Patriot Home Builders Hinesville, Introduces a New Floor Plan; The Acadia

Select this beautiful floor plan today. The Acadia features 3000 heated square ft with 4 Huge Bedrooms and an Office/Media Room (or 5th Bedroom).  The functional designs allows for plenty of room to grow at a price that will fit anyone's budget. Home Sites available in Hinesville's Oak Crest Community, Ludowici's Crawford at Doctors Creek, and the Garrason Place.  Call the Lisa Scales Team, Keller Williams Realty, Coastal Area Partners for details. 

Lisa Scales www.LisaScales.com 912-980-1668 (Cell)- preferred 912-877-1262 (Desk) 912-356-5001 Main Office

What Is There To Do Near Fort Stewart?

It can be difficult, after relocating, to find all the places and things that made your last location feel like home. Whether it is family activities, farmer’s markets, or a local hot spot for dinner, those little comforts can make all the difference when adjusting to your new home.

Fort Stewart is located outside of Savannah, Ga which is often touted as one of the most beautiful city in the south. Savannah offers a laid-back yet refined atmosphere where music, food, and fun abound. Saturday morning begins with the Forsyth Farmer’s Market on the south end of Forsyth Park, across the street from Brighter Day Foods.

For great music and food, River Street is the place to go! With events and local acts, there is always something happening. Fun fact: Georgia loves bacon so much they named a county after it! That isn’t true, it was named after Augustus Bacon, a former United States Senator, but that doesn’t mean we love bacon any less - and on September 5th-6th everyone should be down on River Street for Bacon Fest!

If you are looking to stay a little closer to Fort Stewart, we have our very own  farmer’s market on Thursday evenings in Downtown Hinesville, from 4-7pm. It’s a great place to find local produce, honey, baked goodies, meat, and delicious food. We also have a bi-weekly produce co-op run through Bountiful Baskets. See their site to find out more about how it works.

Not far from Savannah, Hinesville boasts a great selection of unique restaurants. For great burgers and 50 different types of chicken wings, head over to Chris’s Curbside Grill, or Izola’s Country Cafe for some of the best Southern food in town.. For authentic German, Zum Rosenhof is the place to go.

Finding your way in a new location can be daunting, but with the help of a Realtor, it can feel like home in no time.

Lisa Scales

The Lisa Scales Scales Team
912-877-1262
Homes For Heroes Affiliate

Crawford at Doctors Creek: A Home for a Hero

Moving to Fort Stewart Georgia?

I have found your Dream Home! This 4 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom home is located just 15 minutes from Fort Stewart. With approximately 3000 Heated Square feet and a 1/2 acre backyard, you will be amazed at the possibilities.  Call the Lisa Scales Sales Team with Keller Williams Realty, Coastal Area Partners for more information and details.  Ask about the Homes for Heroes Program! Available to ALL Military, Past or Present!-- Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Health Care Workers and Educators also qualify.

Register for more information about this home or any new or existing home in Coastal Georgia at http://www.HsHomesOnline.com.

Buy With Confidence: Certified New Construction Home Program

Certified New Construction Home Program

What is the Certified New Construction Home Program?

As a new homeowner, you want to know that your new purchase has gone through a 28 point inspection, is covered under a home warranty, offers ownership protection from loss resulting from title defects, and is priced at or below market value.

Purchasing a Certified New Construction Home from the Lisa Scales Team at Keller Williams Realty, Coastal Area Partners, is a truly unique experience.  Each  Certified New Construction Home will  offer home buyers a Property Inspection report prepared by a Nationally Certified  Home Inspector, a New Construction Home  Warranty, Owners Title Insurance Policy at closing , and a Market Value Appraisal prepared by a Georgia Licensed Appraiser.

You can purchase your new home with confidence knowing that you have made your decision based on as much information as possible.

Assurances:

1. Property Inspector is Licensed by ASHI.

2. Property is Appraised by an Appraiser licensed by the Georgia Real Estate Commission and Appraiser Board 3. Home Warranty will be provided by a Nationally Recognized Home Warranty Provider, 2-10 Home Warranty

4. Owners Title Insurance will be provided at closing and paid for by the Builder.
For a List of Certified New Construction Homes, please contact the Lisa Scales Team 912-877-1262 or info@hsHomesOnline.com

Coastal Georgia’s Only Certified New Construction Home Program.

