Savannah Is A City For The Soul

Savannah is a city of mystery, southern charm, quiet whispers, and joyful celebrations. For years, visiting this city almost-by-the-sea has been a desire of mine. We hear about the lovely gardens with beautiful Spanish moss highlighting sculptures and trees. Savannah is also the birthplace of a woman who changed the lives of millions of girls throughout the world – Juliet Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts. And even the cemeteries are so beautiful with their haunting statues that a book made the Bonaventure Cemetery a huge tourist destination.

Savannah caters to visitors year-round, but the year-round residents also relish their southern roots. The architecture of the historic River Street features styles that include Federalism, Gothic-Revival, and Italianate. Even storefronts tip their hats to European styles with décor that includes both traditional columns, Victorian porches, and nouveau glass designs that complement traditional design features.

Real estate is shockingly affordable in Savannah – prices range from $135,000 for darling cottages to upwards of $500,000 for historic homes in the old Savannah neighborhoods where you can almost hear history coming alive.

If you’re interested in relocating to Savannah, perhaps the best thing to do is plan to vacation there for a week. The first day, splurge for a tour of the city by carriage, trolley, walking, or trolley. On the second day, get in your car and drive the other neighborhoods outside the historic and tourism areas to get a real feel. On the third day, plan to meet with a real estate agent in person. Sit down together, tell the agent what your needs are, how much you want to spend, what you like about certain areas you’ve seen. Ask if they can tell you about other neighborhoods that you have not yet discovered.

On the fourth and fifth days, tour some homes with your agent! Given that there are over 1,300 homes available right now in this great Southern city of Georgia, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a home with a lush yard, pet friendly, kid friendly, no-kid friendly, no-pet friendly, no-yard, or anything else your heart desires.

As for me, I have a trip to Savannah scheduled in July. You’ll find me on a ghost tour, visiting nearby Tybee Island, perhaps eating at Paula Deen’s Queen of Southern cuisine, or otherwise enjoying the wonderful hospitality Savannah offers.

Georgia Mortgage Rates

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Desert Homes Have Special Needs

When living in desert homes, expect your real estate to undergo a barrage of extreme weather – from scorching heat to nose-numbing cold weather. As a result, homes designed for desert living should be constructed of materials that can withstand the hot, the cold, and everything in-between.

Perhaps one of the best materials for construction is concrete. Concrete is inexpensive and durable, virtually maintenance free for home-owners who prefer spending their time taking in the adventures that desert living provides. Concrete is also a wonderful sound-proof material, which could be a problem if coyotes are circling your abode waiting to whisk away your marinating steaks.

While building a concrete home may seem more expensive at first, this real estate is actually much less expensive in the long-run thanks to savings in monthly heating and cooling expenses. Additional savings are realized through your home owners insurance policies because concrete is very durable and can survive earthquakes, tornadoes, fire, and other unfortunate disasters.

Another benefit of concrete homes is the absence of pests. Where there is wood, there are termites. Where wood is absent, there are no termites, carpenter ants, or other foundation-nibbling insects. In addition, the inside wall materials are non-toxic. Often polystyrene foam is used which are free of fiberglass, formaldehyde, and asbestos.

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In addition to the design of a home, people living in Arizona desert country may also want to consider what kind of landscaping would be good beyond cactus and tumbleweeds. Perhaps the best kind of tree would be a Chilean Mesquite which is very drought resistant and grows to 40 feet tall. Another tree to consider for desert landscaping are the Afghan Pine which grows to 80 feet tall and uses little water once it is established. Finally Mimosa trees and Desert Willow trees also provide wonderful shade and once the roots are in, not a lot of water is required.

As you consider water for your Arizona desert home, some tips that could be helpful are to find toilets that have 1-gallon-per flush, shower heads that only expend 2.75 gallons per minute, and 1.5 gallon per minute or less faucets.

With some serious planning and designing, building and living successfully in an energy-efficient desert home in Arizona can be affordable, satisfying, and an extraordinary real estate experience.

