Life on the Georgia Coast as a Realtor

Sunday, April 13, 2014

April Real Estate Market Conditions Saint Simons & Brunswick Georgia

I would like to take a quick minute and give another market update on Brunswick and Saint Simons Island, Georgia. The market is good for Seller’s right now. Yes I know, not something you are used to hearing. Sales have been brisk with 46 listings sold in the last 30 days. There are also 121 new listings which is good news in that inventory has been very limited. I am encouraging my fence sitting clients that it is now time to jump whether they are buying or selling. My closing attorney is swamped with scheduled closings which is another sign that other Realtors are doing well too. The first time home buyer price range from $140-$180 is very active right now and decent homes priced from $35-$79 are almost impossible to find.

My personal experience has seen its ups and downs over the last 30 days. I have several homes under contract for buyers and had a successful, yet difficult, foreclosure closing last week.

Speaking of foreclosures, the steady torrent of foreclosures coming onto the market has drawn down to a trickle. This means there are more folks out there interested in buying foreclosures than there are for sale. I have had two clients, just last week, lose out on a foreclosure where there were multiple offers. Friday, I had a client who upon their third visit to the home, discovered that it had gone under contract that morning at close to list price. My point being that if you like the home and have the funds lined up with a pre-approval letter, you may miss out if you wait. Something I really hate seeing is the disappointment on a young couple’s faces when I have to tell them their dream home is going to someone else.

I do have the inside track on a foreclosure coming onto the market in a couple of weeks on St. Simons Island and it should be priced in the mid $100’s. I am sure it will go under contract within a couple of days of being listed for sale. If you are looking for a foreclosure on Saint Simons, you should contact me as soon as possible. I truly believe that if you are still fence sitting, you will pay more for less house at a higher interest rate.

Homes and condos on Saint Simons are still trending well especially anything under $225,000. There has been a lot of pent up demand for island homes and they are now selling well. It’s slowly become a Seller’s market in the Golden Isles of Georgia.

Jeff Williams Realtor, RSPS

Resort & Second Home Markets Specialist
Coastal Georgia Real Estate Associates

405 Magnolia Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Ofc: 912-638-0006 Fax: 912-580-4130

Direct: 912-270-0032

http://www.sportfishingmag.com/gallery/gear/2014/03/how-choose-right-spinning-reel-17-tips?image=173710

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Tips for fishing inshore coastal Georgia

There are a million places to fish down here in the coastal area of Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Sea Island and Brunswick. A lot of times I see folks at the marina with brand new boats, brand new gear and no clue what to do. Unlike the grizzled old veteran angler, I am always happy to help newbies with advice on where to go and what kind of gear to use. I’ve even given out decent numbers on spots to go to. That said, my Dad has asked me NOT to give out our favorite spot. So if you are new to the coast, new to fishing or need some new gear, I’ve got some tips. First off, here is a great article on spinning reels from Sportfishing Magazine.

I fish spinning reels almost exclusively down here in coastal waters. Baitcaster and larger spinning reels for offshore fishing. I love the Shimano reels but also fish a Quantum and a St. Croix reel. I prefer to go ahead and pay for the saltwater versions of each reel. Rinsing is a must after a day on the water down here though or your reels will turn green and corrode. Fishing line has always been something of a mystery to me preferring to use mono or braid for many years. But I have finally made the full switch to braid and am slowly getting used to it. A good test pound down here for trout, redfish and all other inshore fish is going to be in the 30lb range. Not because you need that much but because it is easier casting and doesn’t bunch up as much.

When choosing a rod, I go with a long light action rod at least 7’6” or better. The reason is that you get much more casting distance with a longer rod. That’s part of my strategy for catching fish. I like to be able to cast a good distance so as not to disturb the fish with sounds from the boat. Boat noise will sink you every time. Slamming livewell lids, dropping things on the deck or even too much noise with the anchor will scatter fish in every direction. My favorite rod is from Bass Pro Shops and their Offshore Angler collection. It is the Gold Cup Inshore. It is a terrific rod, long and sturdy. I’ve used it to catch redfish up to 20lbs and just about everything inbetween.

There are a lot of different methods to catching fish in coastal waters down here so I’ll give you my favorite. I use Captain Mark Noble’s popping cork that he calls The Thunder Chicken. I tie my braid to the top of the cork and then, depending on the depth I’m fishing at (12 inches or so), I tie leader line to the bottom of the cork and finish it off with a #4 to #6 Kahle hook. I prefer them in gold. On the hook goes a live shrimp. Pretty simple but it works well for me and I catch all kinds of fish on this rigging.

The orange Thunder Chicken is visible down at the bottom.