Provided by the Lisa Scales Sales Team

For a List of Certified New Homes Please Click Here

Should You Buy a House When You PCS?

Should you buy house when you PCS?  Many soldiers PCS to a new duty station and are faced with the choice of either renting, purchasing or moving into Military Housing.   It can be a difficult decision if you know that you are only going to be at your new place of duty for 36 months or less.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not you should buy a house when you PCS to Fort Stewart, Georgia:

1. Do you WANT to be a home owner?
   1. Home ownership is the American Dream
   2. Home ownership can be a source of pride and a path to financial stability.
2. Will the tax benefits help you (Mortgage Interest and Property Tax deductions)
3. Can you purchase a home and keep your house payments within your Housing Allowance Budget? (including your taxes and insurance)
4. Is there an “exit strategy” when moving on to a new duty station?
   1. Either place your home on the market or
   2. Rent your home out (let someone else pay your mortgage)

Should you decide to become a home owner be sure to take a look at some of the best opportunities your area may have to offer.  In the Hinesville, Georgia area, just outside of Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, newly constructed homes may offer the best value. It is not uncommon to find a new home for just $66 per square foot. (www.hsHomesOnline.com)

Seek the advice of your tax professional.  You may be able to write off your Mortgage Interest and Property Taxes when you file your taxes. 

Consider your budget.  Most people can take advantage of the Basic Housing Allowance benefit and use their entitlement to cover their housing expense.   You can use your BAH to cover your house payment and utilities! Fort Stewart BAH Rate. (Current Interest Rates are around 3.875 depending on credit) -- Mortgage Calculator. 

If you decide to purchase a home, you should discuss with your Realtor any program that they may have that may help you in the future.   Some agents will offer to sell your home for a reduced commission if you purchase a home from them and decide to sell the home when you move or leave the area.  There are other ways to save money when you sell your home.  Homes for Heroes is a national company that consists of a network of agents that will offer services for a reduced commission for those who qualify.  

By the way, Homes for Heroes also offers discounts/rebates for the buyer!

Lisa Scales Homes for Heroes Affiliate, Hinesville

The Lisa Scales Team

www.LisaScales.com

912-980-1668 Cell

Local Home Buyer Rebate/Discount Program Exceeds $75,000

The Lisa Scales Team Exceeds Expectations!

I joined the Nationally recognized Homes For Heroes Program in March of 2013 hoping that it would allow me to add value to my real estate business.  I was attracted to the program because of its focus on giving back to those who serve others.  I am the wife of a retired soldier and the daughter of a retire soldier. I know first hand about the sacrifice Military Families make and it feels good to give back.  My initial goal was to give back $50,000 in commission rebates and/or discounts.  That goal was accomplished and exceeded. As of July 1, 2014, I have given back over $75,000 to my Hero Clients!  I have been fortunate to serve Heroes in Hinesville, Fort Stewart, Ludowici, Midway, Allenhurst, and Walthourville and I look forward to expanding this program to the surrounding areas.  Because of Homes for Heroes, many of our heroes were able to purchase New Construction Homes in Oak Crest, The Timberlands, Crawford at Doctors Creek and Vicker's Hill.  In addition, most of my Military Clients were able to purchase their dream homes without a down payment!

I look forward to reaching my next goal of $100,000 and serving the entire Hero Community!  

Thanks Homes for Heroes for such an awesome program!

Lisa Scales, Local Affiliate
Keller Williams Realty, Coastal Area Partners,
www.hsHomesOnline.com (MLS Search)
www.LisaScales.com
912-877-7100

Homes For Heroes in Hinesville Participates in the Small World Festival.

Homes for Heroes’ Lisa Scales participates in the Small World Festival in Hinesville Georgia.  The
Number #2 Ranked Scales, gave out free water and “Hero Badges” to local festival goers at this daylong event.   Homes for Heroes is a National Program that provides Rebates/Discounts to members of the Military, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Healthcare Workers, Teachers and Clergy.  Since Lisa Scales joined Homes for Heroes in March of 2013, she has given over $60,000 in assistance to Home Buyers in Liberty and Long County Georgia.  She is the Lead Agent of the Lisa Scales Sales Team and is affiliated with Keller Williams Realty, Coastal Area Partners.  To find out how to register for this program in the Hinesville/Fort Stewart area, visit ww.hsHomesOnline.com .

