The Truth About Buying Green

For buyers looking at houses or condos to purchase, buying green may be something you want to consider. There are many benefits to "going green," including an increased boost in energy efficiency; however, it's important to know what to look for when house hunting.

The first important thing to check is the home's heating and cooling system. "The heating and cooling system of a house is a dead giveaway," says Connie Ray, President/Owner of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners "Depending on the climate, a radiant floor heating system is more efficient because it pumps heated water through tubing under the floor surface, rather than traditional hot air or water units." Radiant heating allows for more even heating and may even result in cleaner air due to less dust moving.

Having an on-demand water-heating unit also helps with efficiency since it only heats water as needed instead of keeping it hot all hours of the day. The more "Energy Star"-rated appliances, the better the efficiency of the home.

Ask if the home has had a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) audit recently. "A HERS report will fully reveal a home's energy efficiency and tell you where it works best and where it may need work," says Ray. "If a report isn't available and the home is touting its green aspects, ask for an audit to be conducted." If the house scores poorly on the report, you can use it as a starting point to negotiate on price.

The outside of the home matters as well. Examine the materials used to build the home. Products that have been processed as little as possible are better for the environment and for the health of your family. "Look for products containing zero volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These materials don't emit gases like some other traditional ones," says Ray.

By narrowing your home-buying search to meet green standards, you are not only helping the environment, but providing a safe and eco-friendly home for your family to live in.

Expanding your living space outdoors

Now that Spring is officially here, many homeowners will be spending more times outdoors. In today's real estate market, in fact, expanding your living area beyond the walls of your home is a great way to increase square footage and, more importantly, increase your home's value.

"When so many are cutting back on expensive vacations, an inviting outdoor area often provides a welcome escape from the challenges of today's hectic lifestyles," says Connie Ray, President/Owner of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. From small improvements to major remodels, some of the increasingly popular and creative ways homeowners are revamping their outdoor space, include:

• Extending a lanai
• Screening in a porch
• Adding a wet bar or an outdoor family room; water resistant fabrics for outdoor furniture are now available in a wealth of styles.
• Installing an outdoor kitchen – in fact, many manufacturers, such as Viking, Weber and GE are meeting the demand by offering commercial grade appliances for outdoor use. Many outdoor kitchens have small cabinets with under-counter refrigerators and some include sinks.
• Building cabanas and/or a pool house in pool areas
• Installing home theater accessories, such as projection screens for viewing movies outdoors
• Adding an outdoor fireplace

Ray also recommends "remodeling" your landscaping, as well. "A well-maintained and landscaped yard not only adds important curb appeal to your home, it increases your home's value," Ray explains. In fact, according to a Clemson University study, landscaping can result in more than a 100% return on investment.

Work with an experienced real estate professional to get a better understanding of what outdoor improvements and remodels will yield the highest return on your investment. But most importantly, says Ray, turn your outdoor space into a place to enjoy with family and friends. "Your yard should be an extension of your home -- a sanctuary and a treasured gathering spot to enjoy year after year."

Reminders for Dealing with Mortgage Lenders

SAVANNAH, GA, Mar 18, 2011 - When it comes time for home buyers to start dealing with mortgage lenders, there are a number of items that must be remembered and submitted to complete this initial stage of the process. After completing a form to provide consent for a credit check (names, birth dates and social security numbers will be required for all applicants of the mortgage), you will need to start compiling a list of documents for later submission to the lender. "The sooner you begin collecting the necessary paperwork, the faster you can continue throughout the process," says Connie Ray, President/Owner of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners.

When applying for a mortgage, you will need personal, employment and financial information readily available. Remember the following:

* Full names of all of the applicants will be needed along with their original social security cards. Addresses for the last two years and the names and addresses of landlords will also be requested. "Your personal information is the starting point for mortgage lenders when they are conducting a background check on you," says Ray. "Basics like these are essential for the process."
* Home buyers also need to show a consistent work record. The names and addresses of all employers for all applicants will also be requested. "This information should date back as far as two years and include W-2 forms for all applicants," says Ray. Be sure to include recent pay stubs as well. If any applicant is self-employed, copies of a current profit-and-loss statement, a current balance tally and income tax returns will also be required for submission.
* Then, there's your personal finances: account numbers, current balances, and addresses for all checking and savings accounts will need to be submitted. Account statements for the last two years, existing investment or retirement funds, and proof of alimony or child support will also need to be presented.

This lengthy list of requirements can be daunting, so it's important to begin locating these documents before they are needed. "By being prepared, you can keep the buying process moving and be that much closer to closing on a new home," says Ray.

Welcome Maggie to our St Simons Island Office!

Maggie Brice Snell has joined Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners as an Associate Broker at the St. Simons Island Office located at 507 Ocean Blvd., Suite 102. Maggie specializes in new homes and residential listings and sales. She has joined Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners because, “of the great environment within which to work and the people are great.”

