Over $70,000 in PRICE REDUCTIONS!

We've been busy slashing prices on our listings all over town! Over $70,000 in price reductions!

REDUCED $19,000 -- 2 East 61st Street - Now at $220,000 Clean, crisp lines accentuate the mid-century modern feel of this Midtown home.  Hardwood floors and detailed finishes throughout. Living room opens to dining room which boasts built-in corner cabinets. Open, bright kitchen has top-of-the-line stainless fixtures, granite counters, glass backsplash and beautiful cherry cabinets.  Three ample bedrooms and one full bath.  Sunroom overlooks lush, private garden/pation and well-landscaped yard.  Two car carport.  http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/2-East-61st-Street-a244722.html 

REDUCED $15,000 -- 618 East 55th Street - Now at $250,000Gracious Colonial Revival brick home just one block's walk to Hull Park. Generously sized living room with cozy fireplace and built-in shelves.  Separate dining room and beautifully done family room. Kitchen boasts custom cabinetry topped with granite countertops.  All appliances are top-of-the-line. With three bedrooms, one full bath and one half bath this lovely home ambles over almost 2100 sq ft. Quiet, fenced yard with nice plantings. Very convenient location; close to booming Habersham village, hospitals and Twelve Oaks shopping center. An easy hop to downtown and the Truman Parkway as well. http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/618-East-55th-Street-a255051.html 

REDUCED $17,000 - 137 Moonlight Trail - Now at $159,000 Wonderful Craftsman style home in Rice Hope subdivision in Pt. Wentworth. Deep, shady double front porches. Spacious, open floor plan with wood floors up and down.  Separate dining room with detailed crown mouldings, wainscoting and trey ceiling. Open kitchen with stainless appliances and a breakfast area.  Four bedrooms and two and a half baths including large master suite with private porch.  Covered rear patio overlooks protected woodlands area.  Two car garage. Over 2000 sq ft. Rice Hope amenities include: clubhouse, parks, trails, playground, fire pit, Olympic size lap pool, water slides, lazy river, zero-depth entry pool and a splash garden. HOA dues include: lawn care, TV, internet, phone and amenities. http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/137-Moonlight-Trail-a252763.html

REDUCED $5,000 -- 307 West Duffy Street - Now at $344,000
One of the most creative homes in Savannah. Just three blocks from Forsyth Park, this single family home located in the Victorian District was reconstructed in 2003. The exterior was restored to its original condition. The interior however, was altered to resemble more of a cubist painting with multiple open spaces. It’s a true urban expression, respecting the exterior context while providing a tailored living expression within. The home utilizes sustainable practices; an instant hot water heater, great use of natural light and ventilation, bamboo floors, concrete and granite surfaces, low flow toilets, and all energy star appliances. The home has been nationally recognized through the Master Design Awards in historic renovations in 2009. http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/307-West-Duffy-Street-a249870.html 

 

REDUCED $5,000 -- 2346 Ranchland Drive - Now at $69,900This awesome little ranch house is located in the desirable Forest Hills neighborhood-convenient to Savannah State, Low Elementary and Jenkins High. Fully renovated, the house features a spacious livingroom with a fireplace flanked by built-ins. Separate dining room and fully equipped kitchen that opens out onto a sweet screened porch.  Each of the three bedrooms have ample closets and there is one full bathroom. House is crisp with fresh paint, new ceiling fans and tile floors. Great corner lot with huge, mature oak trees. http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/2346-Ranchland-Drive-a247893.html 

 

REDUCED $13,000 -- 7234 Albert Street - Now at $53,000 Short Sale! Our loss is definitely your gain.  This awesome house features a bright open floor plan with vaulted ceilings in the livingroom and kitchen. The breakfast area has a delightful bay window and the master bedroom has sliders out to a rear patio. Newer carpet throughout. There are 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath and a finished garage area that can be used as a family room or 3rd bedroom.  Rear patio opens onto a well-kept, fenced back yard. Located on a very well-maintained block. Extremely convenient location with easy access to Truman Parkway. http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/7324-Albert-Street-a245368.html

Just Listed - Elegant Belgium Block Townhouse

415 E. Hall Street - Located one of the most beautiful blocks in all of Savannah, this elegant three story Belgium block townhouse welcomes with a deep front porch and diamond pane French doors into house. A wide foyer and side hall reveal impeccable details throughout including; heart of pine floors, thick crown moldings, period first floor light fixtures, pocket doors and original butler's pantry details.

The remarkable kitchen boasts top of the line architect series appliances, high end cabinetry and gorgeous limestone countertops. A beautiful glass tile backsplash and pot-filling faucet over a professional-grade stove introduce modern amenities while preserving historic integrity. the updated and fully equipped butler's pantry holds a built-in coffee maker, an additional dishwasher, ice machine, a wet bar and wine cooler. A comfortable breakfast bar stands adjacent to family room area. Family room opens to rear screen porch as well as the courtyard garden and pool.

