Here a Meme, There a Meme

Christine has one. Sellsius has one. The Tomato. Teresa too. Even the newest blog I have happened upon today, Captain Obvious, has one! Darn it!  I want one too.

The Meme – Sellsius says it rhymes with “dream” so I’ll go with that. Christine says it’s five things people don’t know about you – okay, maybe I won’t go that far…but I’ll try to keep it interesting.

1. Children are my passion.  All of them.  Put kids in the mix and I am in.  I believe there are irrefutable truths about children that cannot be ignored and thus gives them the right to demand our attention, affection, and highest priority. They did not ask to be here and when they get here they are unable to care for themselves. They are our future – corny I know, but a fact. Whatever situation your life, your community, your society, your world is in – its not their fault, they just got here. They will be responsible for raising our grandchildren. This is my driving motivation as a parent. These little darlings are not just my kids, they are the parents of my grandchildren. They deserve the best shot we can give then

2. Rocky Balboa is my pop icon hero. I have them all, I love them all – even V. Yes, it is my calltone. I find his simple humanity thought provoking and inspiring. It has all things a great story should – unconditional love and loyalty, heart breaking defeat, fist pumping victories, and an unwavering desire to accomplish your dreams.

3. My husband is my BFF. We are the same in all the ways that are important and different in all the ways that are fun. There is no one on the planet I would rather spend time with.  He is my biggest supporter and my strongest debater. He keeps me sharp and he keeps me safe. I trust him with my life and with the lives of our children.

4. I am addicted to cashews and Webkinz. Not real sure how either happened. The cashews taste good, curb cravings, and right my blood sugar. Webkinz are great for downtime, when baseball games are on TV, and when I am basically ready to veg with something stupid. Oh yeah, they’re cute too – the Webkinz, not the cashews.

5. I am really glad my folks are my folks. They raised their kids different from a lot of people. Even different to certain extent from how I raise their grandchildren. But they are real, they are good, and they love me. My mother is my confidant, and my best girl friend. As far as women go, she is the best. My dad is great. Don’t believe me – he fixed my zipper.

Whew – that was fun…I am suppose to tag some other people now…I guess I had better go figure out who!  I think everybody but me already has one!

Organization Tips for the Summer Break

This is so cool…I have my very first guest writer!!  How much fun is that?  Well, with out further ado, I present to you, my dear friend and organizational specialist, Susan Tobelman from Top to Bottom Organizing.

Now that school is out and all the little darlings are home for months, be proactive in making sure you avoid the chaos and stress that can land in your lap during the hot weeks of summer.

• Create a written plan for every day of the week.  Write it down and stick to it.  By that I mean don’t add activities unless absolutely necessary. 
• Group activities so that you are taking and dropping off multiple children at the same time.  This will alleviate you spending your day in the car, and it saves on gas.
• Let them make their own lunches.
• Make your children, if they are old enough, gather the things they need for day camps and place them next to the door the night before. 
• Create a check list and post it on the door for review each day. 
• After camp each day, have them check their bags for any notices that may have been sent home.  Don’t just ask them if they have anything for you, they forget!! This leads to crazy mornings trying to get out the door. 
• If your child forgets something he/she should have prepared the night before, allow them to own that problem.  Say things like, “I’m so sorry you forgot ____ , I hope you remember next time.  This teaches them to be responsible for their own stuff.  I know some of you just couldn’t bear the idea of your child not getting to swim because they forgot their bathing suit. And most of you would bend over backwards to take the suit to them.  But don’t.  The lesson your child learns, will drastically decrease the chances that they will forget again.
• Schedule time for yourself by scheduling down time for the children.  They don’t have to be entertained every waking hour of the day.  Establish time when they can read quietly, watch a movie, or just have quiet time in their room, while you have some ME TIME for you.  During these scheduled times, make the rules very clear that you are not to be disturbed unless there is fire, blood, or death involved.  This is probably not a good time for siblings to play together unless they get along very well.  You don’t want to be playing referee during ME TIME.

