Save Energy, Save Money

Source: Environment News Service

Now that the holidays are officially underway, we'd like to show you a few ways you can save energy and save money this season.

Decorating:

Consider using holiday lights with energy efficient light emitting diodes (LED's).

• They're shatter proof, shock resistant, safe to touch and present no fire hazard.
• LED's use 10% less energy than mini incandescent lights and can last up to 50,000 hours.
• They thrive outdoors because of their durability and performance in extreme temperatures.
• By using energy efficient LED light strands, you can save up to 80% on your decorative lighting energy costs.

Food Storage:

• Leaving the refrigerator door open while removing items is more efficient than opening and closing the door multiple times.
• Defrosting food in the refrigerator helps save energy because it helps keep the refrigerator cold.
  
• Save energy by allowing hot food to cool before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
  

Cooking:

• Using the smallest pan and burner for the job will help reduce energy costs.
• Microwave ovens use less than half the energy required by a conventional oven.
• Slow cookers and crock pots will cook a whole meal for less than 20 cents worth of energy.
• To improve efficiency, keep oven doors closed as much as possible and bake several dishes at one time. Every time the door is opened, the oven loses 25 - 50 degrees of heat.

Cleaning Up:

• Run the dishwasher with full loads for optimum efficiency.
• Use cold water to rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher to save money on your energy bill.
  
• The dishwasher uses almost 40% less water than a load of dishes washed by hand. However, filling the wash and rinse basins instead of letting the hot water run uses half as much water as a dishwasher.

For more tips about how you can save energy on the road and around your home & office, click here.

Handy Home Maintenance

As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, we know it's time to start getting ready for winter. It is also time to evaluate your annual home maintenance requirements. Proper care of your home and property will increase the life span of your systems and finishes, protect your investment and enhance your own enjoyment.

As a homeowner, you must perform regular maintenance to keep your home beautiful, comfortable and safe. Whether you just moved in or have owned your home for awhile, we want to help you with this process. Here are some tips to guide you through your maintenance checklist.

1. Caulking - Time and weather tend to dry and shrink caulking so that it no longer provides a sufficient seal. As part of your annual home maintenance, check the caulking in your tubs, sinks and showers and make timely repairs when needed.
2. Pipes - During the cold winter months, it is important to insulate your exterior pipes prior to falling temperatures to avoid cracking and freezing.
3. Heating System - Test your heating system early so that you're not left without warmth during the cold winter months. It's a good idea to perform a trial run while the weather is still temperate.
4. Fire Safety- Protect your family by replacing all smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries EVERY year. A chirping sound will typically alert you that the battery is weak.

Although this is not a comprehensive guide, we hope it will help you keep your home in the best possible condition and allow your family to rest a little more comfortably throughout the year.

The $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit expires December 1, 2009.

If you're planning to claim the credit and haven't started looking for a home, your clock is officially ticking. You must close on your new home on or before November 30, 2009.


www.kiwee.com

"Homebuilders in the midst of busier-than-expected summer"

Source: Adam Van Brimmer, Savannah Morning News

"There's definitely a sense of urgency," said Stevie Williams with Fred Williams Homebuilders. "People are starting to feel that it's now or never. Most years, things start to slow down in August. But this year activity is increasing." Read More

Busy builders

The housing slump has hurt local homebuilders over the past two years, but many have ramped up construction in recent months to meet the demand fueled by the federal government's first-time homebuyer credit. A look at the Chatham County housing starts for the busiest builders during 2009.

Builder: Jan-April, May, June, July

Fred Williams Homebuilder: 38, 13, 10, 30

Wardlaw Construction: 23, 6, 9, 18

Hallmark Homes: 38, 6, 2, 11

Centex Homes: 14, 10, 0, 0

Konter Homes: 2, 1, 0, 1

Source: Chatham County building permits

SMC Announces Award Winners

The Sales and Marketing Council of the Home Builders Association of Greater Savannah would like to congratulate the following sales award winners!





JUNE 2009

In the On-Site Agent Individual Category
Winner for Highest number of units:
Lorenzo McDonald
Fred Williams New Home Sales






JULY 2009

In the On-Site Agent Individual Category
Winner for Highest dollar volume and
Highest number of units:
Eva Johnson
Fred Williams New Home Sales


Each month, the Sales and Marketing Council recognizes its members for their success in highest dollar volume and/or number of net written home sales. The Sales and Marketing Council exists to provide its members with education, recognition and networking opportunities.

Learn more about the SMC.

Looking to Add Some Curb Appeal?

Are you getting ready to sell your home or just wanting to make a few improvements? Here are 6 tips to help you spruce up your yard and add value to your home.

1. Start with some edging. Creating a clean edge where grass meets mulch, straw or pavement goes a long way in making your yard seem more well kept.

2. Cut back the weeds. Many common yard plants tend to get unruly without regular attention, so cutting them back should be an annual event. Even if you get heavy handed with the garden shears, it will only take a season or two for your plants to grow back more beautiful than ever.

3. Fertilize the lawn. Your grass will be visibly greener with just one fertilizer application. However, if you truly want a lush lawn you can expect to commit to several rounds.

4. Add a splash of color. Invest in plants that flower in different seasons, keeping your yard in full bloom all year round.

5. Try a new angle. Most foliage is found at the base of the home or along the perimeter of the yard. By adding some plants throughout the property you can make your yard seem larger and your home will appear to be further from the road.

