PROPERTIES WITH OWNER FINANCING

Southside Condo
2 Bedrooms, 2 ½ baths
Near Savannah Mall
Pool
$115,000 price
$11,500 down
$654.19 month (P&I)
+ taxes/Ins/Asso. Fees

Southside Condo
3 Bedrooms, 2 ½ baths
Near Savannah Mall
Pool
$140,000 price
$14,000 down
$796.41 month (P&I)
+ taxes/Ins/Asso. Fees

Southside condo
2 Bedrooms and 2 baths
Gated / Dock / Pool / Great Views
$175,000 price. $17,500 down
$995.51 month (P&I) + taxes/Ins/Asso. Fees

Step back in time
2.6 acres on Golf course
7 Bedrooms, 7.5 baths,
6122 sq. ft
3 fire places, Wet bars
Indoor Pool, 5 garages
Near AASU
$550,000.00 price
$100,000.00 down
$2,844.31 month (P&I)
+ taxes/Ins

DEEP WATER LIVING ~THIS IS THE LIFE!!!
Forest River with Fenced acreage, Private Gate, Dock, Pool/ water fall, Boat ramp, Shop, Party room, Gym,
$1.3M price. $600,000.00 down $4,524.48 month (P&I) + taxes/Ins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB5G02Oshd0&feature=related

Paradise Island . Secluded one home, Island.

Gated. Acreage. Dock. Heated Pool. 5 car garage. Home Theater, Gourmet Kitchen.
$5.5M = lowered to $4.5M price.
$2M dn

$14,166.67 interest only per mth + taxes/Ins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vsmbhocA7g&feature=related

Savannah Real Estate Investments Inc.

Please call: Sabrina Spiva spiva25@comcast.net

12020 Abercorn St.Savannah, Ga.

Office - 921-921-1000 ext-3 Cell - 912-441-8580

http://www.srei-inc.com/ or

http://www.savannahsbestproperties.com/

How to get things growing again? ~ People helping People

HOW DO WE GET THINGS GROWING AGAIN?

Banks are worried about the economy so they aren't lending as often as before the economic down turn. Many banks are surviving on overnight deposit returns. Few are lending. Some banks aren't surviving.

Consumers are slowly starting to spend again. Retailers, builders and car dealers are hurting (except Wal-Mart).

Families, investors and retirees who have savings and retirement plans are worried about where to "park" their money. They don't know who to trust. Stocks are scary to many. Banks are paying rates below 2% and 3%, even then the consumer may not get their interest until maturity.

Businesses can't get business credit lines to finance their growth.Landlords and Investors can't get loans to buy properties. If a consumer won't buy a new car, the car dealer can't give their salesmen a big screen tv as a Christmas bonus, the electronic store goes out of business, the unemployed worker can't buy or rent a home, the landlord or seller can't pay the mortgage, the bank forecloses and has a "non-performing" asset. And so the circle continues.

It is improving, however the economy has been at a standstill. Everyone seems to have paralysis of analysis.

The government has tried to stimulate the economy. True some things have improved. But something must change to get everything moving and growing and prospering.

Well summer is here so let's clean out the problems clogging our economic system.What can we do? I suggest that "we" start doing business with each other until the lending institutions, Banks, the stock market and the rest of the economy join in.

How do we do this? First, do most of your business local in your community, as opposed to on line purchases, out of town or big national retailers like Wal-Mart. Go to the farmers market or buy fresh local seafood. A famous quote "all Politics are local", well so are all "Economics".

As it relates to businesses, landlords, home owners, home buyers, Investors, retirees, here is what we do. We do business with each other and in combinations of multiple "players". Let me explain.

SELLER FINANCING

Some folks own a home free and clear. According to Fannie Mae, currently 20 million+ people are older than 65. Of these, 77 percent are homeowners and 84 percent own their home free and clear. That is almost 13 million people who have no mortgage on their home. It also could be a rental property or a 2nd home or vacation home. Some of these home owners will go the trend of reverse mortgages to cash out so they can stay in their homes. Some will want to sell and live in a retirement community or assisted living.

Those who want to sell, can sell their homes with a sizable down payment (10% to 25%) and then they can provide "owner" financing and remain the mortgage holder or the lender. The homeowner who is selling the property would hold a 1st Mortgage filed at the court house protecting their interest with the same authority a Lender or bank would have if they loaned the buyer the money. If the buyer doesn't pay the payments as agreed, the seller could foreclose and take the home back. What then? They could sell it again or rent it out. Either way, they keep the down payment and all the payments that have been made.

If you choose your buyer carefully the odds of that risk diminish. The buyer may make the payments as promised. If the seller did a credit check and made sure the buyer had good credit, a stable job and collect a large down payment, the risk of any problems would be lowered.

The seller could also accept additional collateral for security like the buyer's car, RV, motorcycle or boat title. Perhaps the buyer owns other real estate like a vacant lot that could be offered as additional collateral to insure they paid the seller.

Both parties would benefit in other ways. The seller would not receive all the money at once so any capital gains or profit that may be taxable would be "deferred" to later years as they received the money. (Keep in mind under IRC 121, most sales of personal residence are tax free) (Must live there 2 of last 5 years, be your primary personal residence, and not received in a 1031 tax free exchange) (exempts $250K profit per person and $500K per married couple).

Selling in this manner, the seller could get an interest rate of 5 to 9% (based on buyer's credit) which is much higher than the 1% to 3% paid by a Certificate of Deposit or a Bank money market account. The seller would receive their money every month instead of having minimum periods of limited access to their money.

The buyer benefits in that seller financing requires much less closing costs, and financing fees, often saving origination fees, points and other charges associated with lender financing. Also the buyer often gets a lower interest rate than offered by lending institutions.

Another alternative is that the buyer gets a bank loan of 50 to 75% and the seller can take back a second mortgage to help the buyer reduce some of the down payment. A second mortgage is riskier to the seller than a first mortgage; however the bank loan will put a significant amount of money to the buyer now. Also if the buyer has a 15 to 20% down payment they are much less likely to default on a loan. Otherwise, the second mortgage carries all of the other benefits to the parties as does a first mortgage.

In my early years of beginning to invest and buying properties, I was in school and I didn't have much money to pay as a down payment. I stared in the 1980s and seller financing was how I was able to afford a purchase, the seller was the 1st mortgage holder or they took back a small second mortgage to help me with the down payments.

Over the years this increased from small home sellers to large homes and big commercial properties. Every seller who did this with me was always paid and happy they had the extra income. Many don't want to be paid off if I later sell the property, they are accustomed to the income.Okay, that is one example of a home seller and a buyer doing business together regardless of the economy.

Let's look at some others.

YOU ARE THE BANK

Many people have savings, IRAs, 401Ks, and other retirement plans with cash sitting and earning little or no return. These people could place their money with local established investors and have their money secured by real estate that is rented out.

I am not talking about "hard money lending". That is loaning money for short terms at high interest rates and at pretty high risks. This usually involves a real estate speculator borrowing the money for a purchase and maybe a renovation to "flip" for a quick profit. With homes selling slower that is a risk.In the first example, under " seller financing", suppose the seller didn't own the house free and clear, you as the "Bank" could loan the buyer the money to buy the house and you take a first mortgage just as any lending institution would. Again you would make sure the buyer was credit worthy, had a stable job and had a large enough down payment to insure they would not want to lose the house to you. Once again you would get a nice interest rate and be paid monthly.

Suppose you don't want to lend your money out to a home buyer. Well you could lend it to an established investor who would then rent or sell the home. You would have the security of the first mortgage on the home, the personal guarantee of the investor. The investor would be obligated to pay you your monthly payment regardless of rather or not the rent or mortgage was paid by the third party.

Many investors are professionals and have other streams of income that would be available to make your payment to you. In addition other safety measures could be in place such as assignments of rents, additional properties as additional collateral and if the loan was for significant amount, the investor could list you on their life insurance policy. Just as if you were loaning directly to the home buyer, you could require a financial statement, bank references and testimonials from their other and prior "lenders".

Over the years, I have had many happy retirees thank me for the guaranteed income at above "saving" interest rates, but my favorite story is a Church who has loaned us money and often tells us the good deeds they have done with the income. No board of director at a lending institution has written or called me and told me the "good" my payments made in someone's life that month.