To Contact Lisa or the Lisa Scales Sales Team, please call 912-877-7100

Buying a New Home in Hinesville, Georgia

New Construction Homes in Hinesville – Move in Ready!

If you are looking for a New Construction Home in Hinesville, Georgia, you are in Luck.  The Lisa Scales Sales Team is featuring the Suffolk Floor plan built by Patriot Homes (www.PatriotHomesOnline.com) in the Oak Crest Subdivision just outside of Fort Stewart.  This home features 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, and Formal Living Room/Sitting Room and a Formal Dining Room.  The new home buyers will enjoy over 2400 square feet of heated living space and a 2-car garage.  The home is located just 5 minutes from Fort Stewart and is in a community that features a community pool, sidewalks, streetlights and lots of “green space.”

In addition to this awesome deal, you will want to check out the Rebate/Discounts that are available when you choose the Lisa Scales Sales Team to assist you in your home purchase.   Lisa Scales is the #2 Homes for Heroes Affiliate (www.HomesForHeroes.com) Nationwide and services Hinesville, Fort Stewart and surrounding areas.  Feel Free to stop by the Hinesville Home for Heroes Affiliate Office at 202 E.  General Stewart Way, Hinesville, Georgia 31313.

Lisa Scales
The Lisa Scales Sales Team
Keller Williams Realty, Coastal Area Partners
912-877-7100 (Office Telephone)
912-356-5001 (Market Center Telephone)

Purchasing a Home in Hinesville, Georgia

Home-buyers purchasing a home in Hinesville, Georgia are enjoying an interesting trend. New foreclosure homes are entering the market every day, existing homes sales are sluggish, and New Construction communities are popping up everywhere. Subdivisions that once sat idle are now bursting with activity and expanding to “Phase II” and “Phase III”.  As builders answer the demand from buyers for more affordable homes, better values, the demand for new homes is experiencing a radical change. When was the last time you saw a NEW HOME listed for $62 per square foot?  (HEATED!) Just a few years ago, it was not uncommon to purchase a 2500 square foot home for around $250,000; now, you can easily find a 3000+ square foot home for around $200,000.  Combine an affordable purchase price with extraordinarily low interest rates, and you could conceivably pay less on a house note than you would to rent an apartment.

Some professionals say, “This trend can’t last” and others even say, “It is hurting home values”.  I wish I had the answer. I don’t. My recommendation: if you are ready to purchase a new home as a “First Time Buyer” or if you are ready to “Step Up”, now is the time. Check out the new wave of affordable housing and enjoy the ride.  www.hsHomesOnline.com.  Don’t forget to check out the many programs that are still available that will help you save money on your purchase.  Homes for Heroes is a program that provides extra discounts/rebates for qualified Home Buyers.  In Hinesville, Georgia, call Lisa Scales for more information.

Lisa Scales

912-877-1262

Keller Williams Realty, Coastal Area Partners

https://www.homesforheroes.com/affiliate/lisa-scales

Georgia Trend Named Hinesville One of the 8 Renaissanse Cities in Georgia

Georgia Trend, a magazine devoted to business, politics, and economic development in Georgia since 1985, has named Hinesville to their list of 8 cities currently undergoing successful downtown revitalization. With the help of the Georgia Municipal Association, an organization devoted to helping provide leadership, tools and services that assist local governments in becoming more innovative, effective and responsive; these 8 cities were chosen to highlight the best that Georgia has to offer.

Georgia’s Renaissance Cities by Georgia Trend
Stories by Candice Dyer, Patty Rasmussen and John W. McCurry 

The following is an excerpt from the article. 

 

Hinesville: Successful Partnerships

For a city that’s actively pursued downtown revitalization for little more than eight years, Hinesville is proving an apt pupil. In 2004, the city created the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority as part of a comprehensive plan for the city. Vicki Davis serves as executive director. She says a recommendation made by two county commissioners serving on the board in its early years, locating a new county government building in the downtown historic district, laid the groundwork for successful downtown revitalization.
“Keeping that building in the walkable district, the historic core, was the greatest thing they could have done,” Davis says. “Our government services, police station, fire department, city hall, justice center and historic courthouse serve as the anchor there.” The historic core, complete with retail shops and restaurants, greenspace and sidewalks, has become an attraction and a meeting place for people in Hinesville and nearby Fort Stewart, an integral part of the Hinesville community.

