Don Callahan, Keller Williams Savannah Downtown has been selected by Goldline Research as one of The Most Dependable™ Real Estate Professionals of the Eastern US. The list of the Most Dependable™ Real Estate Professionals of the Eastern US is scheduled to be published in the December 22nd issue of Forbes.
“When I found out I was selected by Goldline Research as one of ‘The Most Dependable Real Estate Professionals of the Eastern United States’ I was ecstatic. I feel this further illustrates my forward-thinking and stable practices in a world dominated by economic uncertainty.”
“The selected providers truly distinguished themselves during our evaluation of the industry,” said Dana Mahoney, Analyst, Goldline Research. “Those selected met or exceeded every expectation we have for a holistic, client-centric approach”
For 11 years, Don Callahan has been a dependable resource to his clients and offers an extensive level of service, knowledge, skill and commitment while continuously breaking new ground.
Goldline Research is a third-party, independent research firm specializing in evaluating professional services providers. Goldline Research undertakes an extensive, in-depth research process to review all qualified candidates in a respective area. Its proprietary research process includes individual interviews and quantitative analysis of key data, as well as customer reference checks to confirm high levels of customer service. Those that earn Goldline Research’s Most Dependable™ designation demonstrate a commitment to service unparalleled in their industry.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Why are mortgage rates going up as oil prices and the economy are going down.
This is a note my good friend and excellent lender over at Countrywide sent ot me today. Read it over.
The activity in Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) market - and other financial markets - has been very unusual this month. The Fannie Mae Required Net Yield has already made two round trips from about 5.70% to 6.60% over the past few weeks, displaying a level of volatility rarely seen. Under normal market conditions, the vast majority of the significant rate movements are the result of fresh economic news. This month, however, it has been common to see large rate movements unconnected to any news announcements, for reasons discussed below. One reason is that the credit crisis has forced many investment funds and financial institutions to reduce their leverage and raise capital. In many cases, these big holders of MBS are selling assets across their portfolios.This explains why MBS, stock, oil, and other markets have frequently all been falling on the same days. The fundamental economic data clearly supports lower mortgage rates. Global economies are slowing, oil prices are down, and expectations for future inflation are moving lower. As long as these investment funds are forced to sell assets, however, there will continue to be upward pressure on mortgage rates. How long it will last is one of the biggest questions facing investors today.
Rates moving higher this week has frustrated some buyers with all the talk about the Fed cutting rates. The Fed has control over short-term rates, which they are expected to cut by .50% today at 2:15pm. It is very common to see mortgage rates rise when the Fed cuts short-term rates. A second factor is that many investors are seeking to reduce the level of risk in their portfolios. They are buying Treasuries, mostly shorter-term,which are considered the safest and most liquid investment. These investors are generally not turning to MBS, and MBS prices have performed worse than Treasuries this month, meaning that the spread between mortgage rates and Treasury rates grew wider. The question is not whether investors will get their money back, but rather when they will get it back. MBS yield more than comparable Treasuries because MBS have prepayment risk and Treasuries do not.
The recent volatility and uncertainty in financial markets makes it more difficult to evaluate the prepayment risk, so investors are demanding higher yields and thus mortgage rates have gone higher.
The activity in Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) market - and other financial markets - has been very unusual this month. The Fannie Mae Required Net Yield has already made two round trips from about 5.70% to 6.60% over the past few weeks, displaying a level of volatility rarely seen. Under normal market conditions, the vast majority of the significant rate movements are the result of fresh economic news. This month, however, it has been common to see large rate movements unconnected to any news announcements, for reasons discussed below. One reason is that the credit crisis has forced many investment funds and financial institutions to reduce their leverage and raise capital. In many cases, these big holders of MBS are selling assets across their portfolios.This explains why MBS, stock, oil, and other markets have frequently all been falling on the same days. The fundamental economic data clearly supports lower mortgage rates. Global economies are slowing, oil prices are down, and expectations for future inflation are moving lower. As long as these investment funds are forced to sell assets, however, there will continue to be upward pressure on mortgage rates. How long it will last is one of the biggest questions facing investors today.