Condos in Atlanta Are Very Affordable

Atlanta has long been a hot-spot of fashion, the airline industry, and computer jobs, so it’s no surprise that housing is plentiful for all budgets. Perhaps the best buys, however, can be found in the condominium market.

Just north of Atlanta in the Buckhaven area is a very nice, albeit older, condo community that sits on a golf course. It has a swimming pool for residents, along with a restaurant for those who are not handy in the kitchen. What’s even better is it is also located on a public transportation route so commuting to a job in city center, shopping, or a fun night out is just a bus token away.

Home prices in the community range from $60,000 for foreclosed units (none are in bad shape by any means) to $180,000 for three bedroom, three bathroom completely renovated units that feature hardwood floors, gorgeous trim around windows and doors, located directly on the golf course.

The down side is if you’re seeking a less expensive condo homes, the monthly association fees equal what the monthly house payment would potentially be of just over $300 per month.

As you get closer into the downtown Atlanta area, the prices of condos do increase. However, the wonderful convenience, modern upgrades, granite in the kitchen and bathrooms, and the private parking provide the added value of the higher prices.

Perhaps the most popular condos in Atlanta are warehouses that have been converted into residences. A bonus of these types of homes is designers are not limited by rooms with four-sided walls. Many of the warehouse condos feature open living areas, with privacy provided where necessary for bathrooms and bedrooms. But the overall living areas are inventive, exciting, and perfect for entertaining. Like Atlanta.

Georgia Mortgage Rates

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Wind Power is Part of New Jersey Landscape

New Jersey is a state on the cutting edge of harnessing wind power, both for operating local utilities and for providing energy to homes for residents of the state.

A few years ago, the first coastal wind farm began providing renewable electricity to homes through the regional electric grid. The Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm in Atlantic County, New Jersey, produces about 19 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, including power for more than 2,000 homes and other municipal entities.

Residents have the option of purchasing their power through the wind farm, although they do pay a higher premium on their electric utility bill. The added cost offsets the increased price of producing the clean energy option.

Home owners who do not tap into the wind farm energy may also choose to install their own wind turbine kits on their homes. Prices range from $1700 to just over $35,000 per kit and once installed, they harness the kinetic energy of wind by turning a group of magnets. The magnets create voltage in the conductor which then forces electric current into the grid to power your home.

The down side of wind power is that, frankly, the wind turbines are not that attractive and make a whoosh noise all day and night. Yet the energy is clean and because it is renewable, the state is considering offshore wind farms as a much better option. The state has contracted to build offshore wind farms at least 20 miles from land to harness the energy and to keep residents satisfied that their views are not obstructed.

No matter if the view is of the ocean, hills, or of wind turbines, New Jersey real estate transactions remain strong. Homes are valued on average at about $330,000 and prices of existing homes have increased by a little more than one percent this year.

New Jersey is a solid investment for anyone seeking real estate that would hold its value, even during recessionary times.

New Jersey Mortgage Rates

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New Jersey Mortgage Rates

My earliest memories of New Jersey actually occurred on a rural Indiana farm where my cousin from "Joisey" decided to go duck hunting. He picked up my Grandpa's shotgun and marched toward the woods behind the barn. Only a few moments passed before we heard the ringing sound of gunfire. Pow! Then a pause… and POW!

My cousin from Paterson came running back to the farmhouse the gun in one hand, two ducks in his other hand, and a huge grin on his face. Ahab found his whale – or in this case, Mark found his ducks. Only they weren't wild ducks. They were the white farm ducks my grandparents kept so they could gather eggs. What would a city boy know about ducks, though?

While that tale about my cousin from New Jersey will rest forever in the annals of our family history, the fact is New Jersey produces some interesting people in some great wonderful communities. Just last year, the small town of Warren, New Jersey made #6 in the list of best places to live by CNN Money.

Warren is located about 35 miles west of New York. With its convenient location, quiet neighbors, and idealized activities like birdhouse contests, fishing tournaments, and plant and craft fairs, you know homes will be available at a premium. A quick search found just over 300 homes currently for sale in this community populated by less than 20,000 residents.

