In today’s world, instant access to information has become more than just a trend powered by the tech savvy.  It’s become a way of life for everyone - everywhere.  From email and web surfing on smart phones, to text messaging and beyond, getting the information you need, when you need it has become the norm.   

So what does this mean for buyers, sellers and even real estate professionals?  Well, Sales Associates at Mopper-Stapen, Realtors recently found out.  Mopper-Stapen, Realtors Broker, Dicky Mopper, unveiled the firm’s latest tech savvy marketing tool to eager sales associates earlier this week. 

You are driving thru a neighborhood and see a home that sparks some interest.  The sign instructs you to text a # for more information.  In less than 30 second you receive a text message with the details.  Sales price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and even a link to interior and exterior pictures will be displayed on your cell phone.  Additonal contact information for the agent and firm are also displayed, giving the consumer instant access to the information they need.

At the very same moment, the listing sales associate receives a text containing information that there has been an inquiry on their property,  giving them instant access to potential customers and clients.

In a world that is information and access driven this new marketing endeavor once again places Mopper-Stapen, Realtors ahead of the technology curve and leaves them primed and ready to offer the latest and best the industry has to offer to all of its customers and clients.

By: Andrea Re

How many times have you hired a real estate agent to market your home only to be disappointed that the job didn’t get done.  No one answered your calls, you didn’t get feedback, and the closing “just” didn’t happen because a critical piece fell through the cracks.

The key to selling your home –is not just hiring an agent –but hiring an agent with a Team.  As a professional real estate agent with over 20 years experience in several different markets, I can tell you the team at Mopper-Stapen, Realtors makes a real difference in the buying and selling process.

Mopper-Stapen—Team Facts: 

• Every agent is supported by a cadre of other agents dedicated to helping the buyer or seller in the real estate process, something I call “tag-team relay”.!  With this approach you are never left out of the loop and there is always someone to help you and provide feed back.
•  Our marketing department is an integral arm of our team, working to create the best exposure for each and every property we market.
•  With our team approach, over 80% of our company listings are sold by agents in our company. A true reflection of how we get the job done!!
• We talk, we listen, we learn. We have the best trained agents in the business and the team at Mopper-Stapen makes sure we are provided with cutting edge training and technology. You may laugh at that idea, but that’s what selling your home is all about - Getting it Sold!!!  And helping the buyer get it done!!
• Been to an Open house lately?  Unlike other companies, we don’t just do open houses we often create events to market your property.  Our latest event –was the Gallery Tour of Homes on Sunday, Feb.17, 2008. We featured 16 homes in the downtown historic district with local artists and SCAD students show casing their creations in the homes we had for sell.  Our marketing of this event generated over 100+ individuals viewing the homes we had for sale –Now that is an Open House!!We have had such a positive response from buyers and sellers to our February Galley Tour that we are considering expanding it to other areas of Savannah and maybe even making it an annual event. And yes, we don’t just serve downtown, we are all over Savannah, from Tybee Island, Southside, Midtown and every where in-between.
• Enough about sellers—so how do we help buyers??  “Let me count the ways”.  Through our internet IDX system we can provide you with up to the minute information as soon as a property anywhere in the market goes up for sale—making you the first to Know .  You tell us what you want and we  help you find it. You don’t need to search, we do it for you and send the information to your email inbox on a daily basis.  
• So you are relocating out of Savannah and don’t know where to turn, once again  Mopper-Stapen is your source.  We are a member of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World , the #1 relocation company for Independent Real Estate Brokers.  As a member of LRE, we help more buyers and sellers (than any franchise company) find their next home anywhere on the globe. We help you sell here and place you with a professional agent in your new community—ensuring a pleasant transition from here to there.
• Most importantly, we are a full service brokerage helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals—with personalized service, tailored to meet your specific needs.

We love what we do, we love being creative and we are dedicated to providing the best service for our buyers and sellers. So when you are looking to buy or sell –think  Mopper-Stapen, Realtors.    You don’t get just one, you get a Team.!!

