Declining First Time Home Buyers Slows Recovery

Bloomberg Personal Finance is reporting that Americans are being shut out of the housing recovery

because of rising prices and tougher credit standards. First-time buyers accounted for 26 percent of purchases in January, the lowest level recorded by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) since it began tracking the data in October 2008. The decline of these buyers threatens to slow the pace of the economic recovery.

Inventory Smaller

More moderately priced homes are usually the main inventory for first time home buyers, and that inventory has shrunk do to cash investors snapping them up for rentals. In December, 47 percent of U.S. purchases were paid for with cash, up from 27 percent a year earlier. In addition adding to the already shortened supply, thirty-nine percent of owners looking for better homes plan to keep their current house as a rental. Higher mortgage costs are also a burden for first timers. Rates for 30-year fixed loans climbed to 4.37 percent last week from a near-record low of 3.35 percent in early May.

Lender Issues

The FHA, the biggest source of financing for first-time buyers, has raised the cost of borrowing and tightened underwriting to cope with losses on mortgages it insured as the property bubble burst. The number of FHA borrowers purchasing their first homes declined by 38 percent last year. For buyers whom go with other lenders they are requiring higher FICO scores. More than 40 percent of borrowers in 2013 had FICO scores above 760, compared with about 25 percent in 2001. Because of these difficulties, new home owners aren't even applying for home loans.

Young People Home Ownership Down

The home ownership rate for people in their 20's and 30's fell to 42.2 percent in 2013, the lowest in 19 years of Census data. While purchases rose 8.2 percent for residences costing more than $250,000, they fell 10.7 percent for homes worth less. Leslie Appleton-Young, chief economist for the California Association of Realtors sees the decline as ‘a huge problem’. Another economic factor to add to the decline of first time home buyers is, housing prices are rising faster than incomes at this point. What’s a first time home owner to do? Focused strategy oriented planning is the best path for those interested in purchasing their first home. 

Sustaining Communities in Savannah

Every Monday I write about a person, group of people or organization that is making a difference in the world, or their community. On some Monday’s I scour the internet and struggle to find material for this theme. However this weekend I realized that there are people making a difference all around me right here in Savannah. The movement towards sustainability in community is truly growing here in Savannah. The term "sustainability" means the responsible management of resources (both material and human) in the interest of long-term survival. There are many residents here in Savannah that are pursuing individually, as a business and as non-profit organizations the sustainability of our community. As it turns out many of them are working together in one way or another, which makes sense in the principal practice of community sustainability.

The Southern Pine Company located over on 34^th and East Broad St. is a prime example of how this principal of community sustainability is making a difference. Southern Pine Company owners Pam and Ramsey Khalidi rescued the building from demolition in the early 2000’s and turned into a bustling reclaimed wood materials flooring and furniture building company. However using reclaimed materials is only one way Sothern Pine practices sustainability.

They lease a franchise of the national staffing agency Labor Ready out of the building, which draws day laborers from the surrounding neighborhood. Offering the economically sagging neighborhood a chance at sustaining itself. Print and design firm  STEAM  rents space at Southern Pine, and Gullah chef and cookbook author Sallie Ann Robinson is drawing up plans for a restaurant and cooking school. The coffee roaster PERC recently found its home in a corner of the property. PERC is filled with reclaimed salvaged wood tables, custom-built bathrooms and a giant new roaster. The Khalidi’s also make use of their large property by offering it up to the artistic community as a gathering space hosting all-age musical extravaganzas like Graveface Fest and No Control as well as the recent craft showcase Savannah Bazaar in its brick courtyard (laid with bricks reclaimed from a demolished city building – of course.) Southern Pine is also host to Maven Makers, an organization that is working to establish a collaborative work-space, run workshops and other community oriented events, with the goal of creating a community of knowledge, design, and creativity.

