Holiday Weekend Activities

There is always plenty to do on long holiday weekends. Activities like; eating, watching TV,

sleeping, shopping, and visiting with friends and family. However if you tire of these activities there is also plenty going on in Savannah. Check it out:

The 2^nd Annual Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights.
Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1, 2013 – 5:30pm – 10pm
http://www.savannahharborfoundation.com/festivaloflights.html

The drive-through light experience will showcase over 80 larger-than-life displays with surprises around every twist and turn.

The Staples Safari Zoo with Brian Staples returns this year with exotic animals to showcase.

Boat Parade of Lights: About 50 lighted vessels parade both sides of the waterfront, accompanied
http://www.savannahharborfoundation.com/boat-parade-of-lights.html

by live music performances, tree lighting ceremony, and a fireworks.

Saturday, November 30 beginning at 6:00 pm

Want to take in a holiday show? There are several to choose from.
The historic Savannah Theatre is showing “A Christmas Tradition” a 2 hour dazzling performance.

http://www.savannahtheatre.com/shows/a-christmas-tradition/

The Lucas is kicking off the holiday season with ‘The Nutcracker in Savannah’ http://lucastheatre.com/schedule/

At the Civic Center
November 30^th  The Columbia City Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec. 1 - Mindless Behavior is playing.

Want to spend some time in the outdoors?

Afternoon and sunset sail on the Schooner Roseway
http://www.worldoceanschool.org/get-onboard/day-sails

Charles Dickens Victorian Savannah Christmas Walk: http://www.zerve.com/OldCityWalks/DknsWalk

Highlights:

·         Walk Victorian Savannah

·         See Christmas-decorated Victorian Savannah Architecture

·         Special scene performances from “A Christmas Carol”

·         Hear historical Savannah stories

·         Traditional Victorian Christmas food and drink in a Victorian parlor

10% of all proceeds go to the Homelessness in Savannah Advocacy Group

A Few Thanksgiving Plumbing Tricks

The drain, and disposal can be a problem on Thanksgiving.  Many people mistreat the disposal on the food-laden holiday. Here are a few tips to keep you humming along without having to wait around for the 'fix it' guy. This way you can enjoy the game with your piece of pie!

Be Gentle to Your Disposal
Don't treat the disposal like a trash can. Throw as much food waste as possible in the trash or compost pile. When using the disposal, feed the waste gradually into the drain.

Be Picky About What You Grind Up
Don't put bones, poultry, vegetable peels, celery (its stringy) or fruit down the garbage disposal

Keep Grease to a Minimum
Do not pour excess fat or cooking oil down the drain. Put in a container and then throw it out. Also wipe off excess grease from your turkey pan with a paper towel before you put into the sink to wash.

Disposal & Water Go Together
run the water when using the disposal, and keep it running for a few seconds after you turn the power off.

Don't Run the Dishwasher
Don't run the dishwasher if you think there is a problem with the disposal. The dishwasher discharges into the disposal.

If you do get clogged here is a method to try before giving the plumber a call:

Heat up a cup of vinegar in the microwave, in the meantime pour one cup of baking soda down the clogged drain. Follow that with your cup of heated vinegar. The mixture will bubble and fizz, so stuff and old rag into the drain to keep the reaction in the drain to do its work there. Wait 5- 10 minutes and then pour some boiling water down the drain. For difficult clogs it may take two or three times before working. 

When everything is all cleaned up you can leave the kitchen with a wonderful smell by placing a few lemon rinds in the disposal to grind up. Happy Thanksgiving!

Top Givers That Put Money Where It Counts

Wondering which philanthropists are all talk a little action, and which ones really put their money where their mouth is? Well the Philanthropic Research Institute was wondering, and decided to rank which Americans gave the most in the last calendar year.  Not what they said they would pledge, but what they actually paid out. Take a look at  some pictures and statistics of the top 50 Biggest Givers.

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/ekeg45efkh/1-bill-melinda-gates/

More Great New Listings

Charming Ardsley Park Brick Bungalow

616 East 51st Street
Year Built: 1925
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2
Liviing Area: 1890 Sq. Ft.
MLS Number: 116131
Offered At: $257,900

This Charming brick Ardsley bungalow has a welcoming, screened front porch with arch details. Beautiful wood floors, thick moldings, tall windows and architectural details throughout.
For full details details and more photos on this property follow this link: http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/616-East-51st-Street-a293049.html

Absolutely Charming Bungalow 

630 East 54th Street
Year Built: 1930
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1.5
Living Area: 1204 Sq. Ft.
MlS Number: 116544
Offered at: $230,00