Rates moving higher this week has frustrated some buyers with all the talk about the Fed cutting rates. The Fed has control over short-term rates, which they are expected to cut by .50% today at 2:15pm. It is very common to see mortgage rates rise when the Fed cuts short-term rates. A second factor is that many investors are seeking to reduce the level of risk in their portfolios. They are buying Treasuries, mostly shorter-term,which are considered the safest and most liquid investment. These investors are generally not turning to MBS, and MBS prices have performed worse than Treasuries this month, meaning that the spread between mortgage rates and Treasury rates grew wider. The question is not whether investors will get their money back, but rather when they will get it back. MBS yield more than comparable Treasuries because MBS have prepayment risk and Treasuries do not.
The recent volatility and uncertainty in financial markets makes it more difficult to evaluate the prepayment risk, so investors are demanding higher yields and thus mortgage rates have gone higher.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
We're at the top!!!
Keller Williams has risen to the top. We have been top in sales in the Savannah Multi-list for each of the months June, July and August. In an increasingly tough market our support systems and education have put us ahead of all the companies in Savannah. I am excited to be a part of this company.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Fannie and Freddie in the Spotlight
My friend over at Countrywid mortgage Mike Ca[puto sent this to me today and I wanted to share it.
While there have been concerns for months about the size of losses at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac due to the credit crisis, the troubles at the two firms increased significantly during the week. Monday, a report from an investment bank suggested that the two firms would have to raise enormous amounts of capital to comply with revised accounting rules. Thursday, Former Fed member Poole claimed that the two firms are insolvent under standard accounting rules and warned that a government bailout might be needed in the future. Friday morning, there was speculation that the government was considering a takeover of the two firms.
The response from government officials was swift. The director of OFHEO, Fannie and Freddie's regulator, reported that they both remained "well capitalized" based on their charters. On Thursday, Fed Chief Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Paulson attempted to reassure investors that the financial system was sound. Since Fannie and Freddie are government-sponsored enterprises, and together account for about 70% of mortgage originations and hold $5.3 trillion in home-loan debt, most investors believe that the government would step in to prevent the collapse of the firms. Friday, Treasury Secretary Paulson stated that he sees no bailout on the horizon for Fannie and Freddie and that the government is working to support them to carry out their "important mission" in their "current form".
Bottom line, despite the negative headlines, comments from OFHEO, the Fed, and the Treasury eased investor concerns. While the stock prices of Fannie and Freddie plunged during the week, investors apparently were comfortable that the firms' guarantees of the mortgage loans were not at risk, and mortgage rates ended the week moderately higher.
Next week should be interesting if nothing else. As a reminder, FHA risk-based pricing takes effect on Monday.
While there have been concerns for months about the size of losses at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac due to the credit crisis, the troubles at the two firms increased significantly during the week. Monday, a report from an investment bank suggested that the two firms would have to raise enormous amounts of capital to comply with revised accounting rules. Thursday, Former Fed member Poole claimed that the two firms are insolvent under standard accounting rules and warned that a government bailout might be needed in the future. Friday morning, there was speculation that the government was considering a takeover of the two firms.
The response from government officials was swift. The director of OFHEO, Fannie and Freddie's regulator, reported that they both remained "well capitalized" based on their charters. On Thursday, Fed Chief Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Paulson attempted to reassure investors that the financial system was sound. Since Fannie and Freddie are government-sponsored enterprises, and together account for about 70% of mortgage originations and hold $5.3 trillion in home-loan debt, most investors believe that the government would step in to prevent the collapse of the firms. Friday, Treasury Secretary Paulson stated that he sees no bailout on the horizon for Fannie and Freddie and that the government is working to support them to carry out their "important mission" in their "current form".
Bottom line, despite the negative headlines, comments from OFHEO, the Fed, and the Treasury eased investor concerns. While the stock prices of Fannie and Freddie plunged during the week, investors apparently were comfortable that the firms' guarantees of the mortgage loans were not at risk, and mortgage rates ended the week moderately higher.