Tides are also a big deal here. I like to fish the rising tide but again, that’s just a personal preference. My Dad likes to fish falling tides. When I get to my spot, I like to cut the engine and drift into my spot, quietly anchor, and then toss my rig towards structure such as oyster beds and/or grassy areas. The only thing left to do is make sure the cooler has ice for all the fish! You don’t need a boat either, there are plenty of spots where you can fish this rig from the beaches, back rivers, docks and piers.

There are a lot of popping corks on the market but I won't fish anything other than Capt. Mark's Thunder Chicken. Mark is a lifelong fisherman here and charter captain. His livelihood depends on inexperienced angers being able to catch fish. He put some thought into what would work best and came up with his Thunder Chicken. If you don't know, popping corks simulate the sound that a shrimp makes when it's in the water. When the swim, they make a popping sound that draws in fish. You give the rod a yank which causes the cork to slide up and down on a wire making a popping sound. By having the live shrimp on a small hook, it is able to naturally swim around under the cork. Fish come running when they hear the cork popping and then see a live swimming shrimp. You'll catch them all day long! Here is where you can contact Mark to get your hands on his Thunder Chicken http://www.goldenislesfishing.com/tc.htm

St. Simons and the Golden Isles are becoming a well known fishing destination and was recently written up as one of the top 5 tarpon spots in the U.S. I am happy to help you find a great second home or condo and you can enjoy fishing year round down here. But there is also so much more to do on St. Simons Island. Golf is big here as is the beach. You'll love having a vacation spot here and I can show you how you can let other people pay for your second home! Just shoot me an email. AND if you have any fishing questions, I'm happy to help there too.

A great spot on St. Simons to pick up some gear and tips is Kennedy Outfitters. Kennedy Outfitters St. Simons

Jeff Williams Realtor, RSPS

Resort & Second Home Markets Specialist
Coastal Georgia Real Estate Associates

405 Magnolia Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Ofc: 912-638-0006 Fax: 912-580-4130

Direct: 912-270-0032

Monday, March 24, 2014

St. Simons Island Housing & Condo Market Update

I wanted to write a quick market update on conditions in the housing and condo market on St. Simons Island. I am getting a lot of requests for information from my out of town clientele who are not aware of current price conditions. In a word - HOT.

Housing prices are on a steady increase as inventory continues to shrink island wide. As of this writing, there are 16 three bedroom two bath homes under $250,000 on the entire island. Many of those are mentioning 'in need of work' or 'in need of updating'. This price range has been very popular with younger families looking to take advantage of the 'island lifestyle' low crime and good schools. The price range has also been very popular with retirees moving to the island and buying in for the first time.

Condo sales are definitely on the rebound too and have been brisk for the last 6 months. As, average home prices on St. Simons have risen to a point where first time buyers, who would like to buy a home but are now priced out, are now being forced into the condo market which is making units under $200,000 very popular. I am now seeing multiple offers and full price offers more and more as buyer's decide to fight for a particular home versus going to look for another. I've seen several full price cash offers come up short in multiple offer situations.

If you are considering purchasing on St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island or even Sea Island and have been waiting until the market has changed, let me say loud and clear IT'S CHANGED! The National Association of Realtors is forecasting that home prices in Georgia have an expected 2014 increase of 3%-5%. http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2014/03/24/realtors-forecast-home-price-increases

I would expect that the Golden Isles being a resort area might see an increase of up to 10%. On an island home priced at $250,000 with three bedrooms and two baths built in 1980, that could be an increase of up to $25,000. That's a lot of money to wait on.

Give me a call today and we can start working on finding you the best island home for you at the best price.

Jeff Williams Realtor, RSPS

Resort & Second Home Markets Specialist
Coastal Georgia Real Estate Associates

405 Magnolia Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Ofc: 912-638-0006 Fax: 912-580-4130

Direct: 912-270-0032

St Simons day on the Water in March!

We had a nice warm day, 70's, and some sunshine so there's no better way to nip that Spring fever than to drop the boat in the water. So that's just what we did this weekend. We headed over to Jekyll Island where I dropped the anchor and let the kids play on the beach while I relaxed with my feet up and my hat low on head. It took the wake from a large passing freighter to wake me....up.

One of the best aspects about living down here on the coast of Georgia is the abundance of water in which to play in. Boating, skiing, tubing, fishing and touring around even just a short hop to one of the small islands for an anchor day is available to anyone with a boat or anyone with a friend who owns a boat.

I have an inexpensive membership at St. Simons Boating and Fishing Club, $60 per year, which allows me the easy opportunity to back my trailered boat into their launch bay where they strap my boat and lower it to the water. If you can back a trailer up then it really doesn't get any easier. From there the options are endless as to where to go and what to do. I like to skim across the Sound to Jekyll, throw the anchor and let the kids play.

