Thursday, April 24, 2008

AVOID THE RED TAG!

Have you ever noticed clothing sales that advertise “seconds” at greatly reduced prices? The “second” quality merchandise may exhibit flaws like uneven seams and pulled stitches, and capitalizes on the slightly lower quality in exchange for a lower price.

Much like those “mark downs,” a home being offered for sale with obvious flaws also invites a lower price. Homebuyers, like other savvy shoppers, quickly become aware of needed repairs, and then begin scrutinizing the home for other defects.

If you plan to sell your home and expect to receive full price, be certain that all needed repairs are completed before the “For Sale” sign appears out front. If you don't, expect to receive about $2 less for each $1 in needed repairs.

Protect your investment by asking an agent for advice. They will walk through your home as a buyer would, making notes of all apparent defects that attract attention. This could range from a cracked windowpane to carpet in need of replacement. No matter what the flaw may be, if it attracts attention, it also becomes a point on which the buyer may negotiate a lower sale price.

Your real estate agent can guide you further by providing marketing tips to make your home more attractive to buyers. Remember that by offering a “first quality" home, you may expect to receive the best price.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Welcome SCAD Parents



Why RENT When You Can BUY?
While you are enjoying the SCAD Parents Weekend
and the Sidewalk Arts Festival please feel free to also stop in our office at 24 East Oglethorpe Avenue
and take a look at the amazing properties that are perfect for your SCAD student.


111 West 57th St
Near Montgomery Hall
$99,900

31 West 52nd St
Near Montgomery Hall
$99,900

The Commons - 401 North Cromwell A-2
Wilmington Island
$112,000
$119,990 – $203,000

110 Brown Pelican Dr
Southside
$149,900

3602 Montgomery St
Midtown
$165,000

137 West 51st St
Near Montgomery Hall
$180,000

Herty Lofts, Unit 209 - 1835 Skidaway Rd
East Side / Near Gordonston
$186,500

120 Brady St
Thomas Square / Victorian District
$195,000

216 East State St
Historic District
$199,500

208 East Jones St
Historic District
$199,900

2514 Abercorn St
Victorian District
$210,000 - $295,000

101 East Gaston St, Unit 3B
Historic District
$215,000

523 East Anderson St
Victorian District
$228,000

24 East Macon, Unit 3
Historic District
$239,000

Newwalk Arwood - 805 Whitaker St
Historic District
$249,900

545 East Gordon St
Historic District
$289,000

116 West Liberty St
Historic District
$295,000

411 West Congress St
Historic District
$295,000 - $299,000
103 West 31st St
Thomas Square / Victorian District
$300,000

557 East Jones St
Historic District
$309,000

412 Price St
Historic District
$315,000

15 East Jones St
Historic District
$315,000

527 East Waldburg St
Victorian District
$339,000

317 Lorch St
Victorian District
$349,000

308 East 31st St
Thomas Square / Victorian District
$359,900

The Lafayette - 321 Abercorn St, Unit 408
Historic District
$365,000

318 West Jones St
Historic District
$383,000

322 West Jones St
Gardens District
$399,900

317 East Huntingdon St
Historic District
$465,000

501 East Park Ave
Victorian District
$475,000

610 Habersham St
Historic District
$535,000

OPEN HOUSES | Saturday & Sunday | April 26 & 27


NOW is the time to buy! Come view our OPEN HOUSES!


Saturday, April 26, 2008

2514 Abercorn St.
Victorian District
$210,000 - $295,000
OPEN HOUSE 1-4 pm

Historic District
OPEN HOUSE 2-4 pm
$249,000 - $279,000
Historic District
OPEN HOUSE 1-4 pm

Thomas Square District
OPEN HOUSE 1-5 pm

107 Whitaker St.
$699,000
Commercial Space
Historic District
OPEN HOUSE 2-4 pm


Sunday, April 27, 2008

Cobblestone Row - 308-316 East 31st St.
$299,000 and up
OPEN HOUSE 1-5 pm

557 East Jones St.
$309,000
Historic District
OPEN HOUSE 3-5 pm


412 Price St.
$315,000
Historic Downtown
OPEN HOUSE 2-4 pm
$315,000
Historic District
OPEN HOUSE 1-4 pm
$439,900
Historic District
OPEN HOUSE 3-5 pm

