I happened to catch NBC's nightly news tonight, and it was proclaimed that the recession may have bottomed out. It seems that reports from every sector seem to indicate that the downslide has slowed considerably, the results are inconclusive but promising. And while it may not be time to uncork the champagne just yet, it's refreshing to see at least a hint of optimism from the national press corps. And with higher consumer confidence, and amazingly low real estate interest rates and low property prices, there will be an onslaught of new buyers entering the market. If you combine those factors with incentives being offered by the federal, state and local governments, the uptick in sales may be unprecedented. I'm glad to know that NBC confirmed what I already knew! The phones are ringing,... 05/17/2009

Since the opening of the new Coweta County Justice Center in 2006, the 1904 historic old courthouse has been undergoing renovation for both the purpose of preservation and the anticipation of new services being headquartered in the downtown facility. Once the remodeling is complete, the building will house the Probate Court and a Visitor's Center. The grand old structure will still be the focal point of the downtown square. Progress has been slowed recently by the downturn in the economy and scarcity of funds, but the project should be completed in 2009. After all, it's not just a building; it's the centerpiece of Newnan and Coweta County! And it's an integral part of a vibrant and thriving downtown! All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive pro... 05/13/2009

After all, the numbers tell us that the situation is not improving. There is no logical explanation as to why the phone is ringing off the hook and that we are covered up with customers? How is it that when I try to refer a potential buyer out to another agent, the agent is too bust to take the referral? After all, the numbers say that the real estate market is still in decline. Is our local frenetic situation anecdotal? Or is it possible that some sort of fuzzy logic is being applied. Fuzzy logic, or analog logic, does not depend on hard and fast yes and no's when it comes to decision making. Rather, it's an overall result that may be somewhat different than a series of binary flip-flops, yes or no's, or one and zeroes.  It's more of a "big picture" kind of result. And so, I am saying ... 05/12/2009

Coweta County Georgia was formed soon after the signing of the Treaty of Indians Springs in February of 1825. Newnan became the county seat in 1828, and the prosperous new town attracted many wealthy merchants and professionals. When Judge and U.S. Congressman Hugh Buchanan bought the1830 house built by Edward Storey, he expanded the cottage into a larger residence and affectionately named it "Buena Vista" Buena Vista served as the Confederate Headquarters of General Joe Wheeler during the Battle of Brown's Mill July 30-31 1864. Since Newnan was a hospital city for both sides, the town was spared the torches of General William Tecumseh Sherman's troops. As a result, many antebellum homes in Newnan survive to this day. And none stand taller or more beautiful than Buena Vista! For more in... 05/09/2009

If you ever get a chance to home stage a vacant home (this one is in Newnan, GA an Atlanta Suburb) for an owner who designed the home and is an electrican; do every thing you can to win that job!  The lighting and sound and air quality features are phenominal!  Here's a few of my vacant before shots and some of my after shots, followed by a link to the video they will be using to market the home.                                                                                         Here's the link to the video: http://vidego.multicastmedia.com/player.php?p=s012e7xn How folks live in a home is their business, how folks present the home for sale is my business! For tips on how to prepare your home for sale and information on staging a home in Atlanta, visit the web site of PEACHTREE HOME... 05/07/2009

A few days ago, I wrote a post about our office moving to a new location. And do be honest, and as probably expected by anyone in these circumstances, it did not happen without a few unexpected occurrences that made the relocation less than trouble free. In the real estate business, you can step around boxes and cartons and mountains of excess paraphernalia with no place to go, and you can work around misplaced and oversized furniture. But what you can't live without is technology! The real estate business depends on it in so many ways that sometimes; you can't even imagine how much you rely on it until you don't have it! There were Internet and networking problems right away. Without the Internet, you're pretty much dead in the water. No MLS or tax record searches, no access to contrac... 05/06/2009

It seems like just yesterday that we moved into our palatial offices in Newnan. With nearly 13,000 square feet, we had enough space to accommodate as many agents as could be recruited. The three conference rooms were often all filled. The real estate market was booming in 2006, and all was well with the world. Our edifice was impressive and awe-inspiring. But times change, and so does the real estate market. And the best companies learn to change with the times. Darwin wrote that adaptation is the key to survival. And so one must adapt or perish. We still do an amazing amount of business, but there are less agents working now, and our paramount mission is to provide outstanding service to our customers and clients. So the choice was clear and simple: In these tough times, our CLIENTS de... 05/01/2009

