How to Make an Offer for a Home

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

When you find the home you want to buy the next step is to make an offer. A successful offer will have a few key components.

Know Your Price

Knowing your market will help you make an offer the other party will want to sign. As a real estate agent I help pull together information about the trends and statistical data of the neighborhood. I’m always happy to offer advice on an offer price. It is important to remember that the more competition there is for the home, the higher the offer should be – sometimes exceeding the asking price.

When we present the listing agent with a written offer and the seller accepts it becomes a legal contract. As this time you should be prepared to pay an earnest money deposit. This is to guarantee that your intention is to purchase the property. Securing a pre-approval for the financing before making the offer increases the chances of it being accepted.

Negotiating Terms

After we present your offer to the listing agent, it will either be accepted, rejected, or the Seller may submit a counter-offer to you through me as your agent. This is when we will negotiate the terms of the contract, if the contract is not accepted as we presented.

The step-by-step contract procedure for most single-family home purchases is standard. The purchase agreement used is a standard purchase and sale agreement contract approved by your local real estate board.

The purchase agreement or contract constitutes your offer to buy, and once accepted by the Seller, again, it becomes a valid, legal contract. For this reason, it is important to understand what is written on the contract offer.

Inspections

Once you have an accepted offer its time to have the property inspected. You’ll probably need a number of inspections.

Termites
Property Lines
Appraisals
Title Reviews
Structural

The Structural inspection is extremely important. It usually takes a few hours. This is a great opportunity to examine the property and learn about possible repairs that may be required in the next few years.

Please call or email me today for more information or questions about buying a home.

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

St Patrick’s Day in Savannah Georgia

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

It’s hard to miss St Patrick’s Day in Savannah. Even school is out that day!

Of course St. Patrick’s Day celebrations tend to extend the full month of March in Savannah. From turning the fountains green to celebrations on River Street to family fun afternoons, March is a wonderful time to visit Savannah. Did I mention the azaleas are in full bloom and color is everywhere. If you’re done with winter white, now is the time to see the Hostess City in all it’s glory.

St Patrick’s Day Parade

The Parade is held on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th (rain or shine) and will start at 10:15 and run til about 2:30.

2015 marks our 191th year of celebrating Irish culture.

The parade starts on Abercorn Street near Forsyth Park and heading toward the River turns right on Broughton Street, Left on East Broad Street, Left on Bay Street and then left to run back up Bull Street. This map may help orient you to the route.

The parade features local businesses, the Clydesdale Express and many military, and public service bands, and Veterans so be sure to bring your red lipstick.

Many roads will be closed leading up to the parade. Plan accordingly. Most of the parking garages offer parking from $5 – $20 a car, but those fill up quickly. Often you’ll be parking a few (to many) blocks away. Think comfortable shoes.

Bleachers are available along Bay Street, by the Colonial Cemetery and by the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. $25 per seat ($30 the day of the parade).

Our famous squares turn into a bit of a carnival / tail gate environment. Some family’s have put up tents on the same spot for decades, so it can be difficult for first timers to score a spot in a square. I recommend bringing a portable chair and scouting out a space. Note: don’t plan to get around this by camping out in the squares. No one is permitted to set up until 6am.

Remember you can carry open alcohol within the historic district – last year those participating needed to purchase a $5 wrist band within the festival area. No word on that this year. You will need to bring plastic cups or containers as glass is not permitted on the streets.

Please pick your designated driver now – taxi’s can be difficult to track down toward the end of the parade.

To stay up to date on the parade like their Facebook page or Twitter feed. You’ll find lots of great information about the route, parking and updates on who is participating.

Erin Go Bragh!

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

Richmond Hill Georgia Neighborhoods and Communities

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

Richmond Hill, Bryan County, Georgia sits a few minutes south west of Savannah on the Ogeechee River. Home to many communities and neighborhoods, Richmond Hill offers a large variety and style of homes and lifestyle.

