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.


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"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