Melanie Kramer: LOCAL REALTOR® AWARDED SRS DESIGNATION

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Melanie Kramer, Local Realtor® Awarded SRS Designation

Richmond Hill, Ga, — Melanie Kramer, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Richmond Hill, has been awarded the Seller Representative Specialist – SRS designation, the premier seller agency designation in the country.

The SRS Designation is conferred by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) and is an official credential of the National Association of REALTORS®. Melanie joins an elite group of real estate professionals in North America who have earned the SRSsm designation. All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in seller representation, pass a comprehensive exam and subscribe to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

About Melanie Kramer

Melanie Kramer has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting, an inactive Real Estate Appraisers license, an active real estate sales license, and has been a Distinguished Sales Society consecutively since 2006.

Melanie is also a member of the National Association of Realtors, Georgia Association of Realtors, Savannah Area Board of Realtors, is also an Accredited buyers representative, has served on 4 different occasions on Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council as well as volunteering in her community with the 1996 Olympic Games, Savannah venue, as well as other local civic organizations.

About SRS

SRSsm is a wholly owned division of CRB and focuses specifically on representing the real estate seller. Founded in 1968, CRB is a not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®. You may contact SRS by telephone, 800-621-8738, by e-mail, [CustomerService@SRSCouncil.com], or by visiting the SRS website, [www.SRSCouncil.com].

5 Fall Home Maintenance Tips for your Southern Home

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

I saw the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival circled on the calendar and thought now is the perfect time to talk about Fall Home Maintenance.

With average October highs reaching into the mid-70s our autumns in Richmond Hill, Ga and Savannah, GA are near perfect. Before we start pulling out old family turkey stuffing recipes, lets go over a few tips to keep your home running efficiently through this change of season.

5 Fall Home Maintenance Tips for your Southern Home

HVAC

Did you know that NOT changing your air conditioner filters is the main reason they break down? Really, a $2.00 filter change can save you a $200.00 service call or worse!

A dirty air filter makes air flow harder to pass through the unit. It also causes the unit to run less efficiently or not run at all if the system overheats. Changing your filters every month can extend the life of your HVAC unit. Take my word for it! Change your filters! This will lower your energy costs as well as be a health benefit to those living in the home.

This is a great time of year to call your HVAC company and have them do a yearly maintenance check up on your entire system. They will clean the drain lines and brush or clean the coils, as well as remove any obstructions. Have them check to make sure there are no refrigerant leaks and that the refrigerant levels are not low. You have to request it, but you can also have them look for duct leaks which are usually easily fixed and will also help your unit run more efficiently.

Fireplace

Have your fireplace chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber and damper inspected for creosote. Even a small glazing has the potential for devastating effects. Along with removing the creosote, a chimney sweep will clean any soot and blockages.

Just because we may not use our fireplaces that often, doesn’t mean birds and other critters haven’t been. It will be important to remove any nesting debris before using the fireplace.

Fire Alarm Batteries

Now is also a great time to replace your Fire Alarm batteries. Even if your home has been hard wired with an alarm, you will want to replace the back up battery.

Window and door caulking and weather stripping

The weather strip acts as a barrier designed to reduce air and water infiltration. Make sure it is still effective by checking for leaks. A home air pressure test will suck outside air into your home and reveal areas with air leaks that need attention.

Inspect the exterior caulking around your windows and doors. Anything that looks old or is loose will need to be trimmed off. Seal the gaps with a good quality caulk. A $2.00 tube of caulk can also save you many dollars later on!

Clean the Gutters & Roof

Georgia has beautiful tree canopies, but along with that comes falling leaves and lots of Georgia Pine needles or “pinestraw” as we southerners call it. After most of the leaves have fallen, clean the gutters and downspouts and flush them with water. A great alternative is to have a built in leaf guard placed over the gutter. Make certain leaves and pinestraw are not accumulating in the valleys of your roof line. Check the valley to make sure the debris has not caused rotten wood. If so, have a qualified roofer flash those areas.

A buildup of debris can cause damage to your gutters, downspouts and roof line and can also lead to water damage to your roof.

DIY Gutter Cleaning:

Wear gloves, a dust mask and safety goggles.
Secure your ladder.
Using a garden trowel to scoop the debris into a garbage bag.
Use a high pressure nozzle on your water hose to rinse (toward the downspout).
Wash down the gutter.
Clear the downspout.

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

A Better Cost of Living in the South

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

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.

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

*statistics pulled from payscale.com

New Listing: 1200 Mill Hill Rd Richmond Hill GA

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

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

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

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

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

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 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

Westbrook New Construction by R J Reynolds Construction

Posted on June 14, 2014 by melaniekramerrealtor

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