MONEY GROWS ON THIS TREE!

Let's plant two “money trees” and watch their growth. We'll plant the first by placing $20,000 in a savings account earning 5% interest, and leave it there for five years. After five years, we'll withdraw our initial investment ($20,000) plus the interest ($5,525). We invested $20,000 and received back $25,525, a 5% yield.

Now, let's plant the second tree. We'll buy a home for $100,000 and invest $20,000 (as the down payment). For the sake of argument, we'll assume that the home appreciates at 5% each year, just as the savings account earned 5% interest. At the end of five years, the home will be worth about $128,335, a $28,335 gain (that's at an annual rate of 5%).

We invested the same $20,000, and received back our $20,000 investment plus another $28,335 (the increase in value) for a total of $48,335. The rate of return is a sizable 19.3 percent! By purchasing the home, we were able to earn 5% appreciation on the entire $100,000, whereas on the savings account we earned 5% only on the $20,000 investment.

Incidentally, if we had invested only $10,000 in the same $100,000 home ($10,000 down payment - $90,000 loan), we would have received the same $48,335 in return for only a $10,000 investment - a whopping 37.04 percent return! Now you can see the obvious benefits of home ownership!

Golf Couse Homes

Are you looking to purchase a home on a golf course? Check out the following communities! We would be happy to show you homes for sale in these communities or answer any questions you may have.

http://www.golfcoursehome.net/doc/communities/Community-Springislandsc.htm

http://www.golfcoursehome.net/doc/communities/Community-Frippislandsc.htm

http://www.golfcoursehome.net/doc/communities/Community-Belfairsc.htm

http://www.golfcoursehome.net/doc/communities/Community-colletonriverscnew.htm

http://www.golfcoursehome.net/doc/communities/Community-hamptonhallsc.htm

http://www.golfcoursehome.net/doc/communities/Community-Palmettobluffsc.htm

http://www.golfcoursehome.net/doc/communities/Community-Seapinessc.htm

http://www.golfcoursehome.net/doc/communities/Community-Wexfordplansc.htm

http://www.golfcoursehome.net/doc/communities/Community-Fordplantationga.htm

http://www.golfcoursehome.net/doc/communities/Community-Reservesavannahharborga.htm

NO DEPOSIT, NO RETURN!

When buying a home, would you consider asking the sellers to "hold" their home off the market without offering to give them a deposit? As a seller, would you take your home "off the market" for purchasers who were unwilling to give you a sum of money as a deposit?

In both cases, the answer is probably "No!" A very important message is communicated from buyer to seller by the so-called "earnest money deposit." It is understandably common for homebuyers to want to offer as small a deposit as possible when signing an agreement to purchase a home, and just as common for the sellers to want as large a sum as possible to be placed on deposit.

Here's why the amount offered can be so important. For the buyers, one way to impress the sellers with their sincerity is by offering a higher than normal deposit. Their willingness to go beyond the minimum requirements is a positive indicator that they plan to complete the purchase on time and as agreed.

From the sellers' point of view, a solid offer to purchase from buyers - when accompanied by a substantial deposit - can quickly become an attractive offer, one which is easy to accept. In a nutshell, a larger than expected earnest money deposit can yield a positive return for both homebuyers and sellers!

THE TIME IS ALWAYS RIGHT!

Perhaps you've thought about selling your present home, but have put off that decision, thinking that now is not a good time to sell. Want some advice? Wait no longer!

Consider what happens during the "bad times." Most homeowners want to sell their homes for the highest possible price in the shortest possible period of time. So, during those periods that are perceived as "a bad time to sell a home" or a “buyers market,” those homeowners put off their selling decision until a more favorable selling climate exists.

Since the so-called "bad times" can last from a relatively short period to a couple years, a backlog of frustrated would-be sellers builds up. It is sort of like the force that builds up in a pressure cooker.

Then, finally, comes the good news: "Home sales are rising - buyers are buying!" Guess what happens? Like the pressure cooker, the lid blows right off the top. Sellers by the thousands begin to flood the market with homes to sell. The competition is incredibly fierce and prices must be competitive to generate a sale.

