2010 Jekyll Island Beach Music and BBQ Festival

27th Annual Jekyll Island Beach Music Festival

It’s time to celebrate the beach at the 27th annual Jekyll Island Beach Music and BBQ Festival to be held August 19-21 on Jekyll Island. This year marks the first time the festival will be held at the new Great Dunes Park and the last held at the Jekyll Island Convention Center.  A fantastic weekend of beach music from top beach bands will be accompanied by activities ranging from Shag dancing lessons to the BBQ cook-off.

 

 

Some activities are as follows:

Thursday, August 19 – Early Bird Party featuring DJ Wayne Bennett. Jekyll Island Convention Center, Atlantic Hall. 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Tickets $10 per person and include food. Contact the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center to make reservations or pay at the door.

Friday, August 20 – Kick-off Party featuring Tommy Black & Blooz and Band of Oz. DJ John Hook. Jekyll Island Convention Center. 8:00 PM – Midnight. Tickets: $15 until August 10. $20 after August 10. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS.

Saturday, August 21 – Beach Blast featuring Craig Woolard, Band of Oz, Tommy Black & Blooz. DJ Johnny B. Noon – 4:30 PM. FREE

Saturday, August 21 – Grand Finale Celebration featuring Craig Woolard & the Swingin’ Medallions. DJ John Hook. Jekyll Island Convention Center. 8:00 PM - Midnight. Tickets: $15 until August 10. $20 after August 10. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS.

BBQ Competition:

The smell of savory BBQ will fill Great Dunes Park on Friday and Saturday. Cooking begins Friday evening and continues all day Saturday. Plus, new this year, all BBQ team members will get $10 daily Summer Waves Water Park entry for August 20-22. After cooking all day, cool down at Summer Waves Water Park for 50% of the regular park admission! Think you have the best BBQ pulled pork, pork loin, or ribs? DOWNLOAD A REGISTRATION FORM.

 

For a full schedule of events, please click here.  For more information on the event you can visit www.jekyllisland.com

 

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

Classic Coastal Homes

Gulf Oil Spill Pelicans Released in Brunswick, Georgia

Gulf Pelicans Find New Home in Brunswick, Georgia

What could be better than an afternoon enjoying the beautiful beaches of Coastal Georgia and St. Simons Island?  The thought makes it terribly difficult to comprehend what those residents of the Gulf Coast must be feeling as oil washes up along their shores and marshland.  Here in the Golden Isles of Georgia we are fortunate to have clean beaches and where ready with open arms to accommodate 72 Louisiana Brown Pelicans early last month.

The birds were rescued from the Gulf after the oil spill and were flown to Brunswick via the Coast Guard where they were cared for a cleaned of the oil by local U.S Fish and Wildlife experts. Many gathered for the extraordinary event; releasing the birds into their new habitat. Here in the Golden Isles, we continue to keep those in the Gulf in our thoughts and prayers and are immensely thankful that we have clean beaches to provide habitat for these amazing animals.

For information on this and other community info, please check back often. You can also visit the Classic Coastal Homes group via our website: www.classiccoastalhomesgroup.com

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

Classic Coastal Homes

Photo credit: R. Peterson (google.com)

Homes for Sale in Laurel Grove Plantation | Price Reduced

The Classic Coastal Homes group is pleased to bring you notification of price reductions on two wonderful Laurel Grove Plantation properties; 125 and 135 Winding Trail in Brunswick, Georgia.  Both homes are located within the gated community and have gorgeous views of the community lake.

125 Winding Trail is a 3 bedroom 3 bathroom home with an additional office space and boasts a beautiful open floorplan perfect for entertaining and large family gatherings.  Enjoy views of the lake from your screened in patio or deck. Features include: granite and stainless in the kitchen with large pantry, breakfast nook and formal dining room, large master suite with bay window, his and her sinks, his and her closets, separate shower and garden tub, tray ceilings, stunning gas log fireplace with stone surround, three car garage and plenty of storage throughout.  Property is now reduced to $299,900!

