Richmond Hill Real Estate

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Teresa Cowart — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:01:03 +0000

Spring is the perfect time of year to break out the power washers and screwdrivers to keep your home looking its best, both inside and out. Annual upkeep should be at the top of every homeowners to-do list in order to maintain its visual appeal as well as keeping costs to a minimum. It will always be less expensive to maintain your home rather than have to fix major problems that could have been avoided.

The weather here in Richmond Hill and Savannah, Ga this time of year just calls for you to get outdoors and into the home maintenance mood!

SPRING HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

1. Power Wash – You can either rent a power washer or hire a professional, but either way, concentrate on removing debris from the driveway, sidewalks, pavers or other outdoor space, and the exterior of your home.

2. Inspect the Windows – If you have outdated windows, Spring is the perfect time of year to replace them with energy efficient ones. Not only will you save on your electric bill, but you’ll be eligible for tax savings too! If not replacing windows, be sure to give them a good cleaning, using newspaper instead of paper towels. While you’re at it, take down the window treatments and clean them too. Also check the screens to make sure they are not ripped and are securely in place.

3. Clean out the Gutters – You’d be surprised at how much debris can collect in your gutters if they are not protected. Break out the ladder (or hire a professional) and clean them out.

4. Check the Roof – Take a look at your roof to make sure you haven’t lost any shingles over the course of the year, which could cause leaks.

5. Change Air Filters – Every year you should replace the filters in your heating and cooling systems to get the most out of the units. This will not only help to prolong the life of the system, but will help keep allergens to a minimum.

6. Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors – This one doesn’t need any explanation!

7. Get Outdoor Items Season Ready – Before you use the grill for the first time, CLEAN it! You don’t want to cook a steak on last year’s leftover food residue. Also wash your outdoor furniture, especially if you had it tucked away in the shed.

8. Refresh the Mulch or Stone – No matter what you use as the surroundings for plants and flowers, giving it a fresh layer will have it looking its best.

9. Get Organized – Use the next rainy day to clean out the closets and get organized. Start by taking everything out, take stock of what you have and what you need to keep, then use colorful totes or clear containers to store your items.

Giving your home an annual inspection to check for damage is the best way to keep overall costs to a minimum and have your home looking its best.

What other things would you add to this checklist?

For any and all of your questions about the Richmond Hill and Savannah, Ga areas, as well as real estate questions and needs, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Teresa Cowart, as I am always happy to help! You can also connect with me on my Facebook Page for area info and events, things to do, real estate news, home ownership tips, and so much more!

If you are one of the many that want to live in the Savannah or Richmond Hill, Ga area, I can help you get started or answer any questions you may have. Visit this link to browse some of the beautiful homes for sale here.

Savannah Ranked As One Of The Best Nightlife Scenes in the USA

Teresa Cowart — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:52:00 +0000

Visitors and locals alike know that Savannah is full of things to see and do – shopping, restaurants, and entertainment venues abound! Not surprisingly, once the sun goes down, an active nightlife emerges. The nightlife in Savannah is so active that U.S. News & World Report ranked it as one of the Best Nightlife Scenes in the USA, even though most of the other places on the list are much larger cities. Savannah’s nightlife is also more varied than many, with something to interest adults of almost any age and interest and a strong live music scene.

Because Savannah has a large Irish Catholic population, there are a large number of Irish pubs to choose from, including Murphy’s Law Irish Pub, and Kevin Barry’s. One of the most popular spots in Savannah is the Jazz’d Tapas Bar, which attracts large crowds and features live music. Another favorite is Rocks on the Roof, the rooftop lounge at the Bohemian Hotel, which boasts absolutely amazing views of the city as well as live music. If you prefer a quieter evening, Lulu’s Chocolate Bar and the Circa 1875 Gastropub are excellent choices. Lulu’s offers coffee in addition to alcoholic beverages, and there are a number of other spots to go for late-night coffee, notably Gallery Espresso.

Some of the other highlights in Savannah include The Distillery, known for its house-infused liquors; Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub & Grill; the romantic restaurant A.lure; and The Jinx. Whatever your interests are, you are sure to have a good time when you come to Savannah at night!

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Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend at The Westin in Savannah, Ga

Teresa Cowart — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:56:11 +0000

Mother’s Day is this weekend, May 12-13. Bring the special mom in your life to The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah, Ga for a variety of perfect ways to show her your appreciation. Spending time with family is truly the most important thing to a mother on this day set aside just for her, so why not treat her to an entire weekend of fun and relaxation at The Westin!

