Spring Chapel subdivision is a Woodruff Company development and homes here are built by Mike Socci.  The national housing market is in a slump and Columbus Ga has also been slowed by the current sub prime debacle.  Lenders have tightened their rules and the Fed is lowering interest rates.  An abundant supply and low rates are the best reasons to buy a home now!!     Steals are rare but good deals are currently abundant.  The pictures will show you some beautiful homes at a fair price.  If you are currently looking for a new home these are located directly across from Midland Middle School and Midland Academy, just a minute from the J.R. Allen Parkway.  The commute to Ft. Benning is 15 to 18 minutes.  If these existing homes don't convince you that it is time to move, there are lots... 01/30/2008

     The annual SOA Watch Protest held in November of 2007 made the news in Columbus Ga., Fort Benning and a few other places.  Eleven protesters who trespassed onto federal property during the rally were sentenced to jail terms by U.S. District Court Magistrate, G. Mallon Faircloth.  A 76 year old  blind man named Edwin Ross Lewinton was among the defendants sentenced to 90 days in jail.  This was the fourth time that Lewinton had appeared before the court since 2003 and Magistrate Faircloth did offer him the option of 90 days house arrest. Lewinton would not hear of it and responded, "If a blind person were a drug dealer, he would be sent to jail."       The SOA Watch Protest is an annual event that has grown in numbers since the School of Americas training program was established at ... 01/30/2008

  General Patreaus is visiting Fort Benning this weekend.   Friday he honored the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion.  They were African American Paratroopers in WW11.   Saturday he will be attending the Airborne graduation of his son Steven.   General Patreaus says that he will have the honor of pinning Steven's grandfathers jump wings on his son.   Steven is an ROTC student at MIT.   From here the 4 Star General will be testifying before congress concerning future troop strength in Iraq.  09/08/2007

Recently a crain set into place a restored 23 ton Bradley Fighting Vehicle at the Fort Benning Infantry Museum.   The Bradley will be one of the focal points of the 170,000 sq. ft. Museum adjacent to Fort Benning GA.   This particular Bradley was used by the 4th Infantry Division in Iraqi Freedom.   The new museum is set in a 200 acre park and will include an 3-D IMAX theatre, interactive displays, set in several sections designed to highlight variouse periods of our history and the contributions that the infantry has made in keeping our country free.  09/04/2007

Everyone wants a great credit score but do you know how to get one?  Follow these few guidelines and you will have a great credit score.    1) Pay on time!  Did you know that 35% of your credit score is based on your payment history?  One payment 30 days late can drop your credit score like a rock.  What if you have not paid on time in the past?  Start paying on time now!  As time passes those late payments will become a distant memory for you and your score will steadily rise.   2) Keep your balances below 30% of your credit line.  Your debt to credit limit ratio is another 30% of your score.  If you have a $5000 dollar credit line - don't let the balance go above $1500.  This will keep your credit score high!  What if my balances are high now.  Reduce them!  Every time you do - your s... 08/26/2007

Controversial "Peace Mom" is scheduled to be at the main gate of Fort Benning today at 10am.  She is not very popular in our area.  Most say they understand her grief but don't understand her views and criticisms of the war effort.   It will certainly be a potentially explosive visit as the Humanity Tour passes through Columbus.  07/14/2007

     This is a reminder to all the good folks sitting on the fence when it comes time to make a home buying decision.  I've had several clients that missed out on very nice homes recently. Questions arise a week later,  "is that home with the four bedrooms and large yard still available"?  And the answer lately has been, "no it is not". I am not encouraging my clients to accept anything less than the dream home they are looking for.  However, that home may not be out there!  After viewing eight to ten homes, you should have a pretty good idea of the available homes in your price range with the amenities you  require.     The final decision rests with the purchasers and the ones that are a little indecisive have lost out on a couple of nice homes.  Not quite what they had envisioned buyi... 07/10/2007

Fort Benning Commander - Maj. Gen. Walter Wojdakowski - gave an update on the progress of the Armor School's move to Fort Benning.   He says that environmental study is "on track" for completion so construction of the facilities to bring the school to Fort Benning can start soon.    General Wajdakowski says that the $1 Billion dollars will be spent on the facilities and roads to bring the school here.    The impact for the Columbus - Fort Benning area will be tremendous.   Maj. General says "Follow Me".    Columbus Ga MLS SearchFind a Home at Fort Benning 06/29/2007

Last week on June 8th, two members of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team were awarded the Army's fourth highest honor.  Col. Wayne Grigsby presented the Bronze Star to Staff Sgt. Michael Henderson and Pfc. Stephanie McCulley at Forward Operating Base Hammer.In an incident that occurred in the Salman Pak area on may 8th, Henderson and McCulley responded with first aid at an IED explosion even before the smoke cleared.  The explosion caused the death of Spc. Blake C. Stephens and Spc. Kyle A. Little.  The lightning reactions of Henderson and McCulley saved the life of a third soldier.  The pair gave no thought to their own safety or the danger around them, their only thoughts were to get to the disabled vehicle and treat the injured.Thank you for your courage, your leadership and a job wel... 06/17/2007

It is great to see industry get behind the new Infantry Museum at Fort Benning - Home of the Infantry.    We had an anouncement recently of AFLAC donating $1 million dollars and then Synovus came in with $1.25 million.   Just in the last few days in Texas $1 million was given as a grant and then Ross Perot chimed in with another $1 million.   The private sector has really gotten in behind this project to honor the troops on the ground who have and are fighting to keep our country free.    The state of the art museum will cost a total of $86 million to build of which about $70 million has been raised.   Search the MLS in Columbus GA or Fort Benning Home Search 06/16/2007