Next week should be interesting if nothing else. As a reminder, FHA risk-based pricing takes effect on Monday.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
A recent survey and a rate increase could mean more competition for homes
Recent indication is that first time home buyers are getting tired of sitting on the sidelines. According to a recent online poll taken by the National Apartment Association, 17 percent of renters plan to make the jump to home ownership in the next year; 41 percent of the 2,041 respondents planned to be home owners within two years. Only 31 percent planned to still be paying rent five years from now.
Another factor that could very soon contribute to an increase in home buying could be rising mortgage costs. Fixed-rate mortgage rates rose to 6.32 percent, the highest it has been since October. After months of aggressively dropping interest rates, many lenders are worried that the Fed will be forced to raise rates back up. As interest rates rise, so do mortgage rates. According to a press release on freddiemac.com, Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist said that, "Mortgage rates jumped this week after a number of Federal Reserve officials, most notably Chairman [Ben] Bernanke and Vice Chair [Donald] Kohn, expressed concern over a threat of inflation." We may very well be seeing the beginning of the end of the super-low mortgage and potential buyers may realize that with rising rates, now may be the time to jump in. Nothaft added, "Moreover, pending home sales for April unexpectedly rose by 6.3% and mortgage applications for home purchases ... were also up last week."
Another factor that could very soon contribute to an increase in home buying could be rising mortgage costs. Fixed-rate mortgage rates rose to 6.32 percent, the highest it has been since October. After months of aggressively dropping interest rates, many lenders are worried that the Fed will be forced to raise rates back up. As interest rates rise, so do mortgage rates. According to a press release on freddiemac.com, Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist said that, "Mortgage rates jumped this week after a number of Federal Reserve officials, most notably Chairman [Ben] Bernanke and Vice Chair [Donald] Kohn, expressed concern over a threat of inflation." We may very well be seeing the beginning of the end of the super-low mortgage and potential buyers may realize that with rising rates, now may be the time to jump in. Nothaft added, "Moreover, pending home sales for April unexpectedly rose by 6.3% and mortgage applications for home purchases ... were also up last week."
Thursday, May 1, 2008
1031 EXCHANGE RULES YOU MUST KNOW
1. Exchanges can be used only for investment properties or properties owned for use in a business. They can't be used for residences or for second homes unless the property is used only for rent to third parties.
2. Exchanges must be made between "like-kind" properties. The like-kind properties must both be used for investment purposes, but they do not have to have the same use. The term "like-kind" means that all properties involved must be investment properties. So your rental condo can be exchanged for a strip shopping center, or a rental house can be exchanged for a parcel of vacant land.
3. To meet IRS guidelines, you must identify in writing the replacement property within 45 days of the relinquished property sale date.
Under the "3 property rule," you may identify up to three properties of any value and then buy one or more from that list. Alternatively, under the "200% rule," you may identify as many properties as you wish, provided their total value does not exceed 200% of the value of the relinquished property.
2. Exchanges must be made between "like-kind" properties. The like-kind properties must both be used for investment purposes, but they do not have to have the same use. The term "like-kind" means that all properties involved must be investment properties. So your rental condo can be exchanged for a strip shopping center, or a rental house can be exchanged for a parcel of vacant land.
3. To meet IRS guidelines, you must identify in writing the replacement property within 45 days of the relinquished property sale date.
Under the "3 property rule," you may identify up to three properties of any value and then buy one or more from that list. Alternatively, under the "200% rule," you may identify as many properties as you wish, provided their total value does not exceed 200% of the value of the relinquished property.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
March was Amazing
I am delighted that March was almost like a few years ago for me. I had five transactions and sold over $2,200,00.00 worth of houses. The dip in interest rates helped some. First time home buyers are a big part of most transactions lately. Included in those sales were two of my Beach houses. Tybee Island is the tightest market locally. I got to experience first hand that the key to selling in this market is to price the houses right.
April is lining up to be another typical spring. I have found it necessary to pass on some listings as the Sellers do not either understand the importance of pricing their house properly or are not able to. The cost to carry these listings is greater than ever and without much chance to move them I prefer to pass on taking the listings. We are fortunate here in Savannah. We have not seen a great adjustment in pricing yet. I am thrilled that I am able to ride the storm.