The best time to sell a home is when you are ready to sell. Make sure your home is in top condition, price it fairly, and employ the best realty professional available. Through careful planning, your house will sell successfully in any market!

NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT!

How do you know when it's a buyer's market? Look at your watch. If the date is today – then it's a buyer's market! How can that be? Because a buyer can find just the right home at a favorable price 365 days of each year.

Start by defining for yourself the meaning of "buyer's market." Does it mean purchasing a home at a bargain price? Well, there are always homes available at below market prices, but be careful. While you're waiting for prices to drop, you may be faced with higher interest rates, and thus higher payments.

The reverse can happen, too. If you’re waiting for rates to drop (to match the lower home prices), inflation may suddenly increase, raising an otherwise affordable home into an unaffordable price range.

Another definition of a buyer's market may be the availability of a wide selection of homes from which to choose. Naturally, you want to have some choices, don't you? But are you aware that the inventory of available homes has been increasing significantly for a number of years?

Perhaps waiting for a buyer's market is a form of procrastination. If so, don't wait any longer. Each week many happy buyers purchase the home of their dreams, while others watch from the sidelines. Will you be a spectator too, or a player on the winning team?

Savannah Weekly Events

Events for the week of October 1 - 7 in Savannah, Ga.

Oct. 1 – 31 19th Century Glass from the Savannah Collections exhibit on display at the Telfair Museum of Art. 121 Barnard St. (912) 790-8800.
http://www.telfair.org/

Oct. 1 – Oct. 31 JEA Art Gallery Works by sculptor Carolyne Graham, photographer Carrie Kellog, printmaker/painter Grace Rohland and artist Victoria Hennie are on display in the JEA Art Gallery. Reception on Oct. 7, 3:30-5:30 p.m. 5111 Abercorn St. (912) 355-8111.
http://www.savj.org/

Oct. 1- 26 "Focus on 20th Century Art: Highlights from SCAD's Collection" SCAD Museum of Art, 227 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Ga. Second floor focus galleryApproximately 20 significant works from the college"s permanent collection are on view, including paintings, drawings and prints by Pablo Picasso, Willim De Kooning, Mark Tobey, Robert Rauschenberg, Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, Sam Gilliam, Bridget Riley and others. For more information, visit the SCAD Museum of Art Web site or call 912.525.7191.

Oct. 1 - Oct. 21 Savannah Collects: African Art in Local Collections Pei Ling Chan Gallery and Garden for the Arts, 324 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Ga. The Savannah College of Art and Design art history and exhibitions departments present “Savannah Collects,” featuring items such as masks, utilitarian objects and figures culled from local African art collections. A reception is scheduled for Sept. 21, 5-7 p.m., coinciding with the monthly gallery hop. Free and open to the public. For more information, e-mail SCAD exhibitions.

Oct. 4-6 Savannah Shakespeare Festival
This outdoor celebration in Forsyth Park will feature Three Quarter Ale, the Gretchen Green Dancers, Jamie Keena, The Puppet People, Savannah Children’s Theatre and a live professional performance of Henry V. Free and open to the public! For more information, call 912-651-6417.

Oct. 4-7 Artist Materials Trade Show
The latest art materials will be showcased by over 20 exhibitors, including the National Gallery of Art. Presented by SCAD, this event is free and open to the public. Friday and Saturday, 10am - 5pm; Sunday, 10am - 3pm at the River Club, 3 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Oct. 5 Hairspray, the musical
Johnny Mercer Theater 8:00 p.m. http://www.savannahcivic.com/cityweb/civiccenter.nsf

Oct. 5-7 Oktoberfest
Live entertainment featuring Oompah bands, German food, games, fun, regional arts & crafts. Location: Rousakis Plaza, Historic River Street Savannah, GA

Oct. 5 – 6 60th Annual Junior League of Savannah Thrift Sale at the Savannah Civic Center Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. All items are 50% on Sat. Proceeds benefit the Junior League’s community improvement projects. For tickets, call (912) 651-6556.
http://www.jrleaguesav.org/

