Covington Living

Farm For Sale in Covington, Georgia

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:07:21 -0600

Farm for Sale in Covington, Georgia - 4176 Hwy 81 South GAMLS# 02778963 FMLS# 3989815 $1,450,000

For more information, call my mobile phone 770-337-5262, or visit my website www.CovingtonLivingHomes.com

Farm For Sale in Covington, Georgia - 74.76 Acres - 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

This special Farm for Sale in Covington, Georgia, only nine miles from Covington's historic square, features 74.76 rolling acres and a beautifully decorated and immaculately maintained 4 bedroom / 3 bath Cape Cod home.

Secluded on a wooded plot at the end of its winding driveway, the lovely home on this Farm for Sale features cedar shake siding, dormer windows, and a huge 160 square foot screened porch stretching across its back. Inside is a comfortable, open Great Room and formal Dining combination anchored by a masonry fireplace and built-in bookshelves. The rear kitchen is light and airy and a chef's delight. Everything is at your fingertips. Modern appliances and conveniences, including built-in double convection ovens, solid-surface island cook-top, built-in microwave, spacious pantry space, corian counter-tops, and under-counter wine rack make cooking a pleasure.

Also on the main floor of this Covington Farm for Sale home is a convenient office which can easily be used as a fourth bedroom to fit the needs of a larger family. Upstairs are three additional over-sized bedrooms and two full baths.

The home's many special amenities include programmable thermostats, gas fireplace logs, burglary / fire alarm security system, wide wooden blinds, over-sized bedrooms, hardwood, carpet and ceramic tile floors, water softener, and built-in vacuum system. Outside the home is an in-ground 18 X 36 gunite pool.

The gently rolling acreage of this Farm for Sale is approximately half wooded and half open pasture, fenced and cross-fenced. A short distance behind the home is a perfect spring-fed lake site. And to the right of the home, beyond the pool, is a large kitchen garden spot and grape arbors. The Farm for Sale also includes open storage sheds for tractors and equipment and a large outbuilding for workshop or additional storage space.

Don't miss the comfortable convenience and secluded splendor of this beautiful Farm for Sale with its move-in-ready home. It's perfect for the "Gentleman Farmer" and his family to play, relax and entertain. Contact me today for a showing.

See the location of this Covington Farm for Sale on the map below. And be sure to watch the virtual tour located just below the map.

View 33.524569, -83.954296 in a larger map

For more information on this property, call my mobile phone at 770-337-5262.

Be sure to visit my website at www.CovingtonLivingHomes.com

To keep up to date on community news, events and real estate in Covington, Georgia and the surrounding area, subscribe to my blog, CovingtonLivingToday.com

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Commercial Property For Sale in Covington, Georgia - Hwy 20 South

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:39:46 -0600

Commercial Property for Sale in Covington, Georgia - Hwy 20 South

GAMLS# 02723114 $289,900

For more information, call my mobile phone 770-337-5262, or visit my website www.CovingtonLivingHomes.com

Commercial Property for Sale in Covington, Georgia - Highway 20 South - with 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath House

This potential Commercial Property for Sale in Covington, Georgia on Highway 20 South is just steps away from the new Kroger supermarket at Hwy 20 and Brown Bridge Road. The property is 1 acre, and includes a 3 bedroom, 1 bath all-brick home built in 1960.

The all-brick ranch home on this Commercial Property for Sale is built on crawlspace, and has central electric heat and air conditioning. The home features a mix of hardwood floors and carpeting, a country kitchen, living room/dining room combo, and a laundry closet on the attached carport.

Immediately beside this 1-acre Commercial Property for Sale, closest to the new Kroger, is an additional vacant 1-acre lot. Behind the property is additional commercial property, which along with the vacant adjacent acre lot might be combined for an assemblage of approximately 14 (+ or -) acres.

The property experiences daily high traffic counts on Hwy 20. The potential Commercial Property for Sale would be an excellent site for a professional offices, drugstore, gas/convenience store, small retail, etc.

View the location of this Commercial Property for Sale on the map below.

View Larger Map

For more information regarding this property, call my mobile phone 770-337-5262. For information on other Commercial Property for Sale in Covington and the surrounding areas, visit my website at www.CovingtonLivingHomes.com. And, to keep up with what's happening in Covington community news, events and real estate marketread my blog at www.CovingtonLivingToday.com.

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Your comments and questions are always welcome

The Real Estate Confidence Index

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:26:06 -0600

How much confidence do Realtors have in their local markets? The Real Estate Confidence Index answers that question.

The people who host my website, Point2Agent, conducts a monthly survey of its thousands of members across North America to determine how real estate professionals see the current and future market conditions in their respective areas.

The survey receives over 3,000 responses monthly from every area of the country across many different types of markets. Respondents rate their markets on a scale of 1 to 10, showing their confidence level in local real estate markets over the short term (3 to 6 months), and the long term (12 to 18 months). A statistical mean on the 1 to 10 scale is then derived which becomes the monthly Real Estate Confidence Index. The Index is statistically valid due to the number of responses received.

The Real Estate Confidence Index (R.E.C.I.) for October, 2009 is 5.59. This seems a bit middle-of-the-road, and one might say, "Yeah... half the country's confident, the other half isn't." However, the Index is based upon real opinions from real professionals in the real estate field, and if watched over time, does fluctuate by State and economic conditions.

To those of us in Georgia, confidence is not great. The Georgia R.E.C.I. is 5.08. Georgia real estate professionals rate their confidence in the current market a 4.53, with improvement in the short term to 4.63, and the long term to 6.08 - still a long way from complete, or even comfortable confidence in the marketplace.