The main house features four sumptuous bedrooms, including a master with a cozy fireplace. Its stunning en-suite bathroom sports custom cabinetry and carrera marble details throughout. An antique cast iron clawfoot tub and separate marble shower round out the spa-like setting. A second bedroom features a fireplace as well as generous closet space. An inviting hall bathroom is decked out with beautiful fixtures and carerra marble detailing. The third floor, currently used as a media room, has a quaint bedroom with custom wood paneled walls, cork floors, built-in bookshelves and a kitchenette with wood counters as well as a full bath with quality finishes. The airy, private screen porch overlooks a courtyard with saltwater pool and outdoor fireplace.

The one bedroom carriage house features a well equipped kitchen with stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and Corian counters throughout. Great for guests or potential income as a monthly/vacation rental. The apartment stands above a handsome two car garage.

VIDEO TOUR 

View additional photos of this home at http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/415-East-Hall-Street-a256392.html

Historic Downtown Savannah Savannah's founder, General James Oglethorpe, had already planned the layout of Downtown Savannah when he arrived here in 1733. His progressive ideology involved an interactive mix of architecture and green space with the intent of blending peoples from all walks of life.

Per his plans, Historic Downtown Savannah is a blend of stately homes and townhouses along with a stock of commercial spaces all centered around the original squares. The famous squares of downtown Savannah are lush green spaces shaded by magnificent live oaks dripping Spanish moss. Benches set beneath the trees allow visitors and residents alike to witness the blur of activity. From horse drawn carriage tours to darting bicycle messengers modern day Downtown Savannah is a unique microcosm that serves to confirm its founder's original intent as a vibrant urban melting pot.

Perhaps ironically, Georgia's First City is also home to the most cutting-edge art school in America, Savannah College of Art and Design. It has called downtown Savannah home for 30 years and has grown in prestige from oddball upstart status to international acclaim, all along keeping its feet firmly planted in the heart of the city.

The Stuff Legends Are Made Of!

From the KW blog:

What are the makings of a legend?

Is it vision, strategy or innovation? Is it charisma, ambition or will? And do you become a legend on purpose? Or is it an organic occurrence?

History tells us it’s all of those things. A person becomes legendary because they are remarkable over and over again. They achieve great things despite odds and become synonymous with a certain level of innovation and ambition.

Similarly, a company becomes legendary when the people who choose to be in business with them believe in the vision and achieve their own dreams through that shared belief. They share in setbacks, successes, innovations and decisions and collectively move forward because of that collaboration.

There are of course, various moments in history that illustrate this point.

A lesson in legend lore

In the book Great by Choice author Jim Collins outlines two explorers who sought to be the first in history to reach the South Pole. If you’ve read the book or heard the story, you know that one explorer Roald Amundsen was the first to get there by researching Eskimos, bringing along the right amount of time-test equipment and by taking his team 20 miles forward every day no matter the conditions. Robert Falcon Scott, on the other hand made the trek in quantum leaps on days when conditions were favorable, relied on untested equipment and “ran everything dangerously close to calculation.”

You can probably guess who made it to the South Pole first with all his men: Amundsen. Scott made it to only to find that he had been beat. He was found eight months later, frozen, just ten miles from their depot.

The moral of the story: Different behaviors cause drastically different outcomes.

Winning Behavior

We’re a resilient and competitive industry and we thrive because of it. We experience successions of successes and a slew of setbacks and there are those that are achieving great things despite odds and gaining positive momentum in a market full of obstacles. They behave like winners.

Every year, we find out who those winners are through industry-wide rankings such as the recently released REALTrends 500 Report. The findings are confirmation that our business practices are getting result and rank us accordingly. And well, let’s face it, we like to win.

We also start to see the same people show up on the list. Can we call them legends? Maybe not yet. But they are certainly on their way to earning that acclaim.

It’s exciting to see who comes out on top, who doesn’t and where we all stand. Keller Williams Realty was thrilled to see our brokerages sweep 11 categories which Inman News detailed in a recent article on their Website.

From Inman News:

“When considering productivity per office, however, Keller Williams brokerages took the lead. Of the top 50 firms with the most transaction sides per office, Keller Williams accounted for 28 and Re/Max brokerages accounted for 15. In terms of sales volume per office, Keller Williams accounted for 27 of the top 50 firms while Re/Max accounted for 12.

This year, Real Trends also ranked the top 50 firms with the largest increases in closed transaction sides and sales volume. Keller Williams dominated the top 50 firms ranked by increase in number of transaction sides from 2010 to 2011, accounting for 19 of the 50. Re/Max accounted for seven, while firms affiliated with Prudential accounted for five.

Keller Williams also made up more than two-thirds, 34, of the top 50 firms with the highest percentage increase in transaction sides from 2010 to 2011. Re/Max accounted for eight.