Oct. 5 - 6 Tybee Island Pirate Fest 3rd Annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest in the South Beach Parking Lot. Features a Pirate Invasion, Pirate Parade, Arts & Crafts Marketplace, live entertainment, costume contests, children’s activities and more. Times vary. (912) 786-5393.
http://www.tybeepiratefest.com/

Oct. 5-6 Botanical Gardens Annual Plant Sale
See many unusual plants, trees and shrubs; along with hanging baskets, ground covers, ferns, etc. The fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs! 8:30am to 3pm at Botanical Gardens, 1388 Eisenhower Dr. For more information, call Patti King at 912-356-3591.

Oct. 5 First Friday for Folk Music
Featuring Tuck Brawner, Jeff Talmadge and Gary Hensley. 7:30 pm at Wesley Monumental UMC. For information, call 912-786-6953.

Oct. 6 First Saturdays for Kids This monthly program for young people includes studio art workshops (available by advance reservation only), storytelling and ac...Location: Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 W. York Street

Oct. 6 Fall Festival- "Down on the Farm"
Come out for a fun filled day, featuring low country artists. Enjoy a flower show, educational exhibits, face painting, quilt exhibits. Hot dogs and refreshments will be sold. The gardens and nature trails will be available to tour. 8:30am to 3:30pm. At Botanical Gardens, 1388 Eisenhower Dr. Call 912-355-3883 for more information.

Oct. 6 Heart of Savannah 5K Road Race and Walk
The 17th annual road race and walk is organized by the YMCA of Coastal Georgia and will be hosted by City Market. The kiddie run starts at 6pm; the 5K race begins at 6:20pm. For more information, call 912-354-6223.

Oct. 6 Starland Farmers Market
9am-1pm, every Saturday in October. Located in Starland between Bull and Whitaker and 40th and 41st Streets. Free!

Oct. 6-Nov. 3 2007 Alumni Design Show House Bartow House, 126 W. Harris St., Savannah, Ga. The Savannah College of Art and Design announces the Bartow House as its winning location for the 2007 Alumni Design Show House. Located at 126 W. Harris St., the four-story, late Federal- and early Greek revival-style home sits on the corner of Pulaski Square in Savannah’s Historic District. Boasting more than 8,000 square feet of space, the freestanding clapboard structure provides talented SCAD alumni a blank canvas to transform a historic house (circa 1839) into a design show house. Alumni designers and artists will be challenged to showcase their individual style and unique vision for their assigned rooms. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the SCAD Alumni Scholarship, awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student. A portion of the furnishings and artwork sold in the house will also go toward the scholarship. For more information, read the press release or call Linda Tierney, director of alumni services, at 912.525.5865.

Oct. 7 Picnic in the Park
Savannah’s beloved outdoor affair is back! Pack your basket and join us for a memorable afternoon with music, food and friends. Free courtesy of the City of Savannah.
Phone: 912-651-6417 Location: Forsyth Parkhttp://www.savannahga.gov/arts

BRING ‘EM ON!

In a highly competitive industry like real estate, what reasons would a seller have for going it alone? Not surprisingly, the majority of unrepresented sellers choose to sell By Owner in order to avoid paying a commission.

Before traveling the For Sale By Owner route, consider the following question. Would you be willing to pay a commission if a real estate agent brought a ready and willing buyer to you?

Focusing too much on commission might be penny-wise but dollar foolish, especially when you learn that homes sold by realty professionals fetch 16% more than those sold by unrepresented sellers. 16% is roughly three times the fee that many brokerages charge for their valuable service, so it's easy to see how paying for representation is likely to put more money in your pocket, not less.

What's the explanation for the difference in sale prices? Most commonly, it comes down to the fact that unrepresented sellers are showing their home to a much smaller universe of buyers than the one that real estate agents can bring. By exposing your property to the widest segment of qualified buyers, you significantly increase your chances of a full price offer from a genuinely motivated party.