Start treating mom to Mother’s Day on Saturday by pampering her with a day at the Spa. The Heavenly Spa by Westin is making it easy to show your mom how much she means to you: book any 60 minute or longer treatment, and receive 20% OFF any additional service. The Spa’s goal is to uplift guests mentally, physically and spiritually by engaging and stimulating each of the five senses. Give mom the gift of relaxation and allow her to feel her stress melt away.

On Sunday, start Mother’s Day with Jazz Brunch 11am-3pm. The menu sounds unbelievably good; savory selections of seafood, breakfast favorites, an omelet station, a pasta station, a carving station, a dessert display including Bananas Foster a la Mode, Champagne, and more! The cost is very reasonable at $55.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids 5-12, kids 4 and under eat for free. For more information, call 912-201-2085.

Follow brunch with some quality time on the golf course since The Westin is offering golf for FREE to moms with an accompanied paid guest! Bring her yourself, or set the parents up with a tee time – either way mom will enjoy the pristine atmosphere and gorgeous views of Savannah on the Audubon Sanctuary-certified course. Call 912-201-2240 to make the arrangements and ask for the offer code MOM.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Introducing Savannah’s Newest Festival ~ Savannah Preservation Festival

Teresa Cowart — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:44:09 +0000

If only everyone could live in an area that continues to have an abundance of things to do, any time of the year! Introducing Savannah’s newest festival, Savannah Preservation Festival. This festival was designed to celebrate what makes Savannah a worldwide destination and why the residents here choose to make it their home. This exciting month long event, yes you read that right, it’s a MONTH LONG EVENT, will kick off Thursday, May 3, 2012 with a launch party from 6:30pm – 9:30pm.

The Savannah Preservation Festival is made possible by the Historic Savannah Foundation, who’s core mission is to protect and preserve Savannah’s heritage through advocacy, education and community involvement. The festival will highlight some of the most beautiful and historical components of Savannah, and everyone is invited to come out and participate in one or all of the events.

The launch party will be at held in the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum Garden, where your $75 ticket will bring you live entertainment by the Royal Noise Band, special hors d’oeuvres by local caterers and chefs, a preview of Pennies for Preservation poster contest by Savannah Chatham Public School students, an art auction preview by CAS Fine Art featuring commissioned art, unique destination auction packages preview, raffle items preview, and much more. Tickets for the launch party can be purchased online.

Another highlight of the Savannah Preservation Festival is the Preservation Wine Tour, taking place Friday, May 18th from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. The inaugural Preservation Wine Tour will start from the Green-Meldrim House, and will continue on through private homes near Madison Square that have previously received preservation awards from the Historic Savannah Foundation. You will enjoy boutique wine and food pairings at each of the award-winning properties on the tour. Tickets for this event are only $45 and can be purchased online.

The last event of the Savannah Preservation Festival is the Garden Party, held on May 31st from 6:00pm – 9:00pm in the Isaiah Davenport Garden. Celebrate the success of the 2012 Preservation Festival with live music, hors d’oeuvres, wine, an exotic plant auction, and container gardens by our area’s finest floral designers. Also, the winning entries for Pennies for Preservation Poster Contest will be on display. This will be an outstanding grand finale for Preservation Festival 2012 that you won’t want to miss! Tickets for this event are $75 and can be purchased online.

Visit the festival’s website for the entire list of events taking place during May.

Will you be part of history at the first ever Savannah Preservation Festival?

Savannah’s River Street – First Saturday on the River

Teresa Cowart — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:05:39 +0000

Anytime is a great time to visit Savannah’s River Street with hundreds of distinctive shops and boutiques, taverns, and restaurants featuring an assortment of lowcountry cuisine, it’s the perfect spot to spend a day shopping and exploring. But the beginning of the month is an especially good time to find your way down to River Street.

The first weekend of each month between March and December, you’ll find First Saturday on the River taking place from 9am-6pm. Stroll along the beautiful cobble-stoned River Street while browsing the craftsmanship of artist and craftsmen who display and sell their unique works of art, be entertained by the street performers who roam through the crowds, and enjoy the sounds of musical performances taking place on stage. A day full of free fun and entertainment for everyone.

Savannah, GA has a quaint urban feel, and is teaming with creativity, art, culture and live theatre. This the perfect place for you to spend a weekend or a lifetime. If you are one of the many that want to live in the Savannah or Richmond Hill, Ga area, I can help you get started or answer any questions you may have. Visit this link to browse some of the beautiful homes for sale here.