Keller Williams accounted for 20 of the 50 firms with the highest dollar increase in sales volume in 2011, followed distantly by those affiliated with Prudential and Sotheby’s International Realty, which each accounted for four.

Keller Williams also accounted for 28 of the 50 firms with the highest percentage increase in sales volume, followed by Re/Max at seven.

Also new this year, Real Trends ranked the top 50 firms with the largest increases in transaction sides and sales volume from 2007 to 2011. By transaction count, Keller Williams accounted for 16 of the top 50 firms in that time period, while Re/Max and Prudential each accounted for seven. By percentage rise in transaction sides, Keller Williams accounted for 31 of the top 50 firms, followed by Prudential and Re/Max at four each.

By rise in sales volume dollar count during that five-year period, Keller Williams made up just over half the list of top 50 firms at 26. Re/Max accounted for four. By percentage rise in sales volume, Keller Williams also dominated, accounting for 31 of 50 firms, followed by Re/Max at four.
Keller Williams’ lead in sales volume is partially, but not completely, due to high average sales prices in the areas in which it does business. Of the top 50 firms with the highest average sales price in 2011, Keller Williams accounted for 11, while luxury franchisor Sotheby’s International Realty accounted for 15. Re/Max accounted for four. The bulk of the rest was made up of independent, nonfranchised firms.”

Our congratulations to everyone who made the list. We are especially proud of our Keller Williams associates who continue to outpace the competition, earn more business and secure a better future for their families.

Read the original blog post at http://blog.kw.com/2012/05/21/the-stuff-legends-are-made-of/

Record Lows

 

by Michael Caputo, Starkey Mortgage
mcaputo@starkeymtg.com | 912-658-2366

The short version: interest rates set record lows this week. The ability to offer 30 yr fixed rates at 3.50% is not something we have seen before, ever.

The long version:

The turmoil in Europe has been positive for US mortgage rates for two main reasons. First, economic growth in the region has slowed, which reduces future inflationary pressures. In addition, investors have responded to the uncertainty by shifting to relatively safer assets, including US mortgage-backed securities (MBS). The economy of Greece is very small, but the increasing possibility that Greece will exit the EU calls into question the stability and the benefits of the monetary union, causing a wide range of problems outside of Greece. Bond yields in other troubled European countries have risen, creating a further drag on economic growth. People are beginning to withdraw their money from banks in these countries, increasing the risk of bank failures. Europe's issues will not be resolved quickly and will continue to influence US markets for quite a while.

Focus on the rate that is now available as opposed to rushing the buyer to act before it goes up. Few thought we would see these levels and there is no way to be sure how long it will last. Build your buyer’s confidence about the ability to secure the lowest rate ever offered while sales prices remain low. Low rate + low price = affordability.

The NFIP authority to issue new and renewal policies, as well as increasing coverage on existing policies is currently set to expire at midnight on May 31, 2012. This nonsense happened a few times in 2010 and we can only hope that everyone in DC figures out that this needs to be extended again. If you have a closing with flood insurance after June 1, be advised that this issue is on the horizon.

Cubist Home - 307 W. Duffy Street

Don’t’ judge a book by its cover.  A phrase tossed around quite a bit in real estate, usually referring to the unflattering aspects of a home.  “Pay no mind to the giant, built-in 70’s microwave.  I hear they’re coming back in style!”  Though overused – and perhaps improperly – there are times when the old saying is appropriate and absolutely necessary.  Like when a home says one thing on the outside, but then sings a whole new tune when you walk through the front door.

And that is the case with this listing.  From the curb you see a beautifully restored, Victorian, two story home that is typical to DowntownSavannah. In fact, this home is nationally recognized for its historic restoration.  With a two-floor bay window and front porch the house immediately charms you with its Southern swagger.  But once you walk you through the front door all semblance of Victorian grace vanishes, giving way to Modern curves, unexpected layouts, and large open areas filled with light and whimsy.  You can’t help but feel the “gotcha” factor this home has when you walk in.  The surprises, however, don’t end at the front door.

Abstracted, pulled, and molded, the interior of this house has been completely altered.  From the floor boards to the walls, from the kitchen to the staircase, every nook has been artfully designed and every material thoughtfully considered.  The doorways are irregular in shape.  The hand rails undulate up the staircase.  The built-in sofa hugs the curved walls of the living space.  The rooms transition from one into another like forms in a cubist painting, both opening up and overlapping.  And the final painterly touch comes in the form of a sky light at the top of the stairs that fills the home with a natural glow. 
This Modern interior succeeds where most don’t in the warmth that it exudes.  It is perfect for a single family who appreciates historical correctness and modern interpretations.  And the location couldn’t be better.  You have great downtown shopping within walking distance, and Forsyth Park is just a stone’s throw away.

