Winter Gardens in the South

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

For a lot of my clients moving to the Savannah/Richmond Hill area from the North East, winter gardens are a novelty. For us, it’s just one more bonus to living in the south.

Flowers for Winter Gardens

You’re not in Jersey anymore! Flowers in winter? In Southern Georgia, not a problem. A few plants that will flower here during the winter include: camellias, mahonias, winter jasmine, wintersweet, witch hazels, and pansies. Adding these to your landscape will give you a cheery pop of color after the leaves have fallen.

Trees for Winter Gardens

Bark and berries can add wonderful color to a winter landscape. Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination.

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), is a small tree with red berries that grow throughout the fall and winter.
Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis) showcases a beautiful white peeling bark.
Maple Tree (Acer davidiiis) or as it is more commonly known snakebark, is a smaller tree that shows off white and green striped bark.
Japanese flowering apricot (Prunus mume) will flower in the winter. The flowers can be white, pink or rose and have a wonderfully sweet fragrance.

Winter Vegetable Gardens

Winter vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, radishes, and carrots prefer warmer soil when starting out but require cooler temperatures to mature and grow.

Winter Gardens offer unique challenges, but you can’t beat how pleasant it is to be out in the garden this time of year.

Winter Garden Tips

What about cold snaps you ask. It’s always good to plan for them by building a cold frame around your vegetable garden. That will allow you the opportunity to throw blankets over the garden should we experience a truly cold snap.

Also mulching your gardens keep them looking great while protecting the roots from drying out. We recommend a good two inches of mulch.

What are your favorite winter garden plants? Please leave them in the comments below.

Looking for a home with plenty of green space to plan your year round garden? Please call or email me today. The Coastal Empire is a wonderful place to call home.

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

OPEN HOUSE – 25 Brisbon Hall Ln

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

$181,900 | 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1508 SQUARE FEET

Low country home with large master suite & sitting room/nursery/office off of master. Two downstairs bedrooms. Kitchen with Island. Fenced back yard. Termite bond in place. Private cul de sac lot. Convenient neighborhood location – close to everything within City limits! No Flood Ins. required!

For more information on the neighborhood and to see a virtual tour please click here.

Call or email me today to set up an appointment to see this wonderful home.

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Planning Valentine’s Day in Savannah

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

For visitors and locals alike, the Savannah Richmond Hill area is one of the most romantic in the country. With Valentine’s Day around the corner now is the time to make your reservations and plan your night out.

I love sharing what the coastal empire has to offer, especially around a holiday that showcases the romance that hangs in the air as naturally as the moss that decorates the live oaks.

This time of year I often talk to those looking to either relocate or retire from the cold temperatures and snow and desire a move to a warmer climate. Valentine’s weekend is a great time to visit, do a little site seeing and tour a few homes. Valentine’s tends to mark the end of our winter and we start planning for Spring… after all the azaleas will be in full bloom in another month!

If you’re planning a visit here are a few options you might like to consider:

I Love You, Your Perfect, Now Change! Love is complicated, which is why it can be so funny. The talented cast at the Savannah Theatre offer up the perfect date night with this hilarious musical comedy that shines a light on everything from dressing for the first date to meeting the in-laws. More info.
Evening Savannah Riverboat Cruises fill up early during Valentines, but don’t forget they offer a sightseeing harbor tours during the day and offer wonderful brunches as well. More info.
Say “I do” in the Davenport House Garden. This has become a bit of tradition for this beautiful property in the historic district. Ceremonies are offered every 10 minutes from 5 to 7 with a licensed marriage officiant. Reserve your time slot in advance. More info.
A private carriage tour is one of the most romantic ways to see Savannah. Cozy up with your loved one and hear the history and stories that makes this area so enchanting. More info.
Bed and Breakfasts are romantic any time of year, but there is just something special about a Valentine’s Day get a way. The B&Bs of the area are rich with historic and architecture. They tend to book up so now is the time to make your reservations. More info.
Shopping for the perfect Valentine’s gift? Both Savannah and Richmond Hill offer wonderful local shops for the traditionalist looking for flowers, jewelry and chocolate as well as galleries and unique shops selling that one of a kind item.
Eating out in the greater Savannah area is treasure trove of flavors to amuse any palette and price point. It’s difficult to make suggestions so I’ll recommend checking out Yelp. You’ll see plenty of 4 stars by many of the restaurants and read a collection of reviews.

Coming in to town to do a little house hunting with your site seeing… please call or email me today. I can help you find the perfect home. The Coastal Empire is a wonderful place to call home.

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Dream Home Questionnaire

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

The dream home questionnaire is a tool I use to help my team find you the perfect home.