People helping people, what could be better?

Make it a great day!

Howard Spiva
Trial Attorney, Investor, Landlord, Talk Show Host

PARADISE ISLAND ~ Dream Home







































































Gated Private Island Home
Pool / Hot Tub
Dock on Hoover Creek (lift)
Home Theater
Commercial Kitchen
Game Room
5 Car Garage
ONE OF A KIND $5.5 Million
call 912-920-2000
Videos, turn your sound on and enjoy!

12401 Apache
4 End Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su1SXhfwWuo

9 Brewster Street

Savannah is Alive and Well!

Savannah is Alive and Well!
By Howard Spiva

New York and the rest of the world loves Savannah, and like any beautiful lady, she responds best to those who love her.

The 12th Most Trendy Spot in the World~New York Times

The Atlanta Journal, Forbes, CNN Money, Family Fun magazine and The New Your Times praise Savannah as: 'Beautiful, One of the top places to live and work; One of the hottest Cities for Business;One of the best areas to start and grow a business;Best places to Retire; Top 10 Cities to Visit.'

It seems like everyone is in love with Savannah! College Students; Investors; Military; Shipping Companies; Importer/Exporters; Fortune 500 Companies; International businesses; Manufacturers; National Realtors Association; and America's largest demographic group - The Baby Boomers. Perhaps it is because Savannah's climate allows for year-round outdoor activity. For example, there are 60 golf courses and 15 recreational centers.

People who enjoy the outdoors love Savannah. Especially, people who love the water. Savannah is surrounded by both salt water and freshwater where people enjoy boating, fishing, crabbing, water skiing, kayaking, and swimming on its 420 miles of navigable waters set within 87,000 scenic acres of tidal marshlands. If you like to deep sea fish, watch for dolphins, explore the many protected barrier Islands or just relax on the beach come to Savannah!

Why do college students love Savannah? Our 14 area colleges and universities provide a diverse and talented group of over 43,000 students. The schools they attend include South College, Savannah Technical College and Memorial Health University, as well as Armstrong State University founded in 1935. Savannah State founded in 1890 is the oldest historically black college in Georgia. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is the largest art and design college in the nation. SCAD hosts more than 50,000 visitors a year and its students come here from all 50 states and over 80 countries!

Real Estate investors love Savannah. Many around the country believe that our real estate market is still undervalued compared to almost every major city in America. With an excellent economic base, Savannah's real estate is a great investment if you just follow the four basic rules of investing which have been true since the beginning of time. (1) Buy low ~ sell high; (2) Location, (3) location and (4) Location. Well, you can still buy low here and Savannah has plenty of wonderful locations!

The National Association of Realtors love Savannah because of our low cost of living. Savannah's home and rental prices are more affordable than most cities like Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Chicago, Jacksonville, San Francisco, Seattle, Virginia Beach and Washington DC.

The boomers love Savannah! America's largest age group are moving and retiring here. Seventy six (76) million boomers control 70% of America's net worth and wealth and many are coming to Savannah. By 2030, the 'boomers' will populate our six coastal counties and the boarding four inland counties raising our population by 50% to over 840,000 people, according to a Georgia Tech report commissioned by the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center.

Savannah, 'She's Wonderful, she's Marvelous; She's Fabulous, she's Beautiful!' These lyrics borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits 1965 hit, 'Leaning on a Lamp Post' could have easily been written about America's love of Savannah.

Why do I believe so strongly that people love Savannah? Just take a ride downtown and look around! Savannah is one of the most beautiful and charming cities in the nation, with one of the fastest-growing economies.

As a city we are rich with a variety of cultural influences including English, Irish, Scottish, African, Asian, German, Italian and Greeks.

Our business base is also diverse and strong. The trade Center and tourism brings millions of visitors to Savannah each year, who spend close to $1.8 billion. And it will only get better with the planned extension of River Street and the Savannah River Landing which alone is an $800-million project.

Two hundred and forty six (246) manufactures do business in Savannah including world famous JCB (construction equipment) and Gulfstream Aerospace (private luxury jets). Savannah businesses offer a range of products from companies like Georgia-Pacific, Great Dane Trailers, Derst Bakery, and International Paper. Savannah has 18 International firms and nearly 20 Fortune 500 Companies.

Tourist love our town! Over six million a year flock to Savannah's 52 acre Historic District which makes it one of the largest in the nation. Savannah features beautiful buildings and restored homes with superior architecture.

We have two military bases in the area that employ over 42,000 people plus they bring 36,000 military dependants and federal funds of over $2 billion.

Georgia Ports have thirteen major distributors and the longest contiguous docks in the US. Our ports are the 2nd largest on the Gulf and east coasts and 4th largest in the nation; serving over 70% of the US population and they are continually expanding.

Savannah International Airport is home to seven major airlines and is a major stop on Amtrak's Atlantic Coast route.

Employers love Savannah! Eleven counties surrounding Savannah provide employers a labor pool of over 300,000 people with a burgeoning manufacturing industry and ports exploding with growth.

Savannah is historic yet on the cutting edge on technology. Savannah has a superior network infrastructure with 33,000 miles of fiber optic cable and 100 square miles of wireless broadband coverage.

You can't easily define Savannah. The downtown is an urban forest with twenty two historic squares and live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Nearby Tybee Island has three miles of sandy beaches.

The city has numerous art Galleries, 120 yearly festivals, including the ever popular and world famous St Patrick's Day Parade. River Street, City Market, Hutchenson Island, Forsyth Park, Fort Pulaski, Bethesda, Bonaventure Cemetery, Wormslow Historic Cite, Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, Telfair Museum of Art, Oatland Island Educational Center, Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House restaurant, Johnny Harris restaurant, Carey Hilliard's restaurant, the historic and haunting Pirates House, The Boar's Head, Paula Dean's 'Lady and Sons' restaurant, The Pink House restaurant, Elizabeth on 37th Street and The Crab Shack. There's something for everyone!

Savannah is where true Southern hospitality awaits everyone.....what more could you want?!

Howard Spiva is a Savannah personal injury trial lawyer (www.spivalaw.com). He is a real estate broker, investor and professional seminar speaker. He is certified for Instructing continuing education classes by the Georgia Real Estate Board. Howard is also the host of The “NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS” Show on WTKS 1290 am Radio. (www.neversettleforless.net). NSL is a motivational and self-improvement “call in” talk show, where the topics are intended to make you ...healthy, wealthy and wise.

66 reasons Savannah is Hot!

66 Reasons Savannah is HOT

Savannah's population Boom, with 9% growth ...making Savannah in the top 100 growth areas in the country. Surrounding counties have hit 26 to 30% growth. Keys to the future. Compiled by Stephen Sacco

A profile of projects around the Coastal Empire
1. Savannah River Landing - An $800-million project
that will extend Savannah's riverfront walk and fit in with the city's master civic plan that will more than double the historic downtown area, while keeping the charm and beauty of General James Oglethorpe's plan for the city.

Plans include homes, a luxury hotel, a boutique hotel and streets of world-class retail space. In addition, restaurants and office space will create a new social center along the river. Savannah River Landing will feature new construction with the latest technological features and amenities. Water taxis are planned and will be available to take people from the mainland to Hutchinson Island. For information, go to the Web site www.savannahriverlanding .com.

2. Hutchinson Island Development - The civic master plan for Hutchinson Island takes some inspiration from Savannah's civic master plan for downtown. Hutchinson is already home to The Savannah International Trade and Convention Center and The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. New development on the 200-acre island is planned to begin on Parcel 7, which is 13 acres of upland and 7 acres of water, just west of the Trade Center.

There are plans for hotels, housing and a framework for future growth. The island may also be the future home to a destination restaurant, ecotourism and a music venue. The philosophy for the Hutchinson Island is defined clearly by its developers: "The street and block plan organizes the site, provides public access to the waterfront, respects view corridors, improves circulation across the island, and creates blocks to accommodate a range of uses and open spaces." It is the basis for the official mapping of streets, parks, and other public spaces that will shape the public realm on Hutchinson Island.