702 East 44th St.
$598,500
Ardsley Park
OPEN HOUSE 3-5 pm

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Cora Bett Thomas Realty & Associates Brings Home First Place (Again) in International Marketing Contest


Cora Bett Thomas, founder and CEO of Cora Bett Thomas Realty & Associates and Judy Nease, Broker-In-Charge, recently attended the 2008 Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and Luxury Portfolio conferences at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, FL. About 800 real estate brokers, managers, relocation professionals, sponsors and guests from the U.S. and 11 countries around the world participated in the annual event.

Cora Bett Thomas is proud to announce that Cora Bett Thomas Realty & Associates’ is the recipient of a Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Member Achievement Award as well as two first place awards in the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Marketing Contest held in conjunction with the conferences.

Leading Real Estate Solutions™ Award
Cora Bett Thomas Realty & Associates received the Leading Real Estate Solutions™ Award for their active participation with Leading Real Estate Solutions™ programs. Leading Real Estate Solutions is devoted to supporting the competitiveness of LeadingRE affiliates through the development of strategic alliances with top providers of real estate products and services.

First Place International Marketing Awards
Two award-winning advertising campaigns received top honors with a 1st Place - Company Brand Advertising category and another 1st Place - Property Advertising category. The ad campaigns were chosen based on creativity, incorporation of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® material and/or graphics and overall presentation and effectiveness. Cora Bett Thomas Realty & Associates was presented with the two first place awards at the annual conference..

“The Marketing Contest showcases some of the finest marketing in the industry and is a tremendous opportunity for our affiliates to share strategies for branding, advertising and company promotion,” said Robin LaSure, LeadingRE vice president of communications. “We commend Cora Bett Thomas Realty & Associates for earning this prestigious distinction.”


“I am so proud of our talented marketing team for this outstanding achievement,” said Cora Bett Thomas, founder and CEO of Cora Bett Thomas Realty & Associates. “This is the second year in a row we have brought home the gold and our marketing team’s creativity and hard work has truly paid off. Since our company’s inception, marketing has been a critical key to our success. We look forward to continuing to create even more ambitious, state-of-the-art marketing initiatives in 2008 and beyond.”


With listings for the area’s finest residential and commercial properties, Cora Bett Thomas Realty & Associates’ affiliations also include Christie’s Great Estates, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, and The Board of Regents. The firm dominates the luxury real estate market along the Georgia and South Carolina coast.

As a member of LeadingRE, Cora Bett Thomas Realty & Associates can assist individuals relocating to virtually any community in the U.S. or abroad and can meet corporate relocation needs through the network’s sister relocation company, RELO Direct®. Participation in the network’s home listing website, RELOHomeSearch.com, and luxury home marketing program, Luxury Portfolio Fine Property Collection™ bring world wide exposure to Cora Bett Thomas Realty & Associates’ home listings.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Jump-Start Your Home's Heart!

As a seller in the current real estate climate (or any market, for that matter), you know that your home's features must stand out against those of the competition. First you need to understand what buyers are looking for, and then you must decide how much money and elbow grease to invest to make those wishes come true.

History shows that the kitchen is the best place to make your impression, and it can be done for less than a king's ransom. Got old linoleum, vinyl or chipped tiles on your kitchen floor? You can install laminate that looks like new tile, stone or wood for just $1 to $5 per square foot!

You can show off your flooring with updated light fixtures. Under-cabinet lighting is easily installed, and a gorgeous overhead light will brighten things up for less than $100.

A coat of fresh paint and some new hardware are very reasonable ways to go if you want your old cabinets to impress new homeowners, and chipped appliances can be re-enameled to their original luster. It may cost just a few hundred dollars, but you'd be well advised to hire a professional for this kind of refinishing.

For more budget-wise suggestions, ask a real estate agent to do a "walk through" of your home before the first potential buyers come through that front door!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

My home isn't selling: Now what do I do?