Richmond Hill Georgia Neighborhoods

The Bluffs Bordered by the Tivoli River, this coastal gated community boasts a pool with pool house, tennis court, basketball court, a playground, and extensive paved walking tails that will take by multiple scenic lagoons.
Buckhead Richmond Hill, GA The Buckhead Community lies between the Ogeechee and Tivoli Rivers and is within minutes of downtown Richmond Hill.
North Buckhead, Richmond Hill, GA Peaceful, family-oriented community close to Fort Stewart with a variety of affordable homes and exceptional recreation facilities.
Buckhead South & Tranquilla Hall HOA Richmond Hill, GA This covenant protected community also provides a wide variety of great amenities such as: swimming pool, community room, basketball courts, baseball/athletic fields, playground areas, and tennis courts.
Strathy Hall, Richmond Hill, GA Built on the land of the Strathy Hall Plantation, many of the oaks throughout the beautifully landscaped neighborhood were planted during the War Between the States. Some of the homes have deep-water access and some have wonderful views of the waterways and marshes. The neighborhood also includes a community pool and clubhouse.
Brigham Lakes, Richmond Hill, GA Beautiful, covenant protected subdivision located just outside the city limits of Richmond Hill, Georgia. The community features fishing lagoons, old style streetlights with sidewalks perfect for a stroll around the neighborhood. Other amenities include a pool, pavilion with bathhouse, children’s playground, soccer field and a gazebo for social events.
Waterford Landing Family friendly subdivision on the Jerico river with town-homes, cottages and single family
Mainstreet, Richmond Hill, GA Family friendly, covenant protected community.
White Oak A peaceful community complete with the sounds of relaxing fountains. A neighborhood perfect for strolls and front porch chats.
Live Oak, Richmond Hill, GA Covenant protected, unique community of town homes and single family homes. Amenities include a pool, clubhouse, playground, basket ball court as well as common areas.
Richmond Place, Richmond Hill, GA A wonderful community for military families due to its proximity to Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. An active community and special events calendar including holiday parades and pot luck dinners.
Demeries Lake Lake living with proximity to Kilkenny Marina, large lots and connecting man made lagoons for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Some homes have small, private docks.
Sanctuary is a quaint 32 lot subdivision with a community pool, playground, gazebos and picnic areas. All homes are on half acre lots, raised slab foundations, have architectural shingles and are full brick or stucco. No vinyl homes are built in the sanctuary. HOA dues are minimal and privacy is great. The neighborhood is buffered on one side by a State of Georgia Wildlife Management Area and is wooded.
Oxford Small, well planned community close to shopping and recreation. The neighborhood has a single entrance and offers larger than average lots with mature trees, and excellent drainage.
Oak Pointe Quiet country community with mature trees and large lots.
The Cove is an established water based community that offers both homes on the deepwater Ogeechee River and also lagoon views. The community has a tidal creek boat ramp and lagoons stocked with huge bass for fishing as well as a nature walking trail. The tidal creek boat ramp accesses the Ogeechee River.
Waterways Streets are lined with Live Oaks with views of the Ogeechee River and Red Bird Creek. The community offers recreation and open spaces as well as miles of nature and biking trails.
Marsh Harbour Marsh living with deep water access. A quiet country community offering a neighborhood pool.
Heron Point is also a beautiful water community with both deepwater homes, marsh views and interior lots. They offer a basketball court, playground and picnic area as very minimal HOA fees.
Tivoli Marsh An established and well maintained subdivision. This quiet community offers beautiful and scenic views of marsh lands.
Dunham Marsh A resort style community close to shopping and the new Bryan County recreational complex. Amenities include a clubhouse, saltwater pool with beach enter, and fitness center. Over 30% of the neighborhood has been preserved as community parks and open spaces.
Palm Bay is a small tranquil, gated community with homes on marsh and lagoon lots. If privacy is your goal, check out Palm Bay.
Sayles Landing is next door to Palm Bay community and offers both interior, marsh and deepwater homes. Light covenants mean you can park a boat on site or RV, camper or work truck.
The Ford Plantation A premier golf club offering a variety of first-class amenities including an equestrian center, fishing, a deep water marina, fitness facilities and programs, a spa, dining and social activities. This is a premier community with private club dues and a one time buy in.
Richmond Hill Plantation Golf community living, the Sterling Links gold club is part of this beautiful neighborhood that also offers a relaxing community pool.

I would love to show you around our Richmond Hill Georgia neighborhoods and communities. Call or email me today to start the search for your perfect home in the Coastal Empire!

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

The Benefits of Committing to Your Real Estate Agent

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

Loyalty and commitment are the foundations of trust. You reap many benefits by committing to your real estate agent.