St. Simons does have several places to launch boats from marinas to boat ramps along with Jekyll Island that has a great boat ramp too. I've been launching my boat at SSI B&F Club for many years and enjoy the convenience. I have launched at Hampton Point Marina on the North end and there is a boat ramp located on the Intracoastal just before you enter St. Simons. All good options. Morningstar Marina requires a membership to launch there also and is a top notch marina.

The days will get warmer along with the water and everyone is looking forward to the Summer at my house.

Jekyll Island Fishing Pier

St. Simons Island Fishing Pier

St. Simons Lighthouse

Oceanfront homes on St. Simons Island, South End

Jekyll Island anchor spot for beach day

Morningstar Marina St. Simons Island

Jeff Williams Realtor, RSPS

Resort & Second Home Markets Specialist
Coastal Georgia Real Estate Associates

405 Magnolia Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Ofc: 912-638-0006 Fax: 912-580-4130

Direct: 912-270-0032

Monday, March 10, 2014

My first Georgia Tarpon (Video)

Many people have no idea that one of the best gamefish species and most sought after can be found in abundance right here off the coast of St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island and Cumberland Island. Tarpons are considered one of the great saltwater game fishes, not only because of the size they can reach and their accessible haunts, but because of their fighting spirit when hooked. They are very strong and make spectacular leaps into the air. Tarpons have been recorded at up to 8 ft in length and weighing up to 350 lb. I watched my Dad pull one in that was around 175lbs and I have seen numerous around the coast in the 100lb range.

Something that sets a tarpon apart from other gamefish is the ability to gulp air at the surface. They seem to give up the fight, come to the boat, gulp some air and they are off on another line screaming run. Tarpons are definitely one the most challenging fish I have ever caught. These great fish are caught during the Summer months down here on the Coast. Thankfully, the word has only gotten out to locals and a select few anglers about the numbers and sizes of tarpon that can be caught down here. On a busy day you might see 10 boats out fishing for them in a 4-5 mile radius and that's considered crowded. So if you come to St. Simons Island in the month of June or July, you can expect some awesome fishing and tarpon should definitely be on the list.

I'll never forget my first tarpon and thankfully it was caught on film!

Jeff Williams Realtor, RSPS

Resort & Second Home Markets Specialist

Coastal Georgia Real Estate Associates

405 Magnolia Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Ofc: 912-638-0006 Fax: 912-580-4130

Direct: 912-270-0032

Friday, March 7, 2014

104 Sherwood Forest Circle Brunswick, GA 31525 $176,000

Priced REDUCED to $176,000

Large home located at 104 Sherwood Forest Circle Brunswick, GA 31525 for Sale less than 5 minutes to FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center at Glynco) Home sits on .83 acre lot in Sherwood Forest subdivision off Hwy 17 only 2.2 miles from the FLETC gate.Close to local restaurants, shopping & beaches. Large premium lot w/mature landscaping. Separately fenced 33x17 ft in-ground pool with room to entertain. Expansive kitchen with island and vaulted ceiling with skylights really lighten up the area. Just off the kitchen is a separate dining room. Laundry room & single car garage located off the kitchen too. Kitchen also opens into the living room with fireplace. The stairs go up to the game room, a perfect place for the man cave & pool table stays! Separate room next to the front door that would be a perfect home office. Mostly wood flooring with the bedrooms carpeted. Recently renovated w/new carpet & paint. Offering $2500 allowance for new flooring.

STYLE: Ranch

APX HEATED SQFT: 2183

BEDROOMS: 3

FULL BATHS: 2

HALF BATHS: 0

TTL ROOMS: 10

# STORIES: 2

APX YEAR BUILT: 1986

PRE 1978: No

MAIN AREA: G1:Central Glynn County

SUBDIVISION: Sherwood

COUNTY: Glynn

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: C. B. Greer

MIDDLE SCHOOL: Needwood Middle

HIGH SCHOOL: Glynn Academy

Jeff Williams Realtor, RSPS

Resort & Second Home Markets Specialist

Coastal Georgia Real Estate Associates

405 Magnolia Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Ofc: 912-638-0006 Fax: 912-580-4130

Direct: 912-270-0032

Jeff Williams, Georgia Realtor. Home Inspection Tip

Why do I need a home inspection?

Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.

If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.

If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

If you are in need of a good home inspector in Brunswick, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island or around Glynn County Georgia, I can recommend Al Quintiliano. I have worked extensively with Al and put a lot of confidence in him to get the job done right
the first time.

This is Al's contact information:
Al Quintiliano
Eagle Property Inspections, LLC
aquintiliano7@gmail.com
912 506 0966
http://www.homegauge.com/shgi/proprop/

Jeff Williams Realtor, RSPS

Resort & Second Home Markets Specialist

Coastal Georgia Real Estate Associates

405 Magnolia Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Ofc: 912-638-0006 Fax: 912-580-4130

Direct: 912-270-0032