By Eric Gnau
Real Estate Associate
Cora Bett Thomas Realty


Hardly a day passes that you don't hear something about the sluggish condition of the U.S. housing market. People often tell me that homes just aren't selling. However, that is not entirely true, at least not here. Homes are selling.


Now it is true that there is a larger than usual inventory of homes on the market and that the average days-on-market (DOM) statistic has increased. But homes are selling, just at a slower pace than the breakneck speed of 2005 and a portion of 2006.


For the 12-month period ending Feb. 25, 2008, the Beaufort Multiple Listing Service reported that 862 homes were sold, at an average price of $311,000 totaling more than $268,000,000.But these statistics are little consolation to the homeowner who has had his home on the market for an extended period of time.


Read More... as seen in The Beaufort Gazette

Thursday, April 10, 2008

A Lot To Consider!

Buy or build? If you're considering new construction, the first item on your To Do list is to find a suitable lot. The experience of builders and architects points to a few key features you should investigate in your search for the perfect spot.

First, and perhaps most obvious, is the size of the lot. The larger the lot, the greater the cost, depending on location. Consider the property taxes and how much maintenance it will require. Remember that the smallest lots tend to appreciate more quickly than their larger neighbors.

Next, imagine how the terrain will affect aspects like drainage and the positioning of the home. Ask your builder to explain the impact the terrain will have on your plan.

Related to the terrain is the view the property offers. Take great care in discovering how adjoining land will be developed, and how that could affect your view. A gas station may one day be built on that beautiful meadow out back.

And finally, the mantra of real estate is "location, location, location." Want a faster commute? Buy a lot near the entrance of your subdivision. Want to keep your kids safe from traffic? Then plan a purchase further toward the back.

It's all common sense, really, but it helps to take an organized and educated approach to this critical element of home construction

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Open House Schedule | Sunday, April 13, 2008

The Merritt
$149,990 - $189,990
Whitemarsh Island
Open House 2-5 p.m.

322 E. 65th St.
$225,000
Midtown
Open House 2 – 4 p.m.

412 Price St.
$315,000
Historic Downtown
Open House 2 – 4 p.m.

6 Wilton Lane
$349,000
Olde Town on Wilmington Island
Open House 3 – 5 p.m.

416 – 418 E. 40th St.
$399,000
Baldwin Park
Open House 2 – 4 p.m.

7 St. Augustine Bend
$399,000
Causton Bluff
Open House 2 – 4 p.m.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Savannah's in BLOOM!


Savannah’s in bloom! Now’s the time to plan your trip to our lovely city. Take a look below at some of our upcoming events…

N.O.G.S. Tour of Hidden Gardens | April 18-19
8 private gardens plus the Massie School Center which was restored and is maintained by The Garden Club of Savannah
Tours are from 2 – 4 PM each day
www.gcofsavnogstour.org
912 961 4805

Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf | April 21-27
Held at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, this golf tournament is celebrating its 31st year and features golfing legends from the past and present.
www.pgatour.com/tournaments/s504
912 236 1333

SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival | April 26
Annual chalk drawing competition on the sidewalks of Forsyth Park. Food, live music, and fun for artists and non-artists of all ages. Come and get your hands dirty or just wander through the park and marvel at what some people can do with chalk!
www.scad.edu/events/sidewalkarts/2008
912 525 5865

SCAD Sand Arts Festival | May 2
Annual competition held on Tybee’s North Beach is an art competition using sand and objects found on the beach. Categories include sand castles, sculpture, relief and wind wind sculpture.
912 525 5231

Tybee Island Beach Bum Weekend | May 16-17
Get your water guns ready for the world-famous Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade on Friday, May 16 and the Beach Bum Luau is on Saturday, May 17. Enjoy a weekend of free live entertainment and fun for the entire family.
www.tybeevisit.com/
912 786 5393

Thursday, April 3, 2008

LOOKING BEYOND THE PRICE!

What pops in your mind when you think of a real estate contract? The price, right? It's the critical term, but far from the only important factor to be considered by buyers or sellers. There are costs, finances, conveyances, and consequences to consider.

Typical costs include commissions, inspections, legal fees and so on. Your representative should firmly negotiate and explain who pays for what.