  I've just returned from  a paint workshop at Gregory's Paint & Flooring in Duluth, Ga.  and let me tell you... paint is changing! Rebecca Dumas, a design consultant and owner of this fantastic establishment was full of knowledge about the new LOW-VOC and NO-VOC paints available by Benjamin Moore.  I tried to take notes and want to pass along some of what I learned for your use in updating your homes. 1.  The first paint that she introduced us to, was Aura Waterbourne Interior Paint.   They say it's "quite simply the finest paint we've ever made."  More customers are asking for "GREEN" products in their environment and this one is their top of the line.  It's LOW-VOC  (volatile organic compounds ) for environmental protection, low odor, mildew resistance and fully washable in ANY SHEEN... 04/30/2009

On the first Saturday of every month from April through December, local vendors set up shop around the old courthouse square for Newnan Market Days. Hosted by Main Street Newnan, the once a month event brings citizens from throughout the county and beyond to historic downtown Newnan for local fare, crafts, and unique items available for purchase. The event is typically from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. but on a beautiful day many of the vendors will stay as long as there is interest in their wares. And while you're downtown, you can visit the independent local merchants who comprise the core foundation of Main Street Newnan. Downtown Newnan is vibrant, alive and a lot of fun, and those considering a move should keep the town on their short list of potential places to live in Georgia! Ther... 04/29/2009

In our local real estate market in Newnan Georgia, most homes are listed at fair market price based on condition and the market. Sellers have become savvier, and they understand that it takes a low list price to attract buyers. But many purchasers lose buying opportunities because they believe that every house offered for sale is supposed to be delivered in perfect condition. So even though a property is deeply discounted, they expect to deduct thousands from their offers to replace old appliances or re-sod the yard, But you can't ask the seller to take the hit TWICE for the same defects. If the property was originally price based on needed repairs or updating, then you cannot expect to succeed with an offer that is significantly lower than the asking price. The key to artful negotiatio... 04/28/2009

There is a common assumption that there are many foreclosed properties for sale and not enough buyers. Numerically, that is absolutely true. There is still a lot of standing inventory, and more foreclosed homes come on the market every month. What a bargain hunter needs to realize is that there may not be many houses available that are "perfect" for them. All buyers want a good deal. They want the best schools, a nice yard, a house that is in good shape and move-in ready, modern appliances and a great neighborhood. What they fail to understand is that in most cases, a very basic rule of real estate applies: An extremely desirable house will probably not suffer foreclosure! A house that has great features and great amenities will sell via a conventional sale, and will usually not make it... 04/27/2009

Coweta County Georgia still has some rural areas. I like to drive the country roads in the early evening with the top down and the wind in what's left of my graying hair. One of my favorite spots has always been this tree-lined country lane. I have tried many times to capture it in a photo, but the light was never quite right and I have never been satisfied with the results. But the photos I have in stock are now going to have to suffice, because when I returned to this spot this evening all of the beautiful trees had been cut down to the ground. Nothing remains but the stumps and a few piles of debris in a field. I don't know if the county came and cleared the right-of-way or if the adjacent property owner cut them down. It doesn't matter who is responsible, they are gone for good. But... 04/26/2009

Everyone loves to get a bargain. And with a good supply of bank-owned properties available for sale, it seems like there are great deals ripe for the picking! And buyers are coming out in droves! But the fact of the matter is, not all foreclosed properties offer distinct advantages over conventional, appropriately priced property. In many cases, you are purchasing a property with all of its faults and defects. In most cases, banks and lenders do not offer any kind of disclosures or termite clearance letters or warranties of any kind. The buyer is responsible for determining the suitability of the property for purchase. Many are also in need of a significant number of repairs, making it necessary to get specific kinds of loans to cover repairs but that also increase the monthly mortgage ... 04/24/2009

The next few weeks should be very active in the real estate business. There are many cyclical reasons, and many incentives for buyers to gobble up the current deals that are on the market. Here are some of the reasons that you should be ready to get busy: Spring is in full force. Houses show well in pleasant weather, with green lawns and blooming flowers, and there is a general aura of peace of mind surrounding the season. The school year is nearly over. Many buyers plan to move as soon as the current school year is over. If you are looking at a 45 day contract to close process, it's time to seal the deal NOW! There is a 10% refundable federal tax credit up to $8,000 for first time buyers. (Buyers who have not owned a home in the last 36 months!) On some HUD and foreclosed needing repai... 04/19/2009