April is lining up to be another typical spring. I have found it necessary to pass on some listings as the Sellers do not either understand the importance of pricing their house properly or are not able to. The cost to carry these listings is greater than ever and without much chance to move them I prefer to pass on taking the listings. We are fortunate here in Savannah. We have not seen a great adjustment in pricing yet. I am thrilled that I am able to ride the storm.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do
1. The worldwide emergency number of mobile phones is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you. And, interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if your keypad is locked!
2. Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy some day. And it’s a good reason to own a cell phone. If you lock your keys in your car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock! Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other “remote” for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
3. You have hidden battery power in your cell phone if the battery is very low: press *3370#. Your cell will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell the next time.
4. How do you disable your cell phone if it’s stolen? To check your phone’s serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. If your phone is stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them your unique code. Your provider will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless to them. You probably won’t get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can’t use or sell it either. If everyone did this, there would be no point to people stealing cell phones!
5. You can get free Directory Service for cell phone. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800) FREE411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this little hint into your cell phone now.
2. Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy some day. And it’s a good reason to own a cell phone. If you lock your keys in your car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock! Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other “remote” for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
3. You have hidden battery power in your cell phone if the battery is very low: press *3370#. Your cell will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell the next time.
4. How do you disable your cell phone if it’s stolen? To check your phone’s serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. If your phone is stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them your unique code. Your provider will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless to them. You probably won’t get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can’t use or sell it either. If everyone did this, there would be no point to people stealing cell phones!
5. You can get free Directory Service for cell phone. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800) FREE411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this little hint into your cell phone now.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Just Reduced to $525,000!!!
224 E. State Street - Just Reduced to $525,000. Location, Condition, and Price! Outstanding townhouse off Oglethorpe Square with soaring ceilings, heart pine floors and handsome moldings throughout. Home has a courtyard and covered parking. Gaze into Owens-Thomas Garden or walk to everything.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
What sets Keller Williams apart is its culture
Well, I returned from Keller Williams Family Reunion on Wednesday, and have been busy catching up with work since then. I was not able to sit until this morning to add this piece about my wonderful experience at Family Reunion in Atlanta.
I attended the inspirational breakfast on Wednesday morning and it really made me recognize what a great move I made joining this company. I sure am glad I went.
The bottom line is, we work with some pretty exceptional people at Keller Williams, and I found my self asking the question: Does Keller Williams attract a high concentration of selfless people, or do the cultural tenents set out by Mo, Mark, Mary and Gary bring out the best in those that embrace them?
I guess the answer is somewhere in the middle. I think the culture defined by KW is unique, and helps us all to understand there’s more to our job than just selling homes, and I think a unique group of people are attracted to that concept.
At the inspirational breakfast, we heard the stories of KW Agent, Scott Thornhill of Greensboro, NC. I top producing agent in his MC, and a civic-minded citizen of his community. Scott teaches in the MC, coaches his son’s soccer and basketball teams, and volunteers at this church, all while being legally blind. I can see just fine, and some days I have a hard time getting out of bed. It’s pretty humbling.
We also heard the story of Gilbert Tuhabonye. Here is an excerpt from his web page:
While attending the Kibimba school, Gilbert began running competitively. Running barefoot, he won an 8K race while only a freshman. As a sophomore, he met a man who taught him how to change his running technique by getting his knees up and holding his arms correctly. The coach encouraged him to work hard and try for the Olympics. Gilbert became national champion in the 400 and 800 meters as an 11th grader. As a senior, Gilbert was already an extraordinary runner whose goal was to get a scholarship to an American school, get an education and return home to Burundi.
Fate had another plan for Gilbert.
On October 21, 1993, the centuries-old war between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes erupted in horrific reality one afternoon as Gilbert and his classmates were in school. The Hutu classmates at the Kibimba school, their parents, some teachers and other Hutu tribesmen, forced more than a hundred Tutsi children and teachers into a room where they beat and burned them to death. After nine hours of being buried by the corpses of his beloved friends, and himself on fire, Gilbert used the charred bone of one of his classmates to break through a window. He jumped free of the burning building and ran into the night, on charred feet, the sole survivor of one of the most horrible massacres in the long Tutsi-Hutu war. He ran from that horror into a new life.
