Real Estate 1

The Albany Herald • www.albanyherald.com • Sunday, September 4, 2011

This home located at 2720 Lonesome Road is offered by Susan WatsonMorton of RE/MAX of Albany page 6

Premier South Georgia Equestrian Property

2 THE ALBANY HERALD • REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE • Sunday, September 4, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com

New siding improves a home’s curb appeal (ARA) - With today’s economy, many Americans are choosing to live in their homes longer. As a result, a growing number of American homeowners are investing in home improvements they can enjoy themselves.

One of the best home improvements American homeowners can make is replacing tired, old, faded siding.

According to the National Association of Realtors, replacing your siding offers an 80 percent payback or return on your investment.

One reason that new siding is such a solid home improvement investment is it instantly enhances the curb appeal of your home. There’s nothing quite like the warm feeling of driving up to your home every day and admiring its beauty.

Siding also is a critical link to the wellbeing of your home. Siding is the first layer of defense against the elements, protecting the walls and interior of your home from moisture, heat and cold.

From wood clapboard and brick used widely to side homes decades ago to

today’s innovative materials, such as patented Ultrex pultruded fiberglass used in APEX siding and trim, siding materials have evolved to deliver higher performance, more cost efficiency and enhanced aesthetics. With so many choices available to homeowners today, it’s important for homeowners to do their homework when shopping for home siding. Here are seven tips to consider when shopping for home siding: 1. Do your homework. Not all siding options are created equal. There’s a huge difference between lower cost vinyl siding products and high-performance fiberglass siding. Lower priced options often come with tradeoffs, such as a higher risk of damage in a severe storm from hail or wind, faster color fading, or lots of maintenance (repainting, caulking, etc.).

Premium siding products may cost more initially, but may be far less expensive and hassle-free over the course of homeownership.

2. Have a plan. Now is the time to

See Siding, page 4

THE ALBANY HERALD • REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE • Sunday, September 4, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com 3

4 THE ALBANY HERALD • REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE • Sunday, September 4, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com

Siding

Continued from page 2 coordinate other exterior elements with your new siding and trim to give your home a more contemporary, updated look and feel. Consider new energy-saving windows, such as Integrity windows, a new garage door, new roof shingles and enhance your landscaping through the use of pavers, wall systems and perennial plants and shrubs.

3. Get referrals. Ask your neighbors, co-workers and friends for referrals of remodelers who specialize in replacing siding. Interview several remodelers and always get detailed estimates before committing to any remodeler.

4. Visit homes. Replacing siding isn’t like replacing an appliance. You may only do this once or twice in your lifetime. To make sure you get exactly what you want, make sure to visit homes that have recently been resided by your contractor or remodeler. This will help you compare how different types of house siding actually look on a home.

5. Take your siding green. When replacing your siding, use siding material that is made from sustainable materials, such as sand, which will reduce the use of harmful chemicals and paints needed to manu-

facture and maintain it.

6. Select your colors. Choosing a color for your new siding may be the most difficult decision you’ll have to make. The good news is that today’s top-of-the-line siding offers a wide variety of bold colors from which to select. In contrast to traditional wood and fiber cement siding that requires painting and caulking every few years, new pultruded fiberglass siding offers an acrylic finish that is thicker and more durable than paint, and it resists chipping and fading. This allows homeowners to enjoy the satisfaction of their new siding with virtually zero maintenance.

7. Better moisture management. The number one thing you should expect of your new siding is it should protect your home from the elements, especially moisture. Unfortunately, some types of siding, such as fiber cement, wood and stucco, are more prone to moisture because they trap or absorb moisture behind the siding material. Instead, look to a siding that is inherently resistant to water. Then, look to how that siding will manage moisture behind the siding, when it’s up against the wall of your home. A siding system that provides a continuous, natural drainage plane (moisture drains harmlessly away), and allows air to circulate to provide natural evaporation is critical to decreasing trapped moisture, which creates rot and mold.