We build relationships with both local and out of state buyers and pride ourselves on being committed to find you the perfect home. We work with buyers in a buyer agency relationship.

What does this mean for you?

You will sign a Buyer Broker Agreement. This means we are working for you, our client, in your best interest. Otherwise, you are a customer. It all comes down to whether you want someone looking out for you. Our goal is to represent you in your real estate transaction and provide quality client service.

In Return We Ask You:

To communicate honestly and responsibly.
To willingly provide pertinent information as needed.
To promptly inform me of important changes of any time including timing, requirements, or other critical information that will affect your service commitment.
To request that you pre-qualify for a home mortgage loan if you are financing any portion of your real estate investment. (Local MLX co-oping agreements require that you be pre-qualified prior to showing you real estate properties for sale. Their sellers are being asked to make their home presentable, leave their home while we show it, etc. and I am to pre-qualify you before taking you to their homes.)
To submit a loan application and call lender – required information within the time frames of the contract when financing.
To enter into contracts in good faith and make every effort to adhere to all negotiated contingencies.
To inform all other real estate agents and For Sale By Owners that you are represented by Melanie Kramer of Keller Williams Realty.
Sign a Buyers Brokerage loyalty Agreement.

House hunting can be all consuming. You may come across a home during your daily commute or find yourself at an open house on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Please let them know that you are represented by an agent at open houses and sales offices.

Here are a few Do’s and Do Not’s to help you when you’re out and about.

Sale by Owner / Listings

DO Write down as much information as possible, pick up the hand out or save the ad.
DO Call us with the information. We can pull additional information and details for you.
DON’T Call the home owners agent or owner directly. And please do not approach the owner if you drive by.

Open or New Houses

DO Immediately share with the showing agent that you are represented by us.
DO Present my business card or my name to the agent or owner. If they require you to be accompanied by your agent, call me as soon as possible.
DON’T Disclose any information about your needs, motivation, likes or dislikes. Sharing this information could weaken your negotiating strength.
DON’T Enter the sales office without registering me as your agent representative. Call me as soon as possible to let me know what sales office you have visited.

Call or email me today to start the search for your perfect home in the Coastal Empire!

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

Winter Gardens in the South

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

For a lot of my clients moving to the Savannah/Richmond Hill area from the North East, winter gardens are a novelty. For us, it’s just one more bonus to living in the south.

Flowers for Winter Gardens

You’re not in Jersey anymore! Flowers in winter? In Southern Georgia, not a problem. A few plants that will flower here during the winter include: camellias, mahonias, winter jasmine, wintersweet, witch hazels, and pansies. Adding these to your landscape will give you a cheery pop of color after the leaves have fallen.

Trees for Winter Gardens

Bark and berries can add wonderful color to a winter landscape. Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination.

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), is a small tree with red berries that grow throughout the fall and winter.
Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis) showcases a beautiful white peeling bark.
Maple Tree (Acer davidiiis) or as it is more commonly known snakebark, is a smaller tree that shows off white and green striped bark.
Japanese flowering apricot (Prunus mume) will flower in the winter. The flowers can be white, pink or rose and have a wonderfully sweet fragrance.

Winter Vegetable Gardens

Winter vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, radishes, and carrots prefer warmer soil when starting out but require cooler temperatures to mature and grow.

Winter Gardens offer unique challenges, but you can’t beat how pleasant it is to be out in the garden this time of year.

Winter Garden Tips

What about cold snaps you ask. It’s always good to plan for them by building a cold frame around your vegetable garden. That will allow you the opportunity to throw blankets over the garden should we experience a truly cold snap.

Also mulching your gardens keep them looking great while protecting the roots from drying out. We recommend a good two inches of mulch.

What are your favorite winter garden plants? Please leave them in the comments below.

Looking for a home with plenty of green space to plan your year round garden? Please call or email me today. The Coastal Empire is a wonderful place to call home.

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

OPEN HOUSE – 25 Brisbon Hall Ln

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

$181,900 | 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1508 SQUARE FEET

Low country home with large master suite & sitting room/nursery/office off of master. Two downstairs bedrooms. Kitchen with Island. Fenced back yard. Termite bond in place. Private cul de sac lot. Convenient neighborhood location – close to everything within City limits! No Flood Ins. required!

For more information on the neighborhood and to see a virtual tour please click here.