In the back corner of Southern Pine (behind PERC) an 18 foot tall greenhouse is under construction. The green house is being constructed completely with reclaimed materials, windows and all. The greenhouse is the vision of Meagan Hodge, President and co-founder of Design for Sustainability. Design for Ability, Inc. serves as a universally designed apprenticeship for youth with exceptional needs that advocates environmental stewardship through green jobs training and vocational education. They have partnered with Emergent Structures a non-profit whose mission is to increase the value and accessibility of building material waste streams through facilitation, collaboration, education, and advocacy. The project is sponsored by many companies from cash checks (Ikea) to material (DIRT Environmental Solutions & Guerry Lumber), skill and time (Sam Carroll Construction & RNR Home Improvements) donations.

The plan for the soon to be completed greenhouse, is to have the students and residents from the local neighborhood plant edible greens. Thus helping provide healthy economical food to people in a sustainable way. It’s a sustainability micro-environment right in the backyard of Southern Pine Company. An environment that I suspect will continue to reach out into our community in Savannah and continue to Make a Difference. 

Charming Ardsley Park Bungalow, Savannah

314 E 50th St, Savannah, GA 31405 

Bedrooms: 2

Bath: 2

Year Built: 1925

Sq. Ft.: 1,302

Price: $239,000

MLS#: 119823

Renovated bungalow in Charming historic Ardsley Park just steps from McCauley Park. Entering through a welcoming front brick porch which then opens to a spacious living room with freshly painted walls and a centrally placed fireplace. There are plenty of windows, hardwood floors and

crown molding throughout this charming home. Off the living room is a separate roomy dining room. The two large archways in the living room, sandwiching the fireplace, create an open and airy feeling and lead to a cozy sunny family room. The updated kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel appliance, newer cabinetry and a utility room. New lighting is well placed over the sink, and under the cabinetry for easier food preparation.

The first floor bedrooms all sport extra tall windows the original paneled doors and en-suite bathrooms. The bathrooms have been updated with new sinks, faucets and shower stall. There is also a walk-up attic for plenty of storage. The great backyard is kept private with a six foot wood surrounding the property. The patio is a great place to relax and view the yard with plenty of garden space that include built in benches. There is also a sturdy workshop to hold all your garden tools.

The home is located in the Chatham Crescent area of Ardsley which is one of the most sought after neighborhoods to live in. It’s clear why, the streets are lined with beautiful homes, mature plantings, and live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. In addition the area is centrally located to the best of Savannah. Only 10 minutes from downtown, 30 minutes to Tybee Island, and 5 minutes to the exploding Skidaway, Victory shopping area with its new Whole Foods, Chipotle, and Brusters Ice Cream. This is a charming home in a sweet location and is sure to sell quickly.

View more photos of this property here. 

Call Don Callahan 912-441-4416 to set up a viewing or ask questions.

Small Savannah Businesses You May Not Know About

 Savannah is growing, and in a very creative way. No longer does a new business hang their shingle out front, join the city chamber and advertise in the yellow pages. As we know times have changed! I love what I see happening with new businesses here in Savannah. Since the arrival of SCAD Savannah has really begun to flourish as an artist’s haven. The latest evolution of this creative city is extremely community oriented, and inclusive as it expands not only geographically, but also in size and product. Here are several new community businesses that nourish the creative community that are great for everyone!

Cohen’s Retreat - A creative collective, an artisan/design destination.

This midtown historic campus has evolved into a creative community thanks to the new owner’s vision. About the property: Cohen’s Retreat is a community of art, food, with a coffee/juice bar, commercial and residential cottages for rent scattered about the property. There is a main building plus sixteen cottages. The residential cottages are energy efficient with skylight and wood grain flooring. The commercial cottages have a main room, office and are equipped with a full kitchen and bathroom.  A couple of working craftspeople live in the cottages already, and several business have made Cohen’s retreat their home as well. The north wing of the main building will host lectures, classes, workshops, and more. The south wing, a gallery space, has already hosted two shows.  A banquet table dominates another room.  A new patio space, vegetable and herb gardens, and a fountain to be installed out front.  Many of the fully-renovated cottages are still available for rent. The cottages behind the main building are leasing quickly - with a potpourri of design oriented small businesses - photo stylists, prop stylists, artists, and designers

Art Tank will be a space available to rent for events. It will be a place to gather, to learn and connect with like-minded folks.

“We just wanted to provide a setting where the most accomplished artist can come in and go away with something, but so can someone who has never even picked up a paintbrush.”

