Category Archives: Richmond Hill

A Better Cost of Living in the South

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I’m often asked about cost comparisons between the Savannah, Georgia area and the north east, “Is the cost of living really that much better in the south?”

We touched on the cost of living when we discussed buying a second home in the area…

the cost of living is much lower here. When compared with Newark, New Jersey for example the overall cost of living in the Savannah area is 31% lower*. The cost of housing alone is 58% lower* than Newark. Generally speaking if you’re living on $120,000 in New Jersey you could maintain your lifestyle in Savannah with $82,818.

A better Cost of Living

Breaking Down the Cost of Living in the South

What makes the Richmond Hill / Savannah area so desirable?

Along with the beautiful weather, beaches, and 2nd biggest St. Patrick’s Day festival in the country – we also boast an excellent cost of living.

Forbes lists Savannah’s cost of living to be below the national average and considerably lower than the New England, New York and New Jersey area.

Looking for a home in the Savannah area often means getting more for less.

What does this mean to your pocketbook?

In basic terms, everyday items are a little bit cheaper here. AreaVibes.com notes that both kinds of liquid fuel trend below the national average. The price of gas in the Savannah area averages 1.2% below and the price of coffee averages 3.5% below.

With a longer warmer weather season than our friends in the north east our energy and utility costs run about 5.3% lower than the national average.

Health care and dental costs are also lower. You may also find other self-care costs such as getting your hair styled will save you a few dollars too.

The Richmond Hill / Savannah area can help stretch your retirement dollars too, all while providing the benefits of a top tourism destination – great hotels (for visiting relatives), world class events and a variety of outdoor activities.

Taxes

A tax friendly town can be a crucial deciding factor when planning a relocation or retirement. Georgia does have a state tax on each home you purchase, but what makes it such a great option for retirees is that Social Security benefits are not taxable income and the state also offers exceptions on other types of retirement income.

Check with your accountant for tax information that will relate specifically to your needs.

Property taxes in both Chatham and Bryan Counties are assessed based on 40% of the fair market value of the property. A $240,000 home would have an assessed value of $96,000 for taxing purposes. The final tax bill will be based on the property and any exemptions available. For example, there is a senior citizen discount on property taxes.

Generally speaking, factor in approximately 1% for Bryan County yearly property taxes and 1.5% in Chatham and Effingham Counties for easy round numbers.  All three counties use a mileage rate which equates to about these percentages.  That means you could buy a $200,000 house in Bryan county and the property taxes are $2,000 per year even if you have no senior citizen discount.

Further, if you buy a home in the suburbs of Bryan County (Richmond Hill, GA), your 1% tax bill INCLUDES your waste bill for weekly curbside service, your yearly fire department dues (no separate bill), and your biweekly curbside recycle service (you do not have to sort).  Those “extras” that are included in themselves save you a few hundred dollars each year!

There is no better example than my own:  3.5% home mortgage for 30 years, 1% property taxes on my home, no fire department dues, no waste monthly bill, approximately $45.00 each month for my water useage, no sewage bill, a local electric company (www.coastalem.com) which equates to $9.50 to $11.00 per KWH used.  There are no yearly vehicle emission tests in Georgia.  There are new vehicle purchase taxes and a yearly $25.00 car tag fee.  Not a bad cost of living at all!

A better cost of living equals a great quality of life.

Please call or email me today for more information or questions about your relocation needs!

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Melanie Kramer Coastal Georgia Realtor
*statistics pulled from payscale.com

New Listing: 1200 Mill Hill Rd Richmond Hill GA

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1200 Mill Hill Rd Richmond Hill GA

Build your dream home on the Ogeechee River!

1200 Mill Hill Rd in Richmond Hill is a cleared lot and ready for building.

Over half an acre sits on the deepwater of the Ogeechee and boasts a renovated floating dock (2011) with a 24ft aluminum ramp and boat hoist. At 10×58 this size dock can no longer be built; this one has been grandfathered in.

View the listing page here.

Please call me today for more information or questions about your relocation needs!

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Melanie Kramer Coastal Georgia Realtor

 

Buying a Second Home on the Georgia Coast

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Selling real estate in the sunbelt, I often receive  inquiries from clients about the idea of buying a second home.  As New Englanders get fed up with winter snow storms, the idea of living on the southern coast and getting rid of all the snow gear is very alluring. I speak with many New Englanders not only looking for a shorter winter but a better cost of living. Georgia offers both.

second homes in Richmond Hill georgia

Coastal Views in Richmond Hill, Georgia

Owning a Second Home Has its Rewards

Some are unaware of the various tax breaks for second homes.  For example, you can deduct the mortgage interest on your second home if you are not renting it out. Rental properties fall under a different tax structure depending on how many days a year the home is rented but rentals also offer many tax deductions.  We have the buyers consult with their accountant on the details specific to their needs but both are great options.