This is an absolutely charming bungalow just two blocks from Hull Park. Sits high on corner lot with sweet, welcoming front porch. Sunny living room. Separate dining room with cozy fireplace. Updated kitchen with granite counters, breakfast bar, gas range, stainless steel  appliances and pantry.
For full details details and more photos on this property follow this link:
http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/630-East-54th-Street-a293051.html

Handsome Brick Duplex in Baldwin Park

501 East 40th Street
Year Built: 1915
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Liviing Area: 2649 Sq. Ft.
MLS Number: 116340
Offered At: $225,00

Big, handsome brick duplex on a corner lot in Baldwin Park. Each unit has two bedrooms, hardwood floors, thick moldings and tall ceilings. Big, bright living room. Separate dining room with cozy fireplace. Private front porch for each unit. Small fenced back yard and two car garage.
For full details and more photos on this property follow this link:
http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/501-East-40th-Street-a293045.html

Charming Parkside Bungalow

1107 East 51st Street
Year Built: 1916
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Living Area: 1616 Sq. Ft.
MLS Number: 116154
Offered At: $225,000

This charming Parkside bungalow has a broad, welcoming front porch with swing. Bright, generously sized, living room.  Separate dining room with cozy fireplace. Large kitchen with breakfast bar, quality cabinetry, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, butler's pantry and breakfast area! Three bedrooms including en-suite master with bath and walk-in closet . Beautiful hardwood floors and great craftsman details throughout.
For full details and more photos on this property follow this link:
http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/1107-East-51st-Street-a293046.html

Three New Listings This Week

Extremely Well Maintained Betz Creek Home

115 Teakwood Drive
Year Built: 1996
Bedrooms: 4
Bathroom: 2
Living Area: 1729 Sq. Ft

Located on Wilmington Island this extremely well maintained Betz Creek home has a handsome, welcoming entrance. Separate living room with vaulted ceiling, cozy fireplace and sliders to rear deck. Dining room with picture window and vaulted ceiling as well. Fully equipped kitchen boasts quality cabinets, countertops and stainless steel appliances as well as a breakfast area and sliders to a deck. Three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs including a master bath with double bowl vanity and jetted tub. Fourth bedroom and den downstairs. Second floor deck, rear patio and screened porch. Two car garage with storage workshop. Beautifully landscaped back yard with garden overlooks lagoon thriving with fish, ducks and turtles. Wilmington Island location is convenient to supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants and more right on the island yet the magic of Downtown Savannah is only 15 minutes away. An easy jaunt on out to Tybee Island as well. Come enjoy the famous Low Country lifestyle at its best.

See more photos here: http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/115-Teakwood-Drive-a292872.html
or
See a video of this beautiful home.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7p6Ob0QJNg

Mid-Century Modern in Magnolia Park

1514 Whitney Road
Year Built: 1958
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2
Living Area: 1557 Sq. Ft.

This Mid-Century Modern home in Magnolia Park has long, low lines. Entry foyer with double doors. Spacious living/dining room combo with full wall fireplace and three sets of sliders to side yard and rear patio. Fully equipped eat-in kitchen with breakfast area and access to carport. Two bedrooms and two baths including master suite. Separate den/third bedroom with sliders to rear patio. 1 car carport with storage. Fenced yard with lush, mature landscaping. Magnolia Park is experiencing a renaissance of sorts with new families discovering its close proximity to the mall, hospitals and Midtown as well as Downtown Savannah via the Truman Parkway. Convenient to the thriving Victory/Skidaway corridor and Derenne as well.

See more photos here: http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/1514-Whitney-Road-a292870.html

Great Investment Opportunity

651 East 38^th Street
Year Built 1930
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Living Area: 2663 Sq. Ft.

This is a great investment opportunity! Multifamily property with four 1-bedroom units generating $24,000.00 per year income. Two units that rent for $500 each are currently vacant for showings. Other side occupied generating $600 and $400 per month income. Some original details and hardwood floors throughout. Great location convenient to local favorites like Green Truck burger joint, Al Salaam Deli and the Starlander Café. An easy bike ride to red-hot Habersham Village and its shops and restaurants. Convenient to Baldwin Park, Daffin Park and the new Whole Foods Market. Less than 10 minutes to the heart of Downtown Savannah. This is a deal just waiting for the right investor.

See more photos here: http://www.realestateinsavannah.net/651-East-38th-Street-a292869.html

Beyond-Basic Coaching Helped Don Grow His Business

Don Callahan and his assistant Laura Hyatt were growing their business. They followed the business-building plans from the book The Millionaire Real Estate Agent. They tracked the details of their business and as a result increased the volume dramatically. However Don realized after attending Keller Williams Mega Camp, KW–MAPS Coaching’s annual gathering that he could be mastering the business and growing his own business even further.

