Chapel Park at Berwick in Savannah GA

•June 9, 2009 • Leave a Comment

Chapel Park clubhouse and pool area

Chapel Park clubhouse and pool area

How would you like to live in a new home that is modeled after an old home?  Chapel Park is a very quaint neighborhood with homes that are closely spaced together and are very reminiscent of old homes.   There is charm and character in this area and it gives you a great family feeling when you drive through.  Price ranges are from $145,000-$239,000.  This area is convenient to downtown and Hunter AAF.  There is a wonderful shopping area with a Kroger, Fudrucker’s, restaurants and more just minutes from the home right in Berwick. And, don’t forget there’s a great clubhouse and pool for those hot days of summer too!  If you’d like to see what’s available for sale in the neighborhood give me a call at 912-655-2554.

New home for sale in Chapel Park

New home for sale in Chapel Park

Info on Buying a HUD property in Greater Savannah GA

•June 9, 2009 • Leave a Comment

Who can Buy a HUD property?  Anyone with approved financing or cash can purchase a home.  There are specific time frames as to who can purchase a HUD home and when.  You must keep in mind that these are homes that have been foreclosed on and many will be under valued.  HUD has an owner occupant period prior to the home being available to investors.

What is the owner occupant period when purchasing a HUD home?  When a HUD home is first listed for sale, anyone can submit a bid on the property but only true owner occupant buyers will be considered for the first 12 days that the home is on the market.  All bids submitted from the owner occupants from day 1 through day 12 will be opened and considered on the 13th day.  If there is no acceptable owner occupant bids on the 13th day the property will become available to all purchasers on a daily basis until the home is sold.   New listings for the owner occupant priority period take place on Wednesday of each week with the first bid download scheduled 13 days later; (the 2nd Monday morning following the Wednesday listing.). Investors are allowed to submit their bids during the 12 day owner occupant priority period; but investor bids will not be considered if there is an acceptable owner occupant bid. If there are no acceptable owner occupant bids, investor bids will be considered and may be awarded on the 13th day; (the 2nd Monday morning following the Wednesday listing.).

Purchasing a HUD property is not a hard thing to do if you have the right agent.  There is actually no negotiating done as in a standard resale or new construction purchase.  The homes may or may not be in good condition just like any other homes for sale.  HUD does have a property condition report on their homes for sale so you can see what you’re getting into as far as repairs.  Can you do a home inspection on a property?  Yes, although you must remember you will be responsible for activating the utilities and also remember that you are purchasing the property As-Is.   The As-Is sometimes is scary for the average Buyer, but don’t forget that you’re actually purchasing a foreclosed on property that is probably under value already.  If you’d like to take a look at the available HUD homes in the Savannah, Georgia area please go to my link. 

Buying Foreclosures in Savannah, GA

•May 29, 2009 • Leave a Comment

Are you in the market to purchase a home or condo?  Have you heard all the talk of the growing amount of foreclosures?  If you’re looking to buy, it’s time to get on the search train and take advantage of the great prices out there.  Unfortunately, the economy and all of the bad loans out there has created a large flux of properties for sale.  So, so many forclosures are available.  If you were to look for foreclosures in the Savannah area a couple of years ago you may have found a few properties at any given time.  Those were of course due to normal happenings, loss of jobs, deadbeats, etc.  Today, there are new properties that show up on our mls system daily as foreclosures.  Many of the homes were sold way above what they were worth in the past few years.  Today’s prices are so much lower.  Will they ever reach what they were a few years ago?  No one knows that answer for certain. 

Just how do you buy a foreclosure that’s on the market?  The first thing you’ll need to do is find yourself a Realtor.  Your agent can get you a list of the current properties that will fit your needs.  Prior to looking at any homes you must be pre-approved for a loan.  This is a very important part of puchasing these type of homes.  The banks have already lost this property once and they won’t even consider your offer without full evidence that you are credit worthy.  If you are purchasing with cash, a bank will need verification of funds from your banking system as proof. 

Your Realtor and you will begin the searching process.  There are many homes to look through.  You’ll find that many are actually in good condition.  You’ll also find that many need repairs.  These properties are being priced competitively with the market and typically somewhat under value.  If you see something that appears to be so low that it’s unheard of, chances are it is in extremely bad condition. 

