Entries Tagged as 'Savannah Home Finder'

The Cranes have Come to Town!

If you have been in the Savannah area for any length of time or on the east coast recently, you know that the fastest growing port is right here in our very own backyard. Savannah is rapidly becoming one of the largest ports on the southeastern seaboard. All this time I have noticed more and more container vessels coming in and lots of news about the ports but until these images came across my desk I didn’t give much thought to the process of loading and unloading container ships. They don’t look that big from here … like Lego blocks! But up close, well you have driven up next to an eighteen wheeler haven’t you? You see what I mean. How can the port grow, the containers increase and the cranes stay the same. They can’t … so just yesterday the cranes came to town. Sent from China in December, the cranes finally made it into Savannah’s port yesterday. The city even made sure the bridge connecting us to the low country of South Carolina was closed to traffic … just in case someone had measured wrong. Crazy! What a mess that would have been for that ship to hit the bridge. Luckily they had about eight feet of breathing room. The port authority and all the employees at the port were well prepared for the arrival of the cranes. They were not prepared for the crowd of onlookers. People covered Riverstreet and strained to watch as the cranes made their way to their new home. With the installation of these great big cranes, it doesn’t appear as though the growth of Savannah’s ports will slow down anytime soon. What an exciting time to be part of the blossoming of our fair city … Savannah. Join us and see what the fuss is all about!

Exploring Condos

1. Condos are easy to maintain. In a condo, you will most likely not have to worry about the grounds or the exterior of the structure.

2. With a condo, like an apartment, you have a built in social option of close neighbors. Unlike a rented apartment, you are likely to have other owners surrounding you which offers more stability and common ground.

3. Resale of your condo if you out grow it … investors are always looking at townhomes and condominiums for rental property. Unlike houses, the investment is often more manageable.

4. Amenities … often condo units come with amenities as extensive as tennis courts, swimming pools, a workout area, or a clubhouse. These are things in a house you would have to add yourself or join a club to get the same benefits.

5. Flexibility with design. Buying a home and facing redecorating can be a daunting task; however, a condo offers the same chance to play with design but on a much less overwhelming scale.

6. Location. If you are interested in being in a district where property is at a premium, condominiums are a good choice. Condominium units are frequently found in downtown areas and offer owners the best of ownership and location at a more affordable price.

The Top 3 Home Buying Mistakes

Knowing the type of mortgage you are best suited for is the first step in having your dream home.Because buying a home is a huge undertaking, having the basic understanding of any agreements you sign gives you the power to make the best decisions. Finally, you simply cannot afford to skip having a good independent home inspection. Watch out for these three mistakes:

Choose the Right Mortgage for You. Choosing the best type of mortgage is the first and most important task. Whether fixed rate or adjustable, short or long term, the answer will depend on some very personal decisions you’ll have to make. Your financial priorities will dictate these choices. You may need a lower monthly payment, or you may enjoy having the option to qualify for a loan easier by taking a higher one. Take the time to decide how long you plan to live in the home, and when you’ll be comfortable putting it back on the market when the need arises.

Know the “Terms” of the Agreement. The term pre-approval is generally a document from a lender, which certifies that they have reviewed your financial stability. They specifically look at your assets, credit and income. The term pre-qualified means that the lender has approved you for a specific loan amount. Knowing the difference between these two terms can save you a huge headache. Lenders use these terms interchangeably, and for some, the weight these processes are given may be based on certain conditions a homebuyer must meet. Make sure you know the exact steps to qualify for a loan. Ask the lender how they define their terms in any contract you sign.

Don’t Forget the Home Inspection. Having the home inspected before you buy it will make you feel a lot safer with your purchase, and probably save money in the end. While you may know what your home should look like, an Independent inspector’s eyes are trained to reveal the secrets that every home hides. The roof may need work and furnace may need cleaning. If you know these things up front, you are ahead in the game. Having the purchase of your new home subject to an Independent inspection is crucial for a clever home buyer.

Buying a new home can be tricky for the first-time buyer, and there are lessons that you will never forget. By following these tips, you will be secure in the fact that you made the process easier for yourself and your family. Now that you are armed with this information, you have a better understanding of 3 things that can either turn your home buying experience into a nightmare, or an event for which you can be proud.