New, and in the latest issue of Savannah Magazine. 10pm. Located at” 5715 Skidaway Road, Savannah

Fish Out of Water Designs – Artisan upholstery

An unusual, eclectic, bohemian style upholstery workshop. Custom upholstery, re-upholstery,

pillows and modern trends are discussed with clients over coffee and beneath painted taxidermy fish. A designer upholstery boutique where a client's furniture restoration and design needs can both be met. A place to create and have fun. There are even classes! Seminars, couples classes, individual projects - the hours are flexible the classes tailored to your needs.

“If you need something upholstered, Evelyn is your girl! She really engages the client in the process so that simply spending time with her in her workshop is a valuable experience. And the quality of her work is second to none!”

Savannah Plush

“Savannah Plush is designed to celebrate and share the uniqueness of the community in which we live. We celebrate the creative talents of carefully hand selected local artisans. Even our name was carefully considered and selected. "Savannah" for the exquisite physical location we call home and "Plush" to describe those special little touches that we all love to add when feathering our nests.” – Located at Cohen’s Retreat on the second Floor

Clutter Furnishings and Interiors

Started as the brainchild of mother-daughter duo, Lynn Rahn and Brooke Rahn Thomas, Clutter

Furnishings and Interiors is Savannah’s hottest, new design and home décor destination. Clutter’s mission is to provide an array of one of a kind vintage, repurposed, consigned, and antique pieces to the huddled masses, and to create a space for clients that blends their style with great new finds. Located in Savannah’s Eisenhower Square Shopping Center, Clutter is one of several new mid-town, retail destinations designed to make all Savannah-ians lives just a little richer.

The Mill

The Mill is an interactive, collective studio concept soon to be in downtown Savannah where designers of any kind can come work/sell their craft. By creating a space where designers can come to work on their own time, celebrate the process of their work and sell their product all at once brings attention to the great people behind America's handmade goods.

Maven Makers

“Maven Makers is working to establish a collaborative work-space with the goal of creating a community of knowledge, design, and creativity. We are a community of people working together to foster growth to the individual first, then local companies, and for the overall city. Our space is for everyone with a desire to learn, inspire, teach, design, and create. Maven Makers’ vision is to establish a community-supported maker-space in Savannah, GA, which seeks to equip and empower the community starting at the individual level by delivering a common location with affordable resources for designing and building, whether for profit or mere enjoyment.” Maven Makers has had several events where ‘regular folk’ built bicycle racks for the Savannah Bicycle Campaign, and magazine racks for NPO’s in Savannah.

Olympians Making A Difference In Our Lives

People all over the world sit down together every four years to watch some of the best athletes on earth compete in obscure and often dangerous sports. Athletes ski down a hill at 70 mph, soar through the air with no parachute and no net, slide face first down an ice chute at speeds up to 80 mph, and jump moguls doing back flips on skis. On slick ice they perform amazing athletic feats on thin blades of steel in synchronized movements with absolute grace, or race around a rink pulling up to 3G's as they round each corner with seeming ease. While we sit on the edge of our seat holding our breath completely mesmerized. These feats are a show of what can be achieved when a person focuses on ONE single purpose.

It's the Olympian's efforts that capture us all. The cameras capture anxious faces of moms, dads, siblings, coaches and friends, hopeful and expectant as they watch loved ones put everything on the line in one two-minute program, one downhill run, one hold-your-breath shot. And we watch as those same faces crumble, or resolve to be brave, or break down in tears — for joy or heartbreak. The Olympics are about sharing your trials and tribulations with those we are blessed enough to call family. Just as in real life, which is why these moments in the Olympics touch us so much, we identify. Who didn't tear up win Bode Miller won his Bronze medal, and then cried when interviewed by the aggressive interviewer? Or who didn't get a lump in their throat when Canada's Alex Bilodeau embraced his brother Frederic after winning the men's freestyle skiing moguls competition?

We're all just human, and life is going to get the best of us from time to time. Because life, like the Olympics, can be a rocky road from time to time. The important thing is you keep pushing on. Some of us will become world champions through our grit and determination. Even if we don't as in the Olympics, the effort and just being at the main event is THE accomplishment.