You will be purchasing a foreclosure AS-IS.  This means that you are buying the property with the bank not considering doing repairs.  There are some instances where a bank will consider repairs (if the bank has accepted a VA or FHA offer and repairs are needed to qualify property for loan, if bank has disclosed some form of willingness to do repairs up front, etc.).  The one saving grace is that you will have a due diligence period in which you will have the right to inspect the property for major defects and/or structural issues.   If you find something major that’s going to affect the structural or habitability of the home that you can substantiate (maybe the home was full of toxic mold,  the underneath of the structure was crumbling beyond repair, the walls are completely full of termites, etc.) most banks will allow you to get out of the contract.  YOU MUST KNOW WHAT IS IN THE CONTRACT THAT YOU HAVE SIGNED!  Every contract is different and you must read what you are signing.  Time frames in the contract are critical. This is where your realtor is needed.

Once inspections are done and you are comfortable with the home, you’ll proceed on to closing.  In the Savannah, GA area the closing will be held at an attorney’s office.  You must close within the time frames of your contact!  Many bank owned properties will charge you a daily rate, somewhere between 50 to 100 dollars per day if you go over your intended closing date.  This can really add up, so you must be realistic in setting a closing date when your contract is written. 

This is just a quick run through of what to expect in looking for a foreclosure.  There are the negotiation stages, the waiting for the bank to respond to your offer, the emails in between while bank is negotiating, the waiting for the bank to actually sign the contract after they’ve verbally accepted your offer,  the waiting for the bank to get the utilities on so that you can do the inspections, and more.  Again, that’s why you need an experienced realtor.  If you’re looking for a foreclosure in the Savannah, GA area please keep me in mind.  I have been an agent for over fifteen years and have sold many foreclosures.  I’d love to be your agent if you need one.

The Grove of Pooler, GA

•May 28, 2009 • Leave a Comment

Have you seen or heard of the Grove in Pooler, GA?  This neighborhood is a hidden secret.  The neighborhood is tucked behind an established community on Brighton Woods off of Rte 80 just west of Interstate 95.  This neighborhood is one of the few communities around that has all brick homes!  These custom homes were constructed by two local builders and all homes have many upgraded features which are a standard in this community.  You’ll find homes have tile and hardwood floors, granite counters, stainless appliance packages in most homes, and have spray insulation in attic and sidewalls to make the utility bills economical for you.  The homes range in price from 225-280k and the builder is offering great incentives too.  The lots are wide and there are trees on most lots to allow some privacy.  The neighborhood is convenient to the Savannah Hilton Head Airport, downtown Savannah, shopping, dining and schools.  Let me know if you’d like to see what all this great area has to offer.  Give me a call at 912-655-2554 if you’d like to see the current available homes in the community.

Bridgewater in Pooler, GA

•May 28, 2009 • Leave a Comment

Bridgewater is a beautiful neighborhood in Pooler, GA.  It is located off of Pine Barren Road.  This community is an easy commute to Savannah and the airport as Pine Barren Road is intersected by Pooler Parkway and interstate 16 is just minutes away.  The neighborhood has homes ranging in price from 170-2 to the mid 200’s.  Homes are typically brick faced with siding on three sides.  The lot sizes are generous and many lots have trees which make this a very attractive community.  There is a community pool and playground too.  If you’re looking for a great neighborhood give me a call at 912-655-2554 or email robinsellssavannah@gmail.com and I’ll send you the current available properties.

Autumn Lake community in Berwick Plantation, Savannah GA

•May 28, 2009 • Leave a Comment

How would you like to live in a new home and feel like you’re in the old town?  This neighborhood is just one of those… the homes are new, but were designed to look like you’re living in an old part of town.  The lots are set that you can look out and see your neighbors.  Most homes have at least one porch so that you can relax and truly enjoy your surroundings and hopefully get to know your neighbors!  The insides of the homes are high quality and full of modern conveniences.  This gives you the option to feel like you’re in that old home but alleviates the maintenance of the old.  The prices range form the 200’s to 400k and the homesizes are generous.  Most homes have two car garages with some having carports in trying to keep the look of the old community.  There are trees throughout the neighborhood which makes it feel old as well.  The community has it’s own amenities and there is a huge lake for fishing or taking a walk.  The neighborhood is a part of the Berwick Plantation area which is located just south of historic Savannah off of Highway 17.  If you’d like to visit this great community give me a call at 912-655-2554 or email me at robinsellssavannah@gmail.com.  I’d be glad to show you around this great, amenity area!