 

135 Winding Trail is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home and also features beautiful views of the lake.  This well-maintained home is move in ready and has been updated with fresh paint throughout and new flooring in the family room.  A fantastic sunroom is located off the kitchen and makes for a relaxing getaway.  Features include: master suite with good closet space, separate shower and garden tub, additional space for office or media room, formal dining room, open and efficient kitchen, large sunroom, three car garage and plenty of storage. This property has been reduced to $199,900; the perfect opportunity to move into Laurel Grove for under $200K.

 

For more information on these properties, contact Patrick Ozanne, or visit our website at www.classiccoastalhomesgroup.com and a member of the Classic Coastal Homes group will be happy to assist you!

 

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

Classic Coastal Homes

These properties are presented by the Classic Coastal Homes group at Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. 507 Ocean Blvd. Ste 102, St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522. www.coldwellbankerplatinum.com,   912.634.0404    912.634.0404 .

Jekyll Island Shrimp and Grits Festival 2010

Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival | September 17-19, 2010

 

The Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival celebrates Southern coastal cuisine and the unique beauty of the Georgia coast. Set in the Jekyll Island Historic District, the Shrimp & Grits Festival invites guests to sit amongst the live oaks, enjoy the beauty of Jekyll Island, and dine on delicious Georgia shrimp prepared by some of the area’s top restaurants.

 

Festival Hours:

Friday, September 17 – 5:30 PM – 8 PM

Saturday, September 18 – 10 AM - 9 PM

Sunday, September 19 – 11 AM - 4 PM

 

Activities include: food sampling and cooking competition, music and entertainment, cooking demonstrations and book signings, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors and more!

 

 

 

Be a part of the festival:

• Cooking Competitions

Sign up for the amateur or professional cooking competitions for your chance to claim the title of Best Shrimp & Grits Recipe! The amateurs compete on Saturday and professionals on Sunday.

Professional Cooking Competition Registration

Amateur Cooking Competition Registration

• Judging

Sign up to be a Consumer Choice Panel judge by calling the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center at 877-4-JEKYLL. Spaces are limited to 30 per competition and are $25.

• VIP Tickets

VIP tickets give you up close parking at the Shrimp & Grits Festival, 4 tickets for $3 samples at the Friday Night $3 sample night (one ticket per sample), 1 lb bag of stone ground grits, a gift certificate for a 1/2 lb of Georgia shrimp, and a festival poster signed by the artist. VIP Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by calling the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center at 912-635-3636 or 1-877-4JEKYLL.

• $3 Sample Night

Back by popular demand, Friday night is $3 sample night. Get a $3 sample of shrimp & grits from each of the participating venders and judge who has the best shrimp & grits at the festival.

 

Entertainment:

In addition to plenty of food there is also plenty of music and entertainment. From jazz music serenades to magic shows for the kids there is something for everyone.New this year – The UGA Marine Extension Center will offer a hands-on activity area for kids including a mobile aquarium. Come learn more about Georgia shrimp and why they are unique.

 

Cooking Demonstrations & Cookbook Signings:

• Chef Laurie is a sought after wellness cuisine consultant to spas and resorts across the country. Her cooking classes and cooking demonstrations focus on practical, simple and economical ways to prepare nourishing meals. Recently, Chef Laurie finished her Chef by Step, the World’s Easiest Cookbook. She will be hosting a cooking demonstration along Pier Road on Saturday at 4:00 followed by a book signing at the Festival Gifts tent.

• Meet Joe Barnett, Jr!  Joe has participated in every Shrimp & Grits Festival Cooking Competition since the festival began five years ago. He has won many awards and recently those awards landed him on Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay. He took on Bobby Flay for best shrimp & grits and won! He will be hosting a cooking demonstration on Sunday at Noon.

• Chef Robert Tulko is the corporate chef for Winn-Dixie Supermarkets. He is well-known throughout the Southeast and is the affable chef featured on WTLLV-TV’s “Good Morning Jacksonville”. He has also made appearances on programs in Miami, Tampa, Atlanta, Greenville and Spartenburg. Come see him cook up a delicious shrimp dish at a cooking demonstration on Saturday at 11:30 AM.