Maggie strives for her clients to, “…be totally pleased and confident that all of their real estate needs have been met and satisfied while working with me.” Maggie has been a GA Realtor since 2004, is a member of GAR and NAR, a Member of the Golden Isles Association of Realtors, Past President of the Altamaha Basin Board of Realtors 2009, a member of the Chamber of Commerce and a Member of First United Methodist Church. She is married to Craig Snell and together they have two daughters and one grandson. Maggie Snell may be reached on her cellular phone at 912.293.0973, at the office at 912.634.0404 or via email at Maggie.Snell@coldwellbanker.com.

Partners named to GOLD CLUB!

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners was honored for its outstanding performance during the past year at the 2011 Cartus Broker Network International Conference held February 27-March 1 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners was named to the Gold Club. The Gold Award is one of three Excellence Awards presented to principal brokers. Only 13 percent of the Network’s 425 principal brokers received Excellence Awards for 2010.

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners put forth a tremendous effort in achieving this distinction,” said Gerald Pearce, Cartus, Executive Vice President of Broker and Affinity Services. “Network members have met a specific set of criteria to earn a place in the Gold Club, and I congratulate Connie Farmer Ray for taking a spot amongst a group of high-quality performers. We are proud to be affiliated with such a talented organization.”

“It is great to be named a member of the Gold Club,” said Connie Farmer Ray, President and CEO of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. “The trophy we received for achieving Gold Club status is important to us because our agents and staff take pride in delivering value to our customers and the Cartus Broker Network.”

In addition to the awards ceremony, the three-day event included interactive workshops, roundtable and panel discussions, and executive presentations. Cartus Broker Network participants networked with other industry professionals and exchanged information and ideas regarding team-building, revenue generation, retention, new business strategies, and increasing customer service—all essential elements for continued success.

Increasing Home Value in a Recovering Market

In today's market, dwindling or stagnant home values may be causing some homeowners to wonder if it's at all possible to increase their property's value. According to Connie Ray, President/Owner of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners, there are steps you can take to build equity despite current market conditions.

"To elevate the value of your home, a detailed and specific assessment of your home and the homes it will compete against in the market is necessary," says Ray. "A professional home inspection, especially for those who are not planning to sell their home soon, can help determine exactly what needs to be done to increase your home's value and can help you plan for expenses if there is work to be done."

Having your home professionally inspected well before putting it on the market has a number of advantages, says Ray. For a relatively minor investment, homeowners will have an opportunity to review an objectively prepared assessment of the condition of their home's structure, systems and amenities. By fixing any outstanding repairs, you can ensure a higher list price on your property, and hopefully, a higher closing price as well. The inspection report should be consistent with the report prepared by a buyer's inspector, which will virtually eliminating any surprises when the home officially hits the market down the road.

By having an inspection done while the home is not on the market, owners are provided with the luxury of deciding whether to do the work themselves or to have the work contracted at their convenience and without the pressure of a deadline. Even better is that the decision to repair vs. replace will be at the homeowner's discretion, not a prospective buyer's. This places homeowners in a much stronger negotiating position in the future.

"By taking this proactive approach to home inspections, homeowners can increase their home's value instantly, giving it a strong competitive edge in the market," says Ray. "By addressing major repair/replacement issues now, homeowners diminish competition from newer and better-maintained homes on the market."

Partners Receive In Network Utilization Award at Cartus Broker Network International Conference

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners was honored for its outstanding performance during the past year at the 2011 Cartus Broker Network International Conference held February 27-March 1 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners received the Cartus In Network Utilization Award, which recognizes Network brokers (by size category) who have the highest percentage of in-network usage and who have met closing goals.

“The efforts of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners toward achieving its goal of obtaining the highest percentage of in-network usage and closings is emblematic of the commitment to success that makes our brokers such valued partners,” said Gerald Pearce, Cartus executive vice president, real estate group. “We are proud to be affiliated with such a talented group of real estate professionals and look forward to our continued joint success in the future.”

“Only a handful of brokerages are honored with the In Network Utilization Award,” said Connie Farmer Ray, President and CEO of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. “We are honored to be part of a select group that has reached award-level goals for in-network usage and closings.”

In addition to the awards ceremony, the three-day event included interactive workshops, roundtable and panel discussions, and executive presentations. Cartus Broker Network participants networked with other industry professionals and exchanged information and ideas regarding team-building, revenue generation, retention, new business strategies, and increasing customer service—all essential elements for continued success.

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners Celebrate the Year’s Accomplishments!

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners gathered for a very special breakfast meeting on February 22, 2011 at the Crosswinds Golf Club in Savannah. This particular occasion was held to recognize the Company and its Agent’s 2010 accomplishments. The Award Meeting opened with a delightful breakfast and mingling with coworkers from all offices, moved into the award ceremony, then a special presentation from Allan Dalton, a successful author and pioneer in creating innovative and effective marketing systems for real estate professionals and companies.

