"Hey Y'all"... Savannah's Own Paula Deen and "The Lady and Sons"

I guess there aren't many people who haven't heard of Paula Deen,  the emmy award winning food network star and owner of The Lady and Sons restaurant in Savannah, Georgia.  I've never driven by her restaurant in the historic district without a line outside, often extending around the corner and down the block.

Paula Deen fans love just can't get enough of her heavy southern accent saying "Hey Yall", her many cookbooks or her food network show "Cooking with Paula Deen" and "Paula's Party".  Seems like everyone in town either knows Paula, knows someone who knows Paula or just can't wait to meet Paula!

It's hard to think that there was ever a shy bone in her body to see her now but at one time Paula was actually agorophobic, suffered from panic attacks and was basically house bound. Originally from Albany, Georgia she moved to Savannah in 1989 she started a catering business called The Bag Lady which grew into the Lady and Sons with the help of her sons, Jamie and Bobby and the rest is history.

Here top ten favorites as chosen by Food Network

» Southern Fried Chicken

» Creamy Macaroni and Cheese*

» Gooey Butter Cake

» Baked French Toast Casserole*

» Hoecakes

» Chicken and Rice Casserole*

» Cheese Biscuits

» Grandmother Paul’s Sour Cream Pound Cake

» Italian Chicken and Vegetable Soup

» Hurry Up Chicken Pot Pie

So if you're hungry come on down to Savannah and take the Paula Deen Trolley Tour over to The Lady and Sons restaurant and say "Hey Y'all".

Thomas Tolbert

Keller Williams Realty

Office 912-232-8580

Direct (Best way to reach me) 912-308-6839

thomas.tolbert@me.com

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Some of the top Savannah Inns and Bed and Breakfasts in the Historic District

Considering a visit to Savannah?  Here are some places to consider staying
in the Historic District......



The "Gastonian Inn"



Voted "Savannah's Most Romantic Inn" in 2007 and recognized by Conde Nast as one of the finest places to stay in the world, this four diamond inn has 17 Guest rooms with working fireplaces all uniquely furnished. Close to Forsyth Park, The Gastonian consists of two adjoining Regency-Italianate style mansions built in 1868.  Personalized breakfast menus, silver tray service or family style breakfasts. Complimentary tea, hors d'oeuvres and wine served in the afternoons and desserts and cordials served in the evenings.
http://www.gastonian.com/


The "Marshall House"



Located on Broughton Street, Savannah's equivalent of "Main Street" is Savannah's first hotel, The Marshall House.  At one time it seved as a hospital for soldiers toward the end of the Civil War. In 1999 , 12 million dollar restoration returned the building to its origingal purpose.  Guest rooms feature a Southern-style decor and heart pine floors. 65 guest rooms and suites.
http://www.marshallhouse.com/


The "Eliza Thompson House"



Built in 1847, this award winning Inn is on historic Jones Street, within walking distance to shops, antique stores, museums and restaurants. 13 rooms as well as Eliza's own "Carriage House" which overlooks the courtyard. Amenities include a deluxe continental breakfast, Wine and hors d"oeuvres, turndown service and desserts and coffee in the evening.
http://www.elizathompsonhouse.com



The "Kehoe House"



Built in 1892 for William Kehoe, this Queen Anne style mansion is adorned with cast iron railings, Corinthian columns, porches, balconies and window moldings. The house was built back in 1892 for a whopping $25,000. There have been numerous reports of hauntings in the mansion so be on the lookout for ghosts!  Some interesting trivia is that the mansion was formerly owned by football great, Joe Namath. The Kehoe House features 13 guest rooms, each uniquesly furnished and named for figures in Savannah's History.
http://www.kehoehouse.com



The "East Bay Inn"


Built in 1852 as a home to cottom merchants and a cotton warehouse, the East Bay Inn is located just one block from Savannah's River Street in the Historic District.  Lots of amenities including flat screen televisions, high speed internet, robes, turndown service, hairdryers, coffee makers and irons and ironing boards. If you happen to be in Savannah for Thanksgiving they have an outstanding buffet on Thanksgiving Day.
http://www.eastbayinn.com

Hope you have a great time in Savannah!

Thomas Tolbert

Keller Williams Realty

Office 912-232-8580

Direct (Best way to reach me) 912-308-6839

thomas.tolbert@me.com

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The Savannah International Film Festival

Peter O'Toole after his lifetime achievement award at the Savannah Film Festival, flanked by critic Roger Ebert and actor Jason Patric. (Photo by Mark Von Holden)

Savannah has long been a favorite setting for movies from "Forrest Gump" to "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" the original "Cape Fear"..... the list goes on and on. But did you know that thanks to the Savannah College of Art and Design we have our very own film festival?

The Savannah International Film Festival is highly respected in the film community. The 2007 honored guests included Michael Douglas, Vanessa Redgrave and Milos Forman and the 2008 featured guest will be Malcolm McDowell.