 

Other Activities:

• Shrimp Boat Excursions. Take a trip on real shrimp boat and enjoy an onboard shrimp boil. Capt. Larry Credle’s Lady Jane, will take guests on a 2 hour shrimping adventure. The excursions is geared toward all ages. Click here to book a Shrimp Boat Excursion.

•  Shrimp & Grits 3 Race Challenge. Join us for the 2nd Annual Shrimp & Grits 3 Race Challenge. Three races in two days. Click here to download an application or register online at Active.com.

• Dolphin Tours. Located at the Jekyll Island Wharf near the festival grounds, Dolphin Tours are a great way to enjoy the beautiful Jekyll Island Intercoastal Waterways. Dolphin Tours will take you to some of the top dolphin viewing sites along the coast of Jekyll Island. Click here to book a Dolphin Tour.

• Kids Activity Zone. Burn off some energy and build up an appetite for more great shrimp. Kids can enjoy bounces houses, obstacle courses and slides.

 

Arts and Crafts Vendors:

Arts & Craft Vendors The Jekyll Island Historic District will come alive with numerous arts & craft vendors selling their handmade items. From artwork to antiques, there will be something for everyone. If you are an arts & crafts vendor who would like to vend, click here to download an application.

 

 

For more information on accommodations, parking and transportation, volunteering and further info on Jekyll Island, please visit the Jekyll Island Website.  As always, if we can be of any further assistance – please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Classic Coastal Homes group. Visit us on our website at www.classiccoastalhomesgroup.com

 

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

Classic Coastal Homes

 

Photo and festival info provided by the Jekyll Island Website

July 2010 Market Snapshot | St Simons & Brunswick, GA

St. Simons Island | Brunswick, GA | July 2010 Residential Sales Statistics

 

As July comes to a close, let us take a look back at the sales numbers for the month.  This will give you a good snapshot of the Golden Isles market.

 

Residential Sales | Islands | July 2010
(15 listings)
	Low	High	Average	Median	Total
List Price	$115,000	$723,900	$308,293	$284,900	$4,624,400
Selling Price	$90,000	$720,000	$286,893	$286,000	$4,303,400
Sold/List(%)	66.31%	100.39%	91.55%	93.61%	–
Days on Market	41	695	196	108	–

 

Included in the Island statistics are St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island and Sea Island.  Of the fifteen residential sales in July, you see the average days on market neared 200 with the average selling price of $286,893.  A  home in Butler Plantation on St. Simons Island brought the highest sales price with the lowest selling price coming from a condo on Jekyll Island.

 

 The mainland of Brunswick (Central Glynn, North Glynn and West Glynn Counties) saw more activity with 23 residential sales.

 

Residential Sales | Mainland Brunswick | July 2010
(23 listings)
	Low	High	Average	Median	Total
List Price	$35,750	$505,900	$188,417	$149,000	$4,333,600
Selling Price	$31,000	$405,000	$174,383	$144,000	$4,010,800
Sold/List(%)	64.24%	108.03%	93.23%	95.71%	–
Days on Market	57	487	162	125	–

 

Of interest is the sold/list percentage of 93.23%.  This indicated that on average sellers were able to get 93% of their asking {list} price.  As you can see, the average list price was $188,417 with the average sales price being $174,383.  A home in North Glynn County in the River Ridge subdivision brought the highest sales price with the lowest selling price coming from a home in Beverly Shores {Central Glynn County}. 

 

Should you have any questions regarding these statistics or real estate in general, please feel free to contact a member of the Classic Coastal Homes group.  Don’t forget to visit us on our website at www.classiccoastalhomesgroup.com.  Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

Classic Coastal Homes  

 Market data collected from the Golden Isles Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service.

Realtor® or Real Estate Agent – What’s the deal?

The Difference Between Realtors® and Real Estate Agents

The terms Realtor® and real estate agent are often used interchangeably and this causes much confusion as to their differences.  Realtors® and real estate agents are not the same.  While both are licensed to sell real estate, only Realtors® are members of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribe to the Realtor® Code of Ethics.  The code contains articles and standards of practice that are strictly enforced.

