From historic gems to beachside retreats, I turn your real estate goals into reality with heart, hustle, and hometown know-how. *FEATURED AS REALTOR ON HGTV'S "BEACHFRONT BARGAIN HUNT" - Tybee Island Episode & "ISLAND LIFE" - Tybee Island/Talahi Island & Isle of Armstrong Episode*
Meet Jenny Rutherford of Jenny Rutherford Real Estate
Where did you grow up? I grew up on a farm at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. I’ve lived in several states, including Virginia, Maine, Kentucky and Georgia. I graduated with a BFA in Advertising Design from Savannah College of Art and Design.
FAMILY:
Currently in a Relationship
Pets - Lilo, a Yorkshire Terrier
What do you enjoy most about living in the Savannah area? There is so much to do here and being close to the beach is a major benefit! With a city full of natural beauty and plenty of excitement, there are lots of opportunities to get out there and meet your neighbors. I enjoy going to the movies in Forsyth Park, music festivals, Oyster Roasts, networking events, etc. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? My favorite pastime is going out on the boat and being on the water. I also like working out, visiting Tybee, and getting to be a tour guide when my friends and family visit. I love to travel and always try to schedule a trip to somewhere new every other month. Essentially, I’ve been around it my whole life! I’ve been a licensed agent and Realtor for over 19+ years in VA and GA. My family businesses involve Construction and Development, Real Estate and Property Management. What would you consider your specialty? As a SCAD graduate, I also represent many members of the SCAD community who buy and sell. I specialize with both downtown Historic Properties and the Condo market. I also am a Military Relocation Specialist and assist those relocating to Hunter Army Airfield & Ft. Stewart. The majority of my military clients are First-Time Home Buyers looking in New Construction communities- both segments which I enjoy working with. Do you have any accreditations or certifications? I am a member of the Savannah Board of Realtors, Georgia Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. In 2016 I served as the local President for the Savannah's Women's Council of Realtors. I take my education seriously and have completed many designations including GRI Graduate Realtor Institute, ABR Accredited Buyer Representative, SRS Seller Resource Specialist, and BPOR Broker Price Opinion Resource. Earning my membership into the Distinguished Sales Society was one of my favorite accomplishments, based off of my production and volunteering within our community and I am one of the youngest in the local Realtor community to do so! What Is The Most Challenging/Gratifying Aspect Of What You Do? The market today can be a challenge for sellers, so being able to help owners sell at a great price in the quickest amount of time possible is really gratifying. What is the most unique property you’ve ever listed or sold? The cutest small Historic 500sqft studio carriage house off of Forsyth Park! For such a small space, it generated a lot of attention, as it is really a one of a kind find for downtown on it’s own lot. In the end, we actually had buyers willing to pay over the appraised value due because it was their dream property! Describe your most memorable real estate transaction…
Every transaction is honestly really memorable. Most sales occur with a major life change and I like to keep the process as stress-free as possible for everyone involved. This spring I helped a military family buy a home with a VA loan in what felt like record time. We coordinated with the builder and lender to close in a week and a half, just days before their 2nd child was born! I felt really great knowing that I was able to expedite the process so they could get settled in ASAP. What is the one tip you have for someone looking to buy a home today? Before looking at homes, speak with a lender to become “pre-qualified”. This will help identify your max purchase price range so you don’t look at homes you can’t afford. I always recommend using a local lender as they are familiar with the market and offer personal service. What is the one tip you have for someone looking to sell a home today? Do not overprice your home- be realistic. Listen to your REALTOR’s advice and stay in-line with the market. You can’t change your location so if you want top price, you’ve got to have your home in the best condition! What do you see in the future for real estate sales/prices? With the historically low interest rates available, I believe that we will begin to see fewer foreclosures on the market over the next few years. The Savannah real estate market, especially downtown, has been fortunate to have SCAD, the military and local industries relocating new residents to the city yearly thus driving the consistent sales. Tybee Island is seeing a dramatic increase in sales with those purchasing to use a vacation rental while waiting to retire and also investors breaking into the vacation rental market! Why should someone use you as a real estate agent? I am experienced and passionate about helping my clients! I pride myself in being an effective negotiator, purposeful communicator and staying knowledgeable on the local market. Whether you’re local or out of town, I have the ability to write contracts online and use e-signatures that save you time, money and present your offer instantly.