FORT BENNING NEWS:  A new fitness center is named in honor of Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith.  Smith was the first MEDAL OF HONOR recipient during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Construction of the 18 million dollar state of the art facility was begun over a year ago.  The new two story family fitness center will be unveiled on June 29th. Upon entering this high tech fitness extravaganza, the first thing members will encounter is a two story rock wall. The Sgt 1st Class Paul R. Smith Physical Fitness Center will house a regulation basketball court with three sets of movable bleachers that can convert the court into three practice courts or two standard volleyball courts.  This is just the beginning of a long list of features and equipment that will be available.  Besides short term day care se... 06/11/2007

Fort Benning - Margaret Koger has been named the region's, Georgia and Alabama,  teacher of the year!  The Department of Defense Education Activity competition includes 14 district top teachers worldwide. In September, Margaret Koger will be  on her way to the Capitol to compete for the title of National Teacher of the Year. The winner of the competition will receive $3000 in cash and more importantly will garner a sabbatical for the second semester of the year to pursue professional development, in the field of the winners expertise.Margaret Koger's pursuit of excellence is not new. She was selected and trained as a teacher fellow with the National Writing Project.  This involved development of teaching and writing classes at the state and local levels.  She also served as elementary r... 06/07/2007

Fort Benning is under fire by local residents and critics of the Controlled Fire Policy of the post.  Some residents complain that the smoke from controlled fires is hindering their breathing.  Other critics are complaining that the post policy is destroying vegetation and wild life.  I'm not sure about the folks having breathing problems but the people complaining about the wildlife and vegetation are wrong.  Endangered and rare species of wild life are recovering. Deer population is at it's upper healthy limits on Fort Benning.  Quail population is on the rise and the turkey population is healthy.  The Fort Benning forest is a very close replica of what southern forests used to look like.  For the uninformed, we should consider ourselves lucky that places like Fort Benning exist. We a... 05/31/2007

Columbus Ga - Fort Benning  The United States Border Patrol will be holding a job fair this weekend at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.  Friday June 1st and Saturday June 2nd  a 10 member recruiting team will be in Columbus Ga., their goal is to hire 6000 new agents.  Military veterans are the primary objects of the search because they already possess the skills required.  Senior agent Jeff Martinez senior agent of the U.S. Border Patrol stated, "they have already concluded job fairs at Fort Campbell, Eglin Air Force Base and Fort Drum".New recruits, depending on qualifications, will receive salaries in the range of $42,000 to $53,000 per year and salaries may climb into the $70,000 range.  Applicants must be under the age of 40, possess a valid drivers license, be U.S. citizen... 05/31/2007

Columbus Ga - Fort Benning  News:  The Columbus Army Reserve Center #1 located on Macon Rd has fallen victim to BRAC.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has asked to file the redevelopment plan for the Armory and land at 3001 Macon Rd. in Columbus Ga.  The Department of Defense is re-locating the Reserve Center to Fort Benning.  The new plan for the property is that it be utilized by Columbus State University.  The land and facilities must be used for educational purposes.  Columbus State University will comply by proposing to use the property to house the West Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy.  If for some unforseen reasons the Law Enforcement Academy cannot be moved, then the planned use of the Armory will be for Continuing Education.Once more Columbus leader... 05/27/2007

It was announced yesterday that Synovus Financial donated $1.25 million to the construction of the Infantry Museum.   This is an $85 million dollar project and Synovus is now the largest non - governmental donar to the construction.    The Infantry museum is scheduled to open in 2008 at one of the entrances to Fort Benning - the home of the Infantry.  Excellent Start for the Memorial Day Weekend!!                                    Search for homes in Columbus Ga or Find a home at Fort Benning 05/27/2007

Columbus Ga - Fort Benning - News:   The largest monetary gift by an individual or corporation has been made to the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center by the Synovus Foundation.  Representing a combined gift from Synovus, CB&T Bank and TSYS  the donation amount is $1.25 million.  The museum will encompass some 200 acres at a cost of $85 million.  Designed to honor the historical sacrifices made by soldiers the museum is presently under construction and expected to be completed in 2008.Civic and business leaders in Columbus Ga have a long history of supporting military families and the soldiers serving our country.  The donation of 1.25 million dollars goes a long way to show how committed the community is to honoring veterans and active duty soldiers.   05/26/2007

My favorite German Restaurant is located at the corner of Columbus Crossing near Weems Rd.  Service and food are very good;  cognac and beer will keep you lingering longer than you expected.  Desserts are traditional German fare and also delicious.  Recently Fasching was celebrated, this is the German version of Mardi Gras.  Two early arrivals are pictured below. 05/20/2007

 FROM:    FORT BENNING GEORGIA  and the  COLUMBUS GA  COMMUNITY                                                                                                                June 2nd - June 2nd - June 2nd                       June 2nd is the Fort Benning Soldier Show -  Free admission and the public is invited! Active duty Soldiers make up the entire cast!  It will be an hour and a half of music and entertainment.  R&B tunes, Country music, Rap, Rock and Roll and Broadway tunes, not to mention a few Patriotic favorites and Oldies!  YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING A LAWN CHAIR OR A BLANKET TO Wetherby Field June 2nd at 7pm show starts at 9pm.     Civillians you can gain access to the event directly from the Victory Drive and Custer Road Interchange!Fort Benning MWR  and  The Nationa Guard ... 05/19/2007

Fort Benning is one of the major beneficiaries of the BRAC military re-alignment.  Many of the troups coming back from Europe are receiving orders to PCS to Fort Benning.   In addition, the Armor School located at Fort Knox is scheduled to move to Fort Benning over the next couple of years.  The end result, if everything goes according to plan, is for Ft. Benning GA to be the largest miltary installation in the world.                                                                 Columbus Georgia Real Estate and Fort Benning Realtors 05/16/2007