Now, 12 years later and more than 8,000 miles from Burundi, Gilbert Tuhabonye is a celebrity in the world of running. He went on to graduate college at Abilene Christian University where, despite being covered with scar tissue from his extensive burns, he was a national champion runner. He is now, by all accounts, the most popular running coach in Austin, Texas where he lives with his wife Triphine and two daughters, Emma and Grace.
Pretty amazing guy … that’s all I have to say. I would not have been able to do what he did, and I was honored to be at an event that would honor someone of his character and strength.
Finally, we heard the story of Jim Hoekenschnieder, and Agent at the Huntsville MC. By Jim’s own admission, he was a person only focused on his business, and as he said,”I made sure I was my primary focus.”
Jim’s life at KW changed when he sold a home to a young family transplanting from Florida, Joe and Lori Hennessy, and their five year old son, Chris. As he put it, “they were the perfect family and I quickly grew attached to them.”
The day after closing Jim stopped by to drop off a housewarming gift. After knocking on the door for some time, five year old Chris answered the door and Jim his mother was “dead.”
Jim discovered Lori inside the house, laying face down, dead from a sudden aneurism. When Jim asked Joe what he could do to help, Joe told him he just wanted to take Chris back to Florida.
The entire MC jumped into action and did everything they could to help Joe and Chris, and get the house resold. When Jim called Joe to tell him they’d found a solution to the house, Joe, having been so touched by the generosity of people who barely knew him, informed Jim they were staying.
Pretty amazing stuff. Mo honored the entire MC with a song from Ken Medema, and they deserved it.
What I took away from this event, and from the rest of the events I attended at Family Reunion, is that we are fortunate to work together, and we’re a great group of people. We are also a driven group, with a tremendous force of will, and a real desire to improve our business and our lives.
See you next year!
I attended the inspirational breakfast on Wednesday morning and it really made me recognize what a great move I made joining this company. I sure am glad I went.
The bottom line is, we work with some pretty exceptional people at Keller Williams, and I found my self asking the question: Does Keller Williams attract a high concentration of selfless people, or do the cultural tenents set out by Mo, Mark, Mary and Gary bring out the best in those that embrace them?
I guess the answer is somewhere in the middle. I think the culture defined by KW is unique, and helps us all to understand there’s more to our job than just selling homes, and I think a unique group of people are attracted to that concept.
At the inspirational breakfast, we heard the stories of KW Agent, Scott Thornhill of Greensboro, NC. I top producing agent in his MC, and a civic-minded citizen of his community. Scott teaches in the MC, coaches his son’s soccer and basketball teams, and volunteers at this church, all while being legally blind. I can see just fine, and some days I have a hard time getting out of bed. It’s pretty humbling.
We also heard the story of Gilbert Tuhabonye. Here is an excerpt from his web page:
While attending the Kibimba school, Gilbert began running competitively. Running barefoot, he won an 8K race while only a freshman. As a sophomore, he met a man who taught him how to change his running technique by getting his knees up and holding his arms correctly. The coach encouraged him to work hard and try for the Olympics. Gilbert became national champion in the 400 and 800 meters as an 11th grader. As a senior, Gilbert was already an extraordinary runner whose goal was to get a scholarship to an American school, get an education and return home to Burundi.
Fate had another plan for Gilbert.
On October 21, 1993, the centuries-old war between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes erupted in horrific reality one afternoon as Gilbert and his classmates were in school. The Hutu classmates at the Kibimba school, their parents, some teachers and other Hutu tribesmen, forced more than a hundred Tutsi children and teachers into a room where they beat and burned them to death. After nine hours of being buried by the corpses of his beloved friends, and himself on fire, Gilbert used the charred bone of one of his classmates to break through a window. He jumped free of the burning building and ran into the night, on charred feet, the sole survivor of one of the most horrible massacres in the long Tutsi-Hutu war. He ran from that horror into a new life.
Now, 12 years later and more than 8,000 miles from Burundi, Gilbert Tuhabonye is a celebrity in the world of running. He went on to graduate college at Abilene Christian University where, despite being covered with scar tissue from his extensive burns, he was a national champion runner. He is now, by all accounts, the most popular running coach in Austin, Texas where he lives with his wife Triphine and two daughters, Emma and Grace.