THE ALBANY HERALD • REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE • Sunday, September 4, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com 5

INSURANCE COSTS PROPERTY TAXES Home Value

Contents Value

Monthly Premium

$100,000

$80,000

$24

125,000

100,000

28

150,000

120,000

32

175,000

140,000

36

200,000

160,000

40

225,000

180,000

44

250,000

200,000

49

Home Value $

60,000

Lee

$

7581

$

7539

$

6749

$

7249

$

5949

$

10468

10052

8999

9666

7932

7092

100,000

13086

12565

11249

12082

9915

8866

150,000

19629

18848

16873

18124

14873

13299

200,000

26172

25131

22498

24165

19831

17732

32715

31414

28122

30206

24789

•

Maximum Mortgage Payment

22165

Calculations based on 2002 mileage rate -- monthly payments multiply value of home times 40%, multiply answer time mileage rate divide by twelve for monthly payment These are ESTIMATED tax rates. They are based upon 2002 millage rates for each city and county and include school tax. The Homestead Exemption discount is not included.

Maximum •• Monthly Debt

House Value † 30 Year Mortgage

House Value‡ 15 Year Mortgage

$1,600

448

576

65,164

50,028

1,800

504

648

73,309

56,281

2,000

560

720

81,455

62,535

2,200

616

792

89,600

68,788

2,400

672

864

97,745

75,042

2,600

728

936

105,891

81,295

2,800

784

1,008

114,036

87,549

3,000

840

1,080

122,182

93,802

3,200

896

1,152

130,327

100,056

3,400

952

1,224

138,473

106,309

3,600

1,008

1,296

146,618

112,563

3,800

1,064

1,368

154,764

118,816

4,000

1,120

1,440

162,909

125,070

4,200

1,176

1,512

171,055

131,323

4,400

1,232

1,584

179,200

137,577

4,600

1,288

1,656

187,345

143,830

4,800

1,344

1,728

195,491

150,084

5,000

1,400

1,800

203,636

156,337

5,200

1,456

1,872

211,782

162,591

5,400

1,512

1,944

219,927

168,844

5,600

1,568

2,016

228,073

175,098

5,800

1,624

2,088

236,218

181,351

• Determined by multiplying gross wages by .28, a common method used by lending institutions.

•• Determined by multiplying gross wages by .36, a common method used by lending Institutions. † Based on an average interest rate of 7.5% ‡ Based on an average interest rate of 7.25% This table is intended only as a guide. For more specific information, contact a local lending institution.

ELECTRICAL & NATURAL GAS COMPANIES City of Albany Georgia Power Mitchell EMC Sumter EMC 883-8330 436-3304 436-0070 759-2291 TELEPHONE www.att.com

AT&T Residential 888-757-6500 Business 866-620-6000

INTERNET PROVIDERS AT&T (Dial-up 800-436-8638) (DSL 800-263-0241) www.att.com Plantel 1-800-342-7564 SurfSouth 878-6008

RECYCLING

Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful 430-5257

SCHOOL INFORMATION Dougherty County Public School System 431-1264

Lee County School System 229-903-2100

DAILY NEWSPAPER (circulation dept.) 888-9322 OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS Driver’ s License Bureau 430-4251 Automotive Tag Office 431-3255 Voter Registration 431-3247 Correct Time 436-6121 Albany-Dougherty Chamber of Commerce 434-8700

To Advertise in the Real Estate Showcase contact Daniel Bryan at 888-9392

Subject To Change Upon Short Notice

5319

HOW MUCH HOUSE CAN YOU AFFORD? Monthly Gross Income

MORTGAGE RATES

Mitchell

Monthly Payment

80,000

250,000

Based on 1999 Brick Veneer home in Albany. Includes replacement contents with $300,000 Liability. Has $500 deductible. Compliments of Copelan Insurance Agency, Inc.

Dougherty

Albany Leesburg Smithville County County County

30-YEAR 15-YEAR 1-YEAR ADJUSTABLE RATE (No Points) FHA and/or VA (30-Year) FHA and/or VA (15-Year) FIXED FIXED Life of USDA RATE Rate Annual Loan Margin 30 yr. Points 15 yr. Points 100% RATE

LENDER

(No Points) (No Points)

AB&T National Bank 229-446-2265

Cap

Rate

Cap

Rate

30 yr.