3. Georgia Ports Authority/The Port of Savannah's Garden City Terminal - Savannah's port is now the second largest for container traffic on the East Coast and fourth largest in the nation. The port growth has spurred warehouse development and distribution facilities in the area, most notably by companies including Home Depot, Target and IKEA.

The port is owned and operated by the Georgia Ports Authority, which boasts that this port includes the industry's only Client Relations Center.

According to the Georgia Ports Authority "The facility's single-terminal design allows the port to operate in an environment of maximum efficiency and flexibility, as well as increased security, due to the concentration of all manpower, technology and equipment in one massive container operation." The authority says its representatives are versed in the unique requirements of international trade and investment, and its labor force comes from one of the top-six fastest growing populations in the nation. For information, go to www. gaports .com/.

4. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - Many people credit the Savannah College of Art and Design for beginning the revitalization of historic downtown Savannah. In 2003, Kaplan/Newsweek chose SCAD as a "hidden gem" and in 2006 the national survey rated SCAD the hottest college to study art in the country. The school's three locations and online programs attract students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. In 2006, roughly 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students were enrolled.

The college sponsors cultural events like the Savannah Film Festival, which last year paid homage to actor Tommy Lee Jones, and the Sidewalk Arts Festival in April. According to its official bio SCAD was founded in Savannahin 1978 "with a curriculum designed to provide an excellent arts education and effective career preparation for students."
SCAD's goal is to prepare talented students for careers in the visual and performing arts, design, the building arts, and the history of art and architecture. The college emphasizes learning through individual attention in a positively oriented environment. For information, go to www . scad. edu/.

5. Armstrong Atlantic State University - Armstrong was founded in 1935 as Armstrong Junior College and has since become a part of the University System of Georgia. The university awarded over 900 degrees for the 2005-2006 academic year.

The school serves more than 6,700 students of all ages. Forty-three percent are from the Savannah-Chatham County area. Others come from throughout Georgia, the nation, and more than 70 countries. For information, go to www. armstrong .edu/.

6. Savannah State University - Savannah State University's motto is, "You can get anywhere from here." It is the oldest historically black college in Georgia. It was founded in 1890 as a state land-grant institution.

The university enrolls 2,500 students, many of whom come from Georgia, with a growing number from out of state and abroad, The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia states. Students may choose from 26 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered through the colleges of Business Administration, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and Sciences and Technology. For information, go to www. savstate .edu/.

7. University of Phoenix-Savannah Campus - The University of Phoenix specializes in adult education and is known nationally for its online courses. Roughly 200,000 students are registered for classes nationwide.

Established in 1970, the university now has a Savannah campus. For information, go to www. phoenix .edu/.

8. Georgia Institute of Technology Savannah Campus - One of the top research universities in the country has a campus on Savannah's west side. The campus was established to serve the area's growing knowledge-based businesses, aerospace and other industries. A convergence of art and technology has led to Savannah's emerging identity as The Creative Coast.
There are currently 125 undergraduates (juniors and seniors only) and 45 graduate students enrolled at the Savannah campus. Those numbers are expected to grow. Georgia Tech Savannah occupies a 46-acre tract within Savannah's Technology and Engineering Campus. Only minutes from downtown, the campus is bordered by natural wetlands and is home to a number of native plant and animal species, including coyotes, foxes, and deer. Distributed across three buildings, the campus supports a bookstore, café, library, student lounges and study rooms, distance-capable classrooms, and more than 30 instructional and research laboratories. For information, go to www .gtsav .gatech .edu/.

9. South University - South University's Savannah campus is home to the School of Business, School of Health Professions, and School of Pharmacy, the South University's Web site states. There are 3,500-plus registered students in the Savannah area, including those taking online courses. For information, go to ww .southuniversity .edu/campus/Savannah.

10. Savannah Technical College - Savannah Tech is an important part of the educational infrastructure in the area. The college often partners with business to offer Georgia Quick Start training that fit the needs of employers and job seekers alike. It currently serves roughly 4,000 students. Among the many programs the college offers, the most popular are nursing, hospitality, culinary arts and air conditioning. For information, go to www. savannahtech.edu/.

11. Live Oak Public Libraries/Library Business Center - The Live Oak Public Libraries serve Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties with 19 branches.

Its main branch, located on Bull Street in Savannah, is home to the Business Resource Center, which provides assistance and information from books, publications and online databases to persons starting a business. In addition, existing businesses can request assistance for research on management and marketing issues.

The Live Oak Public Libraries has programs geared towards children and people of all ages. For information, go to www. liveoakpl.org/.

12. Memorial Health University Medical Center/ William and Iffath Hoskins Center for Biomedical Research - The medical institution serves 35 counties in southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina. Facilities include: Memorial Health University Medical Center, a 530-bed tertiary medical center; CareOne, a two-state home care division; Memorial Health University Physicians, a primary and specialty care physician networks; a major medical education program; NurseOne, a 24-hour call center; and an affiliation with Mercer University School of Medicine that will soon become a four-year medical program.

The William and Iffath Hoskins Center for Biomedical Research is a 60,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art cancer research and education facility designed for medical and translational research. Translational or "bench to bedside" research allows scientists and physicians to work together to quickly translate laboratory findings into new cancer treatments or prevention techniques. To learn more, visit www. memorialhealth.com/.

13. St. Joseph/Candler - St. Joseph's/Candler of Savannah, Georgia is comprised of St. Joseph's Hospital and Candler Hospital, two of the oldest continuously operating hospitals in the United States. It is the only faith-based facility in Savannah. It provides services including cardiology, oncology, digestive diseases, neurosensory disorders, orthopedics, women's and children's services and diabetes. Mary Telfair Women's Hospital and the J.C. Lewis Cancer Center are located there. For information, go to www.sjchs.org/.

14. Georgia Power - The electricity demands of the Savannah area are served by Georgia Power, the largest of five electric utilities that make up Southern Company. Georgia Power is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility that serves over 2.3 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Georgia Power has approximately 9,278 employees throughout the state, 400 of which work in coastal Georgia. It also has 267,252 customers across the 15-county coastal region, according to Georgia Power.

15. AT&T/BellSouth - There are more than 33,000 miles of fiber optic cable coursing under cobblestone streets, enabling high-speed connectivity just about everywhere. Savannah ranks as the second largest market in Georgia and has the second largest fiber deployment in the state. Telecom companies have invested heavily in infrastructure in the city and Savannah has additional local carriers that ensure competitive rates. Savannah has eight POPs (Points of Presence) and 125 exchange carriers as well as an ISDN switch, ATM, and ASL, according to the Savannah Economic Development Authority.

16. Gulfstream Aerospace - Luxury business jet manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace announced in March 2006 that it would invest $300 million to expand its manufacturing and service facilities in Savannah, adding at least 1,100 new jobs over the next seven months. Gulfstream also opened a new research facility at Crossroads Business Park designed to accommodate some 750 engineers, some of whom may be working on what could be the first supersonic business jet, according to the Savannah Morning News. The company currently employs roughly 5,000 people in the area.

17. Georgia-Pacific Corp. - Georgia-Pacific is one of the major employers in Savannah, providing jobs for roughly 1,420 people in the area, according to the development authority. In 2005, the company's board approved capital funding of more than $100 million for the expansion of the Savannah gypsum facility. This expansion will support the growing, proprietary Dens product lines, a moisture-resistant technology that helps prevent mold, as well as its overall ToughRock® gypsum (wallboard) business. The project is expected to double production at the Savannah facility and is expected to be completed in 2007, according to Georgia-Pacific.
18. International Paper - Located in Chatham County on the Savannah River, the Savannah mill resides on a 450-acre site and produces unbleached kraft linerboard, corrugating medium, and saturating kraft paper. The Savannah mill has three paper machines, with one machine dedicated to making saturating kraft. In 1991, after celebrating the mill's 50th anniversary, International Paper embarked upon an extensive construction project which included a new wood chipping line, Kamyr digester, lime kiln and a new high speed linerboard/paper machine, which produces up to 500,000 tons/year of linerboard. The company employs roughly 1,027 people in the area, according to the development authority.

International Paper has been involved in a number of land developments in the area. Its most recent project is New Hampstead, see number 60.

19. JCB Inc. - The construction and agricultural equipment manufacturer has located its North American headquarters alongside Interstate 95 in Pooler. You can't miss the lake and display of machines when driving by JCB.