For more details on this home visit: http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/307-West-Duffy-Street-a249870.html

Sunday Open Houses

Sunday, April 29th is National Open House Weekend! We've got four lovely listings open from 3-5pm. Come see us!

711 E. 58th Street - $239,000 - 4 bedrooms, 2 baths

http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/711-East-58th-Street-a247198.html

540 Maupas Avenue - $290,000 - 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths

http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/540-Maupas-Avenue-a248591.html

2 E. 61st Street - $239,000 - 3 bedrooms, 1 bath

http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/2-East-61st-Street-a244722.html

711 E. 55th Street - $275,000 - 4 bedrooms, 2 baths

http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/711-East-55th-Street-a249869.html 

$75,000 in Price Reductions!

We've been busy slashing prices on our listings all over town. Check out the new and improved prices of these listings!

REDUCED $15,000 --- 303 Jackson Woods Blvd. - Now at $350,000. Outstanding Colonial Revival with impressive front columns & porch. Spacious living room with fireplace, separate dining room, massive open kitchen and breakfast room, wood paneled family room with fireplace. Master with direct access to upper porch. Rear patio and fenced yard. http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/303-Jackson-Woods-Blvd-a236046.html

REDUCED $5,000 -- 321 W. Broughton St, Unit 10 - Now at $225,000. Beautiful loft style condominium in premium location. Exposed brick walls, tremendous ceiling heights, stunning deep red Heart of Pine floors, open kitchen with granite counters and quality cabinetry. http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/321-West-Broughton-Street-10-a238517.html

REDUCED $15,000 -- 524 E. Duffy St. - Now at $250,000. Classic Victorian Wrap around porch overlooking Dixon Park Entry foyer with grand staircase, separate living and dining rooms with pocket doors, 11ft ceilings, open, fully equipped eat-in kitchen. Quiet back porch & rear garden with off street parking. http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/524-East-Duffy-Street-a238112.html

REDUCED $5,000 -- 2212 Mississippi Ave - Now at $59,900. Adorable Bungalow on great block with separate living and dining rooms, very large kitchen with granite counters, wood floors through-out. 2 generous bedrooms & a bonus/3rd bedroom. Bath is finished with tile floors & surround. Large quiet fenced in back yard. http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/2212-Mississippi-Avenue-a240040.html

REDUCED $10,000 -- 18 Black Hawk Trail - Now at $313,500. Outstanding home with wood flooring, spacious dining room & living room with handsome fireplace opens to rear deck. Large eat-in kitchen with quality stainless steel appliances adjacent to generous sunroom. Family room/bonus over garage. Beautiful lot. 2 Car gar & golf cart space. http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/18-Black-Hawk-Trail-a241195.html

REDUCED $25,000 -- 901 E. 40th Street - Now at $275,000. Craftsman Style home on double corner lot in Baldwin Park. Classic features including bright living room with fireplace, separate dining room has wainscotting topped with plate rack with direct access to screened in porch. Separate 1 bedroom apartment to offset mortgage payments. http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/901-East-40th-Street-a247199.html

Savannah: Simply the Best

Anyone who has visited or lived in Savannah can tell you there is no place like it.  But don’t just take it from us.  Travel and Leisure Magazine recently said some lovely things that local Savannahians have known for years.  Recently named #2 on theirlist of Greenest Cities, various other accolades followed on their Best Citieslist including “friendliest” and most “romantic”.

You can hardly walk a block in Savannah without passing through one of our 22 grassy and tree-laden squares, not to mention the dozens of other parks that inhabit the town.  Designed in the 1700’s as strategic meeting points for Savannah’s militia, these squares have since turned their usefulness to activities more social and leisurely.  Students draw the landscapes and homes, couples recite vows in the gazeboes, book and food festivals are held, naps are taken, picnics eaten, and the list goes on.

Friendliest city, you say? Well, it is simply in our nature.  This old port town still has a reputation for welcoming transients, one that earned it the moniker of “Hostess City.”  People from all over the world stumble upon Savannah and are instantly seduced by its history, beauty and charm.  The friendly folks that make up its downtown historic district are a close knit family of small business owners, artists, restaurateurs, historians, philanthropists, and good, hard working men and women.  Live here for a little while and you’ll soon catch the bug that gets you waving at everyone you pass on Bull St., most of them you’ll most likely know.

As for romance, no other city can hold a candle to the dappled sun light, the Spanish moss, the cobble stone, the intricate iron work, the sandy beaches, the heavenly food, and our long list of historic bed and breakfasts.  There is something in the air here that can be hard to describe, but you’ll easily fall in love with this city that draws you in with its mystery and romance.

Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is the heart of Downtown Savannah life, providing leisure and rest to citizens and tourists. This 30 acre green space crosses the border of the Historic and Victorian Districts, with Gaston Street to the north and Park Avenue to the south. Stunning Victorian mansions surround the park on all sides, and the gorgeous oak and palmetto trees that typify the town are in abundance around its mile perimeter.

