Jenny Rutherford
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Helping you find your coastal dream home! Jenny Rutherford blends local Savannah charm with Tybee Island expertise. How long have you worked in Real Estate?
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. #SCAD
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.
09/26/2026
City of Tybee is putting on a screening of Jaws tonight at the Pier! The event is free and starts around 6pm with the movie starting at 8PM! I am so excited this is one of my favorite movies and have been thinking how cool it would be to screen it at the beach. 🦈
Get ready for a night of thrills, chills and classic beach vibes as JAWS takes over the Tybee Pier & Pavilion on Saturday, September 26 at 8 PM! 🎬🍿
Come early for:
🦈 Costume contest — come dressed to impress… or scare!
🦷 Shark teeth displays
🍔 Food & drink specials
🌴 A movie under the stars on the pier
🎟️ FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
🪑 Bring your chairs and get ready for a fin-tastic night on Tybee!
09/24/2026
🚨TOMORROW!! CHATHAM COUNTY STVR UPDATE!!! Big changes could be coming to short-term rentals in unincorporated Chatham County.🚨The Chatham County Board of Commissioners will hold a PUBLIC HEARING AND VOTE this Friday, September 25 at 9:30 AM on proposed changes to the County’s Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance.
I posted about this before the first reading. We now have more details on exactly what is being proposed.
⭐️ First, this is ONLY for unincorporated Chatham County. This is not the City of Savannah or Tybee Island. ⭐️ Here’s what you need to know:
🏠 THE 5% CAP
The previously proposed distance requirement between STRs has been removed. Instead, the County would use Chatham County Police Response Neighborhoods to determine STR density.
Non-owner-occupied STRs would be limited to no more than 5% of residential parcels within the Police Response Neighborhood where the property is located.
Owner-occupied STRs would not be subject to the 5% cap.
🏠 WHAT ABOUT EXISTING STRs?
This is important. Existing licenses and certain applications filed before September 25, 2026 would be considered “pre-existing licenses.” Those licenses could not be denied renewal just because the area has reached or exceeded the 5% cap.
However, existing non-owner-occupied STRs would still count toward the 5%. That matters because once an area reaches the cap, it could affect whether new licenses are available. There are also provisions for certain transfers of pre-existing licenses to immediate family members.
🏠 OCCUPANCY
For properties on sewer, the proposed limit is 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional people.
For properties on septic, the proposed limit is generally 2 people per bedroom. The limit could be lower based on septic capacity and Health Department recommendations.
The maximum is 15 overnight occupants.
Everyone counts toward occupancy regardless of age.
🏠 PARKING
STRs would be required to have one on-site parking space per bedroom. Street parking would NOT count toward the required parking.
🏠 TWO LOCAL CONTACTS
Every STR would be required to have two local points of contact. They must have access to the property and authority to address issues. They must also be available 24/7.
If the County determines an on-site response is needed, the ordinance provides for a response to the property within three hours.
🏠 LICENSE & PROPERTY INFORMATION
A valid STR license would be required to rent, operate or advertise an applicable property as a short-term rental.
The license would have to be posted inside the property. The license number would also have to be included in STR advertisements.
Information about parking, occupancy, noise restrictions and emergency contacts would need to be posted at the property.
🏠 COMPLAINTS & ENFORCEMENT
Parking, noise, occupancy, tax and other ordinance violations could result in enforcement.
Three or more investigated and substantiated complaints may trigger suspension procedures.
The proposed fines include:
• Parking violations: at least $100 per violation
• Noise violations: $250 per violation
• Occupancy violations: $250 per violation and possible suspension or revocation
An STR could not operate while its license is suspended or revoked.
🏠 OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The proposal also includes annual license renewals, insurance requirements, fire extinguisher requirements and rules for trash storage and collection.
One more important point. A County STR license does NOT override HOA, POA or other private covenants that may restrict or prohibit short-term rentals.
🏠 WHY THE 5% CAP MATTERS
Existing non-owner-occupied STRs count toward the 5% cap.
Once an area reaches that limit, it could affect whether additional non-owner-occupied STR licenses are available in that area.
That means property owners need to understand which Police Response Neighborhood their property falls into and what the current STR percentage is in that area.
This is one of the biggest pieces of the proposal to pay attention to.
🏠 PUBLIC HEARING & VOTE
📅 Friday, September 25, 2026
⏰ 9:30 AM
📍 Chatham County Commission Chambers, 2nd Floor, 124 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Residents are invited to attend and speak at the public hearing.