The least expensive house is a one-bedroom, one-bath townhome for just over $70,000. Some repairs are needed, but not expected to cost more than $30,000. One other home under $200,000 is available for $134,000 and has four bedrooms and one bath. There are 19 other homes for sale under $500,000, so the remaining 280 homes are all closer to or more than the million dollar mark.

Given the cost of easy, peaceful living in Warren, New Jersey, you might need to take on a second job!

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Horse Farms and Beauty Abound in Maryland

When you think of thoroughbred horses, the Kentucky Derby is but one arm of the famous Triple Crown horse race. Like its southern counterpart, Maryland’s rolling hills are gorgeous and its barns are often described as being even nicer than homes.

If you want to play with the ponies, however, you’ll have to pay. Prices range from $400,000 to millions of dollars – depending on location, size, and facilities. Of course, when at least a billion dollars annually is generated by the horse industry in Maryland, owners can well afford the more expensive homes.

It’s not just the horse owners who benefit from the equine industry. Jobs are plentiful for experienced equestrians ranging from full-fledged trainers to the less glamorous jobs of shoveling out the muck from the stables. In addition, groomers, veterinary work, Ferrier positions, and more are available.

While you consider a move to the magnificent state of Maryland – with sweeping views from the gorgeous South Mountain communities to the quaint and charming Fredericksburg – stay overnight in one of the many bed and breakfasts. Many offer stables for horse lovers who travel with their mounts.

One historic bed and breakfast is the Cascade Inn near the Blue Ridge Summit. If you’re not into horse riding, you can go tromping through some of the most beautiful vistas in the nation searching for the delicacy provided by morel mushrooms. If your preference is to be treated like royalty, perhaps a visit to The Castle Bed and Breakfast is more suited to your tastes. Besides vigorous outdoor activities, you could also just settle down for a massage, a day of antique shopping, or a ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

Once you decide you do want to stay forever in this beautiful state – but if you can’t afford to buy a full-fledged horse farm – consider there really are affordable homes throughout the state. The average price of homes is about $260,000, a drop of just a bit more than 6 percent since this time last year.

Buying real estate in Maryland would be a good investment, not just for your wallet, but also for you soul.

Maryland Mortgage Rates

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Come Out of Your Clam Shell in Maryland

When you’re ready to buy a vacation home, Chesapeake Bay in Maryland should be at the top of your list for places to consider. Activities range from boating, fishing, and camping to sitting on the beach with friends at a clam bake, swimming, or just enjoying in the sun or taking in the stars on a cloudless night.

In Maryland, you can bake your cake and eat it, too, but only if you’re from Chesapeake! Famous for the Smith Island Cake, Chesapeake residents keep their recipe very private. The cake is constructed of eight to ten very thin layers, cemented together with another very thin layer of icing – usually chocolate. The cakes can be any flavor, though – chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cherry, coconut, red velvet, or caramel – limited only by the imagination of the baker!

If the cake won’t pull you in, consider taking part in a famous New England clambake. If you want to dig for your own clams, be sure you have proper permission from local authorities before you start. Once you get the clams, dig a hole (again with proper authority) and line it with big stones. Then build a fire that will burn for at least two hours to heat the stones. Rake off the fire, and then cover stones with seaweed before adding a wire basket with your food. Once the wire basket is placed, you cover the food with more sea leaves and cook for about two hours.

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Once you’ve eaten your Smith Island Cake and licked the butter from your fingers after the clam bake, you might want to start looking for a permanent place to live in this gorgeous area. Don’t expect real estate to come cheap, though. You’ll be paying for the location with prices ranging from the hundreds of thousands to the millions of dollars.

When you pay these types of prices, though, there is no shortage of upgrades that come with the houses. Typical are water views, lots of square footage, gas cook tops, and other modern conveniences that include tile, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and custom built walk-in closets.

Home styles range from numerous Victorian and Colonial houses to condominiums and high rises. All these homes and more can be found in the numerous communities that dot this wonderful bay of the Atlantic Ocean.