What the old façade starts falling apart, it’s time to take a deep breath and keep moving forward! - 01/31/10 07:22 PM
I have known for some time that I am no spring chicken. I have enjoyed many good years and plenty of awesome experiences in my time, but lately I find that a few things here and there aren’t exactly in mint condition!
Although I have always felt young on the inside, the outside parts of my mortal coil are offering more protest with each and every physical endeavor. It’s perfectly normal of course, but it doesn’t make it any easier to accept.
With retirement even more years away due to the recent economy, it seems as though the next few years … (22 comments)

Staying focused in an era of real estate fuzziness! It’s not as easy as you think! - 01/31/10 08:16 AM
 
The real estate market is topsy-turvy right now, and the sudden onslaught of technology designed to help both consumers and real estate professionals muddle through the confusion seems to have only wreaked more havoc.
Because the ways that we do business now can change from day to day, we can only attempt to react to different methods of information distribution and communication, and that requires constant adaptation to an ever-changing business model.
If you throw new restrictions, rules, and regulations into the mix, the task of keeping afloat can at times seem almost overwhelming. We spend as much time tweaking our … (13 comments)

Time v. Money. It applies to both sellers and buyers. - 01/29/10 07:36 AM
It is an inviolate tenet of real estate. When selling a property, one must determine whether it is more important to sell a property quickly and possibly accept less money, or to hold on for a longer time to get a higher price.
And one can statistically estimate for a seller what those time frames might be for different pricing points. By analyzing the overall days on the market against final sales prices one can generate a representative are market survey.
This method of analysis can also be used by potential buyers that are holding out in an effort to purchase … (56 comments)

I did a “flashlight” showing last night, and it was kind of fun! - 01/28/10 06:06 PM
With plenty of REO and other distressed properties that do not have the utilities turned on, late showings in the winter can be a challenge.
Not only is it very cold inside the properties, if you are out in the country in the middle of the woods it can be very, very dark.
I carry an LED flashlight for such occasions. It discharges a bright, eerily blue light that casts a surreal beam of antiseptic illumination that allows for safety and a piece by piece interpretation of the property.
And whether or not a potential purchaser can assemble the jigsaw puzzle … (20 comments)

Is it really “hump day” if you work seven days a week? - 01/27/10 07:24 AM
 
Well, it’s Wednesday, but since I have been working straight through the last few weeks I have completely lost that “middle of the week” feeling.
Of course, in today’s world, there are but a lucky few left that work the traditional five-day nine to five work week. And there is always pressure to shift to a more efficient system.
One local area school board is considering changing to a four day week with longer daily hours for teachers and students, but an extra day off translates to a huge cost savings for the school district.
So the terms “Hump-day, T.G.I.F. … (31 comments)

“Under all is the land.” Some thoughts about owning real property. - 01/26/10 06:14 AM
The preamble to the Realtor® Code of Ethics begins with the words: “Under all is the land. And while at first that may seem a bit cryptic, the fact of the matter is that it has never had more meaning than it does today!
Where I live, in Coweta County Georgia, land was the hottest commodity in the earlier years of this decade. Developers were gobbling up any available acreage at nearly any price and even though production was at its peak, building lots were scarce.
Today, land is poison. Banks will not lend money to purchase or develop it, and … (18 comments)

Sometimes the digital camera is just a little too razor sharp. Or are we just not pleased with what we see in the mirror. - 01/25/10 06:40 PM
 
Since we recently changed our affiliation to Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, I have been asked by a lot of agents to take their photograph for their new business cards. And it is good to update one’s portrait every once in a while, I guess!
But to a person, no one is entirely happy with their new “image,” because the digital camera tells no lies and hides NO flaws! It’s the electronic equivalent of looking in the bathroom mirror!
I suppose with the right lighting setup, some filtering, and a semi-soft focus I could mask some of the imperfections, … (28 comments)

