As a Realtor in the Savannah market, gearing up for what could be endless possibilities for foreign investments in our beloved southern city, is essential to providing the best possible service. In 2011, obtaining the “Certified International Property Specialist” designation proves to have been the right choice for me considering Savannah’s future. This designation provides me with the knowledge, research, network and tools to globalize my business just for this occasion!

If you were considering making that move to Savannah, now is the time and prepare for the international flare our city will offer its’ residents in the upcoming year!

Janet Howard, ABR, CIPS
Associate Broker
Konter Realty Company

Doug and Cari Klutzke

Despite all of the doom and gloom in the news about real estate, I bet there is one thing most Savannahians didn’t know.  To date, out of the 4,125 real estate transactions in the Realtor database, Savannah and the low country had 20 sales of properties of a million dollars or more.  Unbelievable you say, well it’s true.  With an average 402 “active days on the market” (the amount of time a property has been listed for sale), buyers still came out to spend their money in 2011.

With this ever changing market, buyers are still interested in buying with rates still at historic lows.  Though this price range hardly makes up a large percentage of the sales for the low country, it does make a person wonder, do they know something we don’t? Is now actually the “right” time to spend that kind of money?  Whatever the case may be, I’m excited to see we have this type of activity in the coastal empire.

If you’re wondering where these purchases took place, fifteen of the sales were on the islands (including Isle of Hope, Skidaway, Talahi, Tybee, Whitemarsh, Wilmington Island) with three in Historic Savannah and one in the area of Vernonburg. *All numbers deemed accurate but subject to information provided by Savannah Multi-List.

After the meeting, our group discussed great ideas on what we plan to bring to Savannah in 2012.  As the incoming President for Savannah’s Chapter, I feel we have a terrific group of women that are dedicated to making 2012 memorable.  If you are not familiar with the Women’s Council of Realtors organization, the time is now!  With the challenging times of the economy and just down right frustrating obstacles in the way of the real estate industry, these members work together to provide a terrific support system, ideas on how to improve your business and most importantly, expose yourself to other professionals in this industry locally, statewide and nationally.  For more information on becoming a member, a business partner, or a sponsor, call me today at 912.210.0511.

*Pictured from left to right:  Melissa Stanford, Lauren Fowler, Deena Comacho, Janet Howard, Julie Kelly-Jones, Dianne Kessler, Jackie Riley and Ann Ellis.

“Janet, We ended up renting the house in Morgan Pines.  It ended up that we liked the stand alone home as opposed to the townhome.  However, I do want to say thank you for taking the time so show us the area and give us your expert insight into greater Savannah.  My wife and I agree you are by far the best realtor we dealt with and will certainly contact you if and when we choose to purchase a house.  Thanks again for all your help,  Jason V.”