Happy Holidays & Online Book Resources

Posted on December 25, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and yours the very best of the Holiday Season. Thank you for another great year. I look forward to serving you in the New Year!

Online Book Resources

I don’t know what it is about this time of year. After the presents are open and the special dinner plates cleaned and put away for next year, I love settling in with a good book. Of course now a days that could mean on a tablet or an audible too.

Whether you are looking to do a little reading over the holidays or waiting for the kids to get back to school, here are a few valuable and free online book resources to enjoy over winter break and beyond.

Library’s have long been a great resource for free books. The Live Oak Public Library system offers online magazines, ebooks, audibles and movies – all free with your library card. And if you’re looking for a book that isn’t available at your local library, but is available within the Live Oak system, you can order it and have it delivered to which ever library is most convenient for you. Check the Live Oak Library website for more details.

Google Books has a searchable library of books and magazines. Often you can download them in pdf form or in an epub form depending on how you like to enjoy your online reading.

The University of Pennsylvania has opened up their online collection to the general public. Search over 2 million online titles in their library.

The Georgia Download Destination offers a collection of downloadable public domain titles in epub format. If you need information about epub formats and readers please check out this great article from ePubBud.

Bartleby’s offers a collection of classic literature and reference as well as poems. Most are available to be read on which ever device you surf the net with.

Amazon Prime isn’t just free 2-day shipping. They also offer the Kindle Owners Lenders Library. The library works on all Kindle devices. Choose from more than 600,000 books. Borrow for free with no due dates and the list includes current and former best sellers! If you have a Kindle and you’re not on Prime, you can set up a 30 day free trial here.

If you’re on the go this holiday season you may find Audible offers a great way to catch up on some of your “reading” while cruising down the interstate or spending time navigating airports. Audible is an Amazon company and also offering a 30 day free trial!

On that note, podcasts about books is also a great way to find new titles and engage with an online community that may be into the same genre or author. Barnes & Noble shares a studio page with book recordings, this is especially fun with children’s books. They also showcase interviews with authors and general news about books.

Happy reading!

If you have any favorite online books resources please share them in the comments below. I’d love to add them to our list!

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

One Week Countdown to Holiday Events in the Coastal Empire

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

With one week left until Christmas and a few candles lit on the menorah I’m hoping you will find time to enjoy a few of these Holiday Events.

Whether you’re out doing a little last minute shopping or you’ve been organized since before Thanksgiving, the Savannah / Richmond Hill areas offers plenty of activities and Lights.

Christmas Tradition Show at The Savannah Theatre runs through, December 24th – including afternoon performances. The show runs 2-3 hours and delights people of all ages. The Savannah Theatre opened in 1818 which makes it one of the oldest of its kind still operating in the United States. The Art Deco style will transport you back to the 1940s and adds a certain level of magic to all the events held there.

The Savannah Harbor Foundation Festival of Lights & Winter Wonderland is great family fun! Running through December 28th the event features a drive through light show around the Hutchinson Island Road Course. You can even take a tour bus if you don’t feel like driving it yourself. There is a fun zone for the kids and the kids at heart in Bryan Square along with holiday food and drink vendors. A ferris wheel is up on the Riverfront Esplanade. Inside the hotel the annual gingerbread village competition is not to be missed – makes me hungry just thinking about it. And of course a holiday event wouldn’t be complete without a picture with Santa.

Discover a Victorian Christmas at the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low. The home where the Girl Guides Founder spent her childhood is on the corner of Bull Street and Oglethorpe Avenue in Savannah’s historic district and is open for tours through December 30th. Not only will you tour this historic gem of a home, you will have the added bonus of experiencing Victorian holiday customs, games and decorations.

How about a little winter activity in the Martin Luther King Jr. Arena at the Savannah Civic Center. Enjoy an afternoon or evening on the ice under a the twinkling lights. Skatefest runs through January 3rd.

This year the Habersham YMCA is bringing the snow! The Winter Wonderland features real snow, hot chocolate and cookies, story time and dancing to favorite holiday classics. I hear Santa might even make an appearance. Winter Wonderland is one night only, Thursday December 18th.

Stop by the Forsyth Park Inn for a little holiday cheer. Enjoy the beautifully decorated parlor while treating yourself to fresh baked goodies and hot apple cider or hot chocolate. The open house runs noon -2 daily through January 2nd.

This is my favorite time of year to enjoy a carriage ride through Savannah’s historic district. Pick up a coffee or hot chocolate in City Market and enjoy a personal tour with historic stories and holiday lights.

New Years Eve brings another round of entertainment and parties. Both City Market and the Savannah River Front offer a festival like atmosphere with music and fireworks. Tybee Island offers holiday celebrations New Years Eve.

Wishing you and yours the very best of the holiday season!

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

Best Places to See Holiday Lights in The Coastal Empire

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

With all the holiday lights the Coastal Empire shines this time of year.