In the South, Georgia professionals are joined by South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Kentucky and Oklahoma practitioners with only low to moderate confidence in their markets. Professionals in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina exhibit a bit more confidence, but still hover only slightly higher (current index 6.3) than the country as a whole.

Survey administrators point out that "the Real Estate Confidence Index is a purely subjective survey, and is in no way intended to be an accurate reflection of current market conditions." It is based on the opinions of real estate professionals across the country. Even so, it's both interesting, enlightening, and probably not too far off.

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Home For Sale in Covington, Georgia - Clark's Grove

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:55:04 -0600

Home for Sale in Covington, Georgia - Clark's Grove GAMLS# 02402631 $379,000

For more information, call my mobile phone 770-337-5262, or visit my website
www.CovingtonLivingHomes.com

Home for Sale in Covington, Georgia - Clark's Grove - 4 Bedrooms, 3 1/2 Baths

This lovely Federal-style Home for Sale in Covington, Georgia's Clark's Grove offers non-traditional value in Covington's premiere Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND), Clark's Grove. Climb the wide steps to the broad rocking-chair front porch, and enter the home's great room through classic double front doors. Notice the marble facade of the room's fireplace with easy gas starter, the lovely hardwood floors, and the rounded corners on all walls.

To the left, enter the formal dining room with its judge's paneling with plate rail, dramatic chandelier and inlaid hardwood floors. Pass through to the gourmet chef's kitchen to see the solid surface island cooktop, double convection ovens, tile backsplash, granite countertops and large dining area.

This Clark's Grove Home for Sale includes a large laundry room with built-in cabinetry and a half bath located just off the kitchen for your convenience.

A large gallery space off the kitchen connects the Home for Sale downstairs amenities to the master suite on the main level, and the covered sitting porch just off the huge, enclosed patio. The master features a sitting area, master bath with subway tile, separate shower, jetted tub, and large walk-in closet. Access the covered porch through the master's double french doors.

Upstairs are two additional bedrooms, two full baths and a huge rec room with closets which might be used as a fourth bedroom. All bedrooms have double closets, and under-eaves, floored storage space is also accessed from the upstairs rooms.

Off the brick-paved patio and covered porch in the rear is the detached two-car garage. The garage has an epoxy floor for ease of maintenance, and is connected to the main house by a breezeway. Above the garage is a finished room with hardwood floors which might be perfect for an office, or just additional storage.

Outside this Home for Sale in Clark's Grove, you can stroll the neighborhoods tree-lined sidewalks. swim in the Olympic-size pool, use the playgrounds, ballfield and picnic pavillion, explore the walking trails or grow herbs and vegetables in the community garden.

Covington's Clark's Grove is just a short walk off the city's historic square, and with all Covington, Clark's Grove and this exceptional home has to offer, there's everything you need to enhance your lifestyle, entertain friends and relax with your family.

This Swann Street Home for Sale has been reduced from the original asking price of $459,000, and offers exceptional value. Contact me today to view this move-in-ready Home for Sale property.

View the location of this Clark's Grove Home for Sale on the map below. And be sure to watch the virtual tour located just below the map.

For more information regarding this property, call my mobile phone at 770.337.5262. For information on other Homes for Sale in Covington and the surrounding areas, visit my website at www.CovingtonLivingHomes.com. And, to keep up with what's happening in Covington community news, events and real estate market, visit my blog at www.CovingtonLivingToday.com

View 33.595735, -83.872379 in a larger map

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Covington Residents Hear "Voices From the Past"

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:05:01 -0500

Nine past citizens of Newton County “spoke” to visitors strolling through the historic Covington City Cemetery last Thursday evening during the Newton County Chamber of Commerce’s “Voices From The Past” tour.

Local residents dressed in period costumes portrayed notable past citizens of the county, providing vignettes of their lives and county history during the 1800s and early 1900s. Each presented their story standing beside the grave of the resident they portrayed.

Residents represented in the portrayals included Mahala Pitts Clark, born into slavery who died at the age of 100; George Thompson, a gypsy killed at Clark’s Grove as a result of a gambling altercation; Reverend Toney Baker, first pastor of the African-American Bethel Baptist Church; Dr. Luke Robinson, one of the county’s first physicians; Julia A. Camp Porter whose husband founded Porterdale and its textile mill, and after whom the Julia A. Porter Memorial Methodist Church is named; Martha Hood Dorsett, a young frontierswoman who died at the age of 20, but whose descendants still reside in the area; Frances Reynolds Brown Merritt whose husband and three children all died within a short seven-year marriage; Reverend Andrew Hamill, a Methodist circuit-riding preacher who served the spiritual needs of Georgians from Brunswick to Blairsville, and; General James Phillip Simms, Confederate General and state legislator.

Local resident Louise Adams portrayed Mahala Pitts Clark. Ernie Smith was the gypsy George Thompson. The Reverend Hezekiah Benton, current pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, portrayed Reverend Toney Baker. Chris Smith, descendant of Dr. Luke Robinson, portrayed his ancestor. Cynthia Millsaps became Julia A. Camp Porter. Amelia Thomaston, Oxford College student, portrayed Martha Hood Dorsett. Sandi Schein tugged your heartstrings as Frances Reynolds Brown Merritt. Reverend Brian Dale became circuit-rider Reverend Andrew Hamill. And Will Alisberg played General James Phillip Simms.

Tour guides led groups from the sold-out event through the cemetery, pointing out distinctive monuments, inter-relating the cemetery and county history, and explaining the meaning and significance of symbols and markings on the memorials and grave stones.