If you want to sell me something by making a claim about your success, why not try proving it? - 01/24/10 07:01 PM
I got one of those SEO company spam emails today that made this claim about their company:
“Our company is on the first page when you Google our primary search term "SEO Company." How would you like us to do the same for your web site?
Only there was one important thing missing. The name of the company was not to be found in the email itself. It was completely absent. So, being the curious sort, I did the Google search for “SEO Company” and did not even find a URL that matched the mail server that sent the offer in … (100 comments)

How much is passion worth when making an offer on the purchase of a house? - 01/23/10 08:12 AM
In our area, Newnan Georgia, we have a lot of value priced properties that attract many buyers. In many of these cases, the highest bid is either accepted on an electronic Internet system, or the listing agent calls for “highest and best bids: by a certain deadline.
When I am representing a client and they ask me how much they should bid in these scenarios, I always reply with this question:
“Is it more important for you to get a bargain or this house?” And it’s a fair question. It is possible to offer too much for a house and that … (24 comments)

An alarming news statistic! Nearly HALF of the people in the country are below the average level of intelligence! Bad news sells. - 01/22/10 06:22 AM
 
While my obvious conclusion has been proffered as tongue-in-cheek, the title of this post probably did grab your attention! After all, I am certain that we encounter many individuals each and every day that would fall into the below-average category and we relish confirmation of that fact.
And I guess this a classic case of whether or not the glass is half empty or half full, as I could have just as easily stated that nearly half of the people are above the average level of smarts!
But ever since Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in 1440, news publishers across the … (20 comments)

A blog about blogging! Everyone's talking about it, but few accept the challenge! - 01/21/10 06:57 AM
 
I was at an open house yesterday held by an agent in our office, and she was kind enough to provide us with a delicious lunch. As I dressed my homemade chili with scallions, cheese and sour cream, I made eye contact with a man that I had not met.
I instinctively held out my hand and introduced myself. He shook my hand, and said: “you look familiar…”
“Oh, you’re the BLOG guy!” I admitted that I was and he stated that he frequently read my blog. Immediately, a conversation started among the agents in the room about the value … (43 comments)

Photography, watercolor painting, and the creative process. Transforming images into alternative media. - 01/20/10 06:25 PM
Back in the days of film photography, I often used photographs as inspiration for paintings and drawings. Capturing a good photograph took some doing back then, and often the image could be recycled as a more traditional piece of art.
In those days, whenever I got the urge to create, I would arouse the watercolors from their state of suspended animation, and I would search through hundreds of photographs seeking inspiration for a new painting.
And although I don’t find the time to paint as much these days, I find myself with more and more potential subjects. I have probably captured … (22 comments)

Are you a dreamer? No, I mean really ,,, are you a dreamer? I'm talking about the REM other-worldly kind of dreams that can be enlightening or disturbing. - 01/20/10 07:31 AM
First of all, I am not on any kind of meditation, Nothing physical that would have altered my brain activity.
But my dreams have become extremely vivid and detailed. They contain multiple detailed images that are spawned deep within my subconscious and are manifested in precisely choreographed synchronicity.
And since I am pretty good at interpreting dreams, and I have trained myself to remember even the most innocuous detail, I have been busy trying to uncover the hidden meaning contained in these late night/early morning dramas.
Properly interpreted, a dream can really tell you a lot about yourself. The unfettered mind … (17 comments)

There are no holidays in the real estate business! Buyers are poised and ready to move NOW! - 01/19/10 07:09 AM
 
Although yesterday was a national holiday in honor of Dr. King, and despite the fact that our Newnan real estate office was officially closed, the place was teeming with activity.
Agents were scrambling about with clients and offers and getting ready for property showings. It was actually much busier than a normal weekday.
I had at least five phone calls from new prospects, and we are going to show property to two of them and one was referred out.
My take on this is simple … buyers realize that the time is right to purchase real estate and are using … (19 comments)

Some Sunday thoughts about recent events that help me realize that I am truly blessed! - 01/17/10 08:01 AM
 
The aftershocks of the recent catastrophic earthquake in Haiti are reverberating throughout North America and the rest of the world. It almost seems unfair that people that had so little to begin with have lost so much.
The human toll is sobering, and an unpleasant reminder that tragedy can strike without warning and that the devastation can be unprecedented.
But if there is something positive to take from this horrific episode, it is the willingness of conscientious and generous benefactors and volunteers from around the globe to offer aid and succor to those that are suffering.
There is much that … (25 comments)