Its 500.000 square-foot, state-of-the art facility cost $62 million and is part of a $100-million investment by JCB as the company gears up to achieve a significant share of what is the world's largest market for its products. Trivia: The plant's address is 2000 Bamford Blvd.; the road was named after JCB founder Joseph Cyril Bamford by the City of Pooler.

20. Savannah Morning News - Savannah's daily paper of record and "Light of the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry" serves readers across southeast Georgia and lower South Carolina. Morris Communication Company, LLC, owns the paper. In its new location on Chatham Parkway, the SMN produces a variety of publications including Savannah Magazine and Bluffton Today. In the past year, it has expanded to serve neighboring counties more fully with the thrice-weekly Effingham Now and the weekly Bryan County Now newspapers. The company recently began installation of a new press to be completed in late 2007. For information, go to www. savannahnow.com.

21. Hunter Army Airfield - The mid-Savannah installation is considered a part of Fort Stewart, which is located outside of Hinesville, Ga., roughly 45 miles from Savannah. The U.S. Army estimtes that these posts have an economic impact on the region of roughly $1.5 billion. Fort Stewart, home of the 3rd Infantry Division has approximately 20,000 service members stationed there. Hunter Army Airfield has approximately 6,000 service members stationed at the post.

22. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a strong presence in Savannah and has worked on various projects in the region, including the expansion of the Savannah Harbor. A regulator branch, a construction division and an emergency management division are among the units that carry out their different responsibilities in the area. The facilities can house up to 300 corps members, if necessary.

23. Benedetto LLP - Benedetto guitar makers work their magic and craft in a 9,000-square-foot building just off Mall Boulevard.

"What Bob Benedetto and his team of craftsmen can do with a block of wood is nothing short of amazing," Mary Carr Mayle, of the Savannah Morning news, wrote.

Robert Benedetto was born in 1946 into a family of artists, cabinet makers and musicians in the Bronx, N.Y. He made his first archtop guitar in 1968. For the next 30 years, he specialized in handcrafting custom archtop guitars for some of the best jazz musicians in the country, including master jazz guitarist John "Bucky" Pizzarelli. In 2005, Pizzarelli donated one of his famous seven-string Benedetto archtops to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.
Benedetto was associated with Fender Guitars from 1998 until last year, when he made the decision to begin his own firm, with headquarters, manufacturing and design operations in Savannah, according to the Morning News. Having just opened in July of 2006, Benedetto employs 12 people but plans to employ 50 to 75 people in the future.

24. Fred Gretsch Enterprises - The maker of high-end guitars and drums used by the likes of U2's Bono and Bo Diddley have made Pooler the home of its business headquarters.
25. Telfair Museum of Art/Jepson Center for the Arts - Telfair now boasts three diverse sites - the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, the original building; Owens-Thomas House; and the recently completed Jepson Center for the Arts, a contemporary building which houses 20th- and 21st-century art. The older buildings are National Historic Landmarks and the newest is a landmark of a different kind on Telfair Square.

Jepson Center for the Arts is a state-of-the-art museum facility with expanded gallery spaces and educational resources, art storage facilities, sculpture gardens, an auditorium, café and museum store. For information, go to www. telfair.org/.

26. Savannah Yacht Club - This Wilmington Island club has been serving members since 1869.
27. Wormsloe Historic Site - Wormsloe is a Georgia State Historic Site. Noble Jones, one of Georgia's first settlers, constructed Wormsloe colonial estate in the 18th century. Jones was an English physician and carpenter who carved an even wider career in the colonial wilderness. He came to Savannah with James Oglethorpe in 1733 and commanded a company of Marines charged with Georgia's coastal defense. Jones served as constable, Indian agent, surveyor (laying out New Ebenezer and Augusta) and member of the Royal Council. He was also one of few original settlers to survive hunger, plague, attacks, Spaniards and a new environment, according to the Georgia State Parks Web site. For information, go to gastateparks. org/info/wormsloe/.
28. The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport - In 2006, the airport played host to nearly 2 million passengers and over 10 thousands tons of cargo. The airport has an average of over 40 flights per day.

29. Savannah Historic District - At 52 acres, in the heart of downtown Savannah is one of the largest historic districts in the United States. The story goes that during the Civil War it was so beautiful that even Union Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman didn't have the heart to burn it down.

30. Tybee Island - The small island municipality has a population of just over 3,000 and has long been a getaway for the Savannah residents and has become a popular vacation spot for tourists from all over the world.

31. Forsyth Park - Forsyth was the first large park created in Savannah, other than the squares, designed as part of the city plan by General Oglethorpe in the 18th century. The park is notable for its ornate fountain and tree-lined walking paths.

32. Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum - Located in Pooler, this museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Mighty Eighth Air Force from World War II to the present. For information, go to www.mighty eighth.org/.

33. Fort Pulaski National Monument - Located near Tybee Island, the National Park Service runs Fort Pulaski, which once provided security for the mouth of the Savannah River.
The battle for Fort Pulaski in April 1862 marked a turning point in military history. It featured the first significant use of rifled cannons in combat. These accurate, long-range weapons shattered Fort Pulaski's walls from over a mile away. After 30 hours of bombardment, the fort surrendered. The battle surprised military strategists worldwide and signaled the end of masonry fortifications.

34. The Mega Site/Chatham County Economic Development Site - The 1,500-acre mega site in Pooler, sometimes referred to as the Chatham County Economic Development Site, has been named the leading site among 20 similar sites in an 11-state Southeast region. KPMG, the international advisory firm that conducted the study, called the site, "an excellent industrial or corporate campus property."

35. NorthPort (Solutions Property Group) Industrial Site - This site contains 576,000 square feet of warehouse/distribution space to be completed in July and roughly 305 acres of proposed industrial projects, according to the Savannah Economic Development Authority.
36. WestPort (Solution Property Group) Industrial Site - Development is still underway for this site that totals 752,000 square feet with over 400,000 square feet of proposed industrial projects, according to SEDA.

37. Crossgate (Solutions Property Group) Industrial Site - Development plans for this 344-acre site are still underway. There are currently nine proposed industrial buildings that would total more than 300 acres of industrial space if completed, according to SEDA.

38. Savannah River International Trade Park (Georgia Port Authority) Industrial Site - This site totals over 400 acres. Plans for this site continue, according to development authority.
39. Monteith Road Development (North Point Industrial) Industrial Site - Development plans for seven buildings on this site, which would total over a million square feet, are still underway, according to development authority.

40. Dean Forest Road (North Point Industrial) Industrial Site - Plans for this 131-acre site are still underway, according to development authority.
41. LogistiPort (DP Partners) Industrial Site - Constructi
ons of two buildings on the first tract of this site began early this year and should be completed in the fourth quarter. The two building will total over a million square feet. Plans for a second tract of land, totaling roughly 19.6 acres, are still underway, according to development authority.
42. CenterPoint (CenterPoint Properties) Industrial Site - This site is home to the Georgia-Pacific Corp., according to the development authority.

43. GA Commerce Center Telfair Road (McDonald Development) Industrial Site - Two buildings, together totaling over 700,000 square feet, are scheduled to be completed this year. Another building of over 100,000 square feet does not have a completion date set, according to the development authority.

44. Tremont Industrial Center (Johnson Development) Industrial Site - Construction of the first of four proposed buildings began in December of last year. The site should provide over 142 acres of industrial space, according to the development authority.

45. Tradeport Business Center (Commonwealth) Industrial Site - Six buildings are proposed for this site. The first building, which will total over 200,000 square feet, should be completed this year. The entire site will provide over 800,000 square feet of industrial space if all buildings are completed, according to the development authority.

46. Morgan Center - Three parcels of land are being developed by three different companies at this location, according to the development authority.

A) Commonwealth Industrial is still planning for its 62-acre parcel of land.

B.) AMB Property Corp. began construction of the first of four planned buildings in January, the first buildings, when completed, will be over 300,000 square feet. A second building, of approximately the same size, should begin construction after the first is completed. When all plans are completed, the site will have two more buildings that will each provide over a million square feet of industrial space.