The Covington City Cemetery consists of five separate sections:

The Old Methodist, Northwest Section
The Confederate, Northeast Section
The African American, Eastern Central Section
The Memorial Garden, West central Section, and
The City Cemetery, The Central and largest Section

Within the city limits of Covington, ten other cemeteries have been identified, bringing the total cemeteries in Newton County to 270, identified so far.

The Tourism Division of the Newton Chamber, in cooperation with the Newton County Historical Society should be commended for staging this unique event. "Voices From The Past" offered Covington residents a special opportunity to be both educated and entertained by our county’s history.

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The Covington Georgia Real Estate Market Report - September 2009

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:45:00 -0500

Covington Georgia September 2009 Real Estate Market Report

Active Listings 1024
Pending Sales 126
Closed Sales 79
Week's Inventory 56 (Absorption Rate)

The "Weeks Inventory" indicates the number of weeks it takes to sell the current inventory of homes on the market at the present rate of sales. Inventory level in a "good real estate market" is considered to be around 24 weeks.

Since Last Month's Report:

Active Listings DOWN 26.3%
Pending Sales DOWN 9.4%
Closed Sales DOWN 15%

Foreclosures:

New foreclosures in the Covington and Newton County real estate market were DOWN in September by 9.4% from last month's figure. However, for the nine-month period, foreclosures are still UP 1.4% in the county over 2008.

The Average Sales Price of homes in the Covington real estate market in September was UP 31% over August to $141,031, and UP 7% from the same period in 2008. That's good news!

It's still taking longer to seel our homes in the Covington real estate market. The Average Days On Market of homes listed in Covington was UP 9.7% over August, and 12.9% over September 2008.

DISCLAIMER: All information, photographs & content contained within this blog is the property of Bill Blair and may only be used with express written permission of the author or via the Active Rain "reblog" function, posted in its entirity with attribution to the author.

All statistical information used to create this report was obtained from GAMLS. Information Deemed Reliable but not Guaranteed.

The Covington Georgia Real Estate Market Report - August 2009

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A Boondoggle of Olympic Proportions

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:35:18 -0500

Valerie Jarrett, one of the president’s senior advisers told major media outlets this morning that President Obama will travel to Denmark to support Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. He will leave this Thursday and join his wife Michelle in Copenhagen where they, along with a packed contingent from Chicago’s bid committee and the world of celebrity, will lobby the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the international event.

The IOC will decide the host city on Friday from among the final contenders, Chicago, Madrid, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro.

What’s wrong with this picture? I see two major problems.

First, let me say that there is no bigger supporter of the Olympic movement than me. Before I became a realtor in Covington, I was a sports marketing consultant working primarily for worldwide corporate sponsors of the Olympic Movement for over 15 years. I developed and implemented marketing programs to help sponsors leverage their sponsorships in Olympic Summer and Winter Games, regional competitions such as the Asian Games, and local trial competitions for National Olympic Committees in countries throughout the world. I worked on Games and competitions in Europe, Asia, India, Australia and the U.S. To me, there is no greater movement, nor one that elicits more national pride, emotion, history, or personal satisfaction than the Olympics.

My first issue with Obama traveling to Denmark is that the U.S. taxpayers will be springing for yet another presidential boondoggle and photo-op. Not only is Obama going, but he is “meeting” Michelle there, and taking along Jarrett, Education Secretary Anne Duncan and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, according to the AP.

And since Obama is going, it’s a good bet that taxpayers will also be liable for a good portion, if not all, of the Chicago contingent’s costs. The Chicago group will include the city’s bid committee members, Obama crony Mayor Richard Daley, Ophra Winfrey, and 14 Olympic and two Paralympic gold medalists, including Michael Johnson, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Nadia Comaneci and Nastia Liukin.

There is no reason for the US President to lobby for the Games being held in the United States. President George H.W. Bush did not make an appearance when Atlanta won the bid in 1989, nor has any other American president ever done so. Obama will be the first U.S. president to actually appeal in person to the IOC for an Olympic event. And in fact, it is likely that the IOC’s mind is already made up as to who will be the winning city. Although no one will know until this Friday, IOC officials have been visiting potential cities, asking questions and receiving input from potential hosts for the past seven years.

But even more than Obama needlessly spending taxpayer money for this useless boondoggle, I’m concerned that Chicago even has a chance to win the 2016 Olympic Summer Games.

If you thought there were improprieties in winning the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games, which came close to destroying the Olympic movement, can you imagine the graft, corruption and quid pro quo that will be going on if Chicago is the chosen city? Corruption and questionable dealings already exist throughout the city and state administrations, and will only be amplified by the lust after the billions of dollars of economic impact an Olympic event can bring to a city. I can only hope that IOC members remember and have learned from the past what an ill-advised decision Chicago would be.

There’s nothing I would rather see than the Olympic Games back on U.S. soil. But not at this time… and NOT in Chicago!

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Walk Through History

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:03:09 -0500

If you enjoy history or want to learn more about Covington's history and that of the people who have lived here, here's something you won't want to miss.

On Thursday evening, October 15, the Tourism Division of the Covington/Newton County Chamber of commerce is sponsoring a guided walking tour of the historic Covington City Cemetery. The cemetery is located off Conyers and Church Streets just a couple of blocks off the historic square.

The tour will be conducted by people in period costumes representing several "residents" of the cemetery who will provide graveside commentary about their lives and history of Covington and the surrounding area.

For those unable to walk the route, golf carts will be provided.

The crisp fall weather, personal portrayals and rich history of Covington will make this an event not to be missed.