We learn to accept not just our best accomplishments, but even our mistakes, as displayed in the

closing ceremonies. The creative director of the Sochi games poked fun at the opening ceremony ring-lighting malfunction, by having one group of the Olympic ring purposefully pause before expanding into the complete ring, and full 5 ring icon. We learn not just tolerance for others but respect. We feel respect for the Russian ice figure skater who won gold, because she did display an amazingly awesome performance. We have gotten to know her as an athlete, not just a Russian. We recognize all these new faces and for just a moment, seeing them stream in front of the camera, we feel part of a bigger narrative. We feel inspired to go out into our own world, find our single purpose, and be the best we can be. We realize we can create our own gold medal moments in life, and that’s the best thing about the Olympic Games.

Renovated Traditional Style Home in Ardsley Park

215 E 48Th St, Savannah, GA 31405 

Bedrooms: 3

Bath: 2

Year Built: 1923

Sq. Ft.: 1,894

Price: $329,000

MLS#: 119389

This renovated handsome Ardsley Park home is literally just steps from Charles Ellis! This traditional style home abounds with spacious rooms decorated with crown molding and hardwood flooring throughout. Right off the front entry and stairway, is the living room with a fireplace and a wide archway to the dining room. The living room is graciously separated from the entryway and adjoining dining room with period appropriate French doors. The dining room is well lit with windows and a beautiful chandelier. From the dining room and the living room there is access to the front sun room, which is lined with a wall of windows for a bright and airy feeling.

The renovated kitchen boasts; granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, tiled floor, double sink and a good sized breakfast nook. There is plenty of light and a ceiling fan to keep you and your guest’s cool while entertaining in this gorgeous kitchen. On the second floor the spacious master bedroom has a fireplace for those cooler evenings and an en-suite bath. The second bedroom is also spacious and the second bathroom is beautifully renovated with a pedestal sink and a bath/shower. Upstairs in the third floor is a bonus room setup to be a relaxing family room.

Outside in the backyard is a well-designed brick patio with an in-ground stone fire pit. The yard also contains a storage bldg., and 2 car parking pad and is bound with a wood fence. But the best feature of this home is its location. The home is less than a mile from Daffin Park, Savannah’s second largest park, and home to the Sand Gnats baseball team. Just beyond the park is the newly bustling Victory Square with the Whole Foods, Chipotle, and Zoe’s restaurant. This new shopping center is a great addition to all of the existing stores on the Victory, Skidaway shopping area, which is home to Target, Staples, Home Depot, and the Victory Movie Theater. There is access to the Truman Parkway and Tybee Island is only a short 20 minute drive. In the other direction historic downtown with all it has to offer is a mere 2-3 miles.

View more photos of this property here. 

Call Don Callahan 912-441-4416 to set up a viewing or ask questions.

Leadership Begins With Your Heart Not Your Head

Posted on February 17, 2014 by admin at KW blog 

Dianna Kokoszka, CEO of KW MAPS Coaching and KWU, filled the room with magnetic energy today at her Family Reunion breakout session “Dianna Unplugged.” She moved the audience with her passion, integrity and enthusiasm and inspired attendees to lead with their hearts not their heads.

“Your business grows to the extent that you do. Why wouldn’t you choose to grow as a leader? Do you want success without limitations? YES?! Then fall in love with the process of becoming a leader and train your team to be great leaders! The biggest function of a leader is to create more leaders. Leaders set the temperature and turn up the HEAT. Get ready to WIN BIG!” said Kokoszka.

Kokoszka illustrated the Triangle of Power and Influence, which states effective communication is followed by recognition and will result in influential leadership by permission. A leader is responsible for the experience of their followers. When you communicate your vision in a clear and compelling it ignites passion in your team and motivates them to live by your example. Elected leaders have high standards, embody their mission and settle for nothing less than exceptional results.