In all over 90 award winners were recognized for their efforts in the real estate industry during 2010. Partners also celebrated their overall company honors like: the Gold Club; the Five Star Award; USAA Movers Advantage Local Strategy Special Recognition; Top Coldwell Banker Office award rankings, and the prestigious Coldwell Banker President’s Award of Honor. Recognitions also included individual and team real estate awards for Residential Real Estate in the areas of: Top Sales Associates locally, regionally, and nationally; Lifetime Achievement Recognitions; Wanda Gray Awards; “IT” Awards; Relocation Awards; Coldwell Banker Mortgage Awards; and American Home Shield Awards. There was also a surprise unveiling of Connie Farmer Ray on the cover of Ris Media’s REAL ESTATE Magazine as well as an extensive interview!

“I’d like to congratulate our Beaufort and Bluffton/Hilton Head Award Winners for their recognition at this year’s award breakfast: Annette Bryant, Wendy Burchfield, Missy Buskirk, Michael Mark, Ricardo Pecora and Ray Smith. Also the Savannah Area Award Winners: Jane Beare, Lori Brady, Michael Cherry, Stephen Clementi, Dee Dee Covington, Charles Gilyard, Jenny Hearn, Marie Houben, Steffany Farmer, BJ Long, Lyn McCuen, Brad McNeely, Renee Meyer, Becki Patterson, Wendy Reed, Erin Rowley, Jeff Shaufelberger, Suzanne Smith, Karen Thomas, Tom Tolbert, and Sue Vertullo. As well as our Brunswick and St Simons Island Award Winners: Angie Aimar, Alicia Ackman, Diana Boyd, John DuBose, Dana Hill, Elizabeth Johnson, Amy Mooney, Midi Shaw, and Don Varnadoe,” said Connie Farmer Ray, President and CEO.

“It is an honor to work with outstanding sales agents, staff and managers; all of who continue to exemplify the standards of excellence for which Coldwell Banker is known,” said Connie Farmer Ray, President and CEO of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. She continues, “To be able to recognize over 90 of our team members for their achievements is a great honor. Everyone on our team illustrates our collective mission and believes in providing our consumers the information they need and want quicker than anyone else. As the real estate market shifts, the key to success is having the most information and advice to make the best move. We believe in always innovating and providing an environment of trust, honesty and support and are excited to share that with our consumers and are looking forward to an award winning 2011.”

Congratulations to the Platinum Partners SABOR Award winners!

Congratulations to the Platinum Partners SABOR Award winners!

The Savannah Board of REALTORS® (SABOR) honored leading REALTORS® for their service in 2010 at their Annual Awards Luncheon held on Friday, February 18th at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront.

Residential Continuing:
· Jane Beare
· Steffany Farmer
· Charles Gilyard
· Jenny Hearn
· Marie Houben
· BJ Long
· Renee Meyer
· Becki Patterson
· Wendy Reed
· Karen Thomas

12+ Years:
· Lori Brady
· Marion Leith

13 Years:
· Lyn McCuen

14 Years:
· Alice Pollak

15 Years:
· Dee Dee Covington

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners Receives Five Star Award at Cartus Broker Network International Conference

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners was honored for its outstanding performance during the past year at the 2011 Cartus Broker Network International Conference held February 27-March 1 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners was awarded the Five Star Award, which recognizes brokers who have met or exceeded their individual objectives for outgoing broker-to-broker referral closings during the calendar year.

“The effort that Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners put forth toward not only achieving but also exceeding their objectives for outgoing broker-to-broker referral closings is emblematic of the commitment to success that makes our brokers such valued partners,” said Gerald Pearce, Cartus executive vice president, real estate group. “We are proud to be affiliated with this talented group of real estate professionals and look forward to our continued joint success in the future.”

“The importance of placing broker-to-broker referrals cannot be over-emphasized,” said Connie Farmer Ray, CEO & President of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. “We are happy to join the list of Network members from around the country who have worked so hard to succeed in doing this.”

In addition to the awards ceremony, the three-day event included interactive workshops, roundtable and panel discussions, and executive presentations. Cartus Broker Network participants networked with other industry professionals and exchanged information and ideas regarding team-building, revenue generation, retention, new business strategies, and increasing customer service—all essential elements for continued success.

Welcome Lynette Ward to our Abercorn Office!

Lynette P. Ward joins Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners as a Sales Associate for the Company's midtown office located at 6349 Abercorn Street. Lynette joins Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners because, “… I love the people here; very warm, friendly and supportive.” Lynette specializes in luxury properties, lots/land, vacation and second homes, new homes, relocation and military market real estate in the City of Savannah and Chatham County as well as the Island areas.

Lynette, who has been a REALTOR since 2004, wants her clients to feel, “…confident they made the perfect choice when partnering with me as their personal REALTOR.” Lynette grew up in Savannah, and attended Calvary High School and went to South University. She worked at a local bank for 7 years and also at a local hospital in physical therapy. She is a member of SABOR and Old Savannah City Mission. Lynette P. Ward may be reached at (912) 352.1222 or emailed at lynette.ward@coldwellbanker.com.