Pretty amazing guy … that’s all I have to say. I would not have been able to do what he did, and I was honored to be at an event that would honor someone of his character and strength.
Finally, we heard the story of Jim Hoekenschnieder, and Agent at the Huntsville MC. By Jim’s own admission, he was a person only focused on his business, and as he said,”I made sure I was my primary focus.”
Jim’s life at KW changed when he sold a home to a young family transplanting from Florida, Joe and Lori Hennessy, and their five year old son, Chris. As he put it, “they were the perfect family and I quickly grew attached to them.”
The day after closing Jim stopped by to drop off a housewarming gift. After knocking on the door for some time, five year old Chris answered the door and Jim his mother was “dead.”
Jim discovered Lori inside the house, laying face down, dead from a sudden aneurism. When Jim asked Joe what he could do to help, Joe told him he just wanted to take Chris back to Florida.
The entire MC jumped into action and did everything they could to help Joe and Chris, and get the house resold. When Jim called Joe to tell him they’d found a solution to the house, Joe, having been so touched by the generosity of people who barely knew him, informed Jim they were staying.
Pretty amazing stuff. Mo honored the entire MC with a song from Ken Medema, and they deserved it.
What I took away from this event, and from the rest of the events I attended at Family Reunion, is that we are fortunate to work together, and we’re a great group of people. We are also a driven group, with a tremendous force of will, and a real desire to improve our business and our lives.
See you next year!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Reduced to $121,000
521 East 39th Street - 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath - One of the few remaining buildings on the block un-finished. New roof, framing, windows, exterior stucco and paint. All demo complete. Great floor plan ready for completion.
Reduced - Only $24,000
517 East 38th Street - VACANT AND BUILDABLE LOT IN MIDDLE OF GREAT BLOCK. Currently there is a fence encroaching on the far eastern side of the lot, owner has been notified. The lot is 95ft deep.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Just Reduced to $150,000
210 East State Street - Just reduced to $150,000. Third floor unit in the recently updated Graham Building. The entry has been refinished, corridors now have wood floors and fresh paint. Sit on the terrace and look over Owens Thomas House and Oglethorpe Square.
Reduced to $309,000
9 West York Street - Outstanding Condo in the center of it all. Quiet 3rd floor unit with tremendous ceiling heights, wood floors, kitchen with granite, stainless appliances and beautiful cabinets. Bath with travertine, body jets and rainmaker. Rooftop deck.
$295,000 - Unheard of Price for Brick Quad
711 East 40th Street - Just reduced $38,000! Unheard of price for this handsome brick quad. If you do not want to buy it yourself...tell a friend! Each unit has large livingroom with wood floors and fireplace, connected to private screened in porch, breakfast room with built-in cupboards, large bedroom with lots of closets. Building has ZERO vacancy. Off street parking.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Savannah Book Festival
My friend Matt Prickett is the founder of the new and exciting Savannah Book Festival. If you have any time this week-end be certain to check it out.
The Savannah Book Festival is an annual world-class literary event bringing dozens of popular and critically acclaimed authors and thousands of readers together in historic Savannah, Georgia.
The first annual Savannah Book Festival, presented by the Savannah Morning News, will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. in downtown Savannah. It is free and open to the public.
Primary sites for the Savannah Book Festival are Telfair Square and Franklin Square and the stately buildings surrounding them.
Check out the site at: http://savannahbookfestival.org/
The Savannah Book Festival is an annual world-class literary event bringing dozens of popular and critically acclaimed authors and thousands of readers together in historic Savannah, Georgia.
The first annual Savannah Book Festival, presented by the Savannah Morning News, will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. in downtown Savannah. It is free and open to the public.
Primary sites for the Savannah Book Festival are Telfair Square and Franklin Square and the stately buildings surrounding them.
Check out the site at: http://savannahbookfestival.org/
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Just Reduced to $124,000
521 E. 39th Street - One of the few remaining buildings on the block un-finished. New roof, framing, windows, exterior stucco and paint. All demo complete. Great floor plan ready for completion. 3 Bedrooms/2.5 baths. The space is fantastic, the block looks great and you can't beat the price, so come and get it!!