 

The following are 17 promises that Realtors® pledge to uphold that non-members do not.

#1) Pledge to put the interests of buyers and sellers ahead of their own and to treat all parties honestly.

#2) Shall refrain from exaggerating, misrepresenting or concealing material facts; and is obligated to investigate and disclose when situations reasonably warrant.

#3) Shall cooperate with other brokers / agents when it is in the best interests of the client to do so.

#4) Have a duty to disclose if they represent family members who own or are about to buy real estate, or if they themselves are a principal in a real estate transaction, that they are licensed to sell real estate.

#5) Shall not provide professional services in a transaction where the agent has a present or contemplated interest without disclosing that interest.

#6) Shall not collect any commissions without the seller’s knowledge nor accept fees from a third-party without the seller’s express consent.

#7) Shall refuse fees from more than one party without all parties’ informed consent.

#8) Shall not co-mingle client funds with their own.

#9) Shall attempt to ensure that all written documents are easy to understand and will give everybody a copy of what they sign.

#10) Shall not discriminate in any fashion for any reason on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

#11) Expects agents to be competent, to conform to standards of practice and to refuse to provide services for which they are unqualified.

#12) Must engage in truth in advertising.

#13) Shall not practice law unless they are a lawyer.

#14) Shall cooperate if charges are brought against them and present all evidence requested.

#15) Agree not to bad mouth competition and agree not to file unfounded ethics complaints.

#16) Shall not solicit another REALTOR’S client nor interfere in a contractual relationship.

#17) Shall submit to arbitration to settle matters and not seek legal remedies in the judicial system.

 

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of the Classic Coastal Homes Group members. And, don’t forget to visit our website at www.classiccoastalhomesgroup.com to learn more.

 

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!
Classic Coastal Homes Group

Classic Coastal Homes Group | Social Media Marketing | Real Estate

Classic Coastal Homes Group Launches Social Media Expose Page

 

As you may know, we have recently launched our new website: classiccoastalhomesgroup.com to bring the Golden Isles the most comprehensive real estate site in the area.  Today we would like to show you one of our favorite features of the site; the social media expose page.  You can find the social media expose page by clicking on any one of the social media icons on the home page or by clicking on “Social Media” from the left navigation once you are inside the site.

 

Social media is a key component in the marketing of our properties.  When you list with the Classic Coastal Homes Group, your property will be displayed and talked about on our Facebook page, this blog, our twitter account, YouTube and over 30 different real estate websites.  Our social media outlets are also a tool for keeping viewers informed on community activities and the real estate market in general.  The content on these sites is constantly being updated and maintained to bring you the most current and useful information available. 

 

While viewing the social media expose page, be sure to check out all the different places you can find the Classic Coastal Homes Group!  If you have any questions or would like to see your property marketed in this way, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the group.

 

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

Classic Coastal Homes Group

St. Simons Island | Brunswick, GA | June 2010 Home Sale Statistics

St. Simons Island | Brunswick, GA | June 2010

 

Let’s take a few moments to look over the stats for St. Simons Island and the surrounding area.  For those of you looking for a snapshot of June 2010 sales, you’ve come to the right place!  Over the last six months we have seen a steady increase of activity across the Golden Isles, this is also evident in the June numbers.

Single Family Home Sales | June 2010 | Islands
(24 listings)
	Low	High	Average	Median	Total
List Price	$235,000	$1,975,000	$500,984	$377,500	$12,023,610
Selling Price	$210,000	$1,709,700	$456,158	$350,000	$10,947,800
Sold/List(%)	81.83%	101.43%	92.14%	92.26%	–
Days on Market	33	668	215	179.5	–

 

You will notice, we had 24 single family home sales in the month of June 2010 throughout the Islands (Jekyll, Sea Island, St. Simons). While the average listing price was $500,984, the average home sold for 92.14% of the listing price which was $456,158 on average.  Let’s look at these numbers compared to June 2009.