By: Rex Benton 

Demand at the Port of Savannah, thanks to its capacity and excellent efficiencies, has industrial developers from around the United States turning their sights on Savannah.

This attention sparked a land grab over the last few years that, in 2007, resulted in the delivery of the first of several large distribution centers.  According to the latest Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) data, 4,800,000sf of new space will have been delivered in Chatham County by 2nd Quarter ‘08.  Between the I-16/I-95 interchange and the Savannah River, there is approximately 19,000,000sf (2,700 Acres) that has been locked up for industrial/distribution center development.  That is amazing considering the existing space prior to this boom was approximately equal to that amount.  These numbers do not include joint venture projects outside the immediate area.  National developer, IDI has rights to build 10,000,000sf at Tradeport East in Liberty County.  Atlanta based, TPA Realty Services has rights to build 7,000,000sf at Interstate Centre II in Bryan County.

Some bets have already paid off.  Solution Property Group, LLC sold its 491,000sf shell building in Crossroads Business Park for $20,000,000.  Oakmont Development sold a 1,000,000sf complex at Morgan Business Center in Bloomingdale for $50,000,000.  IDI leased 112,000sf to Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. at Crossroads Business Center for 5 years.  Look for a 750,000sf 3PL project to be awarded sometime in 2^nd quarter ‘08.

Several deals have been done with State/County Authorities and local developers.  Tire Rack and Target Corp (1,500,000SF) have DC’s at Tradeport East (Liberty County Development Authority).  IKEA (700,000 SF w/ 1MM SF of expansion) and Target (2,300,000 SF) have DC’s at sites controlled by the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA).  Oneida opened its 500,000sf facility in ‘07 at Bryan County Development Authority’s Interstate Centre I.  Local developers building a somewhat similar product, but probably with lower land costs (read: they bought before the boom), have done projects for Wal-Mart and other nationals plus multiple 100,000sf to 400,000sf+ projects for local companies.  Knowing this in 2006, Duke Realty strategically purchased 5,100,000sf of leased industrial buildings from local developers with the option to buy future projects.  They recently purchased an additional 789,000sf at Northpoint II & III.

As impressive as all these deals may be, it will be interesting to see if we maintain our industrial vacancy rates of 8% as the spec projects come on line.  National developers I work with that do not have stakes here, are watching closely while pursuing build-to-suit projects in our area.   In the big picture, there are excellent opportunities to invest in future real estate projects in our region.   Thanks to improvements to the Panama Canal, larger cargo ships and the proposed deepening of the Savannah River to support them, volume will continue to grow.  GPA’s capacity is planned to triple by 2017.  This, combined with the potential Jasper County Port and improved logistics infrastructure, will bode well for these developments in the long run.  A strong military presence (with announced local troop increases) and continued gains in tourism, higher education and local Industry will drive retail, office & residential projects over time.   Rex Benton is a Commercial Real Estate Advisor for Mopper-Stapen, Realtors.  He can be reached at the downtown office of Mopper-Stapen, Realtors at 912-238-0874, by cell at 912-704-4294, or via email at rbenton@mopper-stapen.com.  To learn more about Rex read his bio.

By: Susan Kornegay

Are you a Buyer waiting for the real estate market to hit rock bottom?  How will you know when it does?  Probably not until the market begins to rise again.

As a buyer seeking a loan you need to know that lending guidelines have changed and are continuing  to change.  Many loan programs available today may not be available tomorrow.  Both Federal and State governments, for example, are putting pressure on appraisers that the appraisal process be totally independent.  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are also tightening guidelines on appraisals, loan-to-value, and credit scores.

Because of these newer restrictions, Buyers should seek out a qualified lender recommended by their REALTOR®.  Be prepared to meet with your lender in the beginning of your home search.  The lender will need validated information on income, employment, assets, and credit score.  This is what will determine the price limit and loan program for which the Buyer will qualify.

Congress and Federal Banking regulators have increased the role of FHA loans.  FHA underwriting allows for loan programs that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac cannot.  FHA flexibility allows for credit scores less than 620.

