Fewer Savannah homebuyers ‘underwater’
CoreLogic (NYSE: CLGX), a national financial data reporting firm, has released new analysis showing about 200,000 more residential properties regained positive equity across the country during the fourth quarter of 2012.
In Savannah, 32.1 percent, or 16,162, of all residential properties with a mortgage were in negative equity as of the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to 25.5 percent, or 13,092 properties, in the third quarter of 2012. An additional 7.5 percent, or 3,789 residential properties, were in near-negative equity for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to 8 percent, or 4,090, in the third quarter of 2012.
Nationally, the total number of properties that moved from negative to positive equity in 2012 was 1.7 million and the number of mortgaged residential properties with equity increased to 38.1 million.
“The scourge of negative equity continues to recede across the country. There is certainly more to do, but with fewer borrowers underwater, the fundamentals underpinning the housing market will continue to strengthen,” said Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic.
New Zaxby’s being built on Victory
Construction is under way on a new Zaxby’s restaurant at 1917 E. Victory Drive in the Victory Square Shopping Center.
Licensees Chris and Jenny Booker said they plan to open the new restaurant early this year and will hire 50 to 60 employees.
“Residents have shown great support for the brand, and we see this area as a great opportunity to expand the business,” said Chris Booker.
The new 3,400-square-foot location will seat 74 customers and will be the seventh in Chatham County and the 106th in Georgia.
Candidates interested in employment should visit the new location to apply.
Zaxby’s operates more than 570 locations in 13 states. For more information, go to www.zaxbys.com.
Seminar will focus on outside food-service permits
The Savannah Tourism Leadership Council will sponsor a seminar Tuesday and Wednesday on temporary food-service permits for anyone who wants to cook, cater or throw a party outside.
To get this permit, an organization has to wade through complex rules and regulations.
Todd Jones, the environmental health director for Chatham County, will conduct the seminar at the leadership council offices on the second floor of the Savannah Convention & Trade Center.
Two sessions will take place, the first at 9 a.m. Tuesday and the second at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
The seminar is free for council members and $15 for non-members.
Register online at tourismleadershipcouncil.com/about-us/calendar/month.