Plan, Schedule, Delegate…….this will lead to a terrific summer with less stress and chaos in your home.

The Retreat at Yellow Bluff

I had the opportunity to go out to Yellow Bluff today.  Spending time at this premiere coastal community is always a treat. The cottages are coming along nicely – many are even furnished.

Being Memorial Day weekend, the boaters are out in full force. The weather is beautiful and the breeze coming off the marsh takes my breath away as always.  

I love this place.  Being on the water is one of my favorite things – and Yellow Bluff has always been one of those places that hold some of my fondest memories.

As much as I love the water, the newest phase of Yellow Bluff is a different kind of treat.  The Retreat at Yellow Bluff has been opened up.  Located directly across from the main entrance to Yellow Bluff, it doesn’t have a view of the water, but the majestic nature of the tree line is phenomenal.

 

These custom home lots range from .5 to a full 2 acres.  Lots of care has gone into the grounds.  There is lots of green space for parks and recreational areas. The nature trails are a prefect addition because there is plenty of nature to view.  Living in this new phase includes all the amenities offered to those who live on the water side of Yellow Bluff.

 

Riding through the development, I was near awestruck by the bigness, yet quietness of it all.  I have to say, it’s been the most relaxing 15 minutes I have had in a long time. I can’t wait to watch it grow and see people enjoy it out here as much as I do.

 

I know I say it all the time…

…But it really is true.  I know the neatest people. And the cool part is, I meet more and more everyday. Allow me to introduce you to my newest friend.

So, we know that I rave about the WBA, even though the website tried very hard to kick my butt (I was victorious). Anne-Marie is an unintended consequence of the labors. Because I maintain the WBA website, all the contact forms that are filled out come to me. The other day I received a message from Anne-Marie. She is from Florida, has a honey in Richmond Hill and will be relocating. Would the WBA be right for her? Ha! I think the WBA is right for everybody – but, that’s too forward.  Instead I invite her out to lunch.

We go to 606 – of course – it was Thursday.  606 cafe is the swanky downtown Savannah cafe that Sandy awesomely moved to Richmond Hill.  But, she’s only open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Anyway, Heather is our fabulous waitress and she takes good care of us will Anne Marie and I get to know each other.

She is a documentary film maker. Ha! WBA doesn’t have one of those and I am sure we need one.  She explains to me what she does over her veggie wrap (she’s a vegetarian so I couldn’t get her to try Dave’s Salad – yum). I am fascinated – I had never met a real live documentary film maker. She is intriguing and the explanations actually divert my attentions away from my food. This is no small task.

I would love to tell you about her newest project, but I won’t spoil it for her. She doesn’t have a blog and I told her that was an utter shame. It would be madly interesting to watch the creation of a documentary.

So, Anne Marie, I know you are reading this.  You have two choices.

1 – Leave a comment so the readers will know about your project – I don’t want to mess up the explanation (good idea).

2 – Start a blog, send me the link, and let the world know what your doing (better idea).

Home Builders Association of Savannah’s 2007 Parade of Homes

Wanna know why I love being a real estate agent? I knew you did. I LOVE looking at houses.  All kinds of houses – big ones, little ones, new ones, old ones…you get the point.  I’ll stop before I start to sound like a bad Dr. Seuss story.

This being the case, I practically have goose bumps from planning my assault on this year’s Parade of Homes. Home shoppers, sight seers, industry professionals, and noisy neighbors are all gearing up to tour 165 house in three counties.  The Home Builders Association of Greater Savannah presents homes for sale by builders in Chatham, Bryan, and Effingham county.  These guys are swinging their doors open to you, the masses.  And I can’t wait to be there.

One of the distinctive features of The Parade is the installation of the “Street of Dreams.”  In its second year on the Parade, Buckhead, Ridge Crest, The Highlands, and the Parkside at Rice Hope are four developments I won’t miss.

