Name: Felder Garner
Family: My husband Anthony and I have been married for 5.5 years. I have two girls, Sara and Ella. Sara recently graduated from Georgia Southern and has started her first job in Nashville, Tenn. Ella is a sophomore at Georgia Southern. We are empty nesters now but have several pets: Bella, my Bichon Frise, and three cats –Muffin, Magnolia and Fluffy. (Ella has a habit of bringing strays home)
Years in the Golden Isles: I moved here about eight years ago. I grew up in Athens and had a set of grandparents in Brunswick and my other grandmother lived in Savannah, so we would come down here a couple of times a year. It continued to be my favorite place to vacation and I dreamed of moving here one day. I finally had the opportunity, and it was the best decision I ever made! My parents and my sister Terri live here as well.
School: I graduated from the University of Georgia. Go DAWGS!!
Occupation: I am a full time Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodnett Cooper Real Estate. I work out of the Longview office.
Describe your perfect Saturday in the Golden Isles: If I’m not showing property, my perfect Saturday would be sleeping in a little and riding bikes up to the Pier and having blueberry pancakes at Palmers Café. We love riding our bikes around the island and seeing what’s going on with real estate or construction. If it’s a warm sunny day, it would definitely be spent in a chair on the beach! I could sit out there all day. A yummy dinner, of course, would end this perfect day – we have so many delicious places to eat here in the Golden Isles!
Tell us about how you started your career as a Realtor: My sweet mother found an ad in The Brunswick News, I applied and started as a new home sales consultant for Lamar Smith Homes. I worked in the model home and learned so much about sales and new construction. I met many of the local Realtors and my husband. When I had downtime in the model home, I got my Real Estate license online. From there, I went to Palmetto Building Group and then moved to general real estate about four years ago. I have found my “home” at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodnett Cooper Real Estate.
What is some of the best advice you have received over the years? I think some of the best advice I have received over the years was from my parents, they encouraged me to get my real estate license. They know me better than anyone – both my strengths and weaknesses. I’m glad I listened because I truly love my job – helping people buy and sell their homes!
What sets you apart from other Realtors in this area? I’d say my knowledge of new construction – understanding the process, steps and all that’s involved. It’s also important to be patient, listen and understand your client’s needs.
In your opinion, what do you think are some selling points for homes in the Golden Isles? The first thing that comes to mind is the beauty of the landscape here – the beaches, marshes, causeway, live oaks. I know I am guilty of taking it for granted sometimes. Whenever I go somewhere and come back home, I am reminded why this is home as I’m driving across the causeway. I think we are also spoiled by the community having a small-town feel, but with Savannah and Jacksonville just an hour away in either way, it’s the best of both worlds. There really is something for everyone young, old, active, or just people watchers!
Favorite landmark in the Golden Isles: It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the beaches at Jekyll Island have a special place in my heart. As a family, we would pack up the station wagon loaded with sandwiches, chips and cokes and spend the day at the beach. I still remember “sandy” sandwiches, getting stung by jellyfish and seeing “The Sting” at the old drive-in.
Deciding what to pack when you’re moving isn’t easy. However, if you follow these simple suggestions, packing to move and unpacking to move into your new home will be much easier.Declutter: Decluttering serves two purposes. It makes it less expensive for you to move because you’re not paying freight to move things you no longer need or want. Second, less clutter makes your home show better to homebuyers. A good rule of thumb is to group items into no more than three categories – Keep, Donate, and Throw Away. Add a “Sell” category if you have time to pack and ship the items. Organize: Use good packing materials, including sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and paper, especially if you’re doing the packing and not the moving company. Clearly label the boxes according to the rooms where they’ll be moved. Provide your movers with copies of a simplified floorplan, so they don’t have to stop and ask you where this or that box goes.Think ahead: Remember that the movers, though they are professionals, get tired and that’s when accidents happen. Keep boxes under 50 pounds whenever possible. Put heavier items in smaller boxes to reduce bulkiness, and lighter items in larger boxes with proper labeling like “topload.”Insure your move: Contact your homeowner’s insurance carrier about coverage for moving and riders for valuables. Your mover can provide either released value insurance (about $0.60 per pound of goods lost or damaged), according to