How about the escrow deposit and financing contingencies? Unless the buyers pay cash, an escape clause should release them from obligation if financing falls through. Specifying that the loan will be secured at a certain interest rate or lower provides further protection.

Also pay close attention to conveyances of personal property, such as some appliances, lighting or window treatments, or furnishing. Avoid argument and further negotiation by assuring there is zero confusion about what is included in the sale price.

Another factor that should be clearly spelled out is the consequences of a breach in contract by either side. This is a binding legal document, whereby buyers in breach can lose their deposit, or sellers in breach can be sued for "specific performance" to force the sale of the home.

It's best for you and your representative to review a standard contract before you make or consider a purchase offer. Know what to expect and be prepared to negotiate to Yes!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Second Home Market Remains Bright

by Peter G. Miller

In the midst of all the gloom and doom on the housing front, one remarkably-bright statistic has just been announced: Last week the National Association of Realtors reported that 12 percent of all existing home sales last year were not primary residences, they were instead vacation homes.

It turns out that a lot of us have second homes at the lake, the beach, in the mountains or just somewhere different. The idea that so many of us have not just one house but two is at least counter-intuitive given that almost 1.3 million homes were lost to foreclosure last year, according to figures from RealtyTrac.com.

What do such numbers say about our housing market?

It takes a given number of dollars each month to support a primary residence, a standard that a large number of owners are not meeting. As the Mortgage Bankers Association explained in its most-recent delinquency report, "the rate of foreclosure starts and the percent of loans in the process of foreclosure are at the highest levels ever."

And yet at a time when many households are plainly having huge problems, it's clear that another group of households is doing very well. Not only can folks in this second group support one house, they can afford at least two.

The implicit reservoir of wealth represented by vacation property owners is important because it means there are large numbers of people out there with dollars that can be used to stroke the economy. If this trend holds up, it also means that about 600,000 second homes will be sold this year, a big and positive number at a time when big and positive numbers should be welcomed.

Published: April 2, 2008 http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080402_millerreport.htm

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Ardsley Park - SUPER SUNDAY - Open House Event


Sunday, April 6th
12 - 5 PM


Please join us for the Ardsley Park - SUPER SUNDAY - Open House Event Featuring 16 homes in beautiful Ardsley Park.


12 - 2 PM
203 East 53rd Street
215 East 53rd Street
501 East 57th Street
623 East 52nd Street
324 East 54th Street
113 East 53rd Street
112 East 53rd Street
602 East 52nd Street
114 E 57th Street

3 - 5 PM
519 East 45th Street
601 East 44th Street
525 East Victory Drive
402 East 48th Street
611 East 49th Street
3710 Abercorn Street

12 - 5 PM
340 East 50th Street
702 East 44th Street

New Homes: Designing Your Own Wall Plans

by Dena Kouremetis

Whether or not you have the vision of Frank Lloyd Wright, or don't know a casement window from a double-hung, you can now create window and wall designs from thousands of possible combinations that reflect your own personal style.

Bayport, Minn.-based Andersen Windows has developed WindowCentrics Wall Planner, a new online tool that allows users to visualize how walls will look with windows and doors. Four walls and only one floor means that a wall plan design is just as important as a floor plan, according to Cameron Snyder, the company's brand public relations manager.

The idea for an online design tool, customarily used by builders and contractors to design with clients, was designed with consumers in mind -- people who often perform design services with pencil and paper.

The program takes users through the process of computer-aided design, allowing them to choose a wall shape from 16 available templates that include six families of Andersen windows and patio doors. Pre-designed window and door combinations or individual units are then “dropped” into the virtual wall space.

In addition to the design and layout, the tool allows users to personalize their design by selecting window trim stain and color options and adding color and texture to the wall. You can even enhance it with images of furniture, people, pets, and plants also can be used to demonstrate scale. The results can be saved as a PDF file for sharing.

To get you started, the Andersen Wall Planner offers a photo library that automatically generates window combinations inspired by real homes and automatically adjusts the design options to account for the limits of product manufacturing and construction parameters.

For more about WindowCentrics, go to andersenwindows.com/design.


Published: April 1, 2008 http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080401_newhomes.htm