The Savannah/Richmond area offers many styles of homes and budgets to fit most needs. From first homes to vacation homes to “I just gotta get away from this snow” homes, this questionnaire will break down your immediate desires for the perfect home. For those not exactly sure what they want, this exercise can help inspire great conversation.

Together, we will cover the type, size, style and location of your dream home and any other criteria that may be of interest to you. After extensive research on our part, we will preview the homes together that meet your needs. Sometimes we find a home right away. Others can take a diligent, patient search. No matter what the scenario, I am committed to the process from start to finish. Whether it be a 2 day search or longer.

Let’s get started. Take your time answering the questions and when you’re ready let’s talk.

Dream Home Questionnaire

Have you purchased and/or sold a home before? _____________________________

Price range and budget in which you would like me to concentrate for you to invest in your home purchase? (ex. $100,000 – $150,000). No matter what the budget, as your agent, I will stick to the budget and help you meet that goal!

$____________________________________________________________________

Number of family or non-family members living in the home? ___________________

Children?

Ages?

Grades in School?

Number of bedrooms needed? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Number of bathrooms needed? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Number of cars? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Number of recreational vehicles? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Type of recreational vehicles:

Motorcycle?

4 wheeler?

Boat?

Size/length of boat?

( Please note: some neighborhoods have covenants where you cannot park RVs, boats, etc. in your front yard; some in back) _____________________________________________________________________

Any extenuating circumstances your buyer’s agent should know about such as handicap accessibility, or where you may be stationed, etc.___________________________________________

Maximum commute time to work you would like? 45 minutes? 30 minutes? ________

Any pets? If so, how many? What types and number: __________________________

What lot size do you prefer? _______________________________________________

Do you need a fence? Privacy? Invisible? _____________________________________

Do you use a fireplace? If so, wood burning or gas logs as to preference?

Type of television in main room? Flat, large big screen (freestanding), none?

Any large pieces of furniture such as a shrunk or entertainment center that need to be placed?

Do you have a formal dining room set? If so, how many does it seat?

Do you want a formal living room?

What size is your master bed? King, Queen, Full/Standard?

Are you bringing a refrigerator or is a refrigerator needed?

Please summarize the top five criteria that are important for me to find in your new home with # 1 being the most important:

Please call or email me today. We looking forward to working with you and helping you find the perfect home. The Coastal Empire is a wonderful place to call home.

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Organizing After the Holidays

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

Organizing after the holidays is often the last thing we think about when putting decorations away. We put so much effort into setting up for the holidays that jumping back into the swing of things after a two week slow down can be a bit jarring.

Organizing after the holidays can feel like a big job, but with a few quick tricks getting organized and de-cluttering can happen all year long. It’s never too early to start spring cleaning. And it is essential if you are planning to sell your home in the near future.

It can be shocking how much space seasonal items can take up. Stackable containers and hanging storage containers are your friend. They are perfect for maximizing closet space and getting items off the floor.

5 quick tips for organizing after the holidays

A great trick to help create space in your living room is to not bring back everything you put away when the holiday decorations came out. Enjoy the space created once the Christmas tree comes down.
Those plastic Glad left over containers can take over the kitchen. It’s a universal problem to have more containers than covers. Now is the time to collect the ones that don’t have lids (and vice versa) and recycle them.
Adjustable or compartmental storage containers are a great way to organize all the little things in the bathroom. Getting items off the counter can make your bathroom feel bigger.
Another quick fix is to install hooks. Whether you need a place to hang jackets as you come in to your home or wet towels after a shower, with a minimal investment you can remove clutter from door knobs and backs of chairs all over your house.
Purging is by the far the best way to reduce the clutter. A great practice this time of year is the one for one rule. All the presents we receive add to our closets, shelves and toy chests. While putting your gifts away take the time to assess what you actually use and let go of anything you don’t. Generally speaking if you’re adding a new sweater to the closet, remove an old one.

How soon after the holidays do you put your holiday decorations away? Do you have any tips for organizing the house after the holidays, please share them in the comments below.

Please call or email me today for more information if you need help getting your home ready to sell after the holidays.

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Happy New Year! With Resolutions that Stick

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

Happy New Year!

Thank you for another great year. I appreciate all your business and referrals and look forward to serving you in the New Year!

Resolutions That Stick

We mark the 1st of January as a day to kick off the new year, usually with promises to lose weight, make more money and spend more time with family. So why is it that by the end of January we find ourselves back to our old habits? This year, lets make resolutions that stick!