A second home, aka the vacation home is often looked at as an a place to get a way to support or change your lifestyle but keep in mind, they can be a great investment which is an added benefit. This wide open search based on interests is such a different avenue and opposite of when “Life” dictates where we need to be, how long of a commute, where we needed to be, etc.  Its such a fun process to be able to pick any location for a second home.  Often, criteria such as how long it takes to get there?  Do we have to fly or can we just drive to our second home?  How long is winter? What are the real estate taxes? What is the cost for flood insurance?  This is where an experienced Realtor comes in and I would love to help!

The Richmond Hill / Savannah area offers everything from historic charm to beach front property to the off beat river life. Here, you can live the quintessential southern front porch and iced tea life or experience active outdoor adventures such as kayaking, fishing and various sporting activities or the arts, jazz, etc. Did you know Savannah has a very engaged bicycle community, sailing community, historic society?  Basically, regardless of your interests, we have it!

The cost of living is much lower here. When compared with Newark, New Jersey for example the overall cost of living in the Savannah area is 31% lower*. The cost of housing alone is 58% lower* than Newark. Generally speaking if you’re living on $120,000 in New Jersey you could maintain your lifestyle in Savannah with $82,818.

If you plan to eventually retire or relocate to Savannah or its surrounding areas, I suggest visiting during different times of the year. A week in October and a week in the spring are great times.  Often times, a week or two a year does not give a full picture of the area. For example Savannah hosts the second largest St. Patrick’s Day gathering (truth be told we celebrate for a few weeks) in the country. Events like these do play havoc with traffic, but are also part of the charm and allure of the area.  Be sure to come in the thick of the summer too, to make certain you can handle the Georgia heat.

And let me just address it up front.  I always get asked about the fear of hurricanes.  Did you know that Savannah’s hurricane statistics are better than many near by cities in Florida and the Carolinas?

Please call me today for more information or questions about your relocation needs!

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

*statistics pulled from payscale.com

Melanie Kramer Coastal Georgia Realtor

Home Loan Approval Do’s and Don’ts

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Securing a home loan approval can be a little like having a 20 dollar bill in your pocket. Once that first transaction is complete, it seems much easier to spend the rest of it.

Filling out the loan papers and receiving a pre-approval can get very exciting. Planning for a new house can take us down many inspiring roads. Maybe you start thinking about the new eight piece set dining room furniture you just saw on the showroom floor – no interest for six months! Or since you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, now seems like the perfect time to upgrade to that all too intoxicating new car smell.

Afraid not! Now is the perfect time for patience when it comes to navigating the home buying process.

Do’s and Don’ts of a Smooth Home Loan Approval

Dos and Don'ts of home loan approval

  • DO NOT apply for new credit. This includes those no payments, no interest for 6 months promotions and co-signing for anyone.
  • DO NOT max out your current credit or make any large purchases. Budgeting for your new home is important. Waiting until all the paperwork is finalized before adding to the debt will make for a smooth home buying experience.
  • DO NOT close any credit accounts or change banking accounts. Accounts with zero balances with access to available credit can help your credit rating.
  • DO NOT consolidate debt. Looking at our credit reports can get a little scary, especially if you haven’t been keeping up with them. Now is not the time to consolidate debt, doing so is essentially applying for new credit.
  • DO NOT make any large deposits into your accounts. During the home loan application personal accounts are monitored for general activity and balances. Large deposits can raise red flags. If you receive a monetary gift it is good practice to keep a paper trail on hand.
  • DO NOT originate any inquires on your credit. This is an activity for your mortgage lender!

The goal is to maintain the credit profile that ensured the pre-approval. If you’re about to engage in activity that will change your credit it is always best to get a second opinion – which brings me to the Do list.

  • DO meet with a loans officer. They are here to help answer any questions specific to your needs.
  • DO stay current on your existing accounts. Buying a new home can take up a lot of time and energy. Now is the perfect time to stay vigilant on your current payment schedules and ensure everything remains up to date.
  • DO keep working at your current job. Change is great. And a lot of people move because of their work. But when that isn’t the case, maintaining your work history will help turn the pre-approval into a closing as stress free as possible.
  • DO keep your insurance agent in the loop. Open a dialogue with your insurance company early in the home loan approval process and let your agent, insurance carrier and lender know the name, address and telephone number of your local insurance agent and company insuring your new home with homeowners insurance coverage and/or flood insurance. The agent must send a declaration page of insurance and bill to the closing attorney prior to closing.
  • DO maintain a file of original paperwork. Having pay stubs, W-2 forms, past tax returns, bank statements, insurance documents, VA certificate, etc on hand is a great way to quickly fix up an issue that may arise. Consider using a folder or a small binder to keep everything organized.
  • DO provide your lender with any documents required as conditions of closing i.e. a closing statement from the sale of your prior home, your last paycheck, an original gift letter, copies of tax returns
  • DO let the closing attorney and your agent know if a Power of Attorney is needed.  An executed Power of Attorney for anyone on the loan who is NOT able to attend the closing will be needed.  The Power of Attorney must be faxed to the closing attorney prior to closing to ensure the Power of Attorney is approved by the lender.