Honestly discuss your concerns about brokerage fees with an agent you trust, who will cooperate with you to create a fair and valuable relationship.

SECRETS OF THE GARDEN!

It's easy to understand how landscaping can enhance your home's appearance, livability, and resale value. There are many affordable improvements that will boost your curb appeal, but you can begin by investing in just a little elbow grease to trim bushes and prune dead tree limbs.

One simple project that will significantly impact your property's perceived value is planting trees. Proper installation of just three trees can cut energy bills an average of $100 to $250 annually!

Then there's the question of color, and plants like junipers and boxwood provide interest all year long. When planting flowers, you’ll find that red and white colors provide the biggest impact.

Water goes hand in hand with planting and landscaping, and everyone (including the birds) loves the soothing sound of a cascading pond waterfall or fountain. Also consider ways to conserve water in the garden, like xeriscaping with drought-resistant plants.

You certainly don't have to go "whole hog," and you can cut your costs by working in stages. Of course, you can learn more about the most beneficial landscaping by visiting a botanical garden, participating in a local "garden walk," or getting advice from your neighbors.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to have fun. And who knows? Developing your green thumb now may just produce a little more "green" when you sell your home!

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE!

How would you feel if you owned two homes, with two sets of monthly mortgage payments, two sets of taxes and insurance, and the responsibility for the maintenance on both?

When you're ready to buy your next home, it could happen. Let's take a look at why. More often than not, buyers begin looking at prospective new homes before they have sold their existing home. When they find a home that suits their needs, a potentially painful dilemma may arise. How do they make a commitment to purchase the second home when they have not yet sold the first one?

One common solution is to sign an agreement to purchase the second home that is made contingent upon the sale of their existing home. In other words, if the first home doesn't sell, the buyers have no obligation to complete the purchase of the second one.

You can make the most of this situation by remembering one very important concept: work exclusively with the same real estate professional on both homes.

Here's why. When you decide on which new home you plan to buy, your agent will help structure the purchase, taking into account your existing home. By letting the same agent market your present home, both purchase and sale can be coordinated to your benefit, resulting in deep satisfaction rather than a deep dilemma.

KEEP YOUR PROFITS!

Real estate has proven again and again to be an excellent investment, encouraged by the fact that capital gains on its sale can often be avoided completely. While traditional investment vehicles like stocks impose a 15% tax on long-term gains, you can exempt $250,000 (or for joint filers $500,000) of your home sale profit from taxation.

There are only two simple qualifications: you must have owned the home for at least two years, and it must have been your principal residence for at least two of the five years prior to its sale. Those two years don't even have to be consecutive!

If you own two residential properties, then you have to do some figuring to determine which would qualify for the exemption. There are even some circumstances where you don't have to meet the qualifications, such as hardships like change in employment, health problems, or military service.

What's really attractive about this tax break is that you can take it over and over again, as long as you meet the two basic eligibility requirements. In theory, you could sell your principal residence every two years and walk away tax-free each time!

The capital gains exemption could provide motivation for selling your home before you reach the maximum allowable deduction, but be sure to seek the advice of your financial advisor before making your decision.

MULTIPLE CHOICE!

Once you decide to list your home for sale, how long will it take to sell? How long should you give the agent to successfully market your home?

The best answer is to be reasonable. But what’s reasonable? 30 days? What about 300 days? Of course, there is no standard response.

Let's look at how to determine the right amount of time in your situation. With each real estate market being different, it takes longer to sell a home in some areas than others. A home that may sell in 15 days in one city may take 87 days in another, or even six to nine months in yet another.

Actually, the time needed to attract a buyer can be made longer or shorter by offering a higher or lower price, and better or less desirable terms and amenities.

Ask your agent to provide information relative to current selling times in your neighborhood. Discuss the factors that may help or hinder the sale of your home, and ask for your agent's best estimate of selling time for your home.

Then, allow the appropriate amount of time to properly market your home. By giving a reasonable length of time in which to perform, you will have the complete determination of your agent, and will no doubt be pleased with the results - the ultimate sale of your home.