Single Family Home Sales | June 2009 | Islands
(18 listings)
	Low	High	Average	Median	Total
List Price	$265,000	$1,225,000	$573,544	$486,000	$10,323,790
Selling Price	$230,000	$950,000	$508,806	$442,000	$9,158,500
Sold/List(%)	73.22%	100.00%	90.83%	91.96%	–
Days on Market	33	1211	327	131.5	–

 

By looking at this data we see that the number of single family home sales last month in the Islands (Jekyll, Sea Island, St. Simons) went up from 18 listings to 24 listings.  While the average selling price did go down from 2009 to 2010, the total volume sold last month increased from the same time last year.  Notice too that the average days on market had a big decrease from June 2009 to 2010, from 327 days on average in 2009 to 215 days on average last month. 

 

We can also compare similar trends on the Mainland (Brunswick, North, Central and West Glynn).

Single Family Home Sales | June 2010 | Mainland Brunswick, GA
(44 listings)
	Low	High	Average	Median	Total
List Price	$25,900	$339,000	$163,486	$165,000	$7,193,385
Selling Price	$20,000	$312,000	$150,777	$158,950	$6,634,182
Sold/List(%)	59.15%	118.67%	92.02%	95.80%	–
Days on Market	22	765	176	108	–

 

 As expected, there were more home sales on the Mainland than in the Islands with the average selling price significantly lower at $150,777.  Similar however is the sold to list percentage of 92.02%.  This number tells us that on average the purchase price was 92% of the list price.  The number of days on market last month is also lower on the Mainland at 176 days.  Let us compare these numbers to June of 2009.

Single Family Home Sales | June 2009 | Mainland Brunswick, GA
(40 listings)
	Low	High	Average	Median	Total
List Price	$29,900	$449,000	$180,936	$168,400	$7,237,425
Selling Price	$20,000	$430,000	$173,149	$169,750	$6,925,950
Sold/List(%)	66.89%	110.78%	94.92%	96.14%	–
Days on Market	-4	1312	222	132	–

 

By looking at the June 2009 numbers, we see that the average selling price has gone down in June 2010 from $173,149 in June 2009 to $150,777 in June 2010.  However, the average days on market has also gone down indicating a rise in activity in the marketplace.  While individual prices have gone down, the total volume dollars are relatively the same month over month.

 

For more information on this or anything real estate related, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Classic Coastal Homes Group. Keep your eye out for next months statistics as we continue to monitor the pulse of the Golden Isles real estate market and keep you informed and up-to-date. 

 

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

Classic Coastal Homes Group

 

 

 

What is an Appraisal Contingency?

The appraisal acts as a financial compass for all those who have a monetary stake in the property value (buyer, seller, lender and insurance company).  If you are planning to use mortgage financing, it is unlikely you will be able to skip an appraisal.  And, if the home appraises for less than the purchase price you will probably not be able to get a mortgage.  Without the proper protection in the contract, it is possible that you, the buyer, could be in default and loose your earnest money. To avoid this, the best course of action in to have an appraisal contingency in the contract.  This allows you, the buyer, to request that the purchase price is lowered to the appraisal value.  If the seller does not agree, then you have the right to terminate the contract without penalty. This is another reason why you should always choose to work with a Realtor® who will work with your best interest in mind.

For more information on appraisal contingencies or any real estate topic, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Classic Coastal Homes Group.

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

Classic Coastal Homes Group

Classic Coastal Homes Buyer Services

After months of hard work we have officially launched our new website. We have designed it with YOU in mind.  Our aim is for the site to be the most comprehensive guide for buyers, sellers and investors of real estate throughout the Golden Isles and beyond.  We want to share a few of our favorite features with you.  Today, let’s chat about our Buyer Services!

 

You can find our site by visiting: Classic Coastal Home Group. Once in the site, click on the banner button labeled “Buyers Services”…

Here you will find an overview of the services we provide to buyers.  We have taken great care in compiling this information for you, and hope that it is as helpful and informative as possible.  Our approach to this site is much like our approach to real estate; we want to meet your needs but exceed your expectations.  Should you  have any questions regarding the site, the information or real estate in general, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the CCH group.

 

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

Classic Coastal Homes Group