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Update Your Outdoor Space With Flagstone; a Weekend DIY Project

Teresa Cowart — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:58:42 +0000

Using flagstone is a great way to give your outdoor space an updated look whether you are preparing to sell your home or are looking for a way to change up your front or back yard. Adding a flagstone pathway that leads to, away, or through an outdoor space will enhance the area and add that finishing touch. Here I’ve outlined exactly what you need to do to lay a flagstone pathway yourself, making for a perfect weekend DIY project. Picture relaxing on your patio or deck and overlooking a stone path that you’ve created as it meanders through your landscaping choices.

First you’ll want to start by collecting all of the materials and tools you will need to get the project started. Trust me, it puts a real damper on the headway you are making if you have to stop part way into the project and run back out to your local home improvement store!

Materials / Tools

garden nozzle
flagstones
plastic edging
sand
water
gravel
material to fill in gaps

shovel
metal rake
broom
garden hose
gloves
vibratory plate compactor

Now you’re ready to dig in and get your flagstone pathway started!

Step 1: Prepare the Area

First, prepare your area by digging up about 4 inches of soil in the area where you want to lay your flagstones. Then rake the area smooth and remove any rocks and debris underneath. If you line your intended pathway with the plastic edging, it will give you a clear idea of what the path will look like.

Step 2: Add the Gravel and Sand

Next, lay a small layer of gravel where you just removed the soil. This will help to prevent any weeds from popping up. Then pour a 2-inch layer of sand over the gravel and rake it smooth. Lightly mist the sand with water and flatten using a compacter.

Step 3: Lay the Flagstones

Next, create your flagstone pathway. Lay each stone piece, and work it carefully into position ensuring that each piece is level. Setting the stones four to five inches apart is a good average, but you can place them as close to each otheras you want.

Step 4: Fill In the Gaps Between Flagstones

The gaps between the flagstones can be filled with a variety of materials including sand, gravel, pebbles or mulch. Then use a broom to sweep excess mulch or other filler material off of the stones.

Step 5: Enjoy

The last step is the best. This is the part where you can stand back and appreciate the time and effort you put into creating a unique pathway that will accentuate your outdoor space.

The instructions for this DIY project originated from diynetwork.com.

5K Turtle Trot on Tybee Island, GA

Teresa Cowart — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 18:30:40 +0000

Vacationers, as well as those who have chosen to call this beautiful area home, find so much to see and do in beautiful Savannah and Richmond Hill, GA. From the landmark, historic district, dining, parks, and attractions to the endless outdoor recreational opportunities found throughout this unique lowcountry area. One incredible event takes place along the nearby beaches of Georgia’s Tybee Island – every year between May and September, female Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles crawl onto the beaches where they themselves were hatched decades earlier, to lay their eggs.

The 8th annual Turtle Trot will take place on Tybee Island on Saturday, April 28, 2012. The Turtle Trot is a 5K beach run and fundraiser for the Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project. It also represents the “kick-off” for the sea turtle nesting season in coastal Georgia. The event will take place at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Science Center members can register for the Turtle Trot for $20 and non-members can register for $25. Those who pre-register by April 24 will get a free t-shirt. On the day of the run, sign-in will start at 7:00 in the morning, with the actual running or walking beginning at 8:00. There will be awards for the top 3 finishers according to age group and gender and the release of a Loggerhead Sea Turtle that has been under medical care will happen around 9:30.

The Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project aims to help the Sea Turtles that nest on the beach to maintain a healthy population. Volunteers for the project check for new nests and relocate those that are below the line of high tide. The site is marked and monitored every day, followed by “nest sitting” shortly before the eggs should hatch. When the eggs hatch, volunteers watch over the baby sea turtles to help make sure they make it safely into the ocean.

For any and all of your questions about the Richmond Hill and Savannah, Ga areas, as well as real estate questions and needs, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Teresa Cowart, at (912) 667-1881 or email me, as I am always happy to help! You can also connect with me on my Facebook Page for area info and events, things to do, real estate news, home ownership tips, and so much more!

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Once in a Lifetime Experience in Savannah – Tall Ships Challenge

Teresa Cowart — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:48:46 +0000

Savannah, Ga is known for a lot of things from classic Southern charm and beautiful scenery, to enchanting Spanish moss draped walkways, and one of a kind places to get married…and the list goes on. Coming up in May 2012 is a once in a lifetime experience you absolutely want to be a part of – The Tall Ships Challenge. Savannah will welcome some of the most majestic Tall Ships the world has to offer. You and your family will be able to view all of the ships, board many, and even sail on your favorite one!

This family friendly event has something for everyone with events beginning May 3rd, and ending May 7th, 2012 and takes place at the Historic Riverfront in downtown Savannah.