Call or email me today to set up an appointment to see this wonderful home.

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

Planning Valentine’s Day in Savannah

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

For visitors and locals alike, the Savannah Richmond Hill area is one of the most romantic in the country. With Valentine’s Day around the corner now is the time to make your reservations and plan your night out.

I love sharing what the coastal empire has to offer, especially around a holiday that showcases the romance that hangs in the air as naturally as the moss that decorates the live oaks.

This time of year I often talk to those looking to either relocate or retire from the cold temperatures and snow and desire a move to a warmer climate. Valentine’s weekend is a great time to visit, do a little site seeing and tour a few homes. Valentine’s tends to mark the end of our winter and we start planning for Spring… after all the azaleas will be in full bloom in another month!

If you’re planning a visit here are a few options you might like to consider:

I Love You, Your Perfect, Now Change! Love is complicated, which is why it can be so funny. The talented cast at the Savannah Theatre offer up the perfect date night with this hilarious musical comedy that shines a light on everything from dressing for the first date to meeting the in-laws. More info.
Evening Savannah Riverboat Cruises fill up early during Valentines, but don’t forget they offer a sightseeing harbor tours during the day and offer wonderful brunches as well. More info.
Say “I do” in the Davenport House Garden. This has become a bit of tradition for this beautiful property in the historic district. Ceremonies are offered every 10 minutes from 5 to 7 with a licensed marriage officiant. Reserve your time slot in advance. More info.
A private carriage tour is one of the most romantic ways to see Savannah. Cozy up with your loved one and hear the history and stories that makes this area so enchanting. More info.
Bed and Breakfasts are romantic any time of year, but there is just something special about a Valentine’s Day get a way. The B&Bs of the area are rich with historic and architecture. They tend to book up so now is the time to make your reservations. More info.
Shopping for the perfect Valentine’s gift? Both Savannah and Richmond Hill offer wonderful local shops for the traditionalist looking for flowers, jewelry and chocolate as well as galleries and unique shops selling that one of a kind item.
Eating out in the greater Savannah area is treasure trove of flavors to amuse any palette and price point. It’s difficult to make suggestions so I’ll recommend checking out Yelp. You’ll see plenty of 4 stars by many of the restaurants and read a collection of reviews.

Coming in to town to do a little house hunting with your site seeing… please call or email me today. I can help you find the perfect home. The Coastal Empire is a wonderful place to call home.

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

Dream Home Questionnaire

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

The dream home questionnaire is a tool I use to help my team find you the perfect home.

The Savannah/Richmond area offers many styles of homes and budgets to fit most needs. From first homes to vacation homes to “I just gotta get away from this snow” homes, this questionnaire will break down your immediate desires for the perfect home. For those not exactly sure what they want, this exercise can help inspire great conversation.

Together, we will cover the type, size, style and location of your dream home and any other criteria that may be of interest to you. After extensive research on our part, we will preview the homes together that meet your needs. Sometimes we find a home right away. Others can take a diligent, patient search. No matter what the scenario, I am committed to the process from start to finish. Whether it be a 2 day search or longer.

Let’s get started. Take your time answering the questions and when you’re ready let’s talk.

Dream Home Questionnaire

Have you purchased and/or sold a home before? _____________________________

Price range and budget in which you would like me to concentrate for you to invest in your home purchase? (ex. $100,000 – $150,000). No matter what the budget, as your agent, I will stick to the budget and help you meet that goal!

$____________________________________________________________________

Number of family or non-family members living in the home? ___________________

Children?

Ages?

Grades in School?

Number of bedrooms needed? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Number of bathrooms needed? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Number of cars? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Number of recreational vehicles? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Type of recreational vehicles:

Motorcycle?

4 wheeler?

Boat?

Size/length of boat?

( Please note: some neighborhoods have covenants where you cannot park RVs, boats, etc. in your front yard; some in back) _____________________________________________________________________

Any extenuating circumstances your buyer’s agent should know about such as handicap accessibility, or where you may be stationed, etc.___________________________________________

Maximum commute time to work you would like? 45 minutes? 30 minutes? ________

Any pets? If so, how many? What types and number: __________________________

What lot size do you prefer? _______________________________________________

Do you need a fence? Privacy? Invisible? _____________________________________

Do you use a fireplace? If so, wood burning or gas logs as to preference?