C.) Oakmont is constructing two buildings are scheduled to be completed this year. When finished, the site will provide over 900,000 square feet of industrial space.

47. Research Forest Tract - This tract of land was acquired by the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority. According to the authority, the site is comprised of two separate tracts that total roughly 2,300 acres. This will be a "legacy" development to include commercial, executive office, heavy industrial, light industrial, professional service, research and recreational land uses.

48. Effingham County Industrial Park - This park, was developed by the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority and totals roughly 2,500 acres. The Effingham Development Authority has announced several new tenants recently, such as Flint River Services refrigerated storage, ValuePart distribution center and Savannah Yacht Company manufacturing. Also, Temcor Inc., an aluminum structure design firm known for its aluminum domes, and Doncasters, Inc., an aerospace manufacturer, are expanding their operations at this site.

49. Georgia Tech's Advanced Technology Development Center - ATDC launched a new initiative in Savannah during spring 2002. The program assists new ventures arising from Savannah's diverse technology community that includes educational institutions such as the Savannah College of Art and Design, established companies and a growing community of start-ups, according to its Web site. The center is currently working with five companies in the Savannah area.

50. Evoca.com - A tech start-up and new knowledge-based business providing audio recording that goes directly to the Web. The Creative Coast Initiative and Georgia Tech's Advanced Technology Development (ATDC) Center helped with the development of Evoca.
ATDC describes Evoca on its Web site as facilitating "audio recording-on-demand by turning telephones and PCs into digital recorders and players, making it easy for mainstream users to create, organize, share, and search audio recordings online. Through EvocaMic." For information, go to www .evoca.com/.

51. Attrasoft - Attrasoft is a knowledge-based company with ties to ATDC and The Creative Coast Initiative.

According to ATDC's Web site, Attrasoft develops software solutions for companies that require fast and accurate image and video recognition. Attrasoft simplifies the image recognition process by offering an alternative to traditional manual image comparison. By allowing the user to compare thousands of images automatically, Attrasoft's solution reduces the time, cost, and human error associated with manual image recognition. The company has developed proprietary technology that is robust and scalable and can handle any image type with 97.5 percent to 99.9 percent accuracy. For information, go to www .attrasoft.com/.

52. Pixelphish - Another Savannah brainy business that was developed with help from ATDC and The Creative Coast Initiative. For the past few years, Pixelphish developed courseware for the world's largest corporate aviation training companies. Now it applies that expertise to the general aviation market, according to ATDC's Web site

Pilot Classroom, the company's new Web-based product, will advance the opportunities for the general aviation pilot to obtain relevant, interactive training on a myriad of topics, at their own convenience and from an expert in the field.

Pilot Classroom is a membership-based online aviation community featuring a suite of offerings including flight-planning tools, aviation news, and FAA resources as well as Web-based training led by aviation experts. For information, go to www.pixelphish.com/.

53. Ford Plantation - Located in Richmond Hill in Bryan County, the Ford Plantation is roughly a 20-minute drive from Savannah. This upscale gated community is located on land that has historic links to Henry Ford's estate.

Its Web site states, "These 1,800 historic acres are now being preserved for a few fortunate families. Only 400 homesites will ever be offered. Cottage sites from $200,000; Homesites from $250,000 to $2.9 million." Amenities include club membership and golf. For information, go to www .fordplantation .com/content/504.htm.

54. Landings On Skidaway Island - The Landings is an upscale private gated community with many amenities for its residents. It includes the Landings Club, which has six championship golf courses, three tennis complexes, a fully equipped fitness center and four full-service clubhouses. The club is located within the gated Landings community on Skidaway Island, a 6,500-acre coastal island near historic Savannah. There are more than 3,000 completed homes in the Landings and there are usually only about 40 lots for sale. The Landings is roughly 4,500 acres and is permitted for a total number of roughly 4,300 homes. For information, go to www. thelandings.com/.

55. Winding Creek - The 710-acre residential development is permitted for 2,057 dwelling units.
56. Rice Hope Plantation - Rice Hope Plantation is a housing development at the edge of the Chatham County border with Effingham County. As reported by the Savannah Morning News, Rice Hope Plantation features green spaces, more than 300 acres of wetlands, a 20-acre amenities area, which will include a water playground, several clusters of homes with history-sensitive names like Mulberry, Black Creek, Musgrove, and Whitney Park and a 27-acre public lake. It is permitted for about 4,500 dwelling units on 925 acres.

57. Highlands at Godley Station - The Highlands are 2,800 acres of what was formerly known as North Godley Station. Godley Station, both the north and south sides, is a 7,500-acre development that is permitted for 7,500 dwelling units. The residential portion of The Highlands is planned for 4, 639 single-family residences in the $150,000 to $400,000 price range, according to Gilbert Realty Company LLC.

58. Villages/Towne Lake Village at Godley Station - This area is also known as South Godley, Godley Station, both the north and south sides, is a 7,500-acre development that is permitted for 7,500 dwelling units. The south side of Godley is roughly 5,800 acres and was developed by Branigar/ UnionCamp/ International Paper, according to Gilbert Realty Company. Gilbert Realty also states that over 400 sales of single-family homes were reported in 2005 at the Villages and Towne Lake Village. This side of Godley station also includes Mill Creek, a retail space anchored by a Home Depot, and a Wal-Mart Supercenter.

59. Savannah Quarters - There are several subdivisions inside Savannah Quarters, including Westbrook, which features, according to its Web site, villas with four bedrooms or three bathrooms, open and flowing floor plans, golf, a lagoon, floor plans from 2,760 square feet to 2,960 square feet, membership in a country club, and priced from $340, 000. Easthaven at Savannah Quarters is composed of two separate neighborhoods, the Gates at Savannah Quarters by CrafBuilt Homes and Hamiliton Grove at Savannah Quarters by Centex Homes. Savannah Quarters is 2,588 acres and is permitted for 8,528 dwelling units.

60. New Hampstead - Developed by International Paper, it is roughly 4,505 acres and permitted for 10,144 dwelling units.

61. Berwick Plantation - Berwick Plantation is a planned community located on more than 1,900 acres just 2 miles from Georgia 204 on U.S. 17. It is permitted for 3,372 homes.

62. Crossroads Business Center - Crossroads Business Park, developed by the Savannah Economic Development Authority more than 10 years ago, is home to a number of large-scale distribution facilities, including Pier 1 Imports, Dollar Tree, Home Depot and Lummus Corp.
The Morning News reported in January that home-improvement retailer Lowe's purchased Crossroads Distribution Center, a 491,000-square-foot building in Crossroads Business Park, from Atlanta-based developer Solution Property Group for $20 million. Lowe's is expected to use the facility to store imported items coming through the Port of Savannah from Asia before moving them on to the company's regional distribution centers in Valdosta, Charlotte, N.C., and other locations.

63. Crossroads Business Center Expansion - The Crossroads Expansion site is located off Jimmy DeLoach Parkway adjacent to Crossroads Business Center. It provides for easy access to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, the Port of Savannah and I-95.

Last December, the Morning News reported that Midwest Air Technologies, a leading international manufacturer of fencing, lawn and garden products, automobile parts and power equipment, signed a seven-year lease with North Point Real Estate to occupy a new warehouse facility at the location.

The $10 million project - a 225,000-square-foot building under construction - is the first in the area for Midwest. Developer North Point Real Estate owns the building and brokered the deal in conjunction with Blaine Kelley of CB Richard Ellis in Atlanta, according to the Morning News.
The two Crossroads sites together are home to more than 5 million square feet of industrial space, headquarters operations and Savannah Technical College's newest campus. Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Pier 1 all have major distribution centers in the 1,700-acre mixed-use business park.

64. International Home Depot Distribution Center - This major, automated distribution center from a major company has easy access to the Port of Savannah.

65. The Savannah International Trade and Convention Center - The center is located on Hutchinson Island. The waterfront complex features 100,000 square feet of divisible exhibit space, 50,000 square feet of prime meeting space, including 13 meeting rooms, four executive board rooms, a 25,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, and a high-tech auditorium.

66. LogistiCenter At Savannah (DP Partners & Effingham County Industrial Development Authority) - The Effingham Industrial Development Authority and DP Partners have acquired this property, of approximately 1,750 acres split by Interstate 16. The land was selected by a team of professional economic developers for its location and suitability for industrial development, according to the Effingham County authority.