Motivation also drives momentum and people grow into the conversations you have around them. Kokoszka encouraged leaders to compliment their team when they do well and “they will keep doing it right,” she said. Leaders believe in their people and talk to them from a place of integrity. Lift your team to exponential growth by:

•        Coaching
•        Manifesting goodwill
•        Inspiring enthusiasm
•        Saying “we”, not “I”
•        Solving breakdowns
•        Demonstrating how it’s done
•        Saying “let go”

“Logic makes them think and emotions make them act,” she said. When asked the questions addressed to every leader, move your team with your passion, not your position. People want to know:

•        Do you care about me?
•        Can you help me?
•        Can I trust you?
•        Will you help me grow?
•        Who and what do you stand for?

“People teach what they know and reproduce who they are,” Kokoszka continued. Lead by permission and skill using the four Es:

1.        Energy
2.        Energize
3.        Edge
4.        Execution

She finished the session imploring leaders to seize the moment. “When an opportunity comes it’s too late to prepare. Put your potential to work by leading with your Es, passion, integrity, high standards and embody your mission and vision daily. Settle for nothing less than exceptional and get ready to make SUCCESS rain!”

Burn Calories With A Fence

Brought To you by GreenPal

When you make that old resolution to lose weight beginning on Jan. 1, you are probably setting yourself up for failure. You will go all out to begin with, but after a few weeks you will burn out and you won’t feel like working out anymore. The rest of the year will go by and again on Jan. 1, you will try the resolution again. It won’t always work out, so what can you do to lose weight and not give up?

The solution comes in the form of doing home maintenance, which is excellent exercise for the body. When you do home maintenance, you are able to get fit through the simple action of improving your home and your yard. You can burn as much as 576 calories an hour just shoveling snow, or 400 calories an hour mowing the lawn. Raking leaves takes up 384 calories as well.

Did you know though, that with the help of a fence, you can burn thousands of calories? Here is how.

First, building a fence will burn 340 calories per hour. It will probably take at least 10 hours to build a fence, and that means burning 3,400 calories total over the course of a week. That is a huge amount to burn, especially if you supplement it with eating healthy. In addition, you can wash a fence and burn 238 calories per hour. If you are painting a fence, another task that can take 10 hours, you can burn 2,380 calories over that course of time.

Something as simple as a fence can help you burn a lot of calories, help you get in shape and help you feel healthy and better about yourself. Oh, and you improve the market value of your home. No gym can do that. 

8 Worst Home Improvements

“With many factors to consider such as cost and time, deciding what remodeling projects to undertake can be a difficult decision for homeowners,” said National Association of Realtors® President Steve Brown. “Every neighborhood is different and the desirability and resale value of a particular remodeling project varies by region and metro area. Before undertaking a remodeling project, homeowners should consult a Realtor® as they are the best resource when deciding what projects will provide the most return upon resale,” said Brown.

1.       Home office remodel: You will only get back about half of the money you invest to create a home office when you sell your home. That's because even though more people are working out of their homes these days, not all buyers want a space dedicated exclusively to work. Such features can make it hard for a new owner to use the space as a bedroom if they wanted to. 
2.       Sunroom addition: Homeowners who add a sunroom to their house recoup on average sellers are lucky to recoup about half of their investments. Homeowners who are willing to sink $73,000—the average cost of a sunroom addition—into their house would be better off investing in a different home improvement project.
3.       Bathroom addition: Homeowners who build a bathroom addition recoup on average only about 60 percent of the project's cost when they sell the home, according to the report. However, homeowner's true return on this particular investment depends on how many bathrooms they already have. Homes with one less bathroom than comparable properties in the neighborhood would be better served by this project. If you are a bathroom short compared to other homes in your neighborhood, then it is going to make more sense.      
4.     Backup power generator: Homeowners who obtain a backup power generator recoup on average only about 59 percent of the project's cost when they sell the home, according to the report. Although most homeowners don't consider a backup power generator essential, its popularity varies a great deal from one region to another. 
5.     Garage addition: Homeowners who build a garage addition recoup on average about 62 percent of the project's cost when they sell the home, according to a report by National Association of Realtors  The limited versatility of a garage doesn't necessarily justify its high cost, which can average more than $58,000. A garage addition project is a labor intensive effort, often requiring builders to pour a slab, construct walls, and build a roof, among other things.
   