Please feel free to contact me questions and if you consider moving to the area, upgrading to a larger home in the area, purchasing land or investing in a business here, I would greatly value the opportunity to meet with you.

Warmest regards,
Melanie Kramer, Realtor

Melanie-Kramer_ESIG

Top Things to See and Do When Scouting a Relocation to Richmond Hill Georgia

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You’ve been weighing the pros and cons of relocating to Richmond Hill Georgia for a new job. The last step before making the decision is a scouting expedition to check out the neighborhood and find a new home. Whether you’re coming alone or bringing the family. You might be asking yourself how you can get to know a place when you’re only visiting for a few days?

I know time is precious and the goal of finding a place to live usually trumps everything else.  But setting aside a little time to explore can be fun and offer a much needed break. Richmond Hill and the surrounding areas are rich with history and culture. Just a few minutes down the road, Savannah boasts one of the largest historic districts in the country. The Hostess City’s unique layout offers 22 garden squares to wander through.

You can always take a scenic drive out to Tybee Island and stick your toes in the sand – even during the winter this is worth the trip. On Sundays during the cooler months you can order up all you can eat Oysters at Bernie’s Tybee Island location!

Walking through mainstreet, Richmond Hill, Georgia

Walking through main street Richmond Hill, Georgia

Exploring Richmond Hill Georgia

The Richmond Hill Historical Society building was built by Henry Ford. Ford wintered in Richmond Hill when it was known as Ways Station. He enjoyed the area a great deal and used his time and resources to invest in the local community. Ford built his summer home on the location of the Richmond Plantation, which had been burned during the civil war. When time came to rename the town it seemed fitting to name it after the site of Ford’s home.

Open: Wednesdays – Saturdays 10am – 3pm

Admission is free (donations appreciated)

Enjoy a walk through the 3 mile nature trail at the J.F. Gregory Park. The 335 acre park offers a 10 acre lake where you can fish and canoe, and a great many spots for picnics and sports. The park also plays host to the many community events throughout the year.

Maybe you’d like to spend a few hours winding down or winding up on 18 holes. Richmond Hill offers two courses (one private; one public) within a few miles of one another perfect for both novice and expert players.

Rent a kayak and spend a little time on the Ogeechee River. The 250-mile historic and scenic river runs through Richmond Hill and is excellent for boating, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.  It also connects to the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway and a full service Fort McAllister Marina as well as dining by water at Fish Tales and Marker 107.

Camp for the weekend at Fort McAllister State Park and enjoy their civil war reenactments, history museum, cabins, campsites, fishing pier and guided natural trails.

Richmond Hill hosts at least 3 Georgia Department of Natural Resources public boat ramps as well if you like to launch your boat yourself.

Stop by the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce and pick up your “Newcomers & Neighbors” guide. It’s a great source of local information about events, the government, as well as education and healthcare resources.  If you come in October, plan to visit the 3rd weekend of the month during the annual Seafood Festival – it’s southern hospitality at it’s finest!

For a sampling of our culture, grab lunch at one of these local restaurants: Smokin Pig, Southern Image, Uptown Deli, Bubba’s Bistro, Molly McPherson’s, Snazzy’s, Oemlet Cafe or Plums Deli.

For local watering holes try Flashbacks, 69 East, Fia Rua Irish Pub, Molly McPherson’s Pub,  Snazzy’s, Fish Tales or Marker 107.

If you have questions about the area, please feel free to contact me and if you consider moving to the area, upgrading to a larger home in the area, purchasing land or investing in a business here, I would greatly value the opportunity to meet with you.

Warmest regards,
Melanie Kramer, Realtor

Melanie Kramer Coastal Georgia Realtor

Westbrook New Construction by R J Reynolds Construction

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Westbrook New Construction: 218 Spanton Crescent, Pooler, GA 31322

Special Features

  • MLS #: 117005
  • Bedrooms: 5
  • Bathrooms: 3 full and 1 half
  • Total Sq. Feet: 3,769
  • Golf Course View
  • Outdoor Living Area
  • Wood burning Fireplace
  • Screened Porch
  • Built In Bookshelves
  • Outdoor living area
  • Open Floor Plan
  • Butcher Block Kitchen Island
  • Prep Island
  • Pantry
  • Gas Stove
  • Wine Refrigerator
  • Pot Filler Plumbing
  • French Door Frig
  • Built In Desk Area
  • Built in Microwave
  • Built in Stove
  • Mudroom w/Cubbies
  • Laundry Chute
  • Master Suite
  • Price: $550,000

Description

Quality new construction by R J Reynolds @ Gated Westbrook with Golf course view. Upgraded 16 SEER two stage heatpump. Spray foam rafters, kitchen islands, hardwood flooring, Indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Walk in panty and laundry chute. Hardiboard exterior. Fabulous master suite. Finished Bonus or bedroom. Golfcart garage.

Agent Information

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Richmond Hill

 

Richmond Hill, GA

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Sweet Home Richmond Hill

We bought our first lot in Richmond Hill in 1997 and moved into our home newly constructed home in 2002 with a new born baby and a 4 year old. Our boys who are now 16 and 12 both have been in school in Richmond Hill (Bryan County) since they started Pre-K. They have played rec sports here with hundreds of other children and now play school sports. There is something extra-curricular for each child whether they are interested in soccer, football, baseball, chess club, piano lessons, dance, etc.

For adults, there are two assisted living facilities and one nursing home. A great new Yoga classroom. A YMCA. Another private gym, 24 Seven and a great public trail for walking, jogging and Kayaking at J F Gregory Park. Beginning in the Spring through October, there is a local Farmers Market at the Pavilion at J F Gregory Park every Tuesday afternoon starting around 4pm to 7pm.

All local businesses can be connected through my Facebook page, Melanie Kramer, Realtor.

I describe Richmond Hill as a small town “feel” with lots of “mom and pop” restaurants and businesses, but all the conveniences of a larger town including Target, Wal-Mart, Longhorns, etc in Pooler, Savannah and Hinesville just 15-30 minutes away. It is easy to get to know your neighbors in Richmond Hill, and you will bump into them at the local grocery stores (Publix, Krogers and Food Lion) .

Its easy to sell homes here when its in my blood! I am a southerner since birth having grown up in the middle of a peanut field in the other side of the State of Georgia, but I visited almost every two or three weeks in Savannah since my mother was from the area and would get very, very homesick and load up her three girls and come “home” to Savannah to visit her mother, four sisters and their many, many children. By Middle School, she had relocated us back to Savannah.

I love the access to the Rivers here (Ogeechee, Medway and Jerico Rivers) that all connect to the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway and boating and kayaking are weekend past times for my two boys, Husband and myself.

There are two Marinas here at Fort McAllister Marina, a full service marina and the smaller Kilkenny Marina. There is a great local “watering hole” at Fort McAllister Marina which is called Fish Tales. You can also check out the Fort at Fort McAllister and a great State Park and camp ground if anyone enjoys camping. There is also a KOA campground with a Lake as well.

If you have questions about the area, please feel free to contact me and if you consider moving to the area, upgrading to a larger home in the area, purchasing land or investing in a business here, I would greatly value the opportunity to meet with you.

Warmest regards, Melanie Kramer, Realtor

Keller Williams Realty Richmond Hill

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I would like to tell you a little bit about Keller Williams Realty Richmond Hill and my office within the Keller Williams system that supports our Richmond Hill, Ga office.

Keller Williams Realty was founded in Austin, Texas in 1982 with the specific premise that buyers and sellers deserve the very best for their real estate needs.  That founding premise has been a major factor in the continued growth of Keller Williams across North America.  We are now the largest real estate company in North America.  Two visionaries lead Keller Williams Realty national – Gary Keller, founder and Chairman of the Board, and Mo Anderson, Chief Executive Officer.

Each Keller Williams Market Center has grown within its respective community, and Keller Williams agents live within the communities we service, know the neighborhoods they serve, and are equipped with weekly education classes, eager to help one another and our clients, and quite capable of tackling unique challenges clients and their families may encounter when selecting a home.

We are a profit sharing company where associates are in partnership relationships with owners.  The company is ran by the ALC (Agent Leadership Council – Board of Directors and our Team Leader/Broker.  I am proud to say that for the past  years, I have been a member of that ALC Council on at least four occasions and have served in the past as head of the Education/Productivity Committee within the ALC.

I am also one of the owners/investors in the Keller Williams Realty Richmond Hill branch.

The Keller Williams culture is based upon a belief system that is summarized as WI4C2TS:

Win – Win or No Deal

Integrity – Do the Right Thing

Commitment – In All Things

Communication – Seek First to Understand

Creativity – Ideas before results

Customers – Always come first

Teamwork – Together everyone achieves more

Trust – Begins with honesty

Success – Results through people

If you are looking for a Richmond Hill, GA real estate agent, I hope that you would consider utilizing my services.  You can take a look at my website at:  www.melaniekramer.com or if you would prefer to look at properties online from the convenience of your home, you can search in real time IDX MLS searches just like other real estate agents by going to:  www.buyfortstewarthomes.com.

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