3.75

3.25

-

-

-

-

3.75

0

3.25

0

4.00

3.375

-

-

-

-

4.00

0

3.50

0

Colony Mortgage Corp 229-436-9000

3.875

3.25

-

-

-

-

3.75

0

3.50

0

Assurance Mortgage 229-420-8225

3.875

3.25

-

-

-

-

3.875

0

3.50

0

First State Bank of Leesburg 229-759-6622

3.75

3.25

Flint Community Bank 229-903-1400

3.75

3.25

-

-

-

-

3.75

0

3.50

0

Heritage Bank 229-878-2021

3.875

3.25

-

-

-

-

3.75

0

3.25

0

Northside Mortgage 229-878-1499

3.75

3.25 3.0

2%

6%

2.75

Regions Mortgage Inc. 229-434-6817

3.875

3.25

-

-

-

-

3.75

0

0

0

Suntrust Mortgage Inc. 229-430-5494

3.99

3.375

-

-

-

-

3.875

0

4.00

0

Synovus Mortgage 229-430-7037

3.875

3.25

-

-

-

-

3.75

0

3.50

0

Ameris 229-434-4555

4.25

Rates can be reduced with discount points. Rates are subject to change upon short notice, and discount points could change frequently. One discount point is equal to one percentage point of the loan amount and is paid when the loan is closed. Most lenders have a variety of programs. ORIGINATION FEE IS NORMALLY ONE ADDITIONAL POINT, BUT CAN VARY. Maximum amount for conventional loan is $417,000. To Participate in the column, call 888-9333.

For information on specific mortgage programs call The Lender.

MORTGAGE PAYMENTS CALCULATOR Monthly interest, interest payments for 30-year, fixed rate mortgage. Escrow payments for taxes, insurance not included. Payments are rounded to the nearest dollar.

4.50% 4.75% 5.00% 5.25% 5.50% 5.75% 6.00% 6.25% 6.50%

$50,000

$252

260

268

276

284

292

$300

$308

$316

60,000

309

317

325

333

341

350

360

369

379

70,000

365

373

381

389

397

409

420

431

442

80,000

422

430

438

446

454

467

480

493

506

90,000

479

487

495

503

511

525

540

554

569

100,000

536

544

552

560

568

584

600

616

632

110,000

593

601

609

617

625

641

660

677

695

120,000

649

657

665

673

681

700

719

739

758

130,000

706

714

722

730

738

759

779

800

822

140,000

763

771

779

787

795

817

839

862

885

150,000

820

828

836

844

852

875

899

924

948

160,000

876

884

892

900

908

934

959

985

1011

170,000

933

941

949

957

965

992

1019

1047

1075

180,000

990

998

1006

1014

1022

1050

1079

1108

1138

190,000

1047

1055

1063

1071

1079

1109

1139

1170

1201

200,000

1104

1112

1120

1128

1136

1167

1199

1231

1264

6 THE ALBANY HERALD • REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE • Sunday, September 4, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com

Kitchen

Breakfast Nook Master Bathroom

Family Room

2 Car Garage Spare Bedroom Porch

This is a product of The Albany Herald’s advertising department and is not affiliated with the editorial newsroom. All content in this issue of The Real Estate Showcase is courtesy ARA Content unless otherwise noted.

THE ALBANY HERALD • REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE • Sunday, September 4, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com 7

Premier South Georgia Equestrian P ro perty T

■ Article & Cover by Lauren

Mathis/Kevin D. Austin he equestrian’s dream home can be a reality at 2720 Lonesome Road! This gorgeous property provides the privacy and serenity of rural life but is conveniently located minutes from town. Boasting over 1,800 square feet of living space, the unique custom family home offers three full bedrooms and bathrooms. Horse lovers need look no further than this scenic South Georgia estate.

This property boasts an 18 stall, wired barn equipped with a hot and cold wash rack, tack room, and bathroom with washer and dryer hookups, as well as an air conditioned office. Offering double and matted stalls, this barn has everything for the horse enthusiast. Complete with an electric horse walker, the arena is settled near the main house. Spectators can relax on the back porch with a perfect view of the 100 x 250 foot ring. This sprawling property is completely fenced and is about a mile from the Dougherty County Riding Club.