By: Susan Kornegay

“Change” is all around us.  The ordered rules of selling real estate are being constantly readdressed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  When they identify high risk properties, their guidelines on appraised value, credit score, and loan-to-value tighten.  Everyone is conscious of minimizing exposure to future losses.

This is the reason a Seller in today’s market must be a realistic seller.  Do they want to sell or do they need to sell – this is the question to ask themselves.

The amount of equity is probably the greatest factor in deciding on the ability to sell.  Therefore, an “arms-length” appraisal is very important.  Georgia REALTORS® using a Georgia Association of Realtors Purchase and Sales Agreement with a Financing Exhibit adhere to an appraisal by an appraiser under Georgia law, which becomes the “controlling appraisal” in the transaction.

Due to these stricter underwriting criteria, it may be necessary to consider granting a buyer longer due diligence or financing time periods.  Lenders underwriting guidelines and reduction in staffing can extend the loan approval process for the Buyer.

I’m sure you have heard of the Historic District and all of its’ beautiful homes - one of the largest districts in the country by the way. Going south you come to the Victorian District with its large frame homes. Crossing Victory Drive we enter Ardsley Park. Large stately homes built in the 1930 and 1940’s; it is one of the most desirable mid-town locations. Still Heading south from Washington Ave (48^th, 49^th, etc.) we see what we call the “Bungalows.” These are mostly single story homes that were built again during the ’30 and 1940’s. The homes are mostly brick with hardwood floors. Each one is different and are very popular with young married couples who want to live in town. 

Other popular areas are: Georgetown, the Southside, the Islands, West Chatham, and Richmond Hill. 

Let me tell you a little about why Savannah is such an interesting city…  Ships in the Savannah River…so big they look like floating hotels.The “Islands”…Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, Talahi Island.Skidaway Island is the island that’s home to The Landings which is a gated community with several golf courses. Tybee Island: our beach, has hotels, restaurants, swimming, fun!!Live Oaks dripping with Spanish Moss.Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)-an international melting pot.Debutant parties overlooking the historic skyline.Humidity during the “Dog Days” of summer.St. Patrick’s Day- the Hostess City is dressed in green.Lady & Sons…Paul Deans little place for a true southern buffet.Johnny Harris restaurant…best Barbeque and fried chicken in town.Bonaventure Cemetery, home to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.Music and film festival filled with celebrities and music artists.Have a boat? Fishing, shrimping, skiing, Williamson Is. for the beaches, Warsaw Island for the beach, Dafuskie Island, S.C. for a restaurant called Marchside Mommas and of course Harbor town on Hilton Head, S.C. There is a lot more which I will be happy to talk to you about when we meet. 

Tony Field is a Realtor with Mopper-Stapen, Realtors.  He can be reached at 912- 655-4102 or by email tonyfieldsav@aol.com

Despite what some might think, selling a house isn’t as easy as sticking a sign in the yard. Especially when news of uncertainly is in the air, it doesn’t mean getting things done the same old way.   Mopper-Stapen, Realtors geared up to address new challenges by recently hosting a “Gallery of Homes Tour” which featured 16 properties with local artisans at each location.   The purpose of the event was to strike a chord with buyers, reminding them that this is a “Buyers Market”.  Buyers could see the selection of inventory was excellent and the values were even better.  The Gallery of Homes Tour encouraged buyers that may have previously discounted downtown for its pricey reputation to think again.   For agents and artists this was a chance to show off what they know best.   Hosts had the day to speak with visitors and answer questions ranging from brush stroke technique to home inspection procedures.  Both agents and artists were able to use this occasion to broaden their network and identify opportunities to connect buyers and sellers.   