The Bluffs at Richmond Hill – better than 3000 square feet and acre sized lots.

Sweetwater Station – Fantastic floor plans and great curb appeal.

Southbridge – Grandma use to live out there and the golf course is phenomenal. What else could you want?

 

Gotta go get some work done…Have to be all caught up so I can go look at the houses!

Websites, committees, WBA, OH MY!

Whew!  Has it really been SIX days since my last post? My blogger supporters are gonna hunt me down and string me up. There are rules, you know.

If it makes anyone feel any better, and I am sure it does not, but I have not been lounging around, twiddling my thumbs while my blogs go untouched. I have actually spent more time on the computer these past six days than in any past six days I can think of…then I remembered…the blog!  Darn it. But, not to worry, I tell myself. My current project is completely blog worthy. It has all the fixings – interesting activity, community resource, and involves lots of neat people. Sounds like a blog entry to me!

I am a proud member of the Women’s Business Alliance of Richmond Hill (WBA). I sit on the board, chair the education committee, and mange the website (can you guess which one has kept my blog postless?).  It is a wonderful organization. You should check it and its members out. If you are living in the area, we offer some great resources, savvy business women, and pride ourselves on client service. If you are relocating to the area, these are the ladies to know to make your new house a home – and fast!  If you are starting a new business in the area, there are some phenomenal resources to get you off on the right track.  Oh yeah, and we have a lot of fun, too!

 

The website is hosted by the awesome team of Donna Lynn and company over at Converge FX.  She understands the importance of client service.  She understands the importance of client service and is making some big changes to service her clients better. However, that often has some glitches in the mix.  She and I have been working feverishly to update and recreate a sorely outdated webpage. The road has been long and consuming, but the end result is looking pretty good. I couldn’t have asked for better help – thanks Donna Lynn! Check the website out and let me know what you think. You guys have always been my most honest critics.

I hate to sound defensive…

…and I really don’t mean to be. But after the 60 Minutes episode aired, the emails I received, Pat’s article, and the Redfin site itself, I feel like I have to respond.

I think Redfin is fine. I, like Teresa, am fine with new business models and ideas. There is plenty of work for everybody. I hope Redfin is successful and I wish them the best. But I take exception to the idea that Realtors need to be “different” and Redfin lays claim to all the ways they are “different.” I read them…the differences…mmm, not so much.

• “We use technology to empower consumers”  I use technology, media, conversation – whatever – to empower consumers. The real estate market is huge and your investment in it is important to me. Need information? Let me know – I’ll get it to you. And guess what – you don’t owe me a dime.
• “We let consumers come to us”  Customer service is job one! Come to me or I’ll come to you. Whichever makes you more comfortable. There is a Realtor out there for everybody. If I’m not the one for you, then I hope you find the one who is – refer to my opinion on working in real estate.
• “We work with consumers directly” Realtors work with people directly. Neat thing about me and most Realtors I know, we want to do a great job for you. We want to be exceptional. My company issues quality assurance surveys and regularly monitors customer satisfaction. Guess what else? You don’t like the job I’m doing, tell my broker and you can fire me. Too many of those and my broker will let me know he can’t hang my license anymore (read as “I will need a new place to work.)
• “We pay our agents to do the right thing” Again, most agents I know thrive on “doing the right thing.” Our Code of Ethics demand it. Our personal moral fortitude insists on it. Unhappy consumers are not good for business, so we don’t make more when you pay more for a house in the long run. We succeed when we excel, you come back to us, and tell your friends you love us.
• “We guarantee 100% customer satisfaction”  Yep, that about sums it up for me too.
• “We want to change the industry for the better” That one too.

Yellow Bluff

I don’t know why I haven’t told you guys about this before. Probably because I was so busy trying to think of all the “educational and informative” stuff that I could put on here, I forgot about the “beautiful.” Tuesday, I was reminded.