Good News On Savannah's Southside

Savannah is making progress as the market strenghthens.

Construction has start on the final leg of the Truman Parkway connector... this has a lot of energy and activity.

This will make Abercorn retail properties only 10 to 12 minutes from the Islands and the $100M a year of spendable income from the Skidaway Island Landings.

The new connector also enhances the 40 acres future development n the Diamond Causeway. This is the only remaining commercial land for development on Diamond Causeway!

The New Walmart across from the Savannah Mall is well under construction. New palm trees and landscaping has begun. The new road has been built and widened, with great Abercorn access to lower the traffic. With the small store and "town look" it will be the most attractive Wal-Mart in existence.

The Retail Center at White Bluff Road and Abercorn Street has 100% occupancy.

A new gun range is currently being built across from Armstrong University.

The Veteran's Administration has announced that a new medical facility will be built next year on the south side near the Savannah Mall.

The New Cadillac Dealership has been granted to the Vadens on Abercorn.

The Spiva Law Group has relocated to their new home and larger offices at 12020 Abercorn Street Extension.

This summer has seen a lot of activity in the market with several developer, big box retailers and government agencies looking for space.

Residential rentals are holding strong. Howeowners and investors are starting to buy again.

Yes life is good down by the River.

Make it a great day!
Howard Spiva

Savannah Deep Water Home on Forest River


3 BR/ 3 BA 3048 sq ft w/Master suite with remote fireplace and private balcony; Sitting area w/Mexican tile

Screened porch w/sundeck on riverbank, Reception/Event facility for parties and functions

2 walk-in closets, Jacuzzi tub, and separate shower

Large kitchen w/hardwood floors and updated appliances

Fixed and floating docks w/Sliding board

1+ acres private & gated 2 storage buildings, Free-standing workshop or gym


Priced at: $1,300,000


Call Howard Spiva at 912-921-1000 or email at spivalaw@aol.com

Take a virtual tour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgJa8fNqQZg

Great Savannah Properties for sale

Southside Properties for Sale

Property List$ BR/BA

~11838 Apache $375K 2/1, 2/1, 3/1
(3 houses zoned multifamily)

~11831 Apache $125K 2/1

~9 Austin Drive $175K 3/2 + 1/1
(house and apt)

~12300 Apache $175K 2/2
(gated condo, deep water)

~9 Brewster $1.2M 3/3
(deep water home/pool/dock/gated)

~4 End Street $2.15M 4/5
(deep water home/pool/dock/gated)

~112 Inca Rd. $175K 3/2 + 1/1
(house and apartment)

~76 Knollwood $147,900 3/2.5
~81 Knollwood $135K 3/2.5
~15 Knollwood $105K 2/1.5
~19 Knollwood $105K 2/1.5
~30 Knollwood $110K 2/2.5
~32 Knollwood $110K 2/2.5
~63 Knollwood $75K 1/1.5
~1011 Mohawk $550K 2/2
~29 Pointer Pl. $99,900 2/1.5
~31 Pointer Pl. $99,900 2/1.5
~40 Pointer Pl. $99,900 2/1.5

~84 Rio Road $325K
(Tidal Lot with Marsh frontage)

~425 Tibet Ave. $725K 3/2
(8 units)

~12510 White Bl. (1108) $56K 2/2
~12510 White Bl. (502) $70K 2/2
~12510 White Bl. (1005) $56K 2/2
~12510 White Bl. (307) $56K 2/2
GREAT VIDEOS: Turn on your sound and Enjoy
4 End Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su1SXhfwWuo

9 Brewster Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB5G02Oshd0&feature=related

12401 Apache
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vsmbhocA7g&feature=related

AGENTS: 7% commission. 3.5/3.5

Savannah Real Estate Investments Inc.
Sabrina Spiva spiva25@comcast.net
12020 Abercorn St.
Savannah, Ga.
Office - 921-921-1000 ext-3
Cell - 912-441-8580
Fax - 912-925-1808
http://www.srei-inc.com/ or
http://www.savannahsbestproperties.com/

Ports equal Prosperity for Savannah

GEORGIA PORTS
EQUAL PROSPERITY FOR SAVANNAH

By Howard Spiva

Most people in Savannah do not give the Ports much thought. To the average person the ports are a place near Port Wentworth, which has no effect on their daily life. Nothing is farther from the truth.

In today’s global economy, the ports can mean everything to Savannah’s financial future. Why should we care? It is simple; in any financial, business or economic decision you need to understand the probable, likely and predictable future.

You should consider facts like zoning, road widening and economic events that are within the predictable future. The same is true when deciding about buying or owning your home, investing in real estate, opening a business or just selecting an area to work and live.

Major corporations plan ahead and so should each of us.

When someone is considering a major purchase such as a home or car they have to consider their job future. If you work in Savannah at Gulfstream Aerospace, you have plenty of security. Gulfstream had to expand its facilities because it couldn't keep up with demand for the manufacturer’s top-of-the-line luxury business jet, the G550. Having more customers than you can fill orders for, now that is a problem we want all of our employers to have. Gulfstream has the capability to produce 90 G550 jets a year. The 200th one rolled off the line in June 2008. If that isn’t enough, on March 13, 2008, Gulfstream announced the introduction of the new aerodynamically advanced G650.

The G650 offers the longest range, fastest speed, largest cabin and the most-advanced cockpit in the Gulfstream fleet. It holds the distinction of being the fastest civil aircraft in the world. Current new orders on the jets will guarantee sales for years into the future. That is job security for the employees!

Likewise, when you see what our ports are doing, and how they are growing, you can feel secure in Savannah’s economic future and the jobs that it will continue to create. The greatest growth for the Port of Savannah comes from international shipping. The future growth will be unprecedented.

JOB GROWTH

Every economist will tell you that the number one indicator of home prices and value appreciation is job growth. Job growth is paramount to a good economy. Job growth equals a great economy and increased home values.

Savannah’s Ports now have become one of the premier ports in the nation. That means prosperity. Savannah is ahead of most other port cities and is positioned for unprecedented economic growth. Savannah’s ports are in the middle of a ten year, $700 million capital improvement and expansion. The improvements allow Savannah to accommodate the newer and larger cargo ships of the future.

Logistically, Georgia has already become a major global hub. This is no accident; it is a result of many years of planning and preparation by the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA).
Savannah is preferred by larger retailers wanting a distribution center because of the abundance of land within easy access to the ports. Many ports are in the middle of major cities with very limited space for warehouses and storage of goods. The Savannah area has millions of square feet of existing buildings and plenty of land for almost unlimited expansion.

Additionally, Georgia has widened Interstates, has a great rail system that criss-crosses the entire region and has the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta. All of these investments will pay large dividends for Georgia.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Savannah Ports are:

The fastest growing port in the country. Since 2003, the fourth busiest container port in the nation. See http://www.gaports.com

In 2007, experienced double-digit growth for the eighth consecutive year.
The largest single container terminal in the Eastern United States.
In 2008, the ports provided $18.6 Billion in annual revenues to the state of Georgia.

In the last few years, most USA ports have had some decline or only a slight growth, while Savannah has had a positive growth each year in imports and exports. From 2000 to 2005, Savannah’s annual growth outpaced ports of Charleston, Jacksonville, Norfolk, New York, Houston, Los Angeles and Seattle/Tacoma. In March of 2008, Savannah posted the only growth among major ports in the Mid and South Atlantic.

Much of the Savannah growth results from shippers diverting business to Savannah due to train and traffic jams and less efficient ports; as have occurred on the West Coast.

The growth of people moving to the Southeast has prompted more retail shops, furniture stores, car dealers and many other businesses that rely on imports. Yes, the growth shows that the Boomers are already arriving in the South.

In a recent 2008 agreement with South Carolina, GPA is to develop an additional 1800 acre site that will be accessible to the largest container ships built to date.

With the delivery in January 2008 of four new super Panamax cranes to the Ports, Savannah now has eight of the largest and fastest container cranes in the world. These cranes are monsters!

Balanced with 47 percent exports and 53 percent imports. The major exporter trade lanes are to Northeast Asia, Mediterranean, North Europe, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Oceania, East Coast of South Africa, India/other Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe.

