Purchasing a home is a BIG deal! For most individuals it will be the largest purchase of their lives. As a closing attorney, I take being a part of such a significant life event very seriously. So why do I call every buyer on every closing? There are actually several reasons.

First, there is nothing more important than speaking with a buyer early in the process to introduce myself and to answer any questions he or she may have. Learning that the purchaser is a first-time homebuyer, buying a second home or moving from another state helps me understand that buyer’s particular situation on the front end of the transaction. I also provide the buyer my cell phone number so they feel comfortable calling me anytime throughout the process. By speaking with the buyer prior to the closing I truly believe that it reduces the general anxiety that a buyer normally feels attending a closing. When I walk in the closing room both the buyer and myself know that we have spoken and are genuinely excited about finally meeting in person for the first time.

In 2017, at the request of a number of selling agents, I drafted Joel’s Selling Agent Checklist. I believe it was well received by all. At that time it was my intention to also draft a listing agent checklist. Well . . . approximately two years later I have finally completed that checklist. It was true in 2017, and still true today, that a single real estate transaction has so many moving parts and no one closing is the same. One of the single most important attributes of a successful Realtor is organization. While many of you have certain procedures in place to ensure you are organized, I wanted to offer a new tool for you to use.

Best Lawyer in Savannah – 2019 Connect Savannah

I am excited to announce that I was selected as the Best Local Attorney for the fourth consecutive year in the Connect Savannah 2019 Best of Savannah issue. As an attorney who focuses exclusively on residential real estate this is such an honor. The lawyers that practice law in the Coastal Empire are an incredibly talented group of individuals. I am so fortunate to be a part of that group.

I am pleased to announce that I was selected for the second year in a row as the Best Real Estate Attorney and Best Overall Attorney in the Savannah Morning News Best of the Best edition. One of my core principles is loyalty. It drives everything that I do and makes me who I am. We all love connecting with like-minded individuals and I am so fortunate that I have the privilege to work with so many loyal friends. That loyalty keeps me going each and every day. I know that these honors would not be possible without YOU. I will continue to give you and your clients everything I have every single day. As always, I am nothing without my incredible team. Thank you so much again for your continued support.

As always, if you need help with anything at all, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime at (912) 484-1996 (even nights and weekends) or email me at jgerber@brannenlaw.com.

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Alex Trebek may know a lot, but even he could end up in jeopardy if he’s not careful when it comes to filing the Homestead Exemption. For those of you who are a Georgia resident, purchased a primary residence in 2018 (or have made a prior owned property your primary residence as of December 31, 2018) and that property is located in Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, Bulloch, Glynn, Long, McIntosh or Tattnall Counties, you are not in jeopardy and you should file for the Homestead Exemption. By filing for the Homestead Exemption, you will receive a reduction of your home’s assessed value each year going forward as long as you reside in the home as your primary residence.

To file for the Homestead Exemption in these eight counties you will need to bring your driver’s license (showing the new property address) and a January utility bill showing service in December 2018 to your respective county tax assessor’s office. The Homestead Exemption must be filed before April 1, 2019. You only need to file for the Homestead Exemption one time.