page?search_type=0&q=Savannah&state=GA. If you have school-age children, also consider paying a visit to schools in the neighborhoods under consideration.
3. Find out if the neighborhood is safe. Ask the police department for neighborhood crime statistics. Consider not only the number of crimes but also the type—burglaries, armed robberies—and the trend of increasing or decreasing crime. Also, is crime centered in only one part of the neighborhood, such as near a retail area? Again, this is a topic that Realtors are prohibited from discussing.  However, the information is readily available at: http://www.savannahga.gov/index.aspx?NID=1245.  This site lets you see summaries as well as interactive crime maps for specific neighborhoods or residential blocks anywhere in Chatham County.
4. Determine if the neighborhood is economically stable. Check with your local city economic development office to see if income and property values in the neighborhood are stable or rising. What is the percentage of homes to apartments? Apartments don’t necessarily diminish value, but they do mean a more transient population. Do you see vacant businesses or homes that have been for sale for months? This is definitely a characteristic for which a Realtor can provide both data and insight.
5. See if you’ll make money. A Realtor can provide information about price appreciation trends in the neighborhood. Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, this information may give you a sense of how good an investment a home or neighborhood will be.   Likewise, the local planning agency also may be able to outline planned developments or other changes in the neighborhood—like a new school or highway—that might affect value.
6. See for yourself. Once you’ve narrowed the focus to two or three neighborhoods, go there, and walk around. I always recommend checking out a neighborhood at different times of day as well as on the weekend.  Are homes tidy and well maintained? Are streets quiet? Pick a warm day if you can and chat with people working or playing outside. Are they friendly? Are their children to play with your family?

There are so many ways to take the anxiety out of the home buying process.  if you have questions about these steps or any others related to buying or selling, don’t hesitate to call me at 912-667-6533!

What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through

When Buyers enter the last week before closing on a new home, the level of excitement becomes apparent.  Making big changes in life, such as buying a home, are certainly cause for celebration.  However, in real estate, the deal’s not over till it’s over.  A very important step to address prior to closing is the final walk-through.  Almost all Buyers have a home inspection done early in the buying process.  Then, there’s as much as a 30 to 45 wait until the property closes and the Buyer gets the keys.  A lot can change in that time frame.  in addition, the Buyer may have negotiated a list of repairs.  As a result, the final walk-through is a critical piece of the process.
Typically, within 48 hours of closing, the Buyer and his/her Realtor should schedule the walk-through to be sure that:

• Repairs negotiated have been made. Sometimes these are easy to check.  For example, if a broken window pane was to be replaced, the repair will be obvious.  Other repairs, though, are not so easy to discern.  Therefore, it is important to obtain copies of paid bills and any related warranties that have been performed as part of the contract.  Not only does this provide documentation of exactly what work was done, but it also gives the Buyer a point of future contact for questions or additional work in the future.

• All items that were included in the sale price—draperies, lighting fixtures—are still there.  Items included in the sale are noted on the Seller’s Property Disclosure.  However, if the Seller utilizes a professional mover, mistakes can be made if communication is not clear.

• All appliances and systems (HVAC, water heater) are operating.  These are checked as part of a regular home inspection, but appliances can break with normal wear and tear.  It is also helpful to determine whether instruction booklets or existing warranties are on site.

• No plants or shrubs have been removed from the yard.  Normally, if a Seller wants to remove a plant for sentimental reasons, this is clearly stated in the disclosures.  Unfortunately, some Sellers don’t get to this level of detail and assume it won’t be a problem if they take “the rose bush that grandma gave me.”  Knowing about these changes prior to closing will enable the parties to the contract to address any issues.

• Garage door openers, other remotes, pool keys, etc. are available.  It is often helpful to have a checklist of those type of things to assure that the subject is addressed.  It is very easy for a Seller to drive away from a closing with the garage door opener still clipped to his car visor.

• All personal items of the Sellers and all debris have been removed.  Only a small fraction of Sellers leave items behind, but it does happen.  In addition, the Georgia contract stipulates that the Seller need only have the property “broom swept” clean unless the contract calls for professional cleaning.  After many years in the business, I can attest that one person’s definition of “clean” doesn’t always match another person’s.  If the outside trash cans are piled high with trash, it will be important to note the pick up schedule.  Often, city crews only pick up large items (too big for cans) once per month.

The final walk-through is an important process element that assures that any last minute fixes can be made before property transfer.  Doing the walk-through will also facilitate a happy and smooth closing environment on the big day.