It's Easter Sunday 2009 and it's a beautiful morning in Newnan Georgia. I have always considered Easter to be a very special day, not only for the spiritual significance, but also as a day of reflection and renewal. Springs brings about a change in our lifestyle. We emerge from hibernation in our cozy domiciles and venture outdoors, timidly at first, and then with a keen awareness that a new growing season has begun and there is plenty of work to do! It's time to tend our awakening gardens, and then commence the annual struggle to get the lawn back in shape. I am about to begin to prepare our holiday meal. I have departed from the traditional ham this year in favor of some barbequed baby back ribs with all of the trimmings. It will give me an opportunity to cook outside, and to simultan... 04/12/2009

Newnan Georgia is especially beautiful in the spring. The abundance and variety of historic homes, including several surviving antebellum estates, period Victorian houses and true craftsman bungalows make the city a photographer's paradise. Preservationists in the area have designated six historic districts in the city, and have placed them all on the National Register. The six historic districts are Downtown, Greenville-Lagrange, College-Temple, Cole Town, Platinum Point and the Newnan Cotton Mill and Mill district. Newnan in Spring ... it's beautiful! All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of ERA United Realty and Coweta Fayette Real E... 04/11/2009

The Spring Newnan Tour of Homes will take place on Saturday, April 25th 2009 from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. It is sponsored by the Newnan Coweta Historical Society. The homes featured on this years tour are the Gibson/Starr/Sides Home - Circa 1900 at 29 Temple Ave, the Arnall-Mann Home/Welden Financial - Circa 1924 at 75 Jackson St, the Cantwell Home - Built 2002 at 55 Jackson St, the Farmer/Davis Home - Circa 1885 at 70 Jackson St, and the Jones/ Paulk Home - Circa 1900 at 701 W. Hwy 16! Tickets are $12 if purchased in advance, or $15 on the day of the tour. Tickets can be purchased at Coweta County Convention & Visitors Center, 100 Walt Sanders Memorial Drive or at Scott's Book Store, 28 S Court Sq, Newnan. Or you can call the Historical Society at 770-251-0207 to purchase tickets or get more... 04/09/2009

If there is one piece of advice that I give local horticulture enthusiasts, it is to never plant tender annual flowers or vegetables before "income tax day," April 15. That's because there is always a minimal chance of frost in early April. When the weather turns warm in March, the desire to get out there and get the garden going is almost overwhelming, and every third year or so, a late frost can wreak havoc on the amateur gardener. But a hard freeze this late in the year is almost unheard of. It is very destructive to our blooming azaleas and other spring blooming plants. Many tender shoots and budding leaves cannot survive temperatures this far below freezing. And it is catastrophic for those that earn their livelihood from agricultural produce that has already set its blossoms. Geor... 04/07/2009

  On March 12, 2009, the Newnan Coweta Board of Realtors held their annual Professional Achievement Awards banquet at the Coweta Club in Arbor Springs Plantation.  This memorable evening honored Realtors who have met professional criteria and who have obtained high sales goals.  Guests were serenaded by a string quartet from the Coweta Performing Arts Center.  The dinner menu was a masterpiece created by Executive Chef, Lance Jeffers.    Before the awards were given out, motivational speaker, Eric Zier, former University of Georgia quarterback, shared his positive thoughts on our current real estate market. The Coweta Club, located in Arbor Springs Plantation, features an 18 hole golf course and a beautiful clubhouse for your family or professional events.   Arbor Springs Plantation is ... 04/03/2009

At first the question seems insanely easy: "When is a drought over?" Most people would instinctively say: "when it rains." Apparently, that notion is incorrect. Here in the Southeast, we have suffered from low rainfall for over two years. And although there have been periods of rainfall, the total amount of rain per year has been significantly below the levels needed to keep the lakes and reservoirs full, and the water table at a dependable level. So we have been under mandatory water conservation regulations for years. No outside watering and no car washing has been permitted Brown lawns and flowers have been the order of the day! The gardening stores and nurseries that are still open are hurting because nobody wants to buy plants that they can't water. But what makes this more interes... 03/31/2009