PUT AN INSIDER TO WORK!

Home ownership has been called The American Dream. And yet, while 7 out of 10 Americans are either directly impacted by a disability, or know someone who is, only 7 percent of all adults with disabilities are homeowners. What's wrong with this picture?

Fortunately, homeownership is beginning to grow among this segment of our population, encouraged by the development of special programs aimed at helping those with disabilities to finance a home. And why not? These families have the same qualifications and dreams as anyone else.

It's just that their needs are different, and a trusted real estate professional can be an excellent resource in finding a home in a community that offers the features and benefits most suited to those needs. "Location, location, location" becomes even more critical when you factor in the need for proximity to special-education schools, medical facilities, accessible transportation and recreational activities.

When facing relocation to a new area, it can be overwhelming for almost anyone to discover information about these resources, but it's an especially challenging search for the disabled and their families. Because of their involvement in the local community, active real estate agents have an insider's knowledge of the resources and support available for families with special needs. When faced with the excitement and anxiety of such a move, turn to an experienced professional for assistance.

FACTS, NOT FANTASY!

Confused about setting an asking price for your home? It's not surprising, considering the mixed signals you might be receiving about the "national" real estate market. First, understand that there is no such thing as a national market - only thousands of individual markets experiencing different conditions.

If you don't have detailed information about local home sales, it's just about impossible to determine your home's value to buyers. Even prices from just six months ago probably won't hold up, so it's critical to have access to real-time information about trends in this market.

Details should include the total number of properties currently for sale, the number of both pending and sold units, the average listing time, and the average listing price and sale price. You must compare pending sales and final sales, because the pending transactions really reveal where the market is heading (as opposed to where it was when a sale took place.)

Start your pricing decision by contacting a real estate professional, who has access to this information and the experience to interpret the facts. Your representative will not set the price for you - that's your final decision. But don't be surprised if the agent walks away from an overly optimistic asking price, because the agent can't afford to invest time, money and energy in an overpriced listing, and neither can you.

LIGHTS... CAMERA... "ACTION!"

There's a big difference between listing a home and selling a home. Nowhere is this more evident than on the Internet, which has evolved into an excellent advertising medium. When combined with newspapers, real estate magazines, direct mail, and other marketing tools, the World Wide Web can play a large role in exposing your home to potential buyers.

Many buyers begin their search online to educate themselves about neighborhoods and to locate homes in their price range. While the listing exposes your home, it does not sell your home. Once buyers have targeted some attractive possibilities, they still turn to a qualified real estate agent to represent their best interests as they plan their purchase.

Talk in detail with your representative about your home's online presence, and get some ideas from current offerings on the brokerage's website. You can ask to preview your online listing, and in many cases, you'll be able to offer a "virtual tour" of your property. More and more buyers are taking advantage of this powerful marketing tool, and you can also take full advantage by presenting your home in warm and bright full color photos and video.

Don't worry - you won't need a digital camera or video recorder. The real estate agent has all the tools and skills necessary to produce a feature that puts your home in the spotlight!

Share the Love!

Have you ever heard of the "home staging" profession? These individuals assist sellers with presenting their home in a fashion that will increase the likelihood of a full price offer. While the value added by such professionals is often worth the investment, many sellers can put the basics into action themselves, and enjoy the same benefits.

There are several "quick fixes" that stagers commonly recommend, and here are some highlights for your consideration as you prepare to market your home.

First, the dirty work. You've got to clean your windows, but don't forget about washing all the screens to let in as much sparkling sunlight as possible. In tiled bathrooms, clean and regrout the floors. You know what they say about cleanliness!

Second, create space in two ways. In the kitchen, roll away any movable utility carts and clear clutter off the countertops and the refrigerator. In the rest of the home, move the furniture one to two feet away from the walls to create the illusion of more space.

Finally, impart a sense of warmth and coziness by making up beds with colorful sheets and comforters with matching window treatments. All of these preparations should make it that much easier for the buyers to imagine how comfortable they will be in this home. Your pride of ownership will encourage them to feel the same!