Savannah imports many products including: furniture, retail goods, machinery, appliances, electrical, hardware, house wear, mineral for tile and stone, toys, food (fish, vegetables and beer/wine), automotive, apparel, rugs, sheets, towels, and blankets.

Savannah exports many commodities including: wood pulp, paper & paper products, food (poultry & citrus), clay, fabrics and raw cotton, chemicals, retail goods, machinery, appliance & electrical, resins & rubber, and automotive products.

The Ports also transport many military supplies and equipment.
Equipped with special rail yards for moving containers which reduce trucks and paperwork; most other ports don’t have these.

The Georgia Ports clearly equal prosperity for Savannah and all of Georgia.

THE PANAMA AND SUEZ CANALS

Agreements that the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), now has with both the Suez Canal and The Panama canal have created a promising alliance.
From 1998 to 2007, the 20-foot containers (called TEUs) from Southeast Asia and India passing through the Suez Canal have increased from 9.7 million to 26.5 million. It is easy to see the huge growth. The canal connects the Mediterranean and the Red Seas and allows cargo ships to avoid going around Africa and sail directly across the Atlantic to Savannah. The Suez has no limitations on the size of ships passing through.

The Panama Canal expansion is so significant that in 2007 it received the prestige of an International award and named the Best Construction Project in the world.

One fact that is no longer a secret is The Panama Canal means great growth for Savannah.

Savannah’s major avenue to Asia is the Panama Canal. A study by the GPA showed that only a few years ago, 70 percent of cargo coming from the West Coast was transported by land. That is changing.

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

Another important reason that shippers prefer Savannah’s port is the superior location and access over most other ports.

All the other ports on the East Coast face the challenge of the longer distances to reach different parts of the country. In contrast, Savannah is centrally located and with access to I-95, I-16, Hwy 21, Hwy 17 and Hwy 80. Savannah Ports already services over 70% of the United States.

When Northern ports are used, such as New York, the trucks transporting the goods often have to contend with less than ideal weather conditions, such as snow and ice. Cargo ships operating out of the Southern ports, such as Miami, result in, land transportation having to deal with highly congested cities such as Jacksonville, Florida.

CHEAPER IF BY SEA

The methods of transporting goods from other ports to our region are rapidly changing.

Shippers are recognizing that an all-water route is cheaper and in many cases faster than land travel. Lower fuel and handling costs favor the water route. One cargo ship, docking on the West coast, can fill more than 16 trains of goods to transport the cargo across the country. Increased imports sometimes bottleneck the West Coast’s train traffic. Shipping to Savannah’s ports is clearly superior to land transportation from the West coast. This change is 30 percent of Savannah’s port’s growth now coming from the Panama Canal.

The Port of Savannah has more direct services to and from Asia via the Panama Canal than any other port on the East Coast. Savannah has outperformed every other port in the nation when it comes to attracting new services and expanding market share.

Savannah is one of the closest East Coast ports to the Panama Canal and near most of the booming Southeast markets. The location on the curve in the coastline puts the ports closer to the Midwest than Charleston, SC or Norfolk, VA.

What many people don’t know is that shippers will soon have an alternative to the West Coast with the current widening that is occurring to the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal over the next six years (2014) will have completed a $5.2 Billion expansion that will allow it to accommodate the largest ships in the world. This is the key to the large effect it will have on Savannah’s economic growth.

The savings are clear. A single super tanker going through the Panama Canal instead of around Cape Horn to reach the East Coast will save over $4 million in fuel costs and the 16 days in time to travel the extra 7,872 miles.

Because of the geographic limitations, such as having to sail around Africa, some countries choose to import/export with the United States West Coast.
The West Coast can be less desirable because of the high cost there, including the fact that an average cargo ship requires multiple trains to transport the cargo across the United States.

Smart companies can see Savannah’s future and prosperity. Many who look here only see the population of 250,000 people and fail to recognize the added population of 14 universities, 3 nearby military bases (and their families) or include up to 7 million tourists who will visit Savannah this year. Many foreign countries are seeing this opportunity and investing heavily in the Savannah area.

HIGHWAYS, INTERSTATES AND RAIL SYSTEMS

With so many alternative routes, Savannah avoids the trucking congestion so many other cities face. The result is cargo moves efficiently from the ports to the customer. Savannah’s ports now services 70% of the USA.

Citizens and businesses in Savannah, who are paying attention, see that major industry and manufactures are relocating and buying land and building distribution centers and warehouses in and around Savannah. Major industry and businesses have opened their eyes to Savannah. Manufacturers and large scale retailers are serious importers and exporters.

Retail distribution Centers in Savannah area now include:
Advanced Auto Parts
Bass Pro Shops
Best Buy
Citi Trends Fashions
Dollar tree
Freds
Hugo Boss
Icon H&F
IKEA
Kmart-Sears
Lowe’s
Oneida
Pier 1 imports
Target (44 Ga stores)
The Home Depot
Tire Rack
Wal*Mart

These distribution centers equal jobs and in turn stimulate the local economy.

BEATING A PATH TO SAVANNAH

These are not pie in the sky predictions. The big boys have arrived. In a roughly $30 million deal that closed in January, 2008, Indianapolis-based Duke Realty Corp. acquired two distribution buildings totaling about 789,000 square feet in the Savannah area.

The deal brings Duke's holdings to about 5.1 million square feet in the Savannah, where industrial market activity is driven primarily by continuing growth in container traffic moving through the Port of Savannah. Duke initially entered this market in 2006 with a $194.6 million acquisition of an 18-building portfolio. Sam O'Briant, Duke's executive vice president was quoted as saying "We're big believers in the long-term viability of the Savannah port -- it is a tremendous economic engine”.

Savannah represents the first city with fewer than 500,000 people where Duke Realty has landed. Why is that significant?

Duke Realty Corporation is the largest publicly traded office and industrial real estate company in the United States. Duke Realty is a full-service commercial real estate company that owns, manages or has under development more than 114 million square feet of industrial, office and retail properties in 14 major U.S. cities. Duke controls 4,600 acres of undeveloped land that can support approximately 69 million square feet of future development and provides nationwide real estate solutions through its national development and construction division.

Many of Atlanta's industrial developers are placing big bets on Savannah's future, fueling a land grab among the port city's marshes. One of the top Savannah players is developer Wayne Mason, who has partnered with Solution Property Group LLC to purchase about 600 acres to develop two business parks and an additional building outside the state-owned Port of Savannah. Solution Property also has another 500 acres under contract.

Mason and his partners aren't alone. Duke Realty and other Atlanta developers making headway in Savannah -- with property under contract or recently acquired -- include Wilson Hull & Neal; McDonald Development Co.; Ackerman & Co.; and Commonwealth Properties. Savannah brokers also have heard from Industrial Developments International (IDI), AMB Property Corp. (NYSE: AMB), ProLogis (NYSE: PLD), Trammell Crow Co., and others.

Bottom line? The big boys believe in Savannah and its Ports.

BRYAN COUNTY IS ONE EXAMPLE:

The impact of a rapidly growing coastal area is clear when one considers the Fox News show reporting that Bryan County has been named number 3 in the nation for the housing market and also listed as one of the “Top Five Places to buy”. The growth is fueled by a 46.4 percent job growth rate in Bryan County! This rating was determined by analysis of real estate market data, economics, technology, statistics of crime rate, jobs and price stability.

Bryan County and all of the four coastal counties in and surrounding Savannah have many large high-quality, master-planned communities and development projects.
The Boomers are coming and many have already arrived.
(See BOOMERS article http://www.srei-inc.com/SAVANNAHARTICLE2.htm)

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES:

Savannah is blessed. We do not have to rely on just one industry or university or one military base for our primary economic base. Colleges and universities are strong economic engines for the State of Georgia having an $11 billion impact on the state’s economy in 2007. This is according to the Selig Center for Economic Growth study and analysis. The three leading Universities in the Savannah area had an $800 million influence here. That does not consider the impact of the other eleven.

Colleges and universities are important to a community for culture, arts, information and new ideas. Many people, such as retiring Boomers, migrate to a new area because they prefer to be near colleges and universities. Schools bring plays, art, creativity, youth, energy, vitality and excitement. Three new Universities are looking for local sites and Savannah already has 14 colleges and universities!