Originally the park was only ten acres, an area donated by William Hodgson in the 1840’s. It was expanded by twenty acres to its current size in 1851 and named for Georgia Governor John Forsyth. The original ten acres is perfect for picnics, covered in shade by dozens of trees. This area has plenty of space for walking with sidewalks symmetrically designed to lead to a central fountain. The additional twenty acres are mostly comprised of two expansive, green fields that are ideal for the recreational games and events that are Forsyth Park’s great heritage. You’ll also find two play grounds, a café, an amphitheater, a historic Fragrant Garden for the Blind, tennis and basketball courts, and a central Confederate Memorial Statue.

Perhaps the most visited spot in all of the Hostess City, the Parisian inspired fountain at the central-north end of the park is arguably its most recognizable landmark. The fountain is romantically framed by a tunnel of arching branches, and is often the centerpiece of spring and summer weddings. The water turns a festive shade of green during St. Patrick’s Day to welcome the crowds that swarm downtown annually for the nation’s second largest celebration (2nd only after New York City).

Whether seeking rest or activity, Forsyth Park is always bustling with people enjoying the outdoors in the heart of a vibrant city. Pack a lunch, bring a soccer ball, sun bathe on a blanket, play fetch with your dog, read a chapter of your favorite new book, or watch all the hustle and bustle from the quite nook of an oak tree.

Make Your Home Appealing to Buyers

As you start to gather up your belongings and pack them away for your move, many sellers question which items they should leave out for buyer appeal. Often the wrong items are left on display; things like family photos, personal keepsakes, and treasured belongings. All of these items should be safely packed away which very often creates open space (a plus for buyers) on shelves, refrigerator doors, and desktops.

Buyers often make a decision within just seconds of seeing your home about whether or not they want to buy it. So picture your home through the eyes of your potential buyers. What do you see in about 10 seconds? When you walk up do you see children’s toys scattered across the front lawn. Do you see overgrown shrubs and weeds? Do you see chipped paint on the front door, a screen that’s torn? Do you spot oil spills on the driveway?

Even answering yes to just one or two of those questions can be damaging and that’s before your potential buyer has entered your home. Sometimes, those seconds are all the buyers need to decide to simply do a "drive by" and not even stop to go inside.

Of course, the goal is to get the buyers inside. To get them to spend time, feel like your home could be their home. But even though that goal is so widespread and common among sellers, somehow the decisions some sellers make are almost completely polar to the goals.

Let’s look at five tips that can make your home appealing to buyers.

1. Something simple like fixing a screen is often overlooked by a seller because it is so simple, yet, just seconds of seeing the ripped screen can cause a negative impact for buyers.
2. Adjust the artwork in your house to be non-personal. No family pictures! Buyers get distracted.
3. Make the kitchen a focal point. Winning over buyers with an appealing kitchen can often convince them that they must have the home.
4. Put the "ah" in the bedroom. The bedroom needs to look like a bedroom. Sounds funny, but many people use their bedroom for other things such as an office or storage.
5. If there isn’t much space, clear the clutter out. Remove excess furniture. It doesn’t matter if you use it. You can walk to another room to get what you need if it means you sell the home faster because it now looks more inviting and spacious.

Making your home more appealing is about seeing your home through the eyes of your potential buyers. When it comes time to go over the offers, you’ll be glad you did.

Tips for Savannah's St. Patrick's Day Celebration

As the city prepares for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade and celebration, we thought we'd share some tips to make Saturday a fun event for all.

PARADE: The Annual Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade winds its way through the heart of Downtown Savannah. The parade begins at Abercorn and Gwinnett and ends at Bull and Harris. Get Downtown early to grab a great spot along the route to take in the festivities. See the parade route on a map: http://www.savannahstpats.com/site/ssp/parade/

PARKING: Parking is at a premium. City parking garages are open, but be prepared for a $15 event fee to park. Street parking will be free, but scarce. Alternatives include one of three city shuttles from Southside, Islands or Westside for only $3. Shuttles run from 8am-11am and return noon-3pm. More info on shuttles: http://www.catchacat.org/CAT_System/NewRoutes/St__Patricks_Day/index.html

LIVE MUSIC: There's plenty of live music to go around. Bands will be performing throughout the day at City Market, Wild Wings, and River Street. Band Lineup here: http://www.savannahstpats.com/site/ssp/bands/

FOOD: There are plenty of restaurants open around town for breakfast and beyond. But, be prepared to wait in line. The city is expecting up to one million people for the event! If you want to check out an annual Savannah St. Patrick's day tradition, head on over to Wesley Monumental Church (Abercorn St. at Calhoun Square) for their PANCAKE Breakfast. Adults $5, kids $3.