6.     Master Suites unless you plan on living in your home for many years to come you will only get about 60% return on your investment.
7.     Family Room Addition: The average cost of adding a family room can add as much as $80,000. If you really want to do add the room, do it for your family, not for the ROI.
8.       Pools. In ground pools are costly and do not add to the home’s value. Some buyers are turned off because of the high maintenance and insurance costs.

Why Agent Teams Are the New Model in Real Estate

Agent Teams are the fastest growing model in real estate. What works in this new business dynamic? What is an agent team? Watch the video and see some of the top producers in the business talk about why a team is good for the real estate business, and the consumer.

 “When you hire people who have your same core values and vision, the synergy is just incredible.” “The consumer gets a team of specialists” - CEO Sue Adler Team at Keller Williams Realty  

 “Its the future of Real Estate. Why, one its our fiduciary duty to consumers to provide the highest value possible, when we are selling their highest valued asset, and that comes from us treating our sales like we really are a negotiating and marketing firm.” - Ben Kinney, operating principal Keller Williams

Learn more about the Don Callahan Team here.

NFL Player With an Inspiring Story

The only deaf player in the NFL to play offensive, helps his team and millions of others reach Super Stardom. The Seahawks Derrick Coleman’s determination and resilience has inspired millions. Coleman’s main message is; “No matter what kind of problem … whatever you wanna do, it is still achievable. You just have to overcome certain obstacles”. Derrick has been deaf since the age of three. Early on Derrick had to rely on lip reading, a skill that has helped him on the football field where he plays in the loudest sports stadium in the league.  “My disability is actually an advantage over everybody else. They are trying to hear the play, they really got to focus … all I gotta do is look at him … when things really get loud that’s when I turn to reading lips.”

His hearing impairment required him to work extra hard, but it was his attitude that propelled him forward. In his own words Derrick talks about this with NBC. "Freshman or sophomore year of high school is where I had that mindset of if someone tells me that I can’t do something, well I’m going to try real hard to do it," he said. “If I succeed great, and if I don’t well at least I know I gave it all I got and I didn't leave any excuses on the table. I’m capable of doing what everybody else can do, whether I have a hearing problem or not. You can’t use your problem as an excuse, because … you use an excuse you’re not gonna get to your dreams”

Coleman is an inspiration for so many young people with disabilities. His message that even though we have a disability, we can do anything really touches so many. Recently, just before the Super Bowl hearing impaired twin girls wrote to Coleman, and he responded. Good Morning America was instrumental in making the girls dream come true. Watch the video here:

After a Duracell ad aired during the Super Bowl with Coleman featured, the ad went viral on You Tube. The commercial had over 4 million views in five days. See if you are inspired to overcome your own obstacles.

Top 10 Best Valued Home Improvements

Since the real estate market is looking up you may be thinking about selling your home and buying a home you have been dreaming about for a while. If so than its time to focus on some home improvements or repairs you might have been putting off. Here are the top 10 home improvements that will bring you the most bang for your buck, according to the 2014 Cost vs Value report. This report is organized by region, unfortunately it is not specific to Savannah. So this list and estimated amount recouped is an average in the South Atlantic and I added their estimates for Charleston SC as a comparison since it is a coastal city.

Project	South Atlantic	Charleston SC
1.      Entry Door Replacement (steel)	101%.	148%
2.      Garage Door Replacement	89%	110%
3.      Deck Addition (wood)	89%	112.2%
4.      Attic Bedroom	88%	94.2%
5.      Window Replacement (wood)	84%	92%
6.      Minor Kitchen Remodel	83%	107.2%
7.      Basement Remodel	83%	97%
8.      Window Replacement (vinyl)	81%	92.8%
9.      Siding Replacement (vinyl)	80%	109.5%
10.  Bathroom Remodel	77%	100%

You may not even notice your front door anymore, but a new door makes a great impression on buyers and yields the highest return on your investment. If your front door doesn't need replacing or you'd rather spend less money, you can paint it and replace the hardware for a similar impact. The same goes for your garage door, there is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to improve the unique features of your home.