Tickets may be purchased at the Covington visitors center on Clark Street between now and the event. No tickets will be sold at the cemetery. Admission to the tour is $10 for adults and $5 for children. All proceeds will go to the Newton County History Center, being developed in Covington's historic jail building, and to the construction of the Newton County Miracle Field.

Come out for an enjoyable evening. Learn more about our history. And support our local charities.

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All-Brick European at Amazing Price in Conyers

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:10:53 -0500

Lovely All-Brick European

1252 Saxony Drive, Henson Village, Conyers, GA 30013 View Map

This lovely all-brick European Ranch definitely has the most curb appeal on the block. Columned front porch leads into soaring foyer and great room, and through dramatic archways into the open kitchen and formal dining area. The split bedroom plan features oversize bedrooms and a master suite sitting area. Berber carpet,ceramic tile floors, custom cabinetry and lots of added trim make for comfortable living and easy maintenance. The 2-car garage is accessed from a rear alley, and screens the large back porch to make it perfect for relaxing or entertaining.You can't beat this home's convenient, yet quite location in sought-after Henson Village.

Details

Asking Price:

$189,000

MLS:

02649727

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

2-car

Subdivision:

Henson Village

Year Built:

2001

Contact Info

Bill Blair
GRI, ePro

Main 770-787-7777 Ext. 455
Dir 770-337-5262
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

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Covington Confection for the First-Time Buyer

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:43:15 -0500

Complete Renovation - Top to Bottom

288 Veal Road, Covington, GA 30016 View Map

You'll not find a nicer home priced for the first-time buyer than this completely renovated beauty. Nice open floor plan with everything new, from roof to hardwoods. New carpet, fixtures, decorator colors, kitchen tile, deck and storage building. Huge playroom can be used as fourth bedroom. All rooms are oversize, with separate dining area, office space, and everything on a single floor. Expertly maintained, exquisitely clean, and ready to move in. Sit on your deck and watch the kids play in the private backyard of this 2+ acre wooded lot. Convenient to both Covington and Conyers shopping and amenities.

Details

Asking Price:

$129,500

MLS:

02676411

Lot Size:

2+ acres

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Subdivision:

none

Contact Info

Bill Blair
GRI, ePro

Main 770-787-7777 Ext. 455
Dir 770-337-5262
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

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This Is Amaizing!

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:31:59 -0500

This week begins the autumn season, and Colonel Cob’s Corn Maze in Oxford is open again with an all-new maze and several new attractions.

The pathways through Colonel Cob’s 7-acre cornfield this year is in the shape of a giant pirate ship. You should be able to navigate your way through the ship and safely back to the dock in about 30 minutes. But for the “directionally challenged,” it could take much longer. Co-owners Tommy and Emy Mitcham have also placed water-related trivia clues throughout the maze to help you navigate. If you answer the trivia questions about uses of water, large bodies of water, etc. correctly, they’ll point you to the next clue and out of the maze. Incorrect answers will send you in circles and ensure that you just wander about in the corn.

Other attractions at Colonel Cob’s include the traditional pumpkin patch, hayrides, bonfires, helicopter rides, pony rides, a corn cannon, inflatable slides and jumpers, a sand mountain full of treasure, and barbeque catered by Where There’s Smoke Barbeque and Catering from Mansfield. The Mitchams also provide educational activities for children and school groups such as movies and audios about farming and farm life.

At Colonel Cob’s, tickets are $8 for the maze and $4 for the hayride through the farm. Combined tickets are available. Helicopter and pony rides cost extra.

Other corn mazes in the area include Corn Dawgs in Loganville, Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, Washington Farms in Watkinsville, Cagle’s Dairy Farm in Canton, and Uncle Shuck’s in Dawsonville.

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"Going Greener" in Covington's Clark's Grove

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:49:32 -0500

Even as the leaves begin to change their color, Covington’s Clark’s Grove is "going greener.”

The Clark’s Grove Homeowner’s Association and several individual homeowners in the neighborhood are applying for a solar power grant from the Georgia Environmental Facilities Agency (GEFA). GEFA will supply grants from a $4,000,000 pool provided by the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the “Stimulus Bill”) for alternate energy projects in the state.

The Homeowner’s Association portion of the grant would provide solar panels for power and hot water for the neighborhood swim club. Individual homeowner grants would provide power for normal electrical service, solar thermal water heating, or a combination of the two.

The grant, if approved, would provide 75% of the cost of each residential system, with the homeowner providing the remaining 25%. Homes must have proper sun orientation and exposure to participate.

Hannah Solar, who is submitting the grant on behalf of Clark’s Grove, says that the roof-mounted solar panels should cut electricity bills almost in half for the homeowners, providing a payback to the user in only two to three years. After the payback, everything is “savings” for the consumer. The system should be expected to operate without problems for at least 20 years.

Clark’s Grove is Covington’s premiere Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND). TNDs are an emerging national trend in land use planning, smart development, and environmental stewardship. Walkable communities where people live, work, shop and play, TND neighborhoods, such as Clark’s Grove, feature a town center, parks, plazas, commercial establishments, civic buildings, common green spaces, tree-lined sidewalks, narrow street grids, paths and trails throughout, and homes with front porches set close to the street on small lots.

Homes in Clark’s Grove are built to “EarthCraft” standards. EarthCraft House is a green building program that specifies building standards resulting in healthy, comfortable homes that reduce utility bills and protect the environment. The program is a partnership between the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Southface Energy Institute, the government and industry partners whose aim is to help home builders be leaders in smart growth management and environmental stewardship.