Many know that my husband and I have just been blessed with our fourth, yes FOURTH, daughter. My face has finally lost that “pregnant poof” that I am so famous for. After I did a dance, I realized that I needed new Century 21 Ad pictures.

Jim Holmes is our broker’s photographer of choice. He is located in downtown Savannah. If you have never been – GO! It is one of the most beautiful places in the world…but, I digress.

In Jim’s Studio, where he took my new, fabulous picture (I am lucky he is such a great photographer), we started to chat. I complimented him on the great work he did out at Yellow Bluff…then it occurred to me…you guys would LOVE to see Yellow Bluff. The pictures are amazing.

Take a look at them. You will see why I always tell people that coastal Georgia is the best place in the world to live!

What Buyers Need to Know About Termites and Home Inspections

I know buying a house can be expensive. And it is perfectly understandable to make the best possible effort to attempt to minimize cost and utilize your hard earned dollars effectively. As a Realtor, I am often asked a very important question – “Do I really need a termite and home inspection?”

If you only get one thing out of this article, get this – the answer is “YES!”

Couple of quick facts.

• Georgia is ranked 5th for termite population and we are directly north of the state ranked #1 (Florida).
• It is not unlikely that the home you have chosen will have some sort of termite damage.
• Many homes on the market do not receive adequate termite prevention, treatment, or repair.
• Not all sellers will tell the truth, or even know, all the termite and structural facts about their home.
• Not all inspection/pest treatment services are the same.

The current 2007 Georgia Purchase and Sale contracts have changed significantly since last year in this area. 

• Sellers are no longer required to provide a termite letter at closing.  It is solely the responsibility of the buyer. This was done in an effort to allow buyers the opportunity to choose their own provider.  It is thought that buyers will be more likely to choose quality service that they are comfortable with so that they can be assured of the findings. (Note: VA Loan sales still insist that the Seller be responsible for the termite letter. The Buyer may not pay for the service.)
• The “right to request repairs” clause defines the person of “Inspector” and what can be considered a “defect.”  This is important for buyers when selecting an inspector and deciding what course of action to take about his findings.

There are major differences between termite guys and home inspector guys.

• Most home inspectors are NOT authorized to complete a Georgia Wood Infestation Report. They do not have the specific training to recognize all signs of termite/pest infestations.
• Most termite guys are NOT home inspectors. They do not check structural soundness, roof damage, appliance operation, electrical operation, plumbing, heating and air, or a variety of other things on an inspectors checklist.

For most people. the purchase of a home is the single biggest investment they will ever make. It is important to know the answers to some key questions.

• Is the home covered by a termite or pest control company? What is the nature of that contract? Is it transferable? What does it NOT cover? Is it retreat and repair or just retreat?
• Has there ever been, or is there now, an active infestation? What are the results?
• Is the home structurally sound? Does the plumbing, electric, heating and air function properly? Does the roof leak? Is there any evidence of previous water damage?

Don’t assume that if there was something wrong with the house, you would know.  The current owner may not even be aware of the problem.  Unfortunately, is some cases, they wouldn’t tell you even if they did.  Be responsible for your own inspections.  This way you will know the reputation of the professional providing the service. Who pays for it can be a part of negotiations, but make sure you know and approve of who does the work.

If you decide to start minimizing costs, you should think twice about this being the appropriate area in which to do it.

Note: Special thanks to Garry Adams of Northwest Exterminating for conducting the best “Bugs and Byers” class ever! You can contact Barry for more information about your home or your future home.

Investment Education in Richmond Hill

Laura Evans is the resident Edward Jones expert.  Located at 10220 Ford Avenue in Suite 105, she is a common staple in the Bryan County News offering applicable and timely investment information.

Laura has always been an educator sort of investment professional.  On May 15th at noon, she will host a seminar at the Southern Image Restaurant on Highway 17. The seminar topic is “Rules of the Road.” Contact Sandy at 912.756.5113 for more information.

Laura also hosts an investment group in her office the last Monday of every month at 6:30 P.M.

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