6. Create a private sanctuary. Create your own backyard retreat by adding a natural barrier with evergreen shrubs. If you really want your privacy then a fence may be your best bet.

Help on the Horizon for Struggling Home Owners

If you’re one of the millions of American’s struggling to pay your mortgage, we’ve got good news. Mortgage Insurance Companies of America (MICA) may be able to provide help to those who don’t qualify for the Making Home Affordable Program through a new “Second Look” initiative.

If you’re not familiar with Obama’s plan, here’s a brief recap. The Making Home Affordable Program was released by the Obama Administration in March of this year to help home owners at risk of losing their homes. The plan has two components: a refinancing option and a loan modification alternative. If your mortgage is guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible to refinance your loan to take advantage of low interest rates and counter devaluation. Loan modification, on the other hand, allows home owners to modify their existing mortgage by reducing monthly payments to more sustainable levels.

Unfortunately, not everyone qualifies for assitance. That’s why MICA has developed the Second Look Program. It provides an additional review to home owners who have been denied a modification of a loan that is not owned or guaranteed by Fannie or Freddie. Although it is undetermined how many people will benefit from the program, MICA was able to save nearly 100,000 homes from foreclosure last year alone.

If you’d like to learn more about Second Look, follow this link.

8 Reasons Why Now is the Time to Buy

Whether you’re a first time buyer or just looking for a new home, here are 8 reasons why NOW is a great time to buy!

1. TAX BENEFITS: If you purchase a home before November 30^th, you may be eligible to receive up to $9,800 in tax credits. You can even use a portion of the credit towards the purchase of your home.
2. HOME EQUITY: Real estate is a great source for future credit. Homeowners are able to turn their equity into cash by refinancing. Whether you want to consolidate debt or remodel your home, you’ll have cash available to meet your needs.
3. LOW RATES: Interest rates are still historically low and low rates equal low payments…or a larger home. You choose!
4. OPTIONS: With so much inventory on the market, you have plenty of homes to choose from!
5. FLEXIBILITY:
   The days of worrying about which paint colors you can use is a thing of the past. From tearing out walls to adding new rooms, home ownership allows you to make the changes you want.
6. APPRECIATION: Housing prices typically rise over time, so purchasing a home is one of the best investments you can make. By purchasing a home now, you’re putting your money in a safe investment that is likely to grow.
7. SECURITY:
   No more worrying about neglectful landlords, rent increases or recouping your deposit. When you buy your own home you can stay there as long as you like and fix your payments for up to 30 years.
8. COMMUNITY VOICE: As a homeowner, you’ll have a stronger voice when it comes to your neighborhood association, school system and local government.

Protecting your home from a lightning strike

There have been a lot of thunderstorms lately in our area. Check out how to protect your home from a lightning strike:

http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10725117

A Bigger Housing Bailout for Obama

Check out this article:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/31687031?__source=RSS*blog*&par=RSS

FRED WILLIAMS HOMEBUILDER WELCOMES REBECCA LINGLE

POOLER, GA—Rebecca (Copley) Lingle has joined Fred Williams Homebuilder as an integral part of their elite New Home Sales Team. A native of Savannah, Rebecca brings years of experience in both resale and new homes sales with extensive knowledge of the area’s growing market to share with her buyers.

Rebecca is a 2003 graduate of Berry College and a 1999 graduate of South Effingham High School. Her degree in Public Relations led her to serve as the Director of Communications for Food for the Hungry during her year long mission work in Costa Rica. After a year of wonderful experiences working with families in Central and South America, Rebecca was excited to return home to Savannah, where she earned her Real Estate license.

Rebecca loves matching customers with homes because it combines the need for great marketing and technology skills with the desire to connect with people in a real and personal way.

Rebecca and her husband Rob enjoy spending time outdoors with their two dogs, Coal and Achilles, and entertaining friends.

“We look for the best of the best, and are thrilled to have Rebecca join our team. Her knowledge in the field will be a great asset,” says Stevie Williams, Sales Manager for Fred Williams New Home Sales.

Fred Williams Homebuilder is built on a foundation of integrity, character and an exceptional commitment to produce MORE HOUSE for LESS MONEY. For more information on our great product, visit http://www.fredwilliamshomes.com or contact Rebecca at (912) 748-2116.

Fred Williams Homebuilder is proud to present The Coastal Collection, our newest collection being built in the Cove at Newport.

There is no question that purchasing your first home is an incredibly exciting process. However, when you are accustomed to the renters’ lifestyle, you may forget that certain things do not automatically come with your home. That is why Fred Williams Homebuilder is now offering homes that come with a full appliance package and fantastic features!

Choose from one of our four floor plans all featuring three bedrooms with two and one half bathrooms. The openness between the kitchen, dining room and family room makes all our plans perfect for everyday life as well as entertaining family and friends. You’ll also find features such as smooth walls and ceilings, rounded corners, satin nickel hardware and tons of other elegant interior features.

Not only do these homes come with a side by side refrigerator, washer, dryer and blinds, but you can move in to one of these 1,400 to 1,800 square foot homes for only $99!

This is the perfect home for a first-time homebuyer! Homes as low as $99,900 with 100 percent financing available, you’ll benefit from the $8,000 home buyer tax credit that is currently being offered. Don’t let this opportunity pass you buy. The Cove at Newport is the best deal you’ll find on a new home in all of the area. Call 912-964-9700 to reserve yours today!