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The Covington Georgia Real Estate Market Report - August 2009

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:45:23 -0500

Covington Georgia August 2009 Real Estate Resale Market Report

Active Listings 1389
Pending Sales 139
Closed Sales 93
Week's Inventory 65

The "Week's Inventory" indicates the number of weeks it takes to sell the current inventory of homes at the present rate of sales. Inventory level in a "good real estate market" is considered to be around 24 weeks.

Since Last Month's Report:

Active Listings DOWN 12.8%
Pending Sales DOWN 4.8%
Closed Sales DOWN 34.5%

Foreclosures:

New foreclosures in the Covington and Newton County real estate market were DOWN in August by 1.8%. However, for the eight-month period, foreclosures are UP 11% in the county over the same period last year.

The Average Sales Price of homes in the Covington real estate market in August was UP 3.5% over July, but DOWN 22.3% from August 2008 prices.

All statistical information used to create this report was obtained from GAMLS. Information Deemed Reliable but not Guaranteed.

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Vampires in Covington Georgia?!... No Way!

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:17:11 -0500

Way!!

This morning, I saw the first flock of geese flying south over my house, foretelling a change of seasons for Covington. Autumn is my favorite time of year, bringing clean, crisp air, beautiful colored leaves against the backdrop of white antebellum columns, SEC football, and vampires. Vampires?!?!

Covington has again been chosen as the perfect site for the filming of a new television series, The Vampire Diaries. When writers and location managers visited Covington and saw the historic square, it was exactly what they had in mind for the fictitious town of “Mystic Falls, Va,.” setting fo the series.

The teen-oriented series will share similarities with the highly popular “Twilight” movie series about a high school student who becomes infatuated with a mysterious classmate who turns out to be a vampire. The CW web site describes the series like this:

“Elena Gilbert has always been a star student: beautiful, popular and involved with school and friends. As the fall semester begins, Elena becomes fascinated with the mysterious new boy in school, Stefan Salvatore, and she has no way of knowing he is a centuries-old vampire. While Stefan struggles to live peacefully among humans, his brother Damon is the embodiment of violence and brutality. Now these two vampire brothers – one good, one evil – are at war for Elena’s soul in the small town of Mystic falls, Virginia.”

In addition to Covington starring as Mystic Falls, the series will also star Nina Dobrev, currently in the CW series “Degrassi: The Next Generation;” Paul Wesley, recently on episodes of “24” and “Army Wives;” and Ian Somerhalder, who played Boone Carlyle on “Lost.” The show began filming in Covington in late July, and will be shooting at various times until around April.

Producers are very pleased with the way the show has progressed, and hope it will be picked up for a second season. Michael Walbrecht, vice president at Warner Bros. Entertainment, is so pleased with the series progress and Covington’s involvement; he recently notified the city that he could be sending a couple more shows our way, according to “The Covington News.”

If you’d like more information about “The Vampire Diaries,” including a trailer and still photos, take a look at The CW’s web site at cwtv.com/shows/the-vampire-diaries.

Other movies and television series filmed in Covington include “A Man Called Peter, My Cousin Vinnie, Six Pack, Halloween II, The Dukes of Hazard, and In the Heat of the Night.” After a long hiatus, Covington may be regaining its title as “Hollywood of the South.”

Film crew trucks loaded with cameras, lights, props, wardrobe and dressing rooms line Covington's historic Floyd Street during filmin of the new CW network TV series "The Vampire Diaries"

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Wordless Wednesday: So Good, It'll Make You Slap Yo' Mama!

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:34:44 -0500

Here's my dinner for this evening...

Grilled chicken breast slathered in my own secret recipe, home-made BBQ sauce

Baked potato dripping rich butter and chives

Sweet corn directly from my garden

Topped off with a crisp tossed salad full of my juicy, red, home-grown tomatoes

And garnished with herbs from my kitchen herb garden

Now, that's so good, it'll make you slap your Mama!

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Covington Georgia Real Estate Market Watch for July 2009

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:41:46 -0500

Here’s a summary of what’s happening in the Covington and Newton County real estate market as of the end of July, 2009:

Homes in Covington and Newton County newly listed on the Georgia Multiple Listing Service during July totaled 246, down 34.9% from the same period last year. However, pending sales in July were up by 32.8% over a year ago. The reason is three-fold… July is historically a good selling season as families try to get resettled before school reopens, home prices remain depressed as opposed to last year, and mortgage interest rates remain low.

The average sales price of a home in our area in July was $113,323, down 17.5% from July 2008.

There remains a 9.3 month supply of homes for sale in Covington and Newton County. We’re getting better, but a 6 month or lower supply is generally considered by Realtors® to be a “normal” market. The absorption rate, or how long it should take to sell the number of homes available in a particular price range, stretches from a low 3.6 month supply in the $0 - $100,000 price range, to a 44.6 month supply of homes priced between $225,000 and $250,000, to a whopping 53.6 month supply in the range between $450,000 and $500,000.

New foreclosures coming on the market continues to be one of the largest problems in our local real estate market. Even though sales of homes have improved recently, the numbers of foreclosed homes continues to add to our existing inventory and keep home prices depressed. Today’s "Covington News" legal section contained 32 pages of new foreclosures coming onto the market… not an unusual occurrence.

There were 54 foreclosed homes which arrived on the market in July, bringing our yearly total for 2009 to 476. Unfortunately, that keeps us about on track with 2008, during which we saw 790 foreclosures in the County. Newton County was cited last week in the "AJC" as having one of the highest foreclosure rates in the state. Unfortunately, that statistic does not seem to be abating.