Looking for some Irish dishes to make for your own St.Pat's celebration? Check out these traditional dishes: http://www.history.com/topics/irish-recipes-st-patricks-day

WEATHER FORECAST: Saint Patrick's Day: A mix of sun and clouds with a 30% chance of mainly afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Warm highs in the low 80s inland... with low to mid 70s on the Atlantic shore. Saturday Night: Variable cloudiness with a continued 30% chance of a showers or thunderstorms. Mild lows in the upper 50s to around 60.


IRISH PHRASES & TOASTS (sound like you're really Irish):
• Slainte: Cheers! or Good Health! (pronounced 'slawn-cha')
• Erin Go Bragh: Ireland Forever!
• Beannachtai Na Feile Padraig Oraibh: St. Patrick's Day Blessing Upon You!
• Dia Dhuit: Hello!
• Ni Fhaca Me La Fada Thu: Long Time No See!
• Go N-Eiri An T-Adh Leat: Good luck!
• Gabh Mo Leisceal: Excuse me!
• Graim Thu: I Love You!

Savannah Morning News - Realtor Spotlight

The Savannah Morning News did a full length feature article on Don in Sunday's paper. It's part of their new "Realtor Spotlight" section which gives readers a little glimpse into the life and career of a local real estate agent. Here's a preview of the article:

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the suburbs on Long Island, 60 miles east of New York City.

Family:

Pets- A dog named Audrey who came from Ossabaw Island and three rescue cats.

What do you enjoy most about living in the Savannah area?

Savannah is a large enough city to provide plenty of entertainment through the arts, galleries, museums, history, architecture, and festivals. What I really like about Savannah is that is a big enough town for it to have all of this activity going on but a small enough town to be connected. I really like to leave my office on Broughton Street and be able to walk through the squares, see people I know, and meet new people, all on the way to lunch. A great example would be the recent Super Museum Sunday. Some friends and I were able to walk to four different museums, see lots of amazing art, architecture, and the gardens at the Ships of the Sea Museum. It affirms my love for Savannah.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?

I always look forward to bringing my dog with me to the stable and riding my horse Sterling. I have been an equestrian since I was nine years old. Riding English and Dressage are my absolute favorite things. When I am at the stable, it allows me to remove myself from any of the stresses of a normal work day and focus on something I love. I also like to travel. I have been to over 15 countries over the years. My belief is exposure to different cultures eradicates judgment and opens the door for tolerance.

How long have you worked in Real Estate?

I have been working in real estate nearly 14 years.

Continue reading the article here: http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/SavannahMorningNews/Default.aspx?href=SMN%2F2012%2F03%2F11&pageno=35&view=document

Neighborhood Profile: Baldwin Park

Nestled to the southeast of Savannah’s Victorian District is the quaint residential neighborhood of Baldwin Park.  Within these few blocks you can see an architectural timeline of downtown Savannah.  From the Victorian homes and mansions that line its border on Victory Drive to the early 20^th century bungalows that make up most of the neighborhood, every home has character and charm.  Originally this neighborhood was part of the Chatham Crescent development, an area known for its curvilinear streets, roundabouts, and parks.  With the creation of Victory Drive in 1919 Chatham Crescent was separated, and the north end became what is today known as Baldwin Park.  

Baldwin Park

At the center of this neighborhood is its namesake, a circular park that is the ideal environment for walking, picnics, and recreation.  From the park, looking to the south, you can see the center of Chatham Crescent, picturesquely lined with palmetto trees, all the way down to Hedeman Park and the Savannah Arts Academy on Washington Avenue.

Atlantic Avenue looking south to Savannah Arts Academy.

Baldwin Park has a healthy and vibrant community network, making it perfect for young families who like to know their neighbors.  Block parties, organized yard sales, and even outdoor movie nights make this area a one-of-kind gem for midtown Savannah.  These happy residents are quite diverse in every respect, from age, to occupation, to race, to income, and it’s this diversity that adds to its richness and character.

Great neighbors aside, the residents here also have an outstanding location that puts them in close proximity to the best of Savannah.  Baldwin Park is just far enough from the hub-bub of downtown without feeling too far removed from the cultural activities of Forsyth Park and Broughton St.  Mere blocks outside this close-knit community you have several churches, restaurants, and antique shops all in walking distance.   Look to the east and you have Daffin Park and Grayson Stadium.   Have a car?  Living here provides easy access to Abercorn Street, Victory Drive, and the Truman Parkway connecting you to Savannah’s Southside and the nearby islands.