What is the Tall Ships Challenge?
The Tall Ships Challenge® is an annual event organized by the Tall Ships America alternating in a three year cycle between the Great Lakes, the Pacific and the Atlantic coasts of North America. The event draws hundreds of thousands of people to witness beautiful Tall Ships from the age of sail and provides a unique opportunity for the participants to interact with the crews of different vessels in friendly rivalry as they race from port to port.

Tickets for this awesome event can be purchased online and range in price from $5 to $25 depending on which event or activity you are interested in. So far there are 14 confirmed ships that will be part of the Tall Ships Challenge but be sure to check their website often as more ships are still being added!

One of the highlights of the event is the Parade of Sail on Monday, May 7.

11:40 a.m.
Eagle begins Parade just off Talmadge Bridge/US 17, Speed 5 knots
11:54 a.m.
LAST VESSEL passes Talmadge Bridge/US 17
12:20 p.m.
Eagle passes Fort Jackson, Speed to 8 knots
12:34 p.m.
LAST VESSEL passes Fort Jackson
1:31 p.m.
Eagle passes Fort Pulaski, Speed to 7 knots
1:41 p.m.
LAST VESSEL passes Fort Pulaski
1:49 p.m.
Eagle passes Tybee Island, Speed remains 7 knots
1:59 p.m.
LAST VESSEL passes Tybee Island
2:36 p.m.
Eagle finishes Parade
2:46 p.m.
LAST VESSEL finishes Parade

Don’t miss this once in a lifetime experience in Savannah and REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR CAMERA’S!! I would love to see the pictures you take, so please feel free to post them to my Facebook Page so anyone that isn’t able to attend can catch a glimpse of the event!

Canoochee River, GA – The Ultimate Kayaking Experience

Teresa Cowart — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:18:33 +0000

Few can live or visit the Coastal Empire and surrounding areas without experiencing the call of the waters. For the outdoors enthusiast, there are many opportunities to boat, swim, and fish, as well as other sports. Kayaking remains one of the most popular water sports in Georgia, and avid paddlers flock to the area to conquer one river in particular: The Canoochee. With its unique tea-colored waters, the Canoochee features nearly 85 miles of smooth water stream which includes white, sandy, Coastal Plain beaches and stretches of undeveloped land and Georgia swampland. It’s the perfect place to picnic or camp, and the perfect course to idly explore!

The Canoochee originates in Emmanuel County, and winds its way toward the Atlantic, merging with the Ogeechee River in Kings Ferry just north of Interstate 95 at Richmond Hill, GA. If you go, be sure to take a camera – not only will you want to take pictures of the beautifully verdant scenery, but you will want to photograph the various types of wildlife that call the banks of the Canoochee home. Turtles, snakes, warblers, woodpeckers, owls and wading birds are just a few of the animals which can be found here. The river also serves as a nursery to a number of local fish species. Anglers can catch their choice of crappie, blue gill, catfish and more, and lounge on the banks among cypress, sweet gum, Ogeechee lime trees and more. For the true adventurist, kayaking the Canoochee River is simply a must.

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Refinancing Help For Homeowners

Teresa Cowart — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:17:46 +0000

In a news conference on March 6, 2012, President Obama made an announcement concerning homeowners in the United States. He unveiled two new housing initiatives intended to help with government-insured loans and members of the military. This news is huge and could mean significant savings to the homeowners it applies to.

The first program will cut mortgage insurance premiums for certain homeowners who refinance an FHA loan into a new one under this new program. In order to qualify for the reduced premiums, a homeowner must be current on a mortgage taken out and insured by FHA before June 1, 2009. Current means no more than one 30-day-late payment in the past six months and no more than two in the past year. This loan must be refinanced into a new FHA-backed mortgage on or after June 11. The new lender is not required to verify homeowner’s income, employment or credit score, and no appraisal is required.

The great news is that the administration estimates that an additional 2 to 3 million homeowners could end up refinancing under its program, allowing these struggling homeowners to start making some kind of come back.

For military members, any service member or veteran whose home has been wrongly foreclosed on since 2006 will receive compensation equal to a minimum of $116,785 plus any home equity lost since the foreclosure. This compensation will come from the mortgage servicers who conducted the foreclosures. In addition, any service member who was wrongly denied the opportunity to refinance will receive a refund of money lost.

Another benefit: if the average family spends the money they are saving on their mortgage, it could boost the economy.

For more information, please read the original articles.

Obama unveils two new housing initiatives
Feds roll out new mortgage refinance program