Our new office sparkles like a jewel! Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers Newnan Georgia! - 01/15/10 06:24 PM
After a rather long week of moving, we have settled into our Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers Newnan Georgia office, and we are completely up and running full speed!
Changing physical addresses can be a test of one’s patience and fortitude, but the new office already feels like home. It is a wonderful place to conduct real estate business and we are looking forward to many prosperous years in this location!
So now it’s time to buckle down and get back to doing what we do best: selling real estate in Coweta County Georgia. Please feel free to … (25 comments)

When is it time to "pull the plug?" It's hard to watch an old friend die slowly over a long period of time. - 01/15/10 06:59 AM
It doesn't happen all at once. At some point, you start to notice that things are a little bit different and a lot less robust. It takes longer and longer to perform even the simplest of tasks.
Sometimes a loss of memory or a vital element leads to a sudden and catastrophic failure, but more likely the decline will be over a long period of time. It is painful to watch.
And despite our best efforts at resuscitation, the day comes when it's time to pull the plug on our old and dear friend. In the end, it's really the best … (34 comments)

Is it legal for a seller to require FICO scores from an offeree? - 01/14/10 09:12 PM
Did I miss something here? I thought that privacy laws precluded a seller from asking specific questions about a buyer’s credit unless owner financing was included in the transaction.
Now we are being told that bank sellers are requiring FICO scores with offers. And real estate agents are telling buyers that the banks will not consider their offer unless it is provided.
Sounds like a RESPA and Privacy Act violation all rolled into one. But I have been wrong before, and if someone could please tell me why I wrong I’d like to know. How did it happen that a listing … (142 comments)

When you are doing an “all-nighter,” it’s easy to lose track of time! - 01/14/10 03:06 AM
As I have mentioned several times lately, I have a lot on my plate right now. I am getting along all right, because I have been able to acquire “extra” time by avoiding sleep.
As the clock nears 4:00 A.M. I begin to wonder: Is it really, really late right now, or am I past the point of no return and it’s now very early. These are the kinds of things that you think about after a significant amount of sleep deprivation.
I am going to assume it’s early and start a pot of coffee. I have a long day ahead … (44 comments)

Setting realistic expectations is a must for homebuyers in today’s market. There are some great deals out there, but common sense must be applied. - 01/13/10 06:55 AM
I had a candid conversation with one of our buyers the other day. She is looking for a $40,000 house in a nice area that doesn’t need anything other than cosmetic repairs. Without really thinking, I told her that we had plenty of $40,000 houses that met her criteria but that they cost $80,000!
And while that seemed a bit specious at first, there is an underlying truth to the statement. The intrinsic value of real estate is absolutely determined by location and condition.
The demand for properties in good areas that are move-in ready is very high in our area, … (30 comments)

Taking care of last minute title “surprises” with efficiency and aplomb! Why a little patience can go a long way when buying a foreclosure. - 01/12/10 07:00 AM
It seems that now, more than ever, the issue of clear and marketable title of real property is becoming more of an art than a science. As previously foreclosed properties change hands from asset holder to asset holder, the chain of title often develops a few weak links.
So it is not uncommon to uncover some defects in the abstract as the date of settlement approaches. And many times, correcting the problems can take some time, and often can threaten to postpone a closing indefinitely.
This is no time to panic. As title researchers become more and more experienced with out … (22 comments)

What is reality anyway? Some philosophic musings on a cold winter’s night. - 01/10/10 06:32 PM
I find myself daydreaming a lot more  often lately. And it’s not because I have a lot of extra time on my hands.
It’s more because I’m not where I want to be right now at this point in my life. I always planned to be able to slow down a bit as I approached late middle age, but the real estate market collapse has placed that on indefinite hold.
And it’s not just me. I regularly converse with others that are exhausted and fed up and some are even ready to give up completely. With life saving evaporating there isn’t … (27 comments)