Read in the Keller Williams Out Front magazine how Don made this incredible increase in his volume as seen in the tables below.

Out Front Magazine online:
http://issuu.com/kellerwilliamsrealtyinc/docs/kwri-outfront-2013-q3_lowres/9?e=8039000/4998311

COACHING STATS

Before 

2010	$7.1 Million
2011	$8.89 Million

After

2012	$11.38 Million  ( a 75% Boost in GCI over 2011)
2013 (Jan. – July)	$9.2 Million

BRRRR Here a Few Tips To Save Some Energy

Suddenly winter here is here and I find myself standing in front of my thermostat disbelieving the temperature reading of the room, and wondering should I push the heat setting up. We all want to be budget conscious where our utility bills are concerned, but we also want to be comfortable in our home. Here are a few affordable things that can be done to winterize our homes.

•       Block Air Leaks. To find these leaks use an incense stick and walk around the house holding it in front of suspect areas such as windows, door frames, recessed lighting, and electrical outlets. Use door sweeps to close the space at the bottom of doors, and apply caulk to doors and windows where needed. Use outlet gaskets to the electrical outlets
•       Add More Insulation. The rule of thumb is a home needs a minimum of 12 inches of insulating in your attic. If you can see the ceiling joists you know you don’t have enough because a joist is at most 10 or 11 inches. When laying atop of existing insulation don’t use the insulation with the paper backing as the paper acts as a vapor barrier which can cause moisture problems.
•       Check the Furnace. Schedule a maintenance check for your furnace/HVAC unit. Also you should be changing the filter on your furnace on a regular basis. (monthly)
•       Clean and Check The Duct-work. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home with central heating can lose up to 60% of its heated air before that air reaches the vents if duct-work is not well-connected and insulated, or if it must travel through unheated spaces. Make sure all the connections to the vents are snug, and that none of the duct-work is pinched reducing airflow. If the duct-work has not been cleaned in several years, then it’s time to schedule this. All the gunk that floats down the vents into the duct-work can reduce airflow in addition to causing respiratory problems.
•       Fix Leaky Windows. If you have storm windows, definitely put them in. If you don’t you can purchase a window insulator kit. The kit is a sheet of plastic that you ‘shrink wrap’ to the interior of your window using a hair dryer to tighten the seal. This can be removed in the spring. Replace old caulking with a fresh bead along the exterior of the windows. Watch this
  
  1 minute video on window caulking from the Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford website.
•       Reverse Your Ceiling Fan. This is one of the easiest things that can be done. Don’t waste the heat, push it back down by simply switching the direction of your ceiling fan.
•       Wrap the Pipes. Check for pipes that pass through unheated spaces that are not insulated and wrap them with either fiberglass insulation or rubber sleeves.

Super Typhoon Haiyan, Together We Can Make A Difference

One of the most powerful storms ever to hit land hit the Philippines on Friday. When Typhoon Haiyan hit land it triggered 12 to 15 feet high storm surges, flooding, landslides, killing nearly 10,000 people and affecting an estimated 9.5 million people. The Philippines Department of Social Welfare and Development is estimating 618,175 people are currently displaced.

The devastation is now hampering efforts to bring aid to people.
Richard Gordon, the chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, said that a Red Cross aid convoy to Tacloban had to turn back on Sunday after it stopped at a collapsed bridge and was nearly hijacked by a crowd of hungry people. “There is very little food going in, and what food there was, was captured” by the crowd, Mr. Gordon said in a telephone interview on Monday morning." reported the New York Times today. Resources of the Philippines and other national NPO's are stretched due to the previous 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Boholand and now typhoon Haiyan.
Working together, we can all make a difference in the lives of those in the Philippines who desperately need our help. There are a variety of ways to contribute to this devastating storm.

Dog in rubble in Philippines (IFAW photo)

The World Food Programme
The Philippine Red Cross 
Philippines Unicef
World Vision
Catholic Relief Services
Save The Children
Habitat For Humanity
Global Medic
Care

Help Animal victims of Typoon Haiyan
International Fund For Animal Welfare

Rock & Roll Marathon Savannah

You have to be living under rock to not have heard the buzz about the Rock'n'Roll Marathon that is taking place this weekend here in Savannah. Not being much of a runner I had some questions about this big event that is taking over our city tomorrow. First question, was ok what's the big deal anyway? The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series is the ‘world’s largest running series’ featuring live bands along the course, cheer teams and entertaining water stations. The outdoor festival will encapsulate Savannah in its entirety and culminate with a finish line festival featuring the band Jackyl. It is however a rock and roll marathon so there is more than one band, there are actually a total of 24 bands along the race route that will be playing. If you would like to listen to any of the music (since it’s free) here is a link to a list of the bands and their venues.

