1. Will Pinehurst Village be an age-restricted community? Explain your definition of “active adult.” No, it is not “age restricted”; however, it is “age targeted.” The community is planned to fit the lifestyle of retired active adults, not the young family with kids. “Active adults” are people who have been in the work force but now have earned the privilege of choosing whether they go to work or go to play. The active adults we envision want to stay physically, mentally and socially active as they begin this new phase of their lives. We plan to encourage physical exercise, social gathering and fellowship; in addition, we will encourage continuing educational opportunities to keep the mind challenged. We also believe this group will want to give back by helping others less fortunate by mentoring, volunteering or assisting in some way that their life has prepared them to do so. Many will start or continue in some form of gainful employment.
2. Is this a maintenance-free community? If so, what does that entail? Yes, you may sell your lawnmower or leave it with a not- so-fortunate friend. We will maintain the landscape in your yard, the common areas, the streets, and right-of-ways. This will be covered by your monthly HOA fees. We envision this maintenance-free aspect to be the landscape only, but we may include the exterior maintenance of the homes also. Because these homes are constructed of brick, they are virtually maintenance-free on the exterior. This exterior maintenance would be an additional fee, but we feel the value of this lifestyle will be worth all that it cost to those who live here. We understand that nothing is free, but the value of this lifestyle will be worth more than it costs the residents.
3. Will there be a homeowners’ association? If so, what are the dues? Yes, there will be a Homeowners’ Association. The dues will initially be $75/month. As amenities become available, this will rise proportionally to an estimated $150. This monthly fee will be collected, handled and accounted for by the HOA. It will be used to pay for all landscape maintenance, both individual lots and all common areas. (Note: The monthly fee for individual landscape maintenance will vary depending upon the landscape plan installed.) It will also pay for all costs associated with the operation and maintenance of the Clubhouse, common areas, walking trails, exercise facilities, tennis courts and amenities. Other special activity fees may be collected for events, trips or special occasions that the residents desire to attend. There will also be an initial investment of $500, paid at the time of the closing on the home. This money will be deposited in a special interest-bearing account that will only be used for the expenses of the HOA.
4. Is Pinehurst Village a gated community? At the present time, we do not have a gate, but we plan to gate this community in the future. We live in a very safe and secure community here in Blackshear. We may also use video surveillance at some point in the future.
5. What is the exterior of the houses going to be? My preference is to have a brick exterior on all homes. I believe the value of brick speaks for itself in terms of maintenance, longevity, and security.
6. Why Blackshear? I’m not too familiar with that area. Blackshear is a small rural agricultural community offering a very “laid-back” lifestyle. We have only seven red lights in all of Pierce County, so traffic congestion is a thing of the past for those coming from metropolitan areas. Some of you will feel the roads were made just for you at most times of the day. Blackshear has a population of about 3,500. However, just because Blackshear is small and rural does not mean that we are not accessible to the rest of the world. We have access to all one could ask for in shopping, entertainment, medical care, recreation, beaches, the big city life in Savannah, GA, or Jacksonville, FL (both 90 minutes away), and an international airport just 75 minutes away.
7. What is the ad valorem tax millage rate for Blackshear? Our ad valorem tax is based on 40% of the “fair market value,” which is determined by the local board of assessors. The millage rate for Blackshear is 35.84. So, if your house is valued at $200,000, 40% of that would be $80,000. Then $80,000 x .03584 = $2,867.20. This amount is due annually, usually in late November or early December.
8. What are the monthly utility rates for Blackshear? The monthly utilities (as of Mar. 08) are as follows:
a. Water: minimum of $11.06 for up to 2000 gallons, $2.54 per additional thousand gallons
b. Sewer: minimum of $16.58 for up to 2000 gallons, $3.79 for additional thousand gallons
c. Garbage: weekly curbside pick-up $9.65
d. Yard debris/Large items: $4.50
e. Electricity: estimated to be $100-$120
9. What are local rates for insurance? Home insurance cost is based on many factors, some of which are personal to the buyer. A recent quote on 200,000 home in Pinehurst Village started at $373 annually.
10. What are the local rates for telephone/TV/high-speed Internet? ATC, a local cable company, has a basic bundle package (includes a wireless router) for $84.95, and BellSouth offers a package beginning at $99.95.
11. What is Georgia’s sales tax? The sales tax is 7% (state 4%, local 2% and SPLOST 1%-which helps pay for local projects). Currently, food, drug, and a few other items are exempt from sales tax.
12. Does the Georgia tax structure favor senior citizens? Yes, an elderly couple can exclude retirement income up to $70,000 and all of Social Security income (averages about $20,000) for a total of $90,000 in tax-free income in 2008. Including standard deductions and personal exemptions, that no-tax floor rises to $101,000 (or higher if Social Security income is above average).
13. According to research from Georgia State University (GSU), Georgia is one of the most generous states for senior citizen income tax exclusions.
14. Will you be providing or recommending mortgage financing? Prime South Bank of Blackshear is our financial partner in this project, and they will provide all types of financial assistance, including mortgage financing. If our attorney Dan Bennett, Jr., is used for the closing we will pay Mr. Bennett’s fee. Closings can be handled by mail if necessary.
15. We will want our families to visit. Are there any rules for children in the community? At present, there are no rules and we do encourage family visits; however, we discourage permanent residence by children/grandchildren under the age 21 unless there are unusual or special circumstances. The HOA will have the authority to make changes to this or any rule or lack thereof according to the by-Laws of the HOA.
16. When will the commercial area be developed, and what will it include? The commercial area will not be developed before at least 75% of this community is sold. I envision specialty stores and services needed by the residents such as beauty and barber shops, an ice cream shop, a small convenience store, and a home health care facility.
17. What’s the closest big city in case we want big-city entertainment? The world is in close proximity. The Jacksonville International Airport is just 75 minutes away and extremely easy to get into and out of quickly. We have Saint Simons and Sea Island (60 minutes), Jacksonville, FL (90 minutes), and historic Savannah, GA (90 minutes). Atlanta and Orlando are both 4 hours away.
18. Are there any resale restrictions? No. All homes will be owned in “fee-simple” title. In Georgia that means you own it, subject to the protective covenants that go with the deed. There will be a HOA fee due upon transfer of title to be paid by the new owner to be used for repairs, maintenance, and upgrade.
19. How can I best see and visit Pinehurst Village and Blackshear to get a first-hand look? I would welcome the opportunity to show you around and I will help you by offering to pay for a night’s lodging for two at Hampton Inn in nearby Waycross. If you are a golfer, I will even include 18 holes of golf with a cart at Lakeview Golf Club in Blackshear. My only contingency is that we show you Pinehurst Village and a brief tour of the area. I hope to see you soon!
20. What if I have my own house plans and would like for you to consider them? By all means, that is a possibility. You could send the plans to me, and if the house design/size/etc. fits the community, then I will determine an estimate for you. We will also modify or customize any of our plans to suit your preferences.
21. If I buy a lot, how quickly do I have to build a house? We only sell a home/land package. We will take a deposit equal to 10% of the proposed home/lot selected. An acceptable time frame can be worked out.
22. Are there any rental restrictions? You must own your home for two years before you can rent, and then you may rent only once every 12 months for a minimum of 12 months.
23. Are pets allowed? Homeowners may have up to 2 indoor pets. Certain aggressive breeds of dogs are not allowed, and there’s a 35-lb. weight limit.