Just Reduced! - $27,000
517 E. 38th Street - This vacant and buildable lot was reduced to $27,000 today. It is situated in the middle of great block. The lot is 30 feet wide and 95 feet deep. It is situated between Price and East Broad Strets.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Keller Williams Rocks
Today we at Keller Williams Realty had our annual kick-off meeting. It was a recap of last year, recognition of the company and agents successes and goals for next year. Well I am delighted to learn that we are in third standing in all of Savannah Area Board of Realtors. Out of the the top ten companies we are the only company with an increase in sales (17%) this year. All the other companies sales have dropped.The company is rocking and I am delighted to be a part of it.
While the year seemed slow to me, I ranked fifth in the company for individual agents productivity.
I left this jam-up meeting and had a day similiar to one I might have had in 2005. The phone did not stop ringing all day. There were four buyer calls from out of town, I made many appointments to show my listings and there is much talk from agents that they are bringing me offers. If this continues 2008 is going to be a great year.
While the year seemed slow to me, I ranked fifth in the company for individual agents productivity.
I left this jam-up meeting and had a day similiar to one I might have had in 2005. The phone did not stop ringing all day. There were four buyer calls from out of town, I made many appointments to show my listings and there is much talk from agents that they are bringing me offers. If this continues 2008 is going to be a great year.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Recap of mortgage highs and low this week
My friend Mike Caputo (who is the best lender in town) over at Countrywide sent me this piece below, I thought I'd like to share it.
Returning from a long weekend, investors were greeted on Tuesday with the surprising news that the Fed had lowered the Fed Funds rate by a huge threequarters of a point. What followed was two days of extreme swings infinancial markets as investors tried to figure out how to interpret theFed's move. Fed Chief Bernanke cited increased risks of slower economicgrowth as the reason for the rate cut. Fearing a recession, investors soldstocks and bought bonds on Tuesday, temporarily pushing mortgage rates tothe lowest levels since the summer of 2003. The trend looked to continue onWednesday, but sentiment reversed midday. The Dow Jones stock index rosefrom a 300 point loss to a 300 point gain, while mortgage rates unwound allof Tuesday's declines. Mortgage rates ended the volatile week a littlehigher.
For Real Estate in Savannah, the historic districts in Savannah or downtown Savannah visit my website at http://www.doncallahan.com/
Returning from a long weekend, investors were greeted on Tuesday with the surprising news that the Fed had lowered the Fed Funds rate by a huge threequarters of a point. What followed was two days of extreme swings infinancial markets as investors tried to figure out how to interpret theFed's move. Fed Chief Bernanke cited increased risks of slower economicgrowth as the reason for the rate cut. Fearing a recession, investors soldstocks and bought bonds on Tuesday, temporarily pushing mortgage rates tothe lowest levels since the summer of 2003. The trend looked to continue onWednesday, but sentiment reversed midday. The Dow Jones stock index rosefrom a 300 point loss to a 300 point gain, while mortgage rates unwound allof Tuesday's declines. Mortgage rates ended the volatile week a littlehigher.
For Real Estate in Savannah, the historic districts in Savannah or downtown Savannah visit my website at http://www.doncallahan.com/
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Reduced over $40,000
524 East Henry Street - Fantastic restoration of this Victorian. Killer kitchen with polished concrete counters, stainless appliances, double parlors, pine floors & 4 fireplaces. 2nd floor has a wrap around porch overlooking Dixon Park. $289,000.
Just Reduced by $90,000
427 Habersham Street - Outstanding restoration, overlooking Whitfield Square! Double parlors, tall ceilings, heart pine floors, crown moldings & slate fireplaces. Caterers kitchen with double ovens, 5 burner stove, sub-zero fridge, silestone counters. Rear garden & parking. $825,000.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Welcome!
Welcome to my new blog! I'm excited to use this to keep you updated on the real estate market in Savannah, Georgia. I'll post new listings, show price reductions, and give you my personal view of life in Savannah. Keep checking back for new postings!
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