This cold spell has home buyers invigorated…the weather may be freezing but the buyers are red-hot! - 01/10/10 07:17 AM
Perhaps it is an epidemic of cabin fever, or just a desire to take advantage of bargain priced homes, but we are experiencing a surge of home buyers ready to take action here in Coweta County Georgia.
I was waiting to open a house for some potential buyers on Friday, when the roads were covered with ice and snow and temperatures were well below freezing. As I waited in the car two other agents showed up with prospective clients and showed the property.
So I came to the unscientific conclusion that if buyers are willing to brave the elements to see … (27 comments)

When you go into a tailspin...literally…it really makes you think: What should I have done to avoid this sticky situation? - 01/09/10 07:10 AM
As I have chronicled in previous posts, we have encountered a winter storm here in the Newnan Georgia area that has left a little snow and a LOT of ice on the highways and byways.
And since I am always looking for a good photo, and that I consider myself an experienced driver in winter conditions, I was out scoping the area for new images.
However, after driving for an hour or so with no serious traction issues, I let my guard down for just an instant. As I rounded a downhill bend on a country road, I lost control of … (80 comments)

Getting the elusive Christmas Card Photo …sort of!!! Light Snow in Coweta County. - 01/08/10 06:16 AM
I drive my wife crazy every year, because I keep the Christmas decorations up longer than anyone else in my neighborhood in an effort to get the elusive Georgia snow photo with the Christmas lights ablaze!
Although we just got a dusting of the white stuff last night in Coweta County, I was finally rewarded for my years of decoration procrastination! I managed to grab some better than average photos of the house, and overall, I am pleased!
And my wife is even more pleased, because now I can get to work this weekend and pack up the lights until Thanksgiving!
… (36 comments)

The Mary Ray Memorial School, site of the Raymond Community Center in Coweta County Georgia, is preserved! - 01/07/10 07:19 PM
The Mary Ray Memorial School, which serves as the Raymond Community Center, was listed by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the 2009 Places in Peril.
The building was in an advanced state of disrepair, and was probably months from total collapse. It would have been lost forever if not for the work of zealous volunteers from all across the southeastern United States that worked diligently to preserve it!
I am happy to report that the building has not only been saved, but has been returned to it’s former glory. The top photo was taken less than one … (17 comments)

Thank goodness! Something a little lighter on a cold Thursday in Georgia. - 01/07/10 07:00 AM
 
I have been under a lot of stress lately. The sleep-depriving, stomach-aching, “why can’t I do something about this” kind of stress that gnaws at you every conscious moment of the day.
I feel the years slipping off of my life as every day seems to pile more anxiety onto an already overloaded bill of laden. It’s getting more arduous every day!
So what could possible lighten up such a dreary environment? One word:
SNOW! They are predicting a snow event for this afternoon and here in middle Georgia, that’s pretty exciting. We are giddy for snow and when it … (36 comments)

Georgia “Superspeeder” Law is now in effect. If you plan on driving in Georgia, watch your speedometer. - 01/06/10 06:58 AM
 
Georgia has always been a state where driving fast is the accepted norm. Georgia drivers are among the most aggressive in the country, and in many cases law enforcement for even the most severe speeding cases has been rather ineffective at slowing drivers down.
The new Georgia Superspeeder Law which went into effect on January 1, 2010 has tacked on an additional $200 fine payable to the state for any drivers convicted of traveling at over 85 mph. on interstate and other four lane highways and 75 mph. on two lane roads,
And while those tolerances may still seem relatively … (20 comments)

I had a bad day today, because someone made a promise that they couldn’t keep. - 01/05/10 07:15 PM
In business, your word is your bond. At least, that’s the way it should be. But in order to make the promise in the first place, you should always be certain that you have the capability to keep.
I had a promise made to me broken today. And although the offending party was very sorry and said that there was nothing that could be done about it, the fact of the matter was that at the time the commitment was made, the guarantor had not taken the actions necessary to make good on the promise.
And so I am left to … (72 comments)