We're used to celebrity here.... some of the Savannah area residents both full and part time include Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, Kevin Spacey, Cindy Lauper and Sandra Bullock. It's not uncommon to walk into Starbucks and see Sandra Bullock or run into Ben and Jennifer in Home Depot.

Having been in the film industry for many years in my former career I don't exactly get star struck but it is a little surreal having so many celebrities running around town. I guess it's the beautiful scenery, beaches and laid back "live and let live" attitude of Savannah that attracts them.

Thomas Tolbert

Keller Williams Realty

Office 912-232-8580

Direct (Best way to reach me) 912-308-6839

thomas.tolbert@me.com

SEARCH THE MLS

What Does A Buyer's Agent Cost?

The short answer is nothing.

When a seller lists a home with a broker they agree at the time of listing on the amount of commission that the seller pays to the listng broker at closing.  Let's say that you call the listing agent to see the property, you like the home, you make an offer and purchase the property. Great for the listing agent because they get the entire commission!  But if you as a buyer have a buyer's agent then they must share their commission with the cooperating broker (the buyer's agent).  It's that simple.  

Since the listing agent represents the seller they have an obligation to look out for the seller's best interest - not your's as the buyer.  If you were to go to court for example you surely would not want to use the same attorney as the guy who was suing you so why would you enter into a real estate transaction without being represented?  It's not that the listing agent is being greedy, it's just that they must represent their client, the seller, to the best of their ability.

On the other hand a buyer's agent can look at the property objectively.  Run a market analysis, pull the tax records, help you determine whether it's a good deal and what would be a fair asking price. As a buyer's agent I want my clients to have a clear picture of the market and help negotiate the best deal for them. The job of a buyer's agent is not to "sell" any particular property, but to represent the best interests of thebuyer/consumerthroughout the home buying process.A buyer's agent helps consumers make smart decisions as they buy the home they love.

Buying a home is a major investment and as a buyer you need someone on your side.  A good buyer's agent isn't just interested in a quick sale, we want to keep your business in the future, we want referrals from your friends, neighbors and business associates.  The best way to ensure that is to have happy clients.

So many of my out of town buyers relocating to the Greater Savannah Area start out searching on the internet and it's a great way to start but when you get serious about your move you really need to find a buyer's agent to assist you.

A while back I met a couple who had relocated to Savannah from out of state.  The called the listing agent on a home,  closed on the home, moved in and then started to explore the area.  They quickly realized that they much had made the wrong choice.  The listing agent had not shown them a clear picture of what was available in their price range and they found other neighborhoods that they much preferred. I showed them a variety of homes in those neighborhoods and they settled on a home.  I helped them to negotiate a great deal and they closed on and moved into their new home.  We put their first home that they purchased through the listing agent on the market but they had paid too much and the market was declining more and more with the mortgage crisis.  Eventually the home sold but they had to take a substantial loss.

If only they had used a good buyer's agent they would have avoided a costly mistake by having a clear picture of the local market and someone looking out for their needs and best interests.

If I can answer any questions about the benefits of a buyer's agent please don't hesitate to let me know.

Thomas Tolbert

Keller Williams Realty

Office 912-232-8580

Direct (Best way to reach me) 912-308-6839

thomas.tolbert@me.com

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Wondering where to stay in Savannah's Historic District?

My favorite Savannah hotel would have to be "The Mansion on Forsyth Park".

Besides being a AAA four diamond award hotel the location is outstanding.  Right across the street from beautiful Forsyth Park, a 20 plus acre park that's the gathering place of local Savannahians and tourists alike. There's always something to do in the park,  from a Jazz festival, Symphony in the Park to a picnic which the hotel staff will be happy to provide for you.

Set in a restored 1888 Victorian mansion, there are 126 guest suites, an art gallery, the Poseidon Spa, 24 hour fitness center, and much more.  They even offer cooking classes!  I love to have lunch in the restaurant overlooking Forsyth Park.

The location is great for exploring the Historic District on foot.  If you're looking for a fine hotel that's unique and historic you may want to check it out!

Here's a link to their website.

Thomas Tolbert

Keller Williams Realty

Office 912-232-8580

Direct (Best way to reach me) 912-308-6839

thomas.tolbert@me.com

SEARCH THE MLS

Greater Savannah area foreclosures and short sales

What is a short sale?

A short sale is a situation where a lender may agree to take less than is owed on a home in order to avoid it going in foresclose. This allows the seller to often sell below fair market value just to get out from under their loan and avoid the credit impact of a foreclosure.

How do Foreclosures work?

Typically once a property becomes a foreclosure a market analysis is done and the property is listed at fair market value. But banks are not interested in holding on to the property for a long time, they want to get the home sold and off the books as soon as possible.