Artists like SCAD student Iliana Alexandorvia, and German transplant Veronika Varner introduced their work to the public and gained new fans.  Participant Cassie Dolecki of Rediscover, Inc. was happy to team up with Mopper-Stapen, Realtors to get the word out about her new restaging business.  Even web-savvy house hunters commented how convenient it was to have a variety of homes and agents all available to them in one day. The goal was to offer variety, access, information, and a meaningful Sunday activity.  At the prominently located 407 Hull Street, acoustic jammers Curl and Crockett strummed their guitars while SCAD student Nichole Santioni displayed her extremely affordably ($25–$30) framed prints.  Chip Porter from Country Wide Mortgage was also on hand to answer financial questions and estimate monthly payments.  At 223 Broughton Street Bethany Pardee sold her handmade bags from a darling 1 bedroom unit perfect for the young professional or starting artist.  On 305 Duffy Street students from Savannah Arts Academy displayed artwork from condos located just 3 blocks from Forsyth Park affordably priced at $185,000.  Drivers on the corner of Drayton and Liberty Street may have spotted the funky jazz paintings of Grant Nelson peering from Mopper-Stapen’s Condo Place office.   If you were one of the many curious people that stopped in and rode to the forth floor, Drayton Towers unveiled its first fabulously finished units.  This event showcased what living in Savannah is all about, building relationships, enjoying the city, and accessing our resources.  

Mopper-Stapen’s agents are creative and team oriented which is what not only made the Gallery of Homes Tour possible, but a huge success.  This group is a rare example of Realtors that recognize the strength in, and receives payoff for, working collaboratively.  Broker Dicky Mopper supports innovative ideas that exceed the expectations of Mopper-Stapen’s clients.  The Gallery of Homes is just one of many ideas that have been discussed to offer more services and bring buyers and sellers together.  Expect to see more of Mopper-Stapen, Realtors going above and beyond.  It’s what we do best.    Gillian RileyReal Estate ConsultantMopper-Stapen RealtorsCell (912) 655-4485Fax  (912) 238-3988

What Does Green Mean? 

By Libby Bacon 

It’s easy to jump on the “green” bandwagon, but this is not something new and trendy that will make us “cool” today. Being green is a way of life that many of our Grandparents and Parents embraced while we thought they were being cheap. Remember how they always turned out the lights and reused those paper bags until they were falling apart? If you don’t, then your Parents and Grandparents were of the consumer mentality which became the norm in the second half of the 20th century.  We now have to re-adjust our thought process to remember our conservative roots. By conservative I’m not talking politics, but the need to conserve our resources.  

Fortunately today’s awareness of the need for sustainability, along with new technology, makes it easier for us to live the green life. Today’s architecture students are taught as part of their regular curriculum to use sustainable materials, take advantage of alternative energy sources and energy efficient products, take advantage of good site planning and natural lighting, and not waste products. Green developers not only use green building methods, but work with engineers and biologists on their site plans to save trees and native plants which require less watering and pesticides, as well as using natural means of drainage that do not cause excessive run-off such as pervious hardscape  materials, pervious driveway materials, and rain gardens.  

So what can you do as the average homeowner to be green?  Here are some suggestions to consider.  

1. As your light bulbs burn out replace them with compact florescent bulbs, and for goodness sakes do as Mom did and turn out the lights, electronics, and fans when you leave a room.  

2. Turn your thermostat a couple degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer. Take the time to program your thermostat (if programmable).  When the temp is prefect outside, open up the house!  This not only improves the air quality of your home, but can lower your utility bills.

3. Use Energy Star appliances and electronics.  Today you not only can buy an Energy Star washing machine, but you can also buy Energy Star TV’s and computers!

4. Plan your day so you don’t have to make multiple trips by car and when possible carpool, walk, or bicycle.

5. Consider investing in solar hot water heaters, solar panels, roof mounted wind turbines, and other alterative energy sources for your home. Rebates are often offered.

6. If building a home talk to your architect and contractor to see how knowledgeable he or she is about sustainable practices and if he or she is willing to go the extra mile to build “green”. Green building may cost more up front, but the long term payback can be substantial, from lower utility bills to fewer health problems and allergies caused by toxic substances in the home.