Abort, retry, fail. I thought that I moved to Georgia to get away from the cold! - 01/05/10 06:51 AM
Thirty-seven years ago, I packed up everything I owned into my brand new 1973 Dodge Dart and headed south to Georgia. Equipped with the enthusiasm and vigor of youth I abandoned the cold and economic depression of Western Pennsylvania and headed for a warmer climate and better job opportunities.
I assumed that the move was temporary. After all, my roots were deeply implanted with family and friends and Pennsylvania culture!
I started a job the day after I arrived as a helper for a ceramic tile-setter. The work was very labor intensive and exhausting, but I was immediately immersed into the … (40 comments)

Sometimes it’s not wise to buck tradition. It never hurts to hedge one’s bets. - 01/03/10 05:06 PM
 
Although I was born north of the Mason-Dixon Line, I have lived in the south for over thirty-five years now. And there are some southern traditions that I have learned to embrace.
One of these traditions is the serving of black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Years Day. Folklore states that the peas bring luck and prosperity, and the greens will lead you to money.
And not being one to sneer at local custom, I always prepare the annual fare with gusto, from scratch and seasoned with ham hocks and good fresh herbs. I cook the collards outside, as … (18 comments)

Is the next generation ready to accept the challenges of the future? My unscientific poll points to YES! - 01/03/10 07:54 AM
 
I attended a wedding reception last night for the son of a dear friend. I always enjoy attending weddings, because I always come away from them with a very fresh and positive outlook on the future.
Weddings are the ultimate declaration of optimism. These two young people are embarking on an adventure that will take them through the corridors of life, allowing them to choose which doors of opportunity to open for themselves.
And they will choose together. United as a team they will be standing ready to face anything that comes their way. And they will undertake the arduous … (19 comments)

What day of the week is it anyway? Muddling through the holiday confusion. - 01/02/10 07:03 AM
 
Christmas and New Year’s Day fell on Friday this year which has led to quite a bit of “day” confusion. As a result of back-to-back four day weekends, my internal colander is in complete disarray.
Is today Saturday or Sunday? Was yesterday Friday or Saturday? Are the banks opened or closed? Does the mail run today?
Is the mortgage payment due? What about the credit cards? It seems that holiday torpor has taken its grasp and there has been a hibernation in which time seems to have stood still, but in reality it has not.
Wow, I am running behind. … (32 comments)

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to visit during the winter but please be aware of seasonal road closures. - 01/01/10 06:49 PM
 
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to visit during any season of the year, but winter offers special opportunities not available during the other three seasons.
Due to the fact that the leaves are off of the trees, views are enhanced from nearly every vantage point, and on a clear day in winter you can see an exceptionally long way!
However, if you plan to visit the park in the winter, please be aware that many of the secondary roads are closed during cold weather.
The roads that are seasonally closed include Clingman’s Dome Road, Heintooga … (16 comments)

A New Year, a new company, and a new attitude. Why this year’s resolutions might be the most important ones in a long time! - 01/01/10 07:07 AM
 
A few weeks ago, our brokerage firm merged with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers. The transition has been phenomenal so far, with only minor glitches which are more than offset by a company-wide dedication to professionalism.
And while each New Year always entails some degree of adaptation and modification, this year the adjustments will be much more dramatic. Because of the new branding, every marketing device that we possess must be reviewed and updated!
This mandatory accountability has made me do the things that I should have been doing anyway – making certain that my tools are … (36 comments)

 
Richard001lrg Ambassador_large

Richard Weisser

Richard Weisser Coweta Newnan Homes for Sale

Newnan, GA

More about me…

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers

Address: 209 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan, GA, 30265

Office Phone: (770) 827-6225

Cell Phone: (770) 827-6225

Email Me

Author Bio: Richard Weisser is a Georgia real estate broker, licensed auctioneer, a candidate for GA House District 71 and has been writing about Georgia Real Estate since 1999.

Coweta Fayette Real Estate offers opinions and helpful information to consumers and real estate professionals in the Coweta County Georgia area.

Coweta Fayette Real Estate allows you to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with NO registration required!

Twitter cowetafayette


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find GA real estate agents and Newnan real estate on ActiveRain.