The Enclave Gated Savannah, GA community

•May 28, 2009 • Leave a Comment

The Enclave is one of Savannah’s Premier Gated Communities.  The Enclave is located off of Highway 17 in the Berwick Plantation area just south of historic Savannah.  This beautiful community has beautiful green spaces, many lagoons and water areas, tennis courts, incredible walk in olympic sized pool, and beautiful clubhouse.  The prices are at an extreme low in the neighborhood for the beautiful, custom quality homes that are available!  There are many lots available as well.  This neighborhood has been on hold with the current economy crunch and the lack of high end financing available to buyers.  With this in mind, the prices have dropped dramatically so homes that were listed in the 600’s a year ago are offered under 500k currently.  The neighborhood is awaiting new builders and a new developer to spring into action to get this community back into the building mode and on track to the community it was intended to be.  If you’re looking to be in a neighborhood for a long time, this is a great place to be.  Homes range in price from the 300’s to the million plus range.  The Enclave is located just 11 miles from downtown Historic Savannah and it is conveniently located for easy access to the Savannah Hilton Head Airport, Interstates 95 and 16 and just minutes to shopping, dining and entertainment.  The community is gated so if you’d like to see this wonderful world called The Enclave you must have an agent bring you through the gate to see for yourself.  I’d be happy to show you around, just give me a call at 912-655-2554. 

Southbridge Golf Community in Savannah, GA

•May 28, 2009 • Leave a Comment

Are you looking for a golf course community?  Southbridge may just be what you’ve been searching for.  This is one of my personal favorite communities.  Southbridge is located just minutes west of downtown Savannah.  There are two entrances, the original entrance is off of Dean Forest Road and the second entrance is through the Berwick Plantation area off of route 17.  The community is comprised of custom homes and is one of the few neighborhoods that has wooded lots.  There is a wonderful golf course, club house, tennis, soccer field, and the Grand Lake Lodge and Spa which is a phenominal amenity which includes restaurant and water slides.  Homes in the community range in price from the low 300’s to the million plus range.  Lot sizes are larger than most communities in the area and there are even estate lots.  There are a large variety of homes to choose from including cottage and garden homes, executive estates, and maintenance-free villas.  what ever you’re looking for, Southbridge may have exactly what you have in mind.  If you’d like to take a look at some homes in the area be sure to call me at 912-655-2554 or take a look at my site andsee what homes are currently available.

my favorite Savannah foreclosures

•April 15, 2009 • Leave a Comment

Are you looking for a foreclosure in the Savannah area?  I watch the foreclosures daily and can help you in your search.  With all of the bad loans from prior years and with the economy as it is, there is a huge saturation of properties that are undervalued.  Many owners have just given up and turned in their keys.  Unfortunately, their loss is your gain.  If you’re looking to buy,  there are many options for you.  I have some favorite properties that are currently on the market that I’d like to share with you.  What if you could purchase this: One of my favorite places at the islands is a secured building called the Bull River Yacht Club.  This property has some of the best views that you’ll find in the Savannah area.  The foreclosure that’s available there is a 3 bedroom 3 bath home with 2036 square feet and it’s located on the sixth floor.  There is a balcony on the front and backside of this building so views are tremendous!  This property was sold for $612,000 in May of 2006 and the bank currently has it listed for $375,000!  What if you could live on beautiful, famous, Victory Drive?  There is an enormous house available that has 8 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths and is over 5000 square feet.  this property is currently available at $475,000.  Are you looking for a great starter home?  What if you could live just a few minutes east of historic downtown in a gated detached townhome that’s priced at just $359,900?  There is a cute, 3 bedroom 1 bath home on Pinecrest in Pooler that’s priced at only $79,900  that could be just what you’re looking for.  There are properties available in all prices, sizes and locations.  If you’d like a current list of homes that would work for you, or if one of my favorites appeal to you, give me a call at 912-655-2554. 

Gleason Heights of Pooler, GA

•April 1, 2009 • Leave a Comment

What a wonderful neighborhood this is!  I may be prejudiced as this is the area that I call home.  Gleason Heights is located just off of Highway 80 approximately two miles west of I-95.  This community is made up of mostly all brick homes, wide lots that average over a third acre, winding streets, and trees.  So many times the developers take the trees away and create sunshine lots.  This is an old neighborhood with homes built in the eighty’s so everything is established.  There are currently five homes available which range from $149-$300k.  Most people love the area for the privacy

Welcome to Gleason Heights

Welcome to Gleason Heights

303 Pinewood

303 Pinewood

402-durdenand convenience.  Pooler Elementary School is within walking distance for children.  If you’re hungry… the sky’s the limit.  There are many restaurants located within a five minute drive.  Need to pick-up someone at the airport?  You can be there parked within ten minutes.  Want to go downtown Savannah?  Parked in under twenty minutes.  Pooler is one of the fastest growning cities in all of Georgia.