OTHER FACTS ABOUT SAVANNAH:

Savannah, for 2008, was named in the Top 100 places to live! Relocate-America.com based the rating on education, employment, economy, crime, parks, recreation, and housing. The fact that Savannah housing is reasonably priced indicates we have much value appreciation in our future.

Everyday there are new planned developments announced including two recent ones:
-River Street and The Savannah River front’s $800 million project;
-Veteran Parkways’ business park with 10.5 million square foot of industrial space on Savannah’s southside. Yes, Savannah is alive and well! (see Savannah article http://www.srei-inc.com/SAVANNAHARTICLE1.htm )

CONCLUSION

Savannah has a great quality of life because of the climate, culture, waterways, ocean, life style and historic charm. Savannah’s real estate has not yet seen the high value appreciation that much of the Country has seen. For business and economics it stacks up against any town. Savannah is positioned for huge population growth, business and prosperity.

In today’s modern society, with advanced technology, when viewing a map, a user can now zoom in on a property to get small details on an aerial satellite or zoom out showing a city, state, the United States or even the entire earth. When making decisions and looking into the economic future, it is smart to zoom in. It also is imperative that we “zoom out” and look at an area from the world economy view.

I have strived in this article to look closely at Savannah and the ports as how we are affected by economic growth. When you zoom out and look at the whole picture, including the effect of the Panama and the Suez Canal on Savannah and its job growth, it is easy to see that Savannah has a terrific future.

Businesses and job growth is the single most import indicator to all economic success. Clearly, the ports are attracting major companies, corporations and their distribution centers to Savannah, which equals strong job growth well into the next century.

Howard Spiva is a Savannah personal injury trial lawyer (www.spivalaw.com). He is a real estate broker, investor and professional seminar speaker. He is certified for instructing continuing education classes by the Georgia Real Estate Board. Howard is also the host of The” NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS” Show on WTKS 1290 am Radio. (Listen on the Internet www.neversettleforless.net). NSL, is a motivational and self-improvement “call in” live talk show, where the topics are intended to make you ...healthy, wealthy and wise.

The Boomers are Coming!

The Boomers are coming!
The Boomers are coming!

By Howard Spiva

The housing market slow down has many people worried. Is this bad news the truth or just confusion based on misinformation?

Is the sky falling? No way, not in Savannah! Like in the fable, Chicken Little, people hear bad reports and panic. The news and rumors in turn, affects behavior; they hesitate to spend money.

The fear and resultant hesitation in spending has a trickle down negative impact on our economy. Mostly it is the spreading of this bad news and predictions of a bad economy which contributes to it coming true - a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Of course, the market and economy are affected by mortgage interest rates increasing. This results in folks with adjustable rates having higher payments. Then mortgage lenders become tougher and do not approve as many loans. However, in my humble opinion, the pull back in the housing market is caused more by the media’s continual news of doom and gloom and the consumer’s reaction to hearing it than by the reality of the market.

Why do many people often act as sheep and only buy in up times, panic, and sell in low times? Today’s real estate market is like the stock market; it is immediately effected by rumors and the media’s continual bad news. It makes people panic and make bad decisions.

There is no reason to panic or to get hysterical -economic disaster is not imminent. The sky is not falling. Yes, housing sales are down. But the market goes up and the market goes down; it always has and it always will. The simple laws of supply and demand apply. A wise investor rides it out.

Don’t be a part of the problem. Please don’t let anyone make you into a Chicken Little. Together we can refuse to spread the exaggerated bad news. Everything will be just fine. Here is a hint “buy low ~ sell high.”

Every part of the real estate market will eventually correct itself. For us in the Coastal Empire, we are lucky and the market is already improving. Mortgage interest rates are now the lowest since 2005. Savannah and the coastal Georgia areas the market is correcting itself with the migration and arrival of the Baby Boomers. As that happens, properties will continue to appreciate and prices will rise.

Who are these Boomers? From Tom Cruise, Michael Jordon, Oprah, Bill Gates, and Donald Trump, they are our United States economy. They have the money. The Baby Boomers are everyone born between 1946 and 1964. They are the largest population group in the United States - ever. In 2007, they are ages 43 to 61. Starting in 2007, three hundred and thirty of them turned age 60 every hour.

Here is some interesting data from a study by the National Association of Realtors on Baby Boomers and Real Estate:

· Boomers own more homes than any other age group.
· Eight out of ten own their own home.
· One out of 4 own more than one property, this includes 2nd homes, rentals and vacation properties.
· Boomers own 57% of all vacation homes and 58% of all rental properties in the USA.
· Surveys indicate that Boomers are in their peak earning years and they are optimistic about the future.
· Many Boomers plan to sell their homes, take the money tax free (under 121 capital gains tax exclusion), and then convert their vacation home to their residence for a nest egg and additional future tax free money. (Guess where many of these folks like to own vacation homes? On our coast! The Coastal Empire is set to have the largest influx of Boomers over any other part of the country).
· Twenty five percent aren’t satisfied with their current home as a retirement location and plan to move within the next five years (Maybe some place with a nice climate?).
· Forty three percent of Boomers feel that they are already financially comfortable but most have the desire and need to keep working (thus contributing to the economy and work force wherever they move).
· Access to “health care” is more important to Boomers than being near golf courses (We have three nationally ranked hospitals in Savannah and over twenty within a 100 mile radius. Think that may help them in their decision to move here?).
· Boomers plan to invest a major part of their retirement money in real estate. (Savannah’s real estate prices are lower than most areas of the country.)

The Boomers are an active group. They are not content to sit in rocking chairs. According to Retirement Living Magazine, most Boomers consider retirement to be a midlife event.

Americans are living longer and quitting work earlier. That will mean decades of retirement time. In their retirement, most boomers plan to participate in activities from yoga and golf to college classes. Savannah area has 60 golf courses and 14 colleges and universities. The Coastal Empire is positioned and waiting on them!

Baby Boomers are seeking retirement destinations that offer culture and sports and active lifestyles. When they want to go swimming, boating, fishing, crabbing, and kayaking, Savannah will be ready with our 420 miles of navigable waters, ocean, and beach.

Yes, baby boomers are the type of people who will love Savannah’s temperate weather, which allows year round outdoor activities.

The baby boomers made pet rocks, cell phones, personal computers, the stock market and the Internet, all successful. The boomers will do the same for Savannah.

Today there are 78 million Boomers and they have 70% of America’s net worth and wealth; and they are coming.

Even birds know which direction to fly when they retire every winter; I mean nobody retires and moves north! Except maybe people in Florida.

Starting by 2010 and for the next 20 years, until 2030, the boomers will populate our six coastal counties and the boarding four inland counties, raising our population by 50% to over 840,000 people. This is according to a Georgia Tech report commissioned by the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center.

In 2030, it is estimated by the US census that there will still be 57.8 million boomers alive. That year the boomers ages will be between ages 66 and 84. In 2031, all surviving boomers will be over age 65.

The influence and powerful spending power of the baby boomers is often illustrated by many popular publications and online forums dedicated exclusively to boomers; some of which are dedicated to specific issues that the boomers generation currently face and will eventually face in the future.

Savannah has:
· Great restaurants
· The second largest historic district in the US
· Wonderful architecture
· Art galleries
· 14 Colleges and Universities
· A world renowned art museum
· Manufacturing
· Growing port
· International airport
· Amtrak train line
· Access to interstates
· A strong economy
· Military bases
· Golf
· Beaches
· Rivers
· Movie Festivals
· Music Festivals
· Tourism
· No Snow

As everyone knows, real estate is about location, location, location. Savannah and the Coastal Empire has plenty of all three!

Make it a great day!

Howard Spiva is a Savannah personal injury trial lawyer (www.spivalaw.com). He is a real estate broker, investor and professional seminar speaker. He is certified for Instructing continuing education classes by the Georgia Real Estate Board. Howard is also the host of The “NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS” Show on WTKS 1290 am Radio. (www.neversettleforless.net). NSL is a motivational and self-improvement “call in” talk show, where the topics are intended to make you ...healthy, wealthy and wise.