Just Listed: Outstanding Condo at The Merritt

JUST LISTED! - 1138 Whitemarsh Way
From the moment you turn into The Merritt, you know you're in for something special.  Driving past the gorgeous gardens, the majestic Clubhouse comes into view.  With its lavish interiors, Business Center, sumptuous Pool, Fitness Gym, and Billiards/Game Room, The Merritt caters to your every whim.  Pass through the regal gates, and directly in front of you is a large pond where species of birds and turtles swim and sun themselves.  There are also a dog park, car-wash, mail kiosk, and an abundance of barbecue, and picnic areas included in the public spaces.  Unit 1138 continues this gracious theme.  High, airy ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, large rooms, generous walk-in closets, over-sized windows framing expanses of lush trees, and an inviting Terrace, reminiscent of a small Savannah square, add to this unit's uniqueness and luxury.  The Merritt is conveniently located to Walmart, two Publix supermarkets, Kroger, CVS, banks, Target, Home Depot, and downtown Savannah is only 14 minutes away. Unit 1138 is truly a rare find!

The Islands:

As part of the famous Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina, Savannah has an abundance of marsh-front and waterfront communities. Collectively they are known as The Islands. These include Whitemarsh, Wilmington, and Tybee Island. Like the rest of Savannah, the housing options are diverse and varied. Typical Low Country homes stand alongside 60s ranchers and contemporary homes. There are also a number of apartment complexes and gated communities available depending upon one's taste. The key to these locales is access to water. Marinas and docks abound and beaches are only minutes away.

Tybee Island is a funky time-warp of sorts that somehow blends surfer-chic with millionaire sensibilities and comes out making sense of it all. It is a summertime hot spot for locals and tourists, offering everything from tours of the lighthouse at Fort Screven to kite surfing on South Beach or kayaking at the Back River.

Search Other Homes For Sale on The Islands: http://www.buyorsellsavannahhomes.com/community/area/Islands/

Down the Street Eats: Thomas Square

Thomas Square is an area known for its beautiful Victorian homes, diverse population of residents, and delicious epicurean fare. The Bull St. Library anchors this neighborhood where SCAD students and local families mingle between the galleries of Starland and DeSoto Row all the way north to the green fields of Forsyth Park. One of the best characteristics about this area is the variety of cafes, coffee shops, and bakeries peppered along Bull Street.

Back in the Day Bakery, Paula Deen’s favorite, is the go to spot for fresh and homemade baked goods.  From artisan bread sandwiches to cookies, bread pudding to cupcakes, everything that Cheryl and Griffith Day cook up is pure comfort and joy!  Their cookbook which just came out this month, is selling like hotcakes.

Butterhead Greens

diligently serves SCAD students between classes, and is a lovely, quiet lunch spot for nearby residents when class is in session.  The chefs pack upscale concepts into healthy, casual, and affordable food.  An ever changing menu provides relief from the ho-hum, been there done that, “what do I eat for lunch” blues.

Foxy Loxy Café is everyone’s new favorite spot to meet and eat.  Their menu is minimal making it ideal for a light snack.  They have an extensive offering of beverages including coffee, wine, and craft brews.  Sit back and take in the sights of their rotating gallery while you catch up with your friends over some delish Tex-Mex treats.

Local 11 Ten

is properly placed at the end of Forsyth Park in what used to be a 1950’s bank.  If you’re looking for smart design, local ingredients, and impeccable service this is your oasis.  Just above the restaurant is the rooftop bar, Perch, nestled nicely beneath the limbs of Savannah oak trees.

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Home Staging Tips

Let's change the sign in your yard from For Sale to Sold!

Show Your House in the Best Light
When a buyer walks into a nice bright room, they feel happy. And you know what happy buyers do? They make offers! Turn on all lamps and lights to the brightest setting. If you have a 3-way light bulb turn it to the highest watt. All lamps should have at least 100 watt bulbs in them. Remove heavy curtains to let the natural light in.

Create Space in Your Home
Get your furniture off the floor by removing all skirts. Showing the legs of furniture will visually make the room appear larger. Using neutral colors in paint and décor will make rooms seem larger. Add crown molding. It will make the rooms flow and expand the space. Ceiling fans should be the same color as the ceiling as it will make the ceilings seem higher. A darker fan will make the ceiling appear lower. Area rugs need to be proportional to the room size. A large room needs a large rug because a small rug will make the room seem smaller.

Make Your House a Home
Adding plants is a great way to add life to a room, but only if the plants are lush and full. Any old and dreary plants need to be replaced with new ones.

De-Clutter
Removing clutter doesn’t just apply to things on the floor. If you have a lot of pictures, decorative plates, etc. group them on one wall as a focal point and free up wall space. Pots hanging in the kitchen area are a bad idea as it makes the room/ceiling seem smaller and cluttered. Remove items from your kitchen counters like cutting boards, fruit baskets, etc. Also get rid of things in the sink area. No potential buyer wants to see your dirty dish sponge! Buyers will open your drawers and cabinets; clean them out so they can see the space instead of your junk. Buyers associate messy drawers and closets with a poorly maintained home.

