504 East Bay Street

You're Invited!

Please join us for an OPEN HOUSE TOUR.

This tour is coinciding with the 73rd Annual Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens. Please feel free to peruse all of the homes on the OPEN HOUSE TOUR by clicking on the links below.

Friday, March 28 -- Southwest Quadrant
West of Bull Street and south of Liberty Street (Pulaski, Madison, Chatham, and Monterey Squares)

Saturday, March 29 -- Northeast Quadrant
Oldest neighborhoods of Savannah -areas that encompass Warren, Washington, Greene, Columbia, Oglethorpe, and Crawford Squares

These homes below will be open both Friday & Saturday from 2-4pm

347 Tattnall
616 Barnard
108 E Jones
112 E Jones
1 W Jones
316 E Jones
210 W Harris
201 E York
909 Whitaker

Sunday, March 30 -- Ardsley Park
623 East 52nd (2–4pm)
601 East 44th (3–5pm)
702 East 44th (3-5pm)

Curb Appeal: Stamped Concrete

Curb appeal is the first impression of a home or property as viewed from the street. And it can actually increase the value of your property for resale, or better yet, cause envy from nearby neighbors.


One of the hottest trends right now in curb appeal is the creation of distinctive driveways.

Options for driveways used to be pretty simple, asphalt or concrete. But these days the possibilities for concrete are practically limitless, allowing you to take your carport from blasé to beautiful.

Stamped concrete, often referred to as "patterned concrete" or "imprinted concrete," is concrete that has been designed to resemble other more expensive materials such as brick, slate, flagstone, tile or even wood. And the cost effectiveness, easy maintenance and endless design possibilities are making stamped concrete a must-have.

In stamped concrete you can incorporate decorative patterns, even using other elements such as bond brick, hexagonal tile, worn rock or stone. And the use of stains can make your home all the more elegant and inviting. Some of the color choices include Green Lawn, Cola, Aqua Blue, Venetian Pink and Sandstone Cream.

If you have an existing driveway, there are ways to get a lasting makeover without starting from scratch. For instance, you can resurface your concrete with overlay systems to eliminate cracks or blemishes, or you can choose to permanently engrave or sketch patterns for an enhanced appeal.

For more information about concrete stamping and sketching, and for help finding a local contractor in your area, visit www.concretenetwork.com.

Published: March 27, 2008 http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080327_curbappeal.htm

OPPORTUNITY IN ANY MARKET!

Whether the market is up or down (and particularly if it's down), buying a "fixer-upper" and updating it can prove to be a profitable venture. As with any real estate investment, however, it's wise to enter with eyes wide open. Knowledge and caution will help you avoid common pitfalls.

The ideal candidate for such a purchase would be priced roughly 30 percent below the value of nearby homes, and located in a community with low crime rates and good schools. The only thing you can't repair or improve is a poor location.

And just because you can improve almost anything doesn't mean that you should! Avoid homes in need of truly major (and unprofitable) repairs such as the foundation, structural plumbing, or complete kitchen and bath renovations. Because these features are simply expected by buyers, they won't necessarily add any value to your offering.

Another aspect that is often overlooked is your fixer-upper's proximity to where you live. Keep it within an hour's drive, because you'll want (and need) to check in regularly, probably daily, while your repairs and renovations are in progress. The cost of fuel is high enough these days that you don't want to blow your profits on your gas tank!

There are many fine homes being offered at lower prices by motivated sellers. Don't overlook the opportunity these properties present!

Realty Viewpoint: Watch The Dates Of Housing Reports

by Blanche Evans

It didn't take long for the bloom to leave the rose. The notoriously pessimistic backward-looking S&P Case-Shiller Index says housing prices fell a record 2.4 percent between December and January and 10.7 percent for the year. Following on the heels of the February report from the National Association of Realtors, the Case-Shiller report appears to contradict the NAR's findings that home sales went up 2.9 percent and home prices fell 8.2 percent over the past year.

Well, there's a reason for that. The two reports don't cover the same period, the same markets, or the same types of housing. The NAR's report covered February, not January, and it includes all market areas where there's a Realtor reporting sales, and it includes multifamily housing such as condos and coops.

So to say the NAR's report is a little more relevant is an understatement.

So you have to be careful what you read and what you pay attention to.

But that didn't stop the financial press from fueling more housing panic.