Who Puts This Marathon On?

Competitor Group, Inc. a Global Services, Media and Event Entertainment Company headquartered in San Diego CA owns and operates the marathon. CGI owns and operates 83 events around the world, including the flagship Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. CGI also owns five magazines; Velo, Inside Triathlon, Triathlete, Women’s Running and Competitor. They operate 30 events in the The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series, everywhere from Madrid, Las Vegas, Montreal, and New York. For Savannah to host such a large international event is monumental. No wonder all my running friends are going crazy about this event being here.

The Most Spirited Neighborhood

Since the event covers the entire city there will be many road closures. Here is a link to a list of the closures, or here is a link to a map of the course if you prefer to plan your routes that way. However if you prefer to hang at home, or maybe you are close enough to bike or walk to a section of the race there is a neighborhood Spirit Station competition that includes prize money. The contest is called Rock around the Block. Such a clever way to get people on board with the race in their neighborhood!

Other Events

• There is a Health & Fitness Expo Today (Friday Nov. 8^th) at the Convention Center. No Entrance Fee
• An official Pasta Party offered by Connect Tonight (Friday Nov. 8^th) from 5-9pm at the Charles H. Morris Center 10 E. Broad Street with live music (of course). You can purchase tickets here.
• Runners can earn ‘Heavy Medals’ by completing more than one event in a calendar year.
• But wait there is more … even kids can participate in the marathon! There is a non-competitive one mile run for children in grades k-7 which takes place on Sunday 2:00pm at Daffin Park. Learn more and register here.

Four Areas That Can Affect A Home's Curb Appeal

The housing market is making its recovery and there's a buzz of activity in our real estate office. Now may be the time to make the long awaited housing move. Whether you are buying, selling or updating a home here are some things to consider regarding a home's curb appeal.

A home's front entry is the focal point of curb appeal. In addition to making a statement a front door should reflect the home's interior. The entryway should have some style, updated light fixtures, a handsome entry door lockset, a wall mounted mailbox are elements that create a style.

Outdoor lighting can make a huge impact in the appeal of a home in addition to providing safety and security. Lighting can be used to illuminate a path, accent trees or landscaping.

Now is a good time to do some gardening, so create a new planting bed that will blossom in spring with lots of color and contrast. Fall is the time to plant bulbs they are e A seasonal

container garden adds a great deal of charm and warmth to a home. Create a garden around your mailbox for an inviting and cheerful look.  A tidy landscape is an indication of a homeowner cares for their home. So sellers, tidy up your yards by trimming hedges, edge around walkways and curbs, and add some annuals and fresh mulch to gardens. A flower box under a window or hanging off a porch railing can really be a welcoming feature.

One way to infuse a home with rich historical flavor lay in the details, such as molding, wainscoting, crown molding. Frame a window with molding or shutters then paint them with a contrasting color for emphasis. These details are a small investment and well worth the payoff.

Is It Possible Home Sales Are About To Climb?

Things are looking up for our economy according to today’s news. With mortgage rates hovering in the 4.25% range, unemployment down, and less foreclosures and bankruptcies, consumers are more likely to borrow. Below are some of the news sources that I tapped into.

The Fed’s uncertainty with bond buying and reducing asset purchases makes for a tough interest rate environment. The rates were flat most of last week until Friday when the rate rose slightly from 4.13 to 4.25 for a 30yr fixed loan. Read more at the Mortgage News Daily site: http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/consumer_rates/330213.aspx

Bloomberg reports today that Americans will cure their debt troubles by taking out loans because of a 5yr low in the unemployment rate. In addition the banks will be more inclined to loan due to a cleaning of their own balance sheets. Read more at Bloomberg news: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-11-04/americans-debt-hangover-seen-ending-in-boost-to-growth-economy.html

This Weekend in Savannah

On Nov. 2 Abigail Breslin to receive Discovery Award at Savannah Film Festival. The presentation will take place just before the screening of Breslin’s latest film, “August: Osage County.” With a Q& A session with the actress after the film. 

http://www.dosavannah.com/article/thu-10242013-0820/abigail-breslin-receive-discovery-award-savannah-film-festival

Also on Nov. 2 at the Jepson Center the Savannah Dance Festival will present the East Coast premiere of  ‘No Hero’ http://savannahdancefestival.org/

Saturday Nov. 2^nd the group CUSSES will be playing their final local gig at Hang Fire on Whitaker St. They are throwing a No Control party with three other local bands, Niche, Wet Socks and Electrickpark. 

http://www.dosavannah.com/article/thu-10312013-0022/cusses-playing-final-local-gig-2013