Buyers are looking to expand their living space, and going out back where there is a new deck is a great solution, especially here in Savannah. If you already have a deck, you might consider enhancing the outdoor living space with a water feature, an outdoor fireplace, or a built in grill. That are lots of sites on the internet that can offer some economical ideas to create affordable outdoor living space. House logic is a website we like that offers some great home improvement ideas. Here are some ideas for decks http://www.houselogic.com/outdoors/decks/. Another way to add living space is going up and turning your attic into a bonus room.

Improving the living space you already have is another upgrade you might consider. A minor remodeling of your kitchen such as, new lighting, new cabinet doors with new hardware and adding a tiled backsplash will bring a fresh look to the area. Also new lighting can really transform a room. A little bigger investment is to replace windows, but as you can see the return here is really pretty good. Check out This Old House website that has loads of low cost kitchen/bath upgrades: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20210747,00.html

If you are considering doing most of your improvements or repairs yourself here are a few websites we have come across that we like. Many of them have videos that show you how to.

The Family Handyman - http://www.familyhandyman.com/

This Old House - http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh

Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford - http://www.todayshomeowner.com/

BrightNest - https://brightnest.com/

Homeowners Relieved After Senate Delays Insurance Hikes

Yesterday the Senate passed a bill to sharply delay the increases in flood insurance rates for millions of property owners in coastal and flood-prone areas. The bill effectively guts a 2012 law (“Responsible Implementation of Flood Insurance Reform Act”) that had aimed to overhaul the nearly bankrupt National Flood Insurance Program. The Program which subsidizes insurance for buildings in flood zones, had a $24 billion deficit following claims from Hurricane Sandy. The law’s aim was to raise revenues for the federal flood insurance program. The law had also required updating of federal flood zones, which could determine which property owners will be required to purchase flood insurance by their mortgage holders.

Although the bill delaying the rate increases had bi-partisan support it still drew criticism from a broad spectrum of outside groups.  “It will return the program to a state of insolvency,” and “General taxpayers will be footing the rest of the cost.” according to an article written in the New York Times that quoted Shai Akabas an analyst at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington research group. The aim of the 2012 law was to shift the financial risk of insuring flood-prone properties to the private market from taxpayers. The debate over who will pay for the nation’s rapidly rising costs for flood damage remains unclear.

Over the past year, millions of coastal property owners were hit with flood insurance rate increases that sent their premiums soaring up to five or 10 times the previous amounts. As their insurance bills soared and their property values plummeted, homeowners begged lawmakers to block or delay the 2012 law. 

Most Tybee properties are located in the highest risk flood areas, known as V zone. With few exceptions, Tybee non-primary residences with a first floor not built off the ground would have seen a significant increase. Many other parts of Chatham County are also located in high flood risk zones, and many homes built before the creation of the National Flood Insurance Program have long been eligible for subsidized policies.

Savannah morning news reported: Russ Pennington, director of policy and public affairs with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, said Tuesday the impact hasn’t been drastic so far.

“What we’ve seen in other parts of the state that have preceded Effingham area specifically, it seems to be a wash,” he said. “Some areas are found to no longer be in the flood zone; some new areas are found to be in the flood zone. That’s just a process that is working itself out.”

Find out more from FloodSmart.gov the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Savannah Humane Society - Making a Difference

More than 55 years ago, a group of concerned animal lovers joined together to organize The Humane Society of Chatham-Savannah, Inc. They created a vision for Savannah where in our community for every pet there is a safe and loving home with a responsible owner. They conduct adoptions, provide education, owner assistance and affordable spay and neuter services.  As you know, we're a pet-loving team here. Several team members have rescue dogs; a couple of which came from the Humane Society. We've made donations, walked the dogs ourselves, and once had a holiday party and asked our guest to bring dog or cat food instead of presents. It's the least we could do for an organization so close to home for many of us. 

This often forgotten Savannah non-profit organization is really making a differene in our community. They have often rescued animals, and then find good homes for them. The most recent rescue was a 2 1/2 yr old Mastif - Pit (Juicy) mix dog which had been abandoned by its owners in Hinesville. The dog, nearly starved to death was nearly 40 pounds underweight. Watch the WTOC viedo on the heartwrenching story.

http://www.wsav.com/story/24548127/neglected-dog-in-hinesville-is-getting-some-much-needed-care?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=9769165

Pets are so important for our health. In fact here is an article from the American Physcology Association. 