09/24/2026
Rental projections up to $45K per year + an active STVR license. 🏖️ 18 Silver Avenue Unit #1, Tybee Island, GA 31328 is offered at $425K. The fully furnished condo offers 2 bed/2 ba across 830 sqft & sits just 120 steps from the beach. It is also located directly across from Southern Belle Vacation Rentals with pool privileges available when managed through Southern Belle.
Located in Silver Shores on the beachside of Butler Avenue. Unit #1 features new coastal furniture + brand new Platinum Harvest LVP flooring. You’ll also find granite countertops & stainless steel appliances. The private balcony offers partial ocean views. Two assigned garage parking spaces + elevator access add convenience.
If you have questions about the condo or want to learn more about owning an STVR on Tybee Island, I’m happy to help. Send me a message or call Jenny Rutherford Real Estate at 912.388.2828 for more information or to schedule a showing.
09/22/2026
What can $875K get you on Tybee Island? At 10 10th Terrace it gets you a 5BR/2.5BA beachside home with 1740 sqft on 1.5 lots just 3 homes to the beach. 🌴
Beyond the home itself you’re buying into a Mid Island location where the beach, Tybee Market IGA, Memorial Park, YMCA, shops + local restaurants are all within walking distance. There’s also parking on both sides of the home + room to add a pool so you have options to make the property work for how you want to enjoy Tybee.
Want to see what $875K looks like in person? Call Jenny Rutherford Real Estate at 912.388.2828 with questions or to schedule a private showing. We can also connect you with a local lender for prequalification + help you understand what your buying options look like on Tybee Island.
09/21/2026
With rental projections up to $50K + an active STVR license, 85 Van Horne Ave Unit 11A is a fully furnished oceanfront 2BR/2BA condo with 856 sqft offered at $415K. This first-floor corner unit on Tybee’s north end sits right next to the beach crosswalk for easy access + added privacy.
The condo features an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances + white shaker cabinets along with LVP flooring throughout. The primary suite has direct access to the private balcony where you can take in the water views. Covered golf cart parking is also included.
Lighthouse Point offers beach access, pools, tennis courts, outdoor showers & grilling areas. DM me with any questions you may have or call Jenny Rutherford Real Estate at 912.388.2828 to schedule a showing.
09/19/2026
Fall is starting on the Island already! Tybee Market IGA has pumpkins for carving and candy to get you ready for Halloween! 🎃 👻 I’m not ready for summer to end but excited for Halloween too!!
09/18/2026
JUST LISTED 🏖️ Commercially zoned + immediately STVR eligible on Tybee Island! 7 Linton Street, Tybee Island, GA 31328 is offered at $575K with 4BR/3BA + 1269 sqft. This fully furnished property is exempt from Tybee Island’s STVR ordinance which means a buyer can enter the vacation rental market without waiting for a future residential STVR certificate or one-time certificate transfer.
The raised home offers four bedrooms + three full bathrooms with covered space underneath for parking and added functionality for island living. Plus you’re conveniently located close to the beach and local favorites like Sea Wolf, The Kelpie, Sugar Shack, Agave, Sand Cat Coffee and Zunzibar.
📲 Interested in learning more? Send us a message to schedule a private showing or ask questions about the property, STVR opportunity or buying on Tybee Island. Call Jenny Rutherford Real Estate at 912.388.2828 for more information.
09/18/2026
If you’re looking for a great house on SSI, this one is right across from red fern village and has room to put a pool in!!!
Inferno is easily one of my FAVORITE spots here on Tybee 🔥 If you love hot sauce and all things spicy, this place is a must.
There is seriously SO much to look at and try in this little shop. Hundreds of sauces, seasonings, rubs & all kinds of spicy finds 🌶️ Plus, you can sample a bunch while you’re there, which is half the fun.
If you’ve stopped in, what’s your favorite? 👀 And if Inferno is still on your list, consider this your sign to check it out!
09/16/2026
🚨 THIS WEEKEND ONLY: $20K BUYER INCENTIVE! 🚨Submit an offer on 5 Kingry Street by Monday at 5 PM & choose between a $20K price reduction or up to $20K toward allowable closing costs. The closing cost option can be used toward things like a rate buydown, prepaid expenses & other lender-approved costs. 🏠We’re hosting an open house Sunday from 2 to 5 PM.🏠
Offered at $615K, 5 Kingry Street has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2222 square feet. The flexible two-level floor plan features original hardwood floors, an open kitchen with a large island + a raised deck overlooking the backyard. Downstairs you’ll find two oversized bedrooms, a full bathroom and additional living space.
There’s plenty of parking for cars, a boat & golf carts. The beach is also an easy bike ride away. Come see 5 Kingry Street this Sunday from 2 to 5 PM or call Jenny Rutherford Real Estate for more information.📱
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Savannah, GA
31401