Although we can’t compare Newton to our surrounding counties due to different urban and rural characteristics, population concentrations, median incomes, etc., it’s still interesting to note that Butts County had 7 foreclosures in July and 54 for the year to date, Henry County had 144 for the month and 884 year-to-date, Jasper County had 1 and 15, Morgan County 6 and 21, Rockdale County 46 and 318, and Walton County 51 foreclosures in July and 316 for 2009 thus far.

If you have questions or comments, or would like more detailed information on the real estate market in Covington and Newton County Georgia, just let me know.

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Speechless Sunday: Forget About The Heat

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:18:50 -0500

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It's A Sign Of The Times

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:50:35 -0500

This is not about Petula Clark’s great 1966 hit record, but rather an item on the 11Alive evening news broadcast last night which caught my attention…

A lady in Coweta County received a letter in the mail soliciting her participation as a “Mystery Shopper.” All she had to do was cash the enclosed check and complete a paid shopping and evaluation assignment within a week of her acceptance.

Now, this ain’t rocket science, people. I know a couple of real “mystery shoppers,” and it’s an easy, legal way to pick up some extra pocket change… especially if you love shopping. But the rub for the lady in Coweta County was that her letter… and check… were totally bogus. She realized that a few days later when the bank contacted her and wanted their money back. Cashing a bogus check for such a large amount was a felony, and she could go directly to jail without passing “GO!”

What caught my attention, however, was that I got an identical letter at my office address last week.

Sandra Stoke, Marketing Director of QuickFact Consumer Research in Calgary, Canada, offered me the opportunity to earn additional income as a “Customer Services Evaluator” in her company’s “fully paid program.” And if I became “one of the select few to distinguish myself in the course of this program,” my job would become a “permanent part time position” paying me up to $150 per hour. Heck, I can be pretty damned distinguished for that kind of money! Here’s all Sandra wanted me to do:

Cash the $2500 check

Buy $50-worth of stuff at Wal-Mart (which I could keep), and evaluate their service

Buy $50-worth of stuff at Gap (which I could keep), and evaluate their service

Pocket my $300 training pay, and

Evaluate the “effectiveness and efficiency” of Western Union’s Money Gram service by wiring the remaining money to my (unnamed) “assignment coordinator.”

So, let’s see…. I get $300 cash, $100-worth of Wal-Mart and Gap crap, and a permanent part time position paying me 150 bucks an hour! (No doubt in my mind that I could “distinguish myself.”) Wow! What have I got to loose? …. $2,500 hard-earned dollars, court costs, and 2 to 5 in the Newton County Detention Center!

Beware people! If you hear from Sandra, don’t sign up, and don’t cash that check. I don’t want to wave to you - mowing grass on the Covington Square in your orange jumpsuit - as I drive by. It’s just another scam, and in today’s economy, an unfortunate sign of the times.

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I've Ceased to be Amazed

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:18:23 -0500

In today’s Covington real estate market, I’ve ceased being amazed at the attitude of the FDIC, some of our large banks, and alleged premiere mortgage companies. They are continuing to do more to hamper a rapid recovery of our housing industry than they are to facilitate it. And, they don’t really seem to care.

There are exceptions, naturally. But, they are few.

Several of our “local” banks, strapped with significant numbers of foreclosures, are making genuine efforts to reduce their inventory and bring things back to a more normalized market. They have assigned special management teams to work on getting the foreclosed homes off their books. They’re advertising, offering special agent incentives, good interest rates and special financing packages to qualified buyers. Most importantly, they always are available to talk with agents. But, the “big guys” are another story…

In the past couple of weeks, my associates and I have been involved in two situations which have become all too typical. One involves the FDIC, and the other a large bank/mortgage provider, who shall go unnamed. I won’t even disclose the names of the horses which pull their stagecoach.

In the first situation, a local bank foreclosed on a number of new homes in an upscale Covington neighborhood and was making every effort to sell the homes. In fact, they had several under contract when the FDIC stepped in and assumed control of the others. My associate had a qualified, pre-approved buyer who had found one of the remaining homes to be their “dream.” But when the agent called the local bank to present her offer, she was told that the FDIC had assumed control of the remaining homes, there was no one she could talk to at the FDIC to make an offer, and even if she called and left messages, no one would call her back. “The FDIC has its own procedures for dealing with its inventory,” she was told, “and don’t seem to be in a hurry.” The homes may be re-listed with an agent in four to six months, but until that time, there’s nothing you can do.” The result… a confused, frustrated, inconvenienced buyer, a frustrated Realtor®, and another new home remaining in inventory, deteriorating, blighting the neighborhood and ready to be vandalized.

In the second situation, my associate made an offer on a foreclosed home listed for $256,000. Her buyer's offer of $205,000 was the highest of three which came in at essentially the same time. However, several days later, the listing agent called to tell her that the asset manager for the mortgage company which owned the home had decided they would get more for it by selling it at auction. Last weekend, my associate bought the home for her client at absolute auction for $140,000. My associate had a very happy, satisfied client, but she got paid much less than her effort was worth. And, I hope the asset manager got thrown from the stagecoach. He probably didn't...

But, I’ve ceased to be amazed!

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Psst... Hey You... Wanna Buy A "Money Machine?"

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:15:32 -0600

Think that cute little 3BR/2BA brick and siding foreclosure across town might be a good rental property? It
may be… Home prices are at a real low. The supply seems almost unlimited. Interest rates are the lowest
in years, and more and more people are looking for rentals every day.

Even today – with the stock market down over 52% from its record high in October 2007 - a home is still a
safe and highly leveraged asset with an ability to generate wealth which is second to none. But before you
cash out your mutual funds or dig up that coffee can full of cash in the backyard to become a real estate
investor, there are few things to consider.