Pets can serve as important sources of social and emotional support for “everyday people,” not just individuals facing significant health challenges, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. 
...“Specifically, pet owners had greater self-esteem, were more physically fit, tended to be less lonely, were more conscientious, were more extraverted, tended to be less fearful and tended to be less preoccupied than non-owners.” Read this article. http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2011/07/cats-dogs.aspx

Even zoo keepers understanding the nuturing and healthy impact of animals on our lives, and other animals life. The Cincinnati zoo has been successfully pairing adolescent cheetahs with dogs as playmates for 30 years as part of its Cat Ambassador program. Watch this adorable video as the dog and baby Ocelot play.

Savannah A Growing Romantic City

Savannah is really starting to grow and take on a new shape, with its ‘downtown’ boundaries and neighboring residential areas expanding. Historic Savannah, the hostess of the south, had a good year in the press (see below) setting the city up for some great continued success. According to SEDA’s 2014 business outlook 'Savannah’s long-term growth prospects are among the best in the nation. Savannah's unique ambiance and transportation infrastructure make it both an attractive place to live and do business.’ We are definitely seeing signs of that growth already.

In 2013 Savannah received the following recognition:

• One of the "Top Ten Romantic Cities" – Livability.com, February 2013,
• "Best City for Affordable Getaway" –Travel + Leisure, May 2013,
• "Best Romantic City" –AAA Southern Traveler, August 2013,
• "America’s #1 Most Charming Accent" – Travel + Leisure, April 2013,
• "Top 50 Destination for Labor Day" - TravelersToday.com, August 2013,
• "Tybee Island: Top Family Friendly Beach Town" –TravelNerd.com, June 2013, and
• "America’s Top 10 Waterfronts" –USA Today, May 2013. 

This Thursday Tanger Factory Outlet Centers confirmed that they plan to develop Tanger Outlets Savannah in partnership with Atlanta development firm Ben Carter Enterprises. Pooler’s outlet mall is the sight of the new partnership and will have approximately 400,000 square feet of leasable space.  “We are very pleased to add Tanger Outlets Savannah to our existing portfolio of successful resort and destination properties,” said Steven Tanger, CEO of Tanger Factory Outlets. “Our joint venture with Ben Carter Enterprises in the Savannah market is a strategic move to help us deliver a world class outlet experience to this thriving Southern market.”

Also new to Savannah is Bruster’s real Ice Cream which opened a store in Victory Station, where Whole Foods, Chipolte and Zoe’s Kitchen also just opened. All are new to the Savannah market, and so far have been real received. The Whole Foods effect which I wrote about in July is taking place as the shopping plaza Victory Crossings across the street from Whole Foods is expanding. Whole Foods’ apparent success in Savannah is a clear signal to other corporations that Savannah might be a more promising location than previously thought.

In the downtown area we have two new hotels expanding the boundaries of the walkable downtown area. The new Embassy Suites Savannah is open at 605 W. Oglethorpe Ave. The hotel boasts 150 rooms and its own parking garage. A significant new entry in downtown’s inventory of hotels. Later this year, opening in May, will be the renovated Mulberry Inn, renamed The Brice, which was purchased by the Kimpton Hotel Group. 

SCAD students will also be benefiting from our growth. One West Victory Square, a student apartment/retail complex at Victory and Bull streets, will also be home to an Italian-inspired eatery called The Florence.  The Florence will measure 7,000 square feet spread over two floors and will occupy the yellow-brick building being preserved on the site. The restaurant with a bar and patio will of course be open to local residents as well. For One West Victory Square the location of a neighboring burgeoning artistic community the shopping, eateries and entertainment venues are plentiful. Located in the Starland Art district students will have full access to a thriving art scene, and is sure to add a boost to local business.

And just in case you weren’t sure of Savannah’s growth, Jet blue comes to Savannah/Hilton Head airport, with flights to JFK and Boston starting Feb. 13.