The bright and spacious kitchen features a breakfast nook, custom oak cabinetry and a raised bar. The kitchen overlooks the large family room which is the perfect example of function and charm with high cathedral-style ceilings, custom built entertainment center and a gas log fireplace. The charming dining room is nestled just off the family room across from the kitchen. The property also includes a double garage, wired storage shed, brand new air conditioning, travertine marble and hardwood floors.

Back Porch The spacious master’s retreat offers a private bath with separate shower, double vanity, Jacuzzi tub and very large walk in closet. The two other bedrooms in this home are adequately sized and offer plenty of space for growth. The abundant amount of attic space has been transformed into more living space.

The exterior of the home is breathtaking with a porch that wraps from the front of the house all the way to the back and can be accessed from the master bedroom. Complete with surround sound and ceiling fans, the porch is perfect for entertaining or spending lazy Sunday afternoons.

This beautiful family home rests on over ten acres of classic shady oak trees, pecan trees, and Barn Interior grazing pastures.

The House Appeal

WHERE: 6412 Newton Road Interior ■ Bedrooms: 3 ■ Bathrooms: 3 ■ Details: Specialty cathedral celings, split BR design, built-in bookcases, walk-in closets, fireplace, hardwood, carpet & marble floor, pine-paneled halls, plantation shutters, eat-in kitchen.

Exterior

■ Details: Fenced yard, covered porch, storage building, wired workshop, wired barn with 18 stalls. Beautiful landscape with lots of privacy.

More Information ■ Square Footage: approx. 1,872 ■ Price: $270,00 ■ Contact: Susan Watson-Morton of RE/MAX Alb. Phone: (229) 869-7942

8 THE ALBANY HERALD • REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE • Sunday, September 4, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com

THE ALBANY HERALD • REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE • Sunday, September 4, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com 9

10 THE ALBANY HERALD • REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE • Sunday, September 4, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com

THE ALBANY HERALD • REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE • Sunday, September 4, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com 11

Home repairs for when the kids head back to school (ARA) - As your family heads back to school, take some time to complete a few simple home repairs. Doing your “home”-work projects now will allow you to spend more time with your family and less time fixing, cleaning and repairing things this fall.

Get outside for some yard work After a summer full of outdoor fun, it’s time to tidy the yard before winter comes. Clean and safely place any outdoor furniture in storage. Once the furniture is put away, give your deck or patio a good power washing. Bring your indoor plants back inside and prune your trees and shrubs to encourage healthy growth. You should also remove any leaves or debris from your gutters to avoid clogs or other drainage issues.

Inspect the driveway While you’re outside, check your driveway and patch any cracks or

potholes that may have resulted from the summer heat. You may also want to consider resealing your driveway.

Organize your garage Fall is an ideal time to clean the garage and clear out any unwanted items your family has collected over the summer. Invest in a good storage system that will keep you organized, and clear pathways around vehicles and doors. Move your rake or leaf blower to the front of the garage and consider placing holiday or winter items in an accessible spot for the coming season.

Install a remote thermostat With the kids back in school, your home may now be unoccupied for a large portion of the day. Lowering your thermostat while the family’s away can provide substantial cost savings. A programmable thermostat will allow you to create custom temperature settings for the

hours you are home and away. Some models, like the AccuLink(TM) Remote Thermostat from American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, allow you to set and control your home’s temperature remotely using most Web-enabled cellphones and computers.

Check and seal your windows Proper insulation will not only keep your family comfortable, but it may also help to improve the overall energy efficiency of your home.

Air drafts are often easy to spot. First, make sure your windows are tightly shut. Then, feel around the edges of your windows for air leaks. If you feel a draft, you can easily seal the leaks with do-ityourself caulk or weatherstripping.

Seasonal maintenance will help to protect your home and prepare it for winter. With a little effort this fall, your “home”-work will be sure to make the grade.

12 THE ALBANY HERALD • REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE • Sunday, September 4, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com