Type of television in main room? Flat, large big screen (freestanding), none?

Any large pieces of furniture such as a shrunk or entertainment center that need to be placed?

Do you have a formal dining room set? If so, how many does it seat?

Do you want a formal living room?

What size is your master bed? King, Queen, Full/Standard?

Are you bringing a refrigerator or is a refrigerator needed?

Please summarize the top five criteria that are important for me to find in your new home with # 1 being the most important:

Please call or email me today. We looking forward to working with you and helping you find the perfect home. The Coastal Empire is a wonderful place to call home.

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

Organizing After the Holidays

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

Organizing after the holidays is often the last thing we think about when putting decorations away. We put so much effort into setting up for the holidays that jumping back into the swing of things after a two week slow down can be a bit jarring.

Organizing after the holidays can feel like a big job, but with a few quick tricks getting organized and de-cluttering can happen all year long. It’s never too early to start spring cleaning. And it is essential if you are planning to sell your home in the near future.

It can be shocking how much space seasonal items can take up. Stackable containers and hanging storage containers are your friend. They are perfect for maximizing closet space and getting items off the floor.

5 quick tips for organizing after the holidays

A great trick to help create space in your living room is to not bring back everything you put away when the holiday decorations came out. Enjoy the space created once the Christmas tree comes down.
Those plastic Glad left over containers can take over the kitchen. It’s a universal problem to have more containers than covers. Now is the time to collect the ones that don’t have lids (and vice versa) and recycle them.
Adjustable or compartmental storage containers are a great way to organize all the little things in the bathroom. Getting items off the counter can make your bathroom feel bigger.
Another quick fix is to install hooks. Whether you need a place to hang jackets as you come in to your home or wet towels after a shower, with a minimal investment you can remove clutter from door knobs and backs of chairs all over your house.
Purging is by the far the best way to reduce the clutter. A great practice this time of year is the one for one rule. All the presents we receive add to our closets, shelves and toy chests. While putting your gifts away take the time to assess what you actually use and let go of anything you don’t. Generally speaking if you’re adding a new sweater to the closet, remove an old one.

How soon after the holidays do you put your holiday decorations away? Do you have any tips for organizing the house after the holidays, please share them in the comments below.

Please call or email me today for more information if you need help getting your home ready to sell after the holidays.

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

Happy New Year! With Resolutions that Stick

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

Happy New Year!

Thank you for another great year. I appreciate all your business and referrals and look forward to serving you in the New Year!

Resolutions That Stick

We mark the 1st of January as a day to kick off the new year, usually with promises to lose weight, make more money and spend more time with family. So why is it that by the end of January we find ourselves back to our old habits? This year, lets make resolutions that stick!

Reflect on Last Year. Take a minute to look over last year and see how far you’ve come. We tend to be hardest on ourselves. Focusing too much on all the things we haven’t accomplished and skimming over our successes. Think about what you are most proud of this year. Give yourself a pat on the back and in the spirit of “I got this” step into the new year ready to go.
Pick One. You have 365 days to make it happen. Pick one goal to focus on and put all your energy in to it this year. Creating lists of resolutions is just an opportunity for distraction.
Layout a plan. It’s not enough just to want something. Plan to succeed. If you want to lose weight, decided how you plan to do that. Modifying your diet, exercising more, a combination of both? Will you be getting up early, planning your meals weekly, researching where you can find organic foods? The best way to make your resolution stick is to not wing it.
Break it up. It can be overwhelming to look at a year long goal. Breaking it up into weekly or monthly chunks creates wins along the way and helps keep you motivated.
Failure is not an option. Ok, failure is always an option but the best way counter it, is not to have a back up plan. Let’s say you plan to run 2000 miles this year but you know if you only run 1000 miles you’ll feel good about it. How about split the difference? Set a goal to run 1500 miles and stay true to that goal.
Reward yourself. Accomplishing the goal is of course a great reward, but if you’re like me it never hurts to have a little incentive. On the flip side you can always up the stakes. Maybe you can attach a financial obligation to not meeting your goal. Knowing you’ll need to hand over some of your hard earned cash if you don’t meet your goal will help to keep you focused.

Have you made your new years resolutions? How will you make them stick this year? Would love to hear your tips and hints for making the best of the new year!

Happy New Year!

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