CBS Marketwatch used this headline - "Housing Prices Fall At Record Rate" to tell this story: "Home prices in 20 major U.S. metro areas have plunged a record 10.7 percent in the past year as prices continued to decelerate, Standard & Poor's said Tuesday."

CNNMoney.com used this headline: "Home prices: Down record 11 percent - The residential real estate market continues to deteriorate in 2008, with 20 key markets reporting steep drops."

Gee, is this happening right now? No, it happened two months ago, to only 20 markets, and to only same-sale homes.

The only comparable report to the Case-Shiller Index is OFHEO's ( the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight) and it showed only a 3 percent decline in prices for the past year.

There's a reason for that -- OFHEO doesn't include nonconforming mortgages. Just to recap, it's jumbo and subprime loans that have been the most volatile.

No wonder Consumer Confidence is in the dumpster. People don't know what to believe, so they believe the worst.

The Conference Board just reported the lowest consumer view of expectations in 35 years.

"Looking ahead, consumers' outlook for business conditions, the job market and their income prospects is quite pessimistic and suggests further weakening may be on the horizon," said Lynn Franco, director of consumer research.

While consumer confidence is tracked through March, it's still only a short-term forward-looking indicator, and not a credible one at that. Consumers in March were slammed by a plummeting stock market, and many watched their 401k's all but disappear. No wonder they're pessimistic.

They'll pull back on spending, and then prices will come down, and then they'll start spending again, and the whole cycle will start all over.


Published: March 26, 2008 http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080326_realtyviewpoint.htm

START MOVING YESTERDAY!

Let's say you've just decided to list your home for sale. You know there's a lot to plan, but when do you start preparing to move? In a word, NOW! Stay focused and don't panic!

The main aspect guiding your planning will be whether you're moving a long distance or just locally. Either way, begin hoarding boxes, packing tape, moving blankets, packing peanuts - and big black markers to indicate contents and locations on every single box.

In many cases, you'll want to consider a professional mover, and your listing agent can make some excellent recommendations. However, be sure your choice is licensed and bonded, and that their employees have workman's comp insurance. Always get an estimate in writing, from more than one company, and inquire about their equipment, training and experience. References should always be available upon request.

Well in advance of The Big Day, hold a moving sale to reduce the amount you have to pay for your move. Items that don’t sell can often be donated to charitable organizations, or taken to the landfill as a last resort.

When you're finally "outta there," make sure you've brought enough cash for your travel, your medications and supplements, and your children's favorite toys, games and entertainment. It could be a few days before you have access to your belongings, so plan ahead and be prepared!

Tybee Island - Best Place to Retire

As seen on The Today Show -- Barbara Corcoran has selected Tybee Island as one of the best places to retire!

GET SERIOUS!

Familiar with the law of supply and demand? In real estate right now, it may seem like the supply of homes for sale is much greater than the numbers of buyers demanding those homes, forcing prices down and decreasing activity. But what's really in shortage may be serious, legitimate sellers.

A committed seller is willing and able to accept the best offer in the current market, and be motivated to do so. Receiving a fair offer is inextricably connected to pricing your home fairly. The best way to arrive at an attractive price is to aggressively challenge the competition. Using past prices, your investment in the home, or even appraisals may not produce the ideal value factor for your home.

If you're serious about selling, let an agent describe to you how an appropriately priced and aggressively marketed home will always generate interest and offers, and will ultimately sell for exactly what it's worth in the current market. All other factors being equal, a home that languishes on the market is simply overpriced, and a seller willing to wait for more than fair price would be better served by waiting until the market catches up before entering the fray.

Remember this Golden Rule: There is a buyer for everything. Any home can be sold in any market when proper pricing is combined with effective marketing.

READY FOR SOME GOOD NEWS?

Some financial experts have labeled 2007’s market as the "roulette economy." As we all know, whatever goes up must come down, but the nice thing about real estate is that whatever goes down always comes back upward again (much like stocks work).

A healthier market is anticipated in 2008, as Wall Street cleans up the lending mess and the pressure cooker of home demand releases its top. While the national average of home prices declined between one and two percent in 2007, that's peanuts compared to how much homes appreciated in the previous years. And many markets are appreciating still.

