The real estate market has experienced a paradigm shift over the last three years. The buying climate went from the hottest of the hot to an epic ice age in the same amount of time that it takes a foal to make it to the Derby. People still buy houses, but the process is completely different than it was. Everyone is chasing the elusive “perfect” house at the “bargain” price. The anxiety over getting a “deal” overwhelms most buyers, many to the point of quitting the search. In times past, a buyer established criteria for a purchase in a specific area, and if a property came anywhere close to meeting the needs of the purchaser it was quickly snapped up before someone else got it. And generally, the only negotiating was whether or not the window treatments remained. These days, a buyer’s s... 06/09/2010

Construction of the new Newnan Piedmont Hospital has been resumed after a long period of inactivity. The Poplar Road site was a period of heavy activity when the project commenced last year, but was halted due to issues related to the downturn in the Coweta County economy. Officials are optimistic that the facility will be fully operational by Fall of 2011. The hospital will be one of the largest employers in the county, and is considered to be an integral key to economic recovery in the county! And that’s good news for all Cowetians! 06/05/2010

Memorial Day is typically regarded as the first day of Summer. For many, it’s the first barbeque of the season, and it is often celebrated with family and friends. It’s the day when swimming pools open, and for planting the last annuals and vegetables before the climate makes it impractical. Many retail stores offer “Memorial Day” sales that entice consumers to purchase new grills and patio furniture. The home improvement stores are packed with do-it-yourselfers that are busily involved in seasonal projects. But it is important that we take time to remember the reason for the holiday. Memorial Day is the day that we pay tribute to the men and women that have paid the ultimate price to preserve our Republic and our American way of life. We honor their courage, their commitment, and thei... 05/31/2010

One of the advantages of purchasing a Coweta County HUD home for sale is that many buyers qualify for a down payment as low as $100. You must be buying as an owner-occupant, and you must be able to qualify for an FHA loan for the amount of the bid, plus any rolled in expensed such as the 2.25% up-front mortgage premium. The one caveat that buyers need to be aware of is that a $500 earnest money deposit is required for bids up to $50,000 and $1,000 for houses over $50,000.  This deposit will be applied as a credit towards the $100 down payment and any closing costs that are not paid by HUD. For more information contact a Realtor that is experienced in HUD sales! 05/30/2010

Contact Frank Barron # 770-253-6990. GORGEOUS 89.35 OPEN AND WOODED ACRES, SMOKEY RD, 5400 SF BRICK AND VINYL HOME WITH 5 BEDROOMS 4 BATHS ON A WORKING CATTLE FARM, POND. THE MANY FEATURES ALSO INCLUDE A LONG FRONTAGE ON MOUNTAIN CREEK, 4 BARNS INCLUDING 1 WITH OFFICE, HALF BATH, KITCHEN, 2 FOOD ROOMS, CHICKEN PENS, AND MUCH MORE. A MUST SEE! FOR COMPLETE VIEW OF PROPERTY TOUR VISIT: http://www.advantagehometours.com/tabid/1581.aspx 05/29/2010

Contact Tom Barron # 404-936-7422. IMMACULATE TRADITIONAL 5 BEDROOM 4 BATH HOME, TWO STORY FAMILY ROOM WITH A STONE FIREPLACE, LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM, OFFICE OR FIFTH BEDROOM, OPEN KITCHEN WITH RECESSED LIGHTING AND HARDWOOD FLOORS, LARGE MASTER BEDROOM WITH DOUBLE TREY CEILING, LARGE MASTER BATH, LARGE DECK PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING, NEW INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINT, STORAGE SHED, AND MORE! To see complete property tour: http://www.advantagehometours.com/tabid/1362.aspx.    05/29/2010

Contact Tom Barron # 404-936-7422. MAGNIFICENT RANCH WITH BASEMENT WITH MILLION DOLLAR VIEW OF LAKE REDWINE! THE HOME HAS 4 BEDROOMS, 3 FULL BATHS AND 2 HALF BATHS; GRANITE AND TILE IN KITCHEN; FORMAL DINING ROOM; REC ROOM WITH A WET BAR; SCREENED PORCH WITH A FIREPLACE; TRIPLE GARAGE; DOCK; AND EXTRAS GALORE! To see complete property tour: http://www.advantagehometours.com/tabid/1498.aspx 05/29/2010

Contact Tom Barron # 404-936-7422. FABULOUS 4 SIDED BRICK HOME ON A PRIVATE 1.71 ACRE LOT. 4 BEDROOMS 2 BATHS