Basically the longer the foreclosure home is on the market the more they will be willing to come down on the price. It's not unusual to see a 10% price reduction every four to six weeks so you can see how you can purchase a foreclosure well below market value.

How do I find Foreclosure and Short sale properties?

As a local Realtor familiar with the market I can identify foreclosures and short sales for my clients and help them through the entire process from beginning to end. Not all realtors even know how to identify these properties but I stay on top of the foreclosure and short sale market so that I can help my client buyers get the absolute best deals.

How do I get started?

Just give me a call or send me an email. Of course my services are free to a buyer. Just let me know your preferred area, single family home, condo or townhomes, your price range, likes and dislike in a home, timeframe for purchase, etc. and we'll get started!

If you are a seller facing the possibility of foreclosure communication with your mortgage lender is key!  They can discuss your options to refinance and if that is not possible you they may be willing to work with you to negotiate a short sale rather than face foreclosure.  An experience Realtor can discuss the short sale option with you and offer advice.  Please let me know if I can help.

Thomas Tolbert

Keller Williams Realty

Office 912-232-8580

Direct (Best way to reach me) 912-308-6839

thomas.tolbert@me.com

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Savannah College of Art and Design - SCAD

Founded in 1978, the Savannah College of Art and Design has grown into one of the most sought after colleges worldwide for graphic design, animation, film and television, fashion and photography today.. With a student body from all 50 states and 90 countries as well as Professors and faculty from around the world SCAD has contributed to making Savannah a rich and diverse cultural community.  With 11 art galleries including the SCAD Museum for the Arts and campuses throughout the Historic District SCAD's contribution and influence everywhere.  By mingling their campuses and facilities throughout the entire Historic & Victorian districts, maintaining and restoring the historic architectural  integrity of the buildings they occupy, SCAD remains unobtrusive in this historic landscape of the Savannah community.

Since many students choose not to live in student housing many parents choose to purchase a historic condo, loft or townhouse as an investment property while they are attending SCAD.  Costs can be offset by taking in one or more roommates depending on the size of the property.  With the steady rise in real estate prices in the Historicand Victorian Districts buying rather than renting can be a wise investment.

Degree Programs at SCAD-Savannah SCAD-Savannah offers a full range of degree programs, certificate programs and  individual courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. All courses are developed and taught by  SCAD faculty and are offered for academic credit under the authority and accreditation of the college.  View course schedule and descriptions.  Most degree programs have corresponding undergraduate minors. Additional minors are offered in accessory design, British-American studies, business management and entrepreneurship, ceramic arts, cultural landscape, dance, decorative arts, drawing, electronic design, exhibition design, interaction design, marine design, museum studies, music performance, new media art, storyboarding and technical direction.  Savannah offers degrees in the following:  Bachelor of Arts  Digital Media with a concentration in Game Development  Digital Media with a concentration in Interactive Design  Visual Communications with a concentration in Advertising Design  Visual Communications with a concentration in Graphic Design  Visual Communications with a concentration in Illustration  Visual Communications with a concentration in Photography  Visual Communications with a concentration in Sequential Art  Bachelor of Fine Arts  Accessory Design Advertising Design Animation  Architecture*  Architectural History  Art History  Broadcast Design and Motion Graphics  Fashion  Fashion Marketing and Management  Fibers  Film and Television  Furniture Design  Graphic Design Historic Preservation  Sequential Art Professional Writing Production Design Photography Performing Arts Photography Painting Illustration Industrial Design Interactive Design and Game Development  Interior Design Metals and Jewelry Master of Architecture*  B.F.A./Professional M. Arch*  Postprofessional M.Arch with a concentration in Electronic Design  Postprofessional M.Arch with a concentration in Urban Design  *Visit the Architecture page for more information  Master of Arts  Accessory Design  Advertising Design  Animation  Architectural History  Art History  Arts Administration  Broadcast Design and Motion Graphics  Cinema Studies  Commercial Photography  Design Management  Digital Photography  Documentary Photography  Fashion  Fibers  Film and Television  Furniture Design  Graphic Design Historic Preservation Visual Effects Illustration Illustration Design Industrial Design Interactive Design and Game Development Interior Design Metals and Jewelry Luxury and Fashion Management (2009) Painting Performing arts Production Design Photography Sequential Art Sound Design Master of Fine Arts  Accessory Design  Advertising Design  Animation  Architectural History  Broadcast Design and Motion Graphics  Design Management  Fashion  Fibers  Film and Television  Furniture Design  Graphic Design  Illustration  Historic Preservation  Industrial Design Interactive Design and Game Development Interior Design Metals and Jewelry Painting Performing Arts Photography Luxury and Fashion Management (2009) Production Design Sequential Art Sound Design Visual Effects

Thomas Tolbert

Keller Williams Realty

Office 912-232-8580

Direct (Best way to reach me) 912-308-6839

thomas.tolbert@me.com

SEARCH THE MLS