Compare the Numbers - When you buy investment real estate, you’re not just buying bricks and mortar,
green shag carpet and pink bathroom tile at a great foreclosure price. You’re buying a “Money Machine.” It’s not the house, or duplex, or shopping center itself you’re buying. It’s what you can get out of it. The “Net Operating Income” is actually what’s for sale.

Real estate investors buy property based on “numbers” - not number of bedrooms, but financial analyses of a single property, or of that property in relation to others available. Don't base your purchase decisions on “price” alone. Unless you're paying all cash – which, normally, you shouldn't do – price is just a function ofthe loan terms.

The 3-legged Stool – The basis for considering the purchase of an investment property is like a 3-legged stool. The decision should be based on income, expenses, and financing. The key to your success in purchasing a “money machine” property is to combine these three legs – income, expense, and financing – into a package that makes financial sense. Unless the stool has all three of its legs, it can't stand. It will tip over, and you will fall off!

Leg 1 – Income - Pricing investment real estate is an art. There may not be a totally right or wrong
method. But, unfortunately, some investors don't have any method! An easy rule of thumb to forecast a
property's value is the Gross Multiplier. Many investors use this method alone tp determine what they
should pay for investment property based on it's potential income. The Gross Multiplier is the total rental
income you could realize from a building if it were 100% leased. It considers the monthly rental income in
relation to the sales price of the property. You might hear investors say, “I'll pay 7 times gross,” or “I'll only
pay 6 times gross.” But what if operating expenses turn out to be 8 times gross!?! The Gross Multiplier
method considers only one leg of the 3-legged stool. It does not take into account operating expense or
financing.

Leg 2 – Operating Expense – A primary concern in considering an investment property is what it will cost
to operate the property. What will it cost to fix the place up initially? What will annual repairs cost? Real
estate tax? Association dues? Property management costs? Insurance? Utilities? Advertising?
Supplies? Miscellaneous expenses? If the property has never been rented before, you need to develop
and estimate of these costs yourself. If the property is already a rental, ask the seller for their “Schedule E.” That's the form they've used to report their annual income and operating expense to the IRS. There's no reason an honest seller wouldn't want to show you their Schedule E.

Leg 3 – Financing – Interest rates are currently at an almost historic low. But financing of investment property should still be one of your most important calculations. In addition to using the Gross Multiplier formula, many investors figure the Capitalization Rate, or “Cap Rate.” The Cap Rate is the rate of return used to determine the value of the property's income stream. This can be very useful in comparing two or more properties you're considering purchasing. However, its primary benefit is its indication of the interest rate at which you should borrow.

To calculate the Cap Rate, you use the “net operating income” and the property price. Thus, this
calculation only considers two legs of the stool, ignoring financing. But since the method assumes that
you're paying cash for the property, the Cap Rate will stay the same whether your getting a 4%, 9% or 12%
rate on your loan. Therein, lies the key to this calculation. If the interest rate offered you is less than the
Cap Rate, the property is producing more than the mortgage money is costing you. If the interest rate is higher than the Cap Rate, don't even think about taking this loan. This indicates that the property is not producing enough to service the financing. Never risk borrowing more money than the property can support.

Finally, there's one way to determine the value of an investment property that considers all three legs of the stool at once... income, operating expense, and financing. It is the Cash-On-Cash formula, sometimes
called “equity dividend return.” In my opinion, it's the only one to use. The Cash-On-Cash calculation
considers your cash flow before tax versus the amount invested. It should always be used to tell you
whether to buy a property you're considering, whether to sell and investment you already own, or how one
property compares in value to others you're considering purchasing.

Notice that I have not mentioned appreciation. Anytime you buy real estate, you naturally hope that it will
appreciate in value. Historically, that has been true. But in the last couple of years, most property owners
have seen much of that appreciation of their property disappear. Therefore, my advice would be to never
buy investment real estate based on the hope that, over time, it will appreciate. If the only way you can
make money is for something to go up in value, that's not an investment; it's a speculation! When doing your analysis of property to consider what to invest in, always figure zero appreciation. That way, you'll know that the return on your investment is based on facts and figures, not speculation, and the investment will work for you even when the market goes stale.

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Great Townhome in Active Adult Community

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:47:21 -0600

Active Adult Community

3214 Salem Cove Way, The plantation, Covington, GA 30013 View Map

Don't miss this great little condo hideaway. This nice townhome is close to shopping and Interstate 20 East. The courtyard entry and private patio area allow for comfortable entertaining and outdoor dining. The floorplan is very open with vaulted ceilings and spacious closets. There's a 2-car attached garage, and all appliances remain. Neutral colors and the great price make this one ready for move-in!

Details

Asking Price:

$94,900

MLS:

02611868

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

1.5

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

2-car

Subdivision:

The Plantation

Year Built:

1987

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Bill Blair
GRI, ePro

Main 770-787-7777 Ext. 455
Dir 770-337-5262
Email | Website

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Executive Home in Highlands Forest

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:25:52 -0600

Stately Executive Home

85 Highlands Forest Lane, Highlands Forest, Oxford, GA 30054 View Map

Gorgeous, perfectly maintained all-brick executive home in sought-after Highlands Forest. Custom-built in 2002, this home has everything needed for entertaining or your relaxed lifestyle... 2-story foyer, formal dining, fireside Great Room, open gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinets and hard-surface countertops, breakfast area, keeping room with stacked stone fireplace, Butler's Pantry. The spacious Master Suite is on the main, with well-appointed bath. The finished basement features an in-law of teen suite with full kitchen and huge playroom... plus plenty of storage space. Stroll outside to the lush landscaping, huge enclosed deck and hot tub spa. This home defines gracious Southern living with it's heavy trim, hardwoods, luxurious carpeting and plantation shutters. It's all waiting for you in historic Oxford, Georgia!