Savannah Doors - #5

This Savannah door faces Wright Square in historic downtown Savannah.  It has graced the area for decades as the entrance to the Lutheran Church. 

Marketing Gone Wrong?

I have to admit.  I love clever marketing.  However, I had to scratch my head when I pulled up next to this truck today in my travels.  They had to really step out on a limb to adapt memorable dialogue from a long ago TV series.  Would this encourage you to give them a call?  Or to simply “flush” the idea from your mind?

5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score

in recent years, the economy and job fluctuations have challenged consumers.  The real estate market has recorded epic numbers of short sales and foreclosures.  Thankfully, the market in and around Savannah, GA, has rebounded and many consumers are readying themselves to purchase real estate.  A foundational consideration is the potential Buyer’s credit score.  Credit scores range between 200 and 800. Scores above 620 are considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. Certainly, the higher the score, the more likely a buyer will receive better rates or fees from the lender.

These factors will affect your score:

1. Your payment history. Basically, a lender wants proof that you paid credit card obligations on time. This gives them confidence that you will also pay your mortgage on time.  Buyers are often unaware that having a “late” payment on a credit report can rule them out of getting a mortgage.  Your payment history must be squeaky clean for 12 months prior to getting through the mortgage underwriting process.
2. How much you owe. Owing a great deal of money on numerous accounts can indicate that you are overextended.  No matter how much a lender wants to work with you, he/she cannot move forward on approving a mortgage unless you meet the test of having the right ratio (percentage) of income to expenses. 
3. The length of your credit history. In general, the longer the better.
4. How much new credit you have. New credit, either installment payments or new credit cards, are considered more risky, even if you pay promptly. If you are planning on buying a home in coming months, think twice before opening any new accounts.  When considering buying a home, a Buyer will be told by both the lender and the Realtor that it’s a sin to establish new credit during the process.  In fact, I often tell my Buyers, “Don’t spend any money on anything other than food and gas!”
5. The types of credit you use. Generally, it’s desirable to have more than one type of credit—installment loans, credit cards, and a current mortgage, for example. This can sometimes be a challenge for first time Buyers.  Occasionally, the type of credit you might have is unplanned, such as major medical expenses.  More often, however, Buyers simply don’t keep track of accounts, letting some go dormant.

For more on evaluating and understanding your credit score, go to http://www.myfico.com.  For more specific information, you might consider calling a lender to have them review your credit score and report and consult with you on ways to strengthen or protect your score during the buying process.  Call me for a referral to a superior local Savannah lender.

Savannah Doors–#4

Isn’t this inviting?  Can anyone guess this door’s location?

Skidaway Marine Science Day

On October 26th, The University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography hosted a free marine science day.  The community was invited to tour the aquarium, research labs, science vessels, and the enjoy exhibits and special events like a reptile show and fish feeding.

The aquarium is small, but has an interesting variety of aquatic life.  The reptile show lasted over an hour and was a standing room only event.  The instructor had a lively question and answer delivery throughout his presentation.  It was amazing to hear how much the children knew.  After the show and tell, guests were invited to come touch or get a closer look at the reptiles.


Stations were set up for games.  In addition, scientists had set up microscopes and exhibits outside so that visitors could view plankton under high power.  More interesting items awaited on the R/V Savannah, the Institute’s research vessel which travels as far north as the Chesapeake Bay and as far south as Curacao. 


All in all, it was a great time.  Kids could crab off the dock.  Families learned about conservation.  And, of course, the weather was fabulous for walking the Institute grounds and learning about the great work they do there.

8 Steps to Getting Your Finances in Order

People who want to buy a home typically set that goal months before contacting a Realtor for assistance.  During that time, the potential home buyer focuses on preparation items, spending the majority of time on getting finances in order.  Following are eight simple steps that will assure that a buyer is ready to proceed in identifying home options.