Because of Hinesville’s proximity to Fort Stewart, the city wisely takes advantage of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Military Zone Tax Credit, a boon to small business development in the downtown district. “If new jobs are created (within designated boundaries), it’s $3,500 dollars per year the business can take for five years, with just a minimum of two jobs,” says Davis. “That’s a huge incentive for a small business owner.”

 Hinesville also had a formal relationship with Fort Stewart from 2007 until 2010, through the Army-Community Heritage Partnership Program developed in part by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The partnership was specifically put in place to develop the downtown area for the betterment of the military family and the community as a whole,” Davis says. “As a result we routinely have receptions, activities and events for the leadership of the military and civilian communities throughout the year. Attendance at all our events by our military has increased significantly.”

Events like the Small World Festival, seasonal and holiday events and a weekly farmers market draw participants from both communities, military and civilian. And it’s having the desired effect. “Bringing people to downtown for our events has made them more aware of the small businesses in that walkable district,” Davis says. “It has a snowball effect. They come for the events, they see the businesses and they want to know what other businesses are there. They begin to shop local.” – Patty Rasmussen

Community Events for October 2012

Hinesville, and it’s surrounding cities, have a wide variety of activities and opportunities for both young, old, and everything in between. The community as a whole takes great pride in being close-knit and friendly; welcoming newcomers and visitors alike with a warmth much akin to coming home for a party. 

It is with this attitude that we come together throughout the summer to support our local economy at the Hinesville Farmer’s Market in downtown Hinesville. Local farmers and artisans sell their wares alongside local seafood, flowers, and baked goods every Thursday evening from 4pm to 8pm in Bradwell Park on Commerce Street. October 25th will be the last evening for the summer market, but the fall market starts on November 1st and runs every Thursday through the 15th.

Following the last evening of the summer market, Hinesville is playing host to the Scarecrow Stroll and Beggar’s Night on October 26th in Bradwell Park from 4-6pm. This family-friendly event allows kids to fill goodie bags with treats from a variety of downtown businesses including us at Keller Williams Realty! This fun and busy event draws large numbers, last year’s estimate was around 10,000 in attendance, and isn’t just an evening for the accumulation of treats! Booths will be set up in Bradwell Park for activities and vendors, so come ready for fun! We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

With the spirit of community so alive, Operation Homefront is conducting their annual coat drive which ends October 26th. They are accepting new and gently used coats to be distributed November 3rd by Operation Homefront. Donations can be made from 9am-4pm at 400 North Main Street Operation Homefront in Hinesville. Clean out your closet and help someone in need this winter.

Exemplifying their commitment to service, the Hinesville Fire Department is offering and CPR/First Aid class Saturday, October 20th. This 2-year certification through the American Heart Association costs $20 per person and the class runs from 8am to 5pm.  Visit the Hinesville Fire Department at 103 Liberty Street before October 17th to sign up and pay for your space in this valuable class.


Ongoing Events
Mondays from 9am-12pm, the Service Corps of Retired Executives offers free confidential business counseling at Liberty County Chamber of Commerce on 425 W. Oglethorpe Highway, in Hinesville. Call (912) 368-4445 for details.

Tuesdays at 10:30am Hinesville Library hosts a preschool story time. Story times are also available at surrounding area libraries, check out their website for a library close to you!

Who Qualifies for a VA Loan to Purchase a Home?

     Who Qualifies for a VA Loan to Purchase a Home?  --VA Loans are available as a benefit to active duty military and prior service members.  Qualified Veterans can use their VA Loan to purchase New or Existing homes throughout the United States.  VA loans do not require a down payment or mortgage insurance and offer competitive interest rates.  Veterans are qualified based on their length of service and credit history.  In general, a veteran current or past and must have completed one of the following:

·        * Serve 181 days of Active Duty Service

·        * Serve 91 Days of Active Duty Service during Wartime

·        * Serve more than 6 years in the Reserves or National Guard

     Veterans can also qualify for special programs provided by government and private organizations.  Ask a member of the H&S Real Estate Team for details. We specialize in Military Relocation.

For more information, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs FAQs website or give us a call. We would be honored to assist you. H&S Real Estate Team, 202 E. General Stewart Way, Hinesville GA 31313. 912-877-1262. Lisa.hsRealtor@yahoo.com

Keller Williams Realty,
The Advantage Team, Affiliated with Coastal Area Partners