Details

Asking Price:

$499,900

MLS:

02587085

Lot Size:

2 Acres

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

4.5

Garage Size:

3-Car

Subdivision:

Highlands Forest

Year Built:

2002

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Bill Blair
GRI, ePro

Main 770-787-7777 Ext. 455
Dir 770-337-5262
Email | Website

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Charming Low-Country Cottage

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:01:02 -0600

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Charming Low-Country Cottage

4121 Summers Street, Clark's Grove, Covington, GA 30014 View Map

This charming Low-country style cottage is centrally located on Clark's Grove's bungalow court. The open floor plan, rocking chair front porch, and master suite on the main level offer comfortable living. Relax in the fireside great room or entertain from the open galley kitchen and screened rear porch. Beautifully landscaped for year-round color and privacy. Just steps to the Olympic pool or Coffee house. Or take a leisurely stroll along the neighborhoods tree-lined sidewalks. Located just a short distance from interstate 20 and Covington's historic square.

"It's the closest we can get to what we left behind!"

Details

Asking Price:

$235,000

MLS:

02566750

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

2.5

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Double

Subdivision:

Clark's Grove

Year Built:

2004

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Bill Blair
GRI, ePro

Main 770-787-7777 Ext. 455
Dir 770-337-5262
Email | Website

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Fantastic Value in this Quaint Southern Cottage!

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:55:51 -0600

Quaint Southern Cottage

4137 Summers Street, Clark's Grove, Covington, GA 30014 View Map

Quaint Southern Cottage in Clark's Grove, Covington's premiere Traditional Neighborhood Development. You're just steps from the Olympic pool, playgrounds, athletic field, coffee shop, and community garden, and only a short walk from Covington's historic square. This charmer is loaded with upgrades, including Brazilian Cherry hardwoods throughout, ceramic tile baths and laundry room, decorator colors, built-in fireside bookcases, solid wood cabinetry with glass door accents, and a central vacuum system. You'll enjoy the relaxed lifestyle, tree-lined sidewalks, walking trails, and great neighbors. Just bring your furniture and family.

"It's the closest we can get to what we left behind!"

Details

Asking Price:

$225,900

MLS:

02618260

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

2.5

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

2-car

Subdivision:

Clark's Grove

Year Built:

2004

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Bill Blair
GRI, ePro

Main 770-787-7777 Ext. 455
Dir 770-337-5262
Email | Website

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Was It Good For You?

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:27:01 -0600

Or do you just feel like you’ve been raped… again?

Our U.S. House of Representatives and Senate reached a “closed door” agreement last night on a tentative $789 billion “stimulus” bill meant to send signals to the American consumer that our economic woes will soon improve and instill confidence in a brighter future. So, what’s so stimulating in the agreement?

$90 billion in increased federal matching funds to states to help pay for Medicaid, along with an additional $54 billion that could be used to build and repair schools and colleges.
$11.5 billion supporting the IDEA program for special education, along with an additional $10 billion to help low-income students.
Funds to modernize the electrical grid, make federal buildings more energy efficient and to help low-income families weatherize their homes.
Health insurance subsidies for people laid off from their jobs, and money to support hospitals in modernizing health information technology
Infrastructure funds for building and repairing highways and bridges, expanding transit systems, upgrading railroads and airports, repair federal buildings, and bring broadband Internet service to under-served areas.
$70 billion as a one-year fix for the alternative minimum tax, saving some 20 million middle and upper-income taxpayers about $2,000 in taxes in 2009.
And, finally, an exciting, stimulating, tax credit for 95% of American workers which will add a whopping $13.00 to take-home pay beginning in June. But wait… that $13 buck will drop to about $8.00 next January!

But where's the stimulus for the economy?

The singular item which could have put the economy on the road to recovery – fixing the housing market crisis via a $15,000 tax credit for all homebuyers – was totally deleted from the package.

The world-wide economic crisis – banks going under, credit unavailability, home foreclosures and insolvent builders resulting in higher unemployment rates - began with the implosion of sub-prime lenders and the mortgage market. So there’s no reason to believe that if housing led us into this situation, it can’t lead us out.

In fact, that’s exactly what it did in 1974. In that year, our housing market was in much worse shape than today. But President Gerald Ford and Congress passed a one-year tax credit for anyone buying and occupying a standing home, and within one year two-thirds of existing inventory was sold, housing prices stopped declining, and the economy was stabilized. Is that so hard to understand, Congressmen and Senators? Do you not learn from the past?

Are you stimulated yet, or do you feel more like a Sabine woman than an American citizen?

Maybe this will “stimulate” you. Take a look at some of things inside the compromise stimulus package:

$650 million for digital TV coupons
$600 million to buy new cars for the Feds
$650 million for wildlife management
$570 million for climate initiatives
$150 million to improve Smithsonian buildings
$75 million for “stop smoking” programs
$30 million to restore the wetlands habitat for the salt marsh harvest mouse (a Nancy Pelosi pet project)
$30 billion to improve Federal buildings
$1.5 billion to prevent homelessness, and, Oh Yeah…
$2 billion as a “gift” to someone’s friends at ACORN.

Are you “stimulated” yet? If not, I suggest you use your $13.00 windfall to buy Viagra. Then, maybe next election, we can stick it to the 535 politicos running this country rather than allowing them to continue screwing us.

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