7. Educate your self to the LEED certification process. Even if you don’t build a LEED certified home, you can go a long way towards building a greener healthier home if you know the basics.

8. When landscaping, use native plants. Natives are more adapted to our environment and need less water and pesticides to thrive. Also, use pervious products for driveways and hardscapes.

9. If restoring a home recycle as many of the original materials in the home as possible.

10. When buying furniture consider used furniture and antiques. Think about it, you’re recycling! If buying new furniture consider those made of sustainable materials such as recycled lumber and plantation grown woods. Watch out for toxic glues in newer products that claim to be “green”.

11. Participate in your local recycling programs.

12. Try to buy foods and products that are produced locally or at least regionally.

13. Avoid buying “stuff” that you don’t really need.

14. Consider installing rain barrels to catch water run off from your roof.  Use this captured water to water your landscape.

15. Make sure that you do not have any dripping faucets and running toilets.  While you’re checking this out consider switching you faucets and showerheads to low flow.

These are just a few practices that can go a long way towards living a greener life. Some require a significant financial investment, but many are just changing the way we think and consume.  Remember that life is not fulfilling because of what you have, but what you do. Your actions can have a great impact on our children’s future. 

For more information and a list of resources contact Libby at 912.272.3776 or libby_bacon@yahoo.com

In a constantly changing market, real estate auctions have come to be a viable alternative marketing method.  There has been great success world wide for selling real property with this venue.  Mopper–Stapen, Realtors has taken the lead in Savannah by presenting you their own auction division.                                     

Why have an auction?  You have a guaranteed date of the sale.  A seller can avoid the uncertainty of when and how long their property will be on the market.  This is especially beneficial if there are high holding costs associated with the property.  As a rule, a seller can expect a sale certain in 30 to 90 days, instead of the traditional listing factors of absorption rate.  All properties are sold with no contingencies.  Property sells as is where is, and isn’t subject to home inspections or any other negotiations holding up the closing process.  A due diligence packet is created for potential buyers prior to the auction, and buyers have ample time to inspect properties so they can make an informed buying decision.  Auctions are the only true method for obtaining true market value.  Aggressive marketing and competitive bidding create an environment where there is no limit on the final sales price.  Instead of a price being set and an offer being lower, in a traditional marketing method, the price only goes up in an auction.   There are advantages to other real estate practitioners who want to market their properties at auction and also represent buyers. This is just an overview of the advantages, not all properties are good candidates for an auction.  Call Mopper-Stapen, Realtors at 912-238-0874, to discuss the auction options available for your property. 

There are so many major projects going on in Savannah that it’s hard to keep track of them all.

And I think there are some real questions about whether the downtown real estate market can absorb the hundreds of new residential units that will be available in the next couple of years.

Still, retail spaces are generally having little trouble finding tenants. That certainly seems to be true at Drayton Tower. While the “Rebirth of the Tower” may have had some labor pains, the ambitious renovation project still holds great promise, especially for street-level businesses.

As was noted here in Exchange back in June, Drayton Tower is already home to three boutiques (Bungalow, Monkee’s and BleuBelle Soiree) and The Condo Place, a division of Mopper-Stapen Realtors.

In the coming weeks, Drayton Tower will get two shots in the arm with the opening of other ground-floor businesses.

The impending opening of Harris Baking Co. and Bacchus Wine Lounge could have an especially large impact on the area. The current businesses do not necessarily generate or rely on heavy foot traffic, but a bar and bakery should both produce a steady flow of customers.

The Liberty Street corridor near Bull Street has long had a diverse group of businesses and eateries that cater more to locals than to tourists. As Drayton Tower’s commercial spaces fill up, we’re going to see an expansion of that commercial area.

And when the upper stories of Drayton Tower are reoccupied, which will happen eventually, all the area businesses will reap the benefits of those new residents.

We’ll be checking back as things develop.

Story by Bill Dawers, Savannah Morning News. He can be reached at billdawers@comcast.net. Send mail to 10 East 32nd St., Savannah, Ga. 31401.