Reflect on Last Year. Take a minute to look over last year and see how far you’ve come. We tend to be hardest on ourselves. Focusing too much on all the things we haven’t accomplished and skimming over our successes. Think about what you are most proud of this year. Give yourself a pat on the back and in the spirit of “I got this” step into the new year ready to go.
Pick One. You have 365 days to make it happen. Pick one goal to focus on and put all your energy in to it this year. Creating lists of resolutions is just an opportunity for distraction.
Layout a plan. It’s not enough just to want something. Plan to succeed. If you want to lose weight, decided how you plan to do that. Modifying your diet, exercising more, a combination of both? Will you be getting up early, planning your meals weekly, researching where you can find organic foods? The best way to make your resolution stick is to not wing it.
Break it up. It can be overwhelming to look at a year long goal. Breaking it up into weekly or monthly chunks creates wins along the way and helps keep you motivated.
Failure is not an option. Ok, failure is always an option but the best way counter it, is not to have a back up plan. Let’s say you plan to run 2000 miles this year but you know if you only run 1000 miles you’ll feel good about it. How about split the difference? Set a goal to run 1500 miles and stay true to that goal.
Reward yourself. Accomplishing the goal is of course a great reward, but if you’re like me it never hurts to have a little incentive. On the flip side you can always up the stakes. Maybe you can attach a financial obligation to not meeting your goal. Knowing you’ll need to hand over some of your hard earned cash if you don’t meet your goal will help to keep you focused.

Have you made your new years resolutions? How will you make them stick this year? Would love to hear your tips and hints for making the best of the new year!

Happy New Year!

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Happy Holidays & Online Book Resources

Posted on December 25, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and yours the very best of the Holiday Season. Thank you for another great year. I look forward to serving you in the New Year!

Online Book Resources

I don’t know what it is about this time of year. After the presents are open and the special dinner plates cleaned and put away for next year, I love settling in with a good book. Of course now a days that could mean on a tablet or an audible too.

Whether you are looking to do a little reading over the holidays or waiting for the kids to get back to school, here are a few valuable and free online book resources to enjoy over winter break and beyond.

Library’s have long been a great resource for free books. The Live Oak Public Library system offers online magazines, ebooks, audibles and movies – all free with your library card. And if you’re looking for a book that isn’t available at your local library, but is available within the Live Oak system, you can order it and have it delivered to which ever library is most convenient for you. Check the Live Oak Library website for more details.

Google Books has a searchable library of books and magazines. Often you can download them in pdf form or in an epub form depending on how you like to enjoy your online reading.

The University of Pennsylvania has opened up their online collection to the general public. Search over 2 million online titles in their library.

The Georgia Download Destination offers a collection of downloadable public domain titles in epub format. If you need information about epub formats and readers please check out this great article from ePubBud.

Bartleby’s offers a collection of classic literature and reference as well as poems. Most are available to be read on which ever device you surf the net with.

Amazon Prime isn’t just free 2-day shipping. They also offer the Kindle Owners Lenders Library. The library works on all Kindle devices. Choose from more than 600,000 books. Borrow for free with no due dates and the list includes current and former best sellers! If you have a Kindle and you’re not on Prime, you can set up a 30 day free trial here.

If you’re on the go this holiday season you may find Audible offers a great way to catch up on some of your “reading” while cruising down the interstate or spending time navigating airports. Audible is an Amazon company and also offering a 30 day free trial!

On that note, podcasts about books is also a great way to find new titles and engage with an online community that may be into the same genre or author. Barnes & Noble shares a studio page with book recordings, this is especially fun with children’s books. They also showcase interviews with authors and general news about books.

Happy reading!

If you have any favorite online books resources please share them in the comments below. I’d love to add them to our list!

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

One Week Countdown to Holiday Events in the Coastal Empire

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

With one week left until Christmas and a few candles lit on the menorah I’m hoping you will find time to enjoy a few of these Holiday Events.

Whether you’re out doing a little last minute shopping or you’ve been organized since before Thanksgiving, the Savannah / Richmond Hill areas offers plenty of activities and Lights.

Christmas Tradition Show at The Savannah Theatre runs through, December 24th – including afternoon performances. The show runs 2-3 hours and delights people of all ages. The Savannah Theatre opened in 1818 which makes it one of the oldest of its kind still operating in the United States. The Art Deco style will transport you back to the 1940s and adds a certain level of magic to all the events held there.

The Savannah Harbor Foundation Festival of Lights & Winter Wonderland is great family fun! Running through December 28th the event features a drive through light show around the Hutchinson Island Road Course. You can even take a tour bus if you don’t feel like driving it yourself. There is a fun zone for the kids and the kids at heart in Bryan Square along with holiday food and drink vendors. A ferris wheel is up on the Riverfront Esplanade. Inside the hotel the annual gingerbread village competition is not to be missed – makes me hungry just thinking about it. And of course a holiday event wouldn’t be complete without a picture with Santa.

Discover a Victorian Christmas at the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low. The home where the Girl Guides Founder spent her childhood is on the corner of Bull Street and Oglethorpe Avenue in Savannah’s historic district and is open for tours through December 30th. Not only will you tour this historic gem of a home, you will have the added bonus of experiencing Victorian holiday customs, games and decorations.