Showcase Your Home’s Exterior in its Prime
If selling your home in the winter, make a photo album with photos of the exterior in the springtime

Upgrade the Kitchen
Buyers don’t give you the courtesy of saying they want a new appliance, they simply don’t make an offer on your house. The smartest thing you can do is make your kitchen look fresh and bright. Refrigerator is the least expensive appliance to upgrade and it will make the most impact.

Staging your home is necessary in this competitive market. You want your home to stand out in potential buyers minds as a place they could see themselves living in, not a house that needs work. The effort you put in to making your home look as perfect as possible will be worth the effort.

Take The Time Now to Review Your Homeowners Insurance

Trying to get just the right amount of homeowners insurance for your house and possessions seem like a difficult task. If you underinsure your home and suffer a devastating loss — flood, fire, theft — then you risk not being able to return to the lifestyle you’ve worked hard to achieve. Yet if you over-insure, you’re throwing money away every year on unnecessarily high premiums.


All homeowners insurance isn’t created equal. That’s why it pays to review your coverage periodically to ensure your policy meets your evolving needs. Begin by understanding the types of coverage available.

Actual cash value coverage reimburses you for the value of your home based on its current condition. If your home was built 10 years ago, you’d receive only the depreciated value of decade-old windows, cabinets, appliances, and so on. Most insurers recommend the more comprehensive replacement cost coverage. With it you’ll be reimbursed for the amount it will cost to rebuild your home like new with the same kind and quality of materials. Depreciation doesn’t factor into the settlement equation.

To get the full benefit of replacement coverage, you need to purchase enough insurance to cover the total cost to rebuild your home, excluding the value of the land. Many people make the mistake of insuring at the market value. But the amount you could sell your home for today isn’t necessarily the same as how much it would cost to rebuild.

Be sure you’re also insured at the right value for your home’s contents and for personal liability. Most insurance polices provide only actual cash value on contents. To get replacement cost coverage, you’ll need to purchase an endorsement. If you have valuables not covered by your policy—silverware, jewelry, furs—purchase endorsements for those, too.

Many people pay no attention to the liability coverage limits in their policies. If you have a dinner party and a guest falls down your front steps, you don’t want to be underinsured.

If you’re concerned about increasing your premiums by adding endorsement after endorsement, ask whether you can save money by splitting your deductible, paying a higher amount for certain claims and a lower amount for others. Bundled endorsements can save you a few bucks, but only if you require them all.

Make sure you have the right coverage for you, your family and your home!

Client Testimonial from Michael M.

We're excited anytime we can help someone buy or sell a home here in Savannah or refer them to a great agent in our network across the country. We recently sold Michael and Amanda a home on beautiful Tybee Island. Our Buyer Specialist, Mark Gugliuzza, took the lead at showing them homes and successfully guiding them through to closing. Read what Michael and Amanda had to say about The Don Callahan Real Estate Group below.

"Everyone I worked with at your office was friendly, courteous and more than willing to help in any way they could. I was also impressed by Don's nearly "instant availability" to meet with me for more complex questions and scenarios. I was very impressed that Don showed up for my closing even though we weren't working with him directly. I thought that it displayed good character and a dedication to his clients. I can't recommend you guys highly enough. I also put a shout out on Twitter about you guys right after closing! Great work and thanks again!!!

Mark did a truly outstanding job as our Buyer's Agent. He was very flexible, knowledgable friendly and professional. He provided excellent service with an emphasis on attention to detail and personal attention. He was also very patient with us as our taste in houses changed almost daily. He provided insight into the benefits and potential negatives of each house and neighborhood we looked at. He is very well informed in the real estate market and even provided a wealth of information about historic homes and financing. Mark's attitude was always positive and upbeat and we really enjoyed working with him. He truly took a lot of the stress out of the home buying process. I wish he was our listing agent back in Virginia!!"

JUST LISTED! - Great Bungalow in Avondale

JUST LISTED! - Great Bungalow in Avondale Community of Savannah


This great little bungalow in Avondale is ripe for the picking! Boasting hardwood floors and nice details throughout, the home has both separate dining room and living room areas. The kitchen is fully renovated, well-equipped and has granite countertops. There are two generously sized bedrooms and a third bonus/bedroom. The bathroom has stylish tile floors. Home sits on a generous lot with established plantings and a fenced back yard.

For more information on this Savannah home visit: http://www.buyorsellsavannahhomes.com/listing/mlsid/345/propertyid/93732/syndicated/1/cgltguid/4108A66D-216F-4675-BDD3-EC89BABEE89A/?ts=crg

To Search the Savannah MLS visit: http://www.buyorsellsavannahhomes.com/search/

Savannah is a charming and captivating coastal town. From the oak-shaded mossy squares of Downtown to the funky "bohemian" vibe of the Starland District to the laid back Low Country attitudes of the Islands and everything in between. The city's multi-faceted character continues to engage those of us that call it home and makes us want to know more about the place we already feel we know so well.