1. Develop a family budget. Instead of budgeting what you’d like to spend, use receipts to create a budget for what you actually spent over the last six months. One advantage of this approach is that it factors in unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, illnesses, etc., as well as predictable costs such as rent.   If you haven’t experienced the unexpected, use a “reserve” factor.  Followers of the Dave Ramsey financial plans work to have at least a $1000 emergency fund to handle these types of items.
2. Reduce your debt. Generally speaking, lenders look for a total debt load of no more than 36 percent of income. Since this figure includes your mortgage, which typically ranges between 25 percent and 28 percent of income, you need to get the rest of installment debt—car loans, student loans, revolving balances on credit cards—down to between 8 percent and 10 percent of your total income.   Buyers sometimes thinks that closing all accounts will be in their best interest.  That’s not always the case.  Talking to a lender will help outline the most appropriate path to both debt reduction and maintenance of accounts.  For the best results, list accounts from smallest to largest and work on paying off the smallest accounts first.
3. Get a handle on expenses. You probably know how much you spend on rent and utilities, but little expenses add up. Try writing down everything you spend for one month. Documenting all expenses is like taking stock of your daily calorie intake.  There are always items you overlook.  Be disciplined.  You’ll probably see some great ways to save.
4. Increase your income. It may be necessary to take on a second, part-time job to get your income at a high-enough level to qualify for the home you want. If your income is already sufficient for the price range of your choice, consider the part-time job as a way to enlarge your down payment.
5. Save for a down payment. Although it’s possible to get a mortgage with as little as 3.5% of the purchase price down—or even less for VA or USDA loans—you can usually get a better rate and a lower overall cost if you put down more. The ideal is a 20 percent down payment, so that you can avoid paying a mortgage insurance premium.
6. Create a house fund. Don’t just plan on saving “whatever’s left” of your monthly budget toward a down payment. Instead, decide on a certain amount per month you want to save, then put it away as you pay your monthly bills.   Even if you already have your down payment well in hand, or a family member intends to provide you a gift, the house fund will enable you to handle expenses such as moving, getting set up in the new home with basics like blinds or curtains, with the least amount of anxiety.
7. Keep your job. While you don’t need to be in the same job forever to qualify, having a job for less than two years may mean you have to pay a higher interest rate. When considering buying a home, it is never a good idea to change jobs (unless, of course, the home purchase is related to a job relocation).
8. Establish a good credit history. For first time home buyers, there’s always a possibility that a credit history is non-existent.  Again, before getting a random credit card, talk this over with a lender.  With or without credit cards, it will be essential to make payments on any existing accounts by the due date. A “late” payment can prohibit being approved for a mortgage.

If you have other questions about preparing for a home purchase, don’t hesitate to give me a call!

Savannah Doors–#3

Welcome to the Mansion…700 Drayton Street!

How Do You Know It’s Time to Buy?

Have you looked at all of the current events & news reports on housing and wondered: How Can I Know It’s Time to Buy?  Well, that is a question often posed by home Buyers.  My answer is typically, “Now is the time to buy!”  I don’t say that because I’m a Realtor and need a commission.  There’s actually a set of economic indicators that can help buyers get off the fence and commit to a real estate purchase.  Listed below are a few simple “math” scenarios I put together that should help Buyers understand today’s timing:

(Economic Reports Showing that it is 35% Cheaper to Buy Versus Rent) + (US Midwest & South Best Affordability Index) = 

Time to Maximize Your Budget

(Decline in Foreclosures & Short Sales) + (Rise in Home Prices) = 

Buy Now for More House for the Money

(Rise in Home Prices) + (Reduced Inventory) = 

Future Drops in Affordability & Loss of Buyer Negotiation Strength & Fewer Home Options

(Consistent Positive Jobs Reports) + (Fed Tapering) = 

Looming Rise in Mortgage Rates

(Job Recovery) + (Advantages of Leaving Mom’s Basement) = 

Rise in First Time Home Buyers

All of these indicators are in play right now, with one exception.  The Fed has not moved forward with “tapering.” However, this action is expected by Spring of 2014.  Watch the news reports and see for yourself.  If you need more information about home buying and what is available to meet your needs and timetable, please give me a call.

Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival 2013

Have a hankering for gator or shark bites?  Fried shrimp?  Hush puppies?  Carnival rides? Crafts?  Entertainment?  Well, look no further!  This weekend has been a feast for the eyes and the stomach as Richmond Hill hosted its annual Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival in Gregory Park.  There was truly something for everyone.  Each year the festival seems to draw more and more folks.  Different bands performed each night, with Collective Soul filling the Saturday night slot.  I went on Friday night and enjoyed Georgia Fire, a southern rock band.



A $20 bracelet entitled the wearer to unlimited rides that were equally designed for younger and older children.  The typical carnie type games were also available.



The weather was perfect.


And, when it was time to eat, the variety of options made it difficult to make a decision.  Ample seating was available under the pole barn.


Georgia Fire put on a fun show, with the crowd doing a little sing-a-long and dancing.

Be sure to put this event on your annual calendar.