How about a little winter activity in the Martin Luther King Jr. Arena at the Savannah Civic Center. Enjoy an afternoon or evening on the ice under a the twinkling lights. Skatefest runs through January 3rd.

This year the Habersham YMCA is bringing the snow! The Winter Wonderland features real snow, hot chocolate and cookies, story time and dancing to favorite holiday classics. I hear Santa might even make an appearance. Winter Wonderland is one night only, Thursday December 18th.

Stop by the Forsyth Park Inn for a little holiday cheer. Enjoy the beautifully decorated parlor while treating yourself to fresh baked goodies and hot apple cider or hot chocolate. The open house runs noon -2 daily through January 2nd.

This is my favorite time of year to enjoy a carriage ride through Savannah’s historic district. Pick up a coffee or hot chocolate in City Market and enjoy a personal tour with historic stories and holiday lights.

New Years Eve brings another round of entertainment and parties. Both City Market and the Savannah River Front offer a festival like atmosphere with music and fireworks. Tybee Island offers holiday celebrations New Years Eve.

Wishing you and yours the very best of the holiday season!

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

Best Places to See Holiday Lights in The Coastal Empire

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

With all the holiday lights the Coastal Empire shines this time of year.

I love seeing homes and businesses in the Richmond Hill area where I live decked out for the holidays. Savannah and the surrounding communities offer many holiday light displays for your viewing pleasure.

Private Homes

A casual drive around the Coastal Empire will net a great show of holiday lights but Southern Mamas has compiled a growing list of private homes that go all out and have become a bit of a destination for the holiday light enthusiast.

And the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a little Clark Griswald action. The Peabody Light Show in Savannah is featured on the Tacky Light Tour. Here’s hoping we all get to toast with eggnog in moose head cups this year!

Holiday Lights Events

The Festival of Lights seems to grow every year. Located at the Westin on Hutchinson Island, the Festival of Lights and Winter Carnival features the not to be missed Gingerbread Village inside the hotel and a drive through light show around the road course. A Ferris wheel and other carnival rides are set up on Bryan Square.

Old Town Trolley Tours provides tours around the light show – a great way to allow everyone in your party to enjoy the holiday lights.

Looking for an evening stroll through a half a million sparkling lights? The December Nights & Holiday Lights at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens showcase 10 acres with a self guided walking tour through themed gardens and the historic farm house. Most of the displays are stroller and wheelchair friendly.

The shops and restaurants in Richmond Hill participate in a friendly holiday decorating contest. Voting for Light up the Hill runs through December 18^th. Come by, support local and don’t forget to vote!

The Guido Gardens in Metter offer a FREE Night of Lights tour. Although the gardens are open 24 hours the lights are only on from 6-9 PM.

TMT Farms Christmas Lights Display in Statesboro is FREE to experience but they do accept non perishable food items to help those in need this holiday season.

Holiday Lights Road Trips

Shopping trips and visits to family often find us on the road this time year and there are amazing holiday light events that are worth the road trip.

Hilton Head is a great day trip from the Savannah area and offers two wonderful displays. The center piece of Harbour Town Lights features a 30 foot Christmas tree with activities and live entertainment. The Dove Street Festival of Lights at Shelter Cove Towne Centre has been a Hilton Head holiday tradition for 20 years.

The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park in Charleston features over two million lights!

The Atlanta area offers many beautiful light displays. The Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden are simply amazing.

If you come across any holiday light displays you’d like to see on the list please drop me a line. I’d be happy to add them.

Wishing you and yours the very best of the holiday season!

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct

25 Brisbon Hall Lane, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Melanie Kramer Realtor

CLICK HERE to take a virtual tour.

Low Country Living

Featuring a large master suite with a bonus space perfect for a sitting room, a nursery or a home office.

25 Brisbon Hall Lane is located in Bryan County in a convenient neighborhood – close to everything within the city limits! The private cul de sac home features two bedrooms downstairs and a kitchen with an island.

Do you have pets? The back yard is completely fenced in with gate access.

A termite bond in place and this property requires No Flood insurance!

This gem would make a great second home for anyone looking to enjoy a little southern coastal living.

Special Features at 25 Brisbon Hall Lane, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

MLS #: 123167
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Total Sq. Feet: 1,508
Dishwasher
Microwave
Refrigerator
Electric Stove
Double Vanities
High Ceilings
Laundry Room
Ceiling Fan
Hardwood Floors
Ceramic Tile

For more information about this property, please contact Melanie Kramer at 912-658-1390 or melaniekramer@kw.com.

For more listings in the Richmond Hill area please visit: www.melaniekramer.com

Melanie Kramer
Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
912-459-5001 Office
912-658-1390 Cell Direct