Keep in mind that “national” statistics for real estate mean about as much as a forecasted high temperature for the entire nation. Consumers get skittish when they hear that 40% of foreclosures are due to doubtful subprime loans, but it's important to put that in perspective, because those loans only constitute about 10% of all mortgages.

As the lending industry stabilizes and interest rates rise only slightly, buyers who are ready to purchase will discover that housing is still the best investment out there. Ask a real estate agent to monitor new listings, selling times and final sales prices, and then to advise you when conditions are right to either buy or sell. 2008 should be a year of opportunity in the real estate industry.

GIVE ‘EM WHAT THEY WANT!

You're preparing to sell your home, and you've taken all the right steps. You've contacted an agent to represent you and to market your home, taken care of needed repairs, cleaned up the yard, and given your home the "white glove" treatment. How else can you attract buyers and a full price offer?

What buyers want when they purchase a home is peace of mind. With a policy called a home warranty, you can practically guarantee it! A home warranty is particularly attractive to prospective buyers if your home is more than fifteen years old, or if your major appliances (including heat and air) have long passed their younger days.

These warranties cost just a few hundred dollars, and will cover the cost of repairs to or replacements for the appliances and systems in your home. Imagine the confidence this will inspire in buyers, who will understand immediately that they won't have any unplanned repair expenses after their purchase. A blown heat pump or leaking dishwasher are corrected with a phone call and very small service call fee.

Of course, a home warranty is a valuable policy regardless of whether you're selling or buying, and experience shows that many buyers choose to renew their coverage after the seller's contract expires. When it comes to home ownership, peace of mind is like money in the bank!

COMPETE AGAINST THE BIG GUYS!

Sellers face any number of challenges, but what if you're in the position of listing a modest home in what has become an "upper- end" community? You might not expect to fetch a selling price that compares to the McMansions that have popped up, but you might be surprised to learn that, if presented and marketed properly, you could get even more on a per square foot basis.

Most critical to selling success is pricing your home very carefully. Shooting for the moon at the outset can spell disaster later. The longer your home remains on the market, the more it will be perceived as "stale inventory" unworthy of consideration. Remember that you could be at a real advantage if you price your home fairly against pricey competition.

On the exterior, strongly consider employing a landscaper to bring your property up to par. First impressions still count! On the interior, pay attention to details. Finishes, paint colors, and wallpaper all contribute to the perceived style of your home. Hardwood flooring is a great barometer of your good taste, and is a highly desired feature among upper-end buyers.

A more modest home in an upscale area will naturally draw attention because of its perceived value as compared to the competition. With proper pricing, a positive attitude, and professional representation, you've got little to worry about!

A Brighter Note for Housing

While the Grinch may have had his way with housing this past year, better days are ahead. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun tells us that the economy and housing will easily escape recession, but foreclosure rates will continue to rise in 2008. Some markets will do better than others, however on the whole, the national home sales and price situation will be very similar in 2008 to 2007.

Click here for full article.



"Copyright National Association of REALTORS®, Reprinted with permission."

Real Estate Professionals -- Still the No. 1 Choice by Home Sellers

In a soft housing market, home sellers need help. And real estate professionals are there to provide it. While the Internet and other tools are indeed useful for those looking to buy a home, home sellers still rely on the expertise and knowledge of their real estate agents. Our Market Intelligence feature this month looks at what those sellers most want from their real estate professionals.

Click here for full article.



"Copyright National Association of REALTORS®, Reprinted with permission."

DEBT RELIEF IS NOT TAX RELIEF!

You've certainly heard and read many reports about defaults on mortgage loans. There are many reasons homeowners face such situations, some of which are completely beyond their control. There are also several solutions, but each carries a consequence.

In one example, a family had to relocate for an attractive job offer. The home they were selling languished in a slow market for over six months, and they defaulted because they couldn't continue the mortgage payments.

Their agent negotiated a "short sale," whereby the lender accepted an offer that was $10,000 less than the loan balance (rather than begin unpleasant foreclosure proceedings). In this case, it's important to understand that the shortfall is considered "debt relief" and is reported as taxable income to the IRS.

Since the sellers didn't have to repay that $10,000 to the lender, the IRS considered it the same as $10,000 income. This debt relief from a short sale is considered taxable to the borrowers, and the corresponding Form 1099 must be reported.

This is one of the simpler scenarios created by defaults or foreclosures, which are becoming more common as market corrections and rising interest rates prevail. No matter what reason you or someone you know might be facing default, it is absolutely critical to consult with a tax adviser and a trusted real estate agent before deciding how to proceed.

Events for the week of December 16 – December 22

Savannah Events

Dec. 16 – Dec. 27 – Savannah Harbor Gingerbread Village
This isn’t just one gingerbread house, but an entire festive village! The Westin Lobby is filled with holiday cheer as local chefs and businesses compete for bragging rights as the best gingerbread creation in Savannah!
Location: The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa-lobby
912.201.2000
www.westinsavannah.com

Dec. 16 – Jan. 1 – Southern Lights, a Savannah Holiday Celbration
Looking for that perfect pre-holiday weekend getaway? Savannah is your destination for holiday family fun; from Thanksgiving to New Year's, spend the season at Southern Lights, a Savannah Holiday Celebration.
Location: Throughout Savannah
www.savcvb.com/events

Dec. 16 – Dec. 23- Holiday Classic Movie Night
Come join us at Cha Bella in our movie room for the showing of a true holiday classic film every Sunday night from November 25th through December 23rd at 7 p.m. Start with a festive holiday drink such as a Hot Toddy or Hot cocoa with a twist.
Location: Cha Bella Restaurant
912.790.7888
www.cha-bella.com

Dec. 16 – 31 – An Early 19th Century Holiday at the Davenport House
The understated taste of an authentic early 19th century holiday season in Savannah is the theme of the 1820 historic house's presentation. Tours explore how the Davenport household celebrated Christmas and New Year's in the 1820s.

Location: 324 E. State Street
912.236.8097
www.davenporthousemuseum.org

Dec. 16 – 23 – Savannah Theatre’s A Christmas Tradition
"A Christmas Tradition" brings you holiday glitz and glitter with a 2-hour performance. The Theatre is transformed into a holiday perfect picture, sharing memories of the Christmas standards that you know and love. Sprinkle in a little comedy and audience participation for the greatest event of the season.

Location: 222 Bull Street
912.233.7764
www.savannahtheatre.com/shows

Dec. 16 – 29- Christmas 1886 with the Gordons
Beautifully decorated for the holidays. Explore Victorian customs. The table is set for Christmas dinner, the stockings ready in Mama’s bedroom, and the vintage “Game of Merry Christmas” is out.

Location: Birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, National Historic Landmark
912.233.4501
www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/birthplace

Dec. 20 – The Girl Scout Movement
Discover how Juliette Gordon Low, known for antics, artistic talent and disorganization founded the world’s largest organization for girls & women. Professional staff lead this lively tour, by reservation only.

Location: Birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, National Historic Landmark
912.233.4501
www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/birthplace

Dec. 20 – Toddler Third Thursday
This program is designed ages 3-5 and their adult companions. Your child will explore artwork and complete an art project relating to their tour. Registration and adult supervision required, 912.790.8823/ or stifelt@telfair.org.

Location: Telfair’s Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 W. York Street
912.790.8823
www.telfair.org


Hilton Head Events

Dec. 22 – Hilton Head Jingle Bell Run
5K run & 5K Health Walk.

Location: Hilton Head Medical Center & Clinics
843.379.3440
www.bearforrtsports.com

Dec. 22 – Gregg Russell Christmas Concert
Relish the spirit of the holidays with an evening listening to Gregg Russell singing songs of the season for children and adults of all ages.

Location: Harbour Town
843.842.1979

Beaufort Events

Dec. 16 – Joyous Sounds of Christmas
The Christmas concert will consist of Christmas anthems, ensembles & solos. The Kirk Choir will be accompanied by an orchestra.

Location: Sea Island Presbyterian Church
843.525.0696

Dec. 19 – Children’s Christmas Pageant
Children’s Christmas pageant and Communion at 7:00 p.m.
Location: First Presbyterian Church
843.524.3051

Dec. 21 – An Evening with Cool John Ferguson
Blues man and Beaufort native Cool John Ferguson is back in town. Rated by the Taj Mahal as "among the five greatest guitarists in the world. He is with the ranks of Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery and Django Reinhart." Christmas attire encouraged; $15/person, $25/couple; wine and cheese included; tickets at door; RSVP's encouraged.

Location: Arts Council of Beaufort County
843.379.ARTS