Real Estate Hustler's Vendor List

Being a real estate agent and investor I am constantly getting asked questions like, "who do you use for window replacements," or "who should I call to refinance my home," or "who can I call to have my roof looked at?" In the age of google, Home Advisor, and Angie's list it never ceases to amaze me that people want referrals from people they trust. This is the greatest form of marketing there is.

So listen up! I am here to share my FAVORITE contractors, lenders, insurance agents, property management companies, etc for the Savannah, GA Market. This is the Go-Giver mindset! The Real Estate Hustler brand is built around being a Go-Giver first! I receive no compensation, kickbacks, or referral fees from any of these recommendations but instead get the simple joy of being the connector (If you have read the book Go-Giver you understand that reference). I also must say that while I have had great experience with the people and companies on this list it should not be assumed that I warranty their work or guarantee you will too have the same experience. I also want you to know that should you have a bad experience with anyone on this list please email me at JoshuaRexAustin@gmail.com so that I personally can hear your story. People will not remain on my list if they aren't serving customers to my standards. Feel free to name drop Joshua Austin when you call these people. I like them to know I sent you because they know my standards are high. Now, here is the list in no particular order:

LENDERS

For Traditional Mortgage purchases or Personal Residence Refinances (including conventional, VA, FHA, USDA, etc) I always refer people to SavannahRiverMortgage.com. Scott Morgan and Chriss Allen are great to work with and will take good care of you!
Mortgages for Self Employed Individuals with Less than 2 years of Tax Returns - I recommend reaching out to Workmen's Circle Credit Union. They partner with a lender in Atlanta called Mortgage First but when you go through WCCU you get to take advantage of their .5% origination program which can save you tons of money at closing. (You will either need to be a resident of Chatham County, work in Chatham County OR own a rental property in Chatham County)
For Construction Loans to build primary residences I recommend Bank of Newington OR Katy Kirby with Bank South. Each of these banks have unique terms that may work better depending on your goals or cash available.
Land Purchases - Bank of Newington OR Allen Daley with AgSouth have good products for purchasing land. If the intention is to build a home on the land immediately please refer to the Construction Loan options above.
Investment Buy & Hold Loans - I have found that for standard investment property purchases Workmen's Circle Credit Union in Savannah has one of the best product. They require 25% down and only work with residents of chatham county OR individuals who work in Chatham County. It is also possible to use Savannah River Mortgage but there will be more scrutiny than using a portfolio lender such as Workmen's Circle.
Investment BRRRR Loans - For Value Add investment properties that need substantial construction I would recommend Bank of Newington's Rental Construction Loan. The only way this loan can make sense is if you are getting a heavy discount on the property because it is distressed. B.O.N. will require you to pay 20% down of the purchase price PLUS closing costs. They then will loan you up to 80% of the After Renovation Value (ARV) in the form of an interest only line of credit at around 6.75% interest. Again, you need to have a clear exist strategy for refinancing because this loan is only a 12 month construction loan. (Example: Purchase home for $100k. ARV appraisal (Subject-to appraisal) comes in at $180k. BON will require $20k down bringing your loan amount to $80k BUT will turn around and loan you up to $144k or an additional $64,000 to perform your repairs).
Hard Money Lenders - Give the folks at MoFin Lending a call. Ask for George and tell him I sent you!

Property Management Company

Frank Moore & Company (FMCO)- I'm obviously biased here because I hold my Real Estate License with FMCO but this company is amazing. Most of the team managing your rentals are landlords themselves and they just GET IT. Frank has been a mentor to me for a long time and he cares so much about his clients and helping them reach their goals through Real Estate. Property Management is the backbone to making your investments produce. If you want that true passive income call these folks and tell them I sent you! www.FrankMooreCo.com

Insurance Agents

American Family - Riley is AMAZING. Riley Mulder (Rmulder@amfam.com) works on the investment property side! They do personal property and auto as well. Just reach out to them.

Property Inspectors

Alex Bates - Alex is a great guy. He is a former contract and is very knowledgable about homes and what to look for. He hurt his back so he avoids homes with crawlspaces but if it doesn't have a crawlspace he is your guy! You can reach him at (706) 254-4705
Jeff Lomax - Jeff is also a fantastic home inspector. He communicates very well and is always a pleasure to work with. His knowledge of homes and their inner workings is excellent! He is your guy on homes with crawl spaces for sure! You can reach him at (678) 642-0947

General Contractor

Half Moon Custom Homes - Robb Dickerson (owner) is a long time friend of mine and all around great guy. It's not enough to have extensive construction knowledge when building a custom home or having major renovations performed. Your GC must also be ORGANIZED. The reason most people have bad experiences when building a new home or having a major remodel done is because most contractors just are not organized with their back office stuff. This is not the case with Robb. His company is built on systems and processes that make his life easier as a GC and your life easier as a customer. You can find out more about Robb and Half Moon Custom Homes by visiting www.HalfMoonHomes.com

Trade Partners

Before diving into this section I think it's important to know that there are lots of times when you are doing a project and it just isn't big enough to hire a GC. It's also true that as investors we often can't afford to pay a GC and it's necessary for us to subcontract the work out ourselves. Here is my list organized by category of Trade Partners I work with. Disclaimer: I'm not an attorney but always remember to be sure the Trade Partners you hire have adequate insurance so that you are protected.

Cabinets - Kitchen Design Solutions is our go-to, one stop shop for all things cabinets. These folks have great pricing, a showroom in Savannah you can visit, and fantastic customer service! Ask for Brett and tell him I sent you!
Tile - Brad and Adam Boyd with www.BrothersTileCo.com are some of the most talented tile guys I have ever worked with. They are EXTREMELY METICULOUS when it comes to cleanliness and they are perfect for doing live-in remodels of bathrooms. Brad and Adam are also capable of being your one stop shop for your entire bathroom remodel project which helps save you the headache of hiring out various contractors. Brad Boyd - (912) 227-0135
Flooring (Vinyl plank, carpet, etc) - If you want a turnkey solution or one stop shop where you choose flooring and schedule install then contact Carpet Store Plus, ask for Daniel Humphries www.CarpetStorePlus.net | If you have a flooring you like and have already purchased then contact Lenin Orellana (912) 358-7695 - His pricing for Vinyl Plank installation for example is usually around $1.25-1.50 sqft. Great guy and very talented! He also does hardwood install/refinishing and tile as well.
Septic Pumpout/Installation/Service - Logan Thomas is the owner and a good friend. He is a great guy and does great work! Find out more at www.GraySepticSolutions.com
Drywall - Jason Bland - (912) 321-2590
Electrician - Miguel with Master Electric (912) 659-7888
Plumber - JB Plumbing - (912) 272-8707 | Larry North with Drainage Master (912) 897-6619
Painter - Tim Smith - (912) 323-2530
Roofer - Above The Sky Roofing, Steve Hibbard (912) 429-4074
Pressure Washing - David Guild is one of the greatest trade partners I have ever worked with. His company Clean Freakz is awesome! Contact them at www.CleanFreaksPressureWashing.com

THIS LIST WILL BE UPDATED SOON. More to come including more contractor recommendations!

DISCLAIMER: While I have used the following individuals and companies AND had great experiences, I do not warranty their work and cannot in anyway guarantee you will likewise have the same good experiences. I also receive no compensation, kickbacks, or referral fees of any kind from these individuals or companies. Joshua Austin is a licensed Real Estate Professional in the State of Georgia LC# 384873