I love seeing homes and businesses in the Richmond Hill area where I live decked out for the holidays. Savannah and the surrounding communities offer many holiday light displays for your viewing pleasure.

Private Homes

A casual drive around the Coastal Empire will net a great show of holiday lights but Southern Mamas has compiled a growing list of private homes that go all out and have become a bit of a destination for the holiday light enthusiast.

And the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a little Clark Griswald action. The Peabody Light Show in Savannah is featured on the Tacky Light Tour. Here’s hoping we all get to toast with eggnog in moose head cups this year!

Holiday Lights Events

The Festival of Lights seems to grow every year. Located at the Westin on Hutchinson Island, the Festival of Lights and Winter Carnival features the not to be missed Gingerbread Village inside the hotel and a drive through light show around the road course. A Ferris wheel and other carnival rides are set up on Bryan Square.

Old Town Trolley Tours provides tours around the light show – a great way to allow everyone in your party to enjoy the holiday lights.

Looking for an evening stroll through a half a million sparkling lights? The December Nights & Holiday Lights at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens showcase 10 acres with a self guided walking tour through themed gardens and the historic farm house. Most of the displays are stroller and wheelchair friendly.

The shops and restaurants in Richmond Hill participate in a friendly holiday decorating contest. Voting for Light up the Hill runs through December 18^th. Come by, support local and don’t forget to vote!

The Guido Gardens in Metter offer a FREE Night of Lights tour. Although the gardens are open 24 hours the lights are only on from 6-9 PM.

TMT Farms Christmas Lights Display in Statesboro is FREE to experience but they do accept non perishable food items to help those in need this holiday season.

Holiday Lights Road Trips

Shopping trips and visits to family often find us on the road this time year and there are amazing holiday light events that are worth the road trip.

Hilton Head is a great day trip from the Savannah area and offers two wonderful displays. The center piece of Harbour Town Lights features a 30 foot Christmas tree with activities and live entertainment. The Dove Street Festival of Lights at Shelter Cove Towne Centre has been a Hilton Head holiday tradition for 20 years.

The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park in Charleston features over two million lights!

The Atlanta area offers many beautiful light displays. The Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden are simply amazing.

If you come across any holiday light displays you’d like to see on the list please drop me a line. I’d be happy to add them.

Wishing you and yours the very best of the holiday season!

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

Selling Your Home During the Holidays

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

Believe it or not the Holidays are not a horrible time to sell your home.

Life happens – even in the middle of a busy family season! January is a popular time for relocations. Company’s often transfer people to start new jobs or positions the first of the new year. Children are on break in December and free to travel to help their parent’s house hunt.

And this time of year I find myself talking to southern living enthusiasts tired of the cold weather and ready for a warmer winter. Recently I spoke with a resident of New Jersey who has been hunting online for a home in the Savannah / Richmond Hill area. I’m always happy to help our friends that are “over the ice and snow” find the perfect home here in the Coastal Empire.

Buyers during this time of year:

tend to have more time to look for houses
are often serious and highly motivated

Sellers during this time of year:

have fewer houses to compete with
must be motivated to sell, the holidays are stressful enough

Tips for selling your home during the Holidays

Decorate your home but be careful not to overdo it. Homes often look their best during the holidays but it is important not to add clutter. Use smaller decorations and simple color schemes. Less is more.

Curb appeal is important this time of year. When the leaves fall and expose more of the home it’s a good idea to do a little fall cleaning when you’re hanging the wreath.

Flameless battery operated candles will create a warm and homey feel. Placed around the home they offer an extra glow that is both safe and welcoming. If you have a fireplace, these candles displayed in the hearth can make a beautiful impression.

Use scents sparingly, especially before a viewing. What smells great to you may not to another and allergies can also be a concern.

Using video to share your home is a great way to capture interest from those house hunters with limited time during the holidays or living out of state and hunting online. This is where I come in. I have a professional photography session for each of my listings and use the images to create a video to showcase your home.

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, or maybe both, I can help lift the weight from your shoulders and make sure you have enough time to enjoy the season.

Please call or email me today for more information or questions about selling your home during the holidays.

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

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 27, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

This is a great time of year to share my gratitude. I love living in Richmond Hill and as a Realtor, I love sharing the homes and quality of life the area offers.

Thank you for another great year! Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Life’s big events don’t tend to pay attention to the holiday calendar and that includes moving. Here are a few ideas that might help this holiday season.

Crock Pot Love

It’s hard to plan and pack when we should be basting the turkey. So how can you organize a move and still dress the table with something special? With the greatest invention for the perpetual multi-tasker – the crock pot!

Check out these 23 Thanksgiving Dishes You Can Make In A Crock Pot.

Move Your Body

Planning for a move can take up a lot of our free time. In the beginning we do it around our work and daily schedules and then it seems to take over.

It’s important to continue to exercise, even if just 10 minute sessions and especially on turkey day. Exercise reduces stress and keeps our heads clear for all the decisions a move requires.

Check out these 3 Thanksgiving Workouts

Treat Yourself

You’ll be forgiven if this year you don’t go all out. Many restaurants are open and will be happy to host a gathering. Save yourself the mess of cooking and cleaning up after and take the family out.

Yelp offers great suggestions and reviews for eating out during the holidays.

Happy Holidays!

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

5 Hidden Moving Costs and How to Lessen the Blow to the Pocketbook

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

Moving is fun, exciting and… can get a little expensive

Here are five hidden moving costs to be aware of that will help keep your moving budget from getting out of control.

Moving Costs When Coming South

Moving to a new state is often considered a long distance move. This means moving costs will probably be calculated based on weight. Those used to moving across town and paying someone by the hour will find a much different pay scale when moving to a new state.

If this is your first long distance move you may be asking yourself how much does my house weigh? According to Move Source a three bedroom home can weigh between 7,500 and 10,000 pounds. Taking in to consideration how much your move will weight and how far you’ll be moving is all the more reason to purge before you pack. With enough notice some centers will come to you and pick up your donations.

Why pay to move things you do not need?!

Be Ready When the Movers Arrive

The day you’re packing the truck is not the day you should be packing the boxes.

Not having everything ready to load can interrupt the flow of the movers and can slow the process. A 3 hour job can easily creep into double time. Or leave you with a half filled truck while the movers head to another job. Start with cleaning out your attic, and work down from there.

The cost of boxes can add up. This is a great opportunity to reuse and recycle. Check with local apartments or neighborhood groups that may have new tenants getting rid of their backing boxes. You could save hundreds.

Spices and Cleaning Supplies

It seems to be a universal exercise to dispose of our spices and cleaning supplies before moving to a new home. This is especially true during a long distance move.

Add a line to your moving budget to replace these items. Restocking the pantry and picking up cleaning supplies are often overlooked moving costs that can really add up.

New state, new plate

For some this is one of the first things they do, for others it sits on the back burner until the last minute often gathering late transfer fees in the process.

A quick search on the web can help you determine the costs of registering your vehicle in a new state and county.

In the state of Georgia, vehicles purchased after March 1st 2013 are charged a one-time title ad valorem tax base on the value of the vehicle. This includes owners buying out a lease on a car they’ve been driving for a few years. For more information you can visit: http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/motor/MVDOnline.aspx

One More Deposit

Some utility companies require a deposit up front. And that first month you’ll probably be covering utilities for both locations – although you will most likely receive repayment from your previous location utilities it usually comes months down the road.

Keep in mind utilities are not the only ones requiring money upfront; neighborhood groups, home owners associations and local pool or gym memberships may all require some sort of deposit or payment.

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

Hurricanes in the Savannah Area

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

I’m often asked, “Should we worry about Hurricanes in the Savannah area?”.

It may seem strange, but I can reply that we experience a lower incidence of hurricane activity.

Looking at a map you’ll see that we are not only protected by ample barrier islands, we are also in one of the most western areas on the east coast.

Photo: Google Maps

Georgia has a very attractive coastline; there are just fewer miles of it than our neighboring states. Both Florida and South Carolina have seen their fair share of hurricane activity. The Savannah area has not seen any major devastation from a direct hit (due to a hurricane) in over 100 years.

I did not live here during Hurricane David, a category 2 storm, but many of my relatives did. Our discussions on the storm have lead me to believe that the loss of power was the worst of the issues they had to deal with. No home destruction – no major devastation.

There are those that say we may be over due, but the curved nature of our coast line suggests we’re more likely to experience the reminisce of a bad storm as to receive a direct hit. Data shows that the geographical location of Savannah being further away from the Gulfstream’s warm currents helps as well. Its over 80 miles to the warm waters of the Gulfstream waters that tend to strength hurricanes and guide them further North. Distance is on Savannah’s side.

Tropical Storms and Hurricanes

According to hurricanecity.com, the Savannah area has a 70% chance of a tropical storm versus a 30% chance of a major hurricane hit. USAToday gives Savannah the probability of experiencing a major storm (with winds exceeding 111 mph) within 75 miles of the city at 1.3 over a 100 year period.

The most common month for our area to experience a tropical storm is August. That most tropical storms arrive in August is no surprise. By the time the heat of August hits, most welcome the winds and rains just to cool us off! In my opinion heat stroke in August is a bigger concern than a direct hit from a hurricane!

What if there is a hurricane?

We have technology on our side. Weather reports and various websites keep us up to date on any storms with the potential of being upgraded or downgraded. These storms do not hit out of the blue like they did to those living here 100 years ago.

My conservative motto has always been to prepare for the worst although my optimistic side looks and hopes for the best!

Here are a couple of my go to sites:

Ready – Government site with great info to help be prepared

National Weather Service – Another government site with great info to help be prepared

WTOC – local news weather watch

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

Buying a Second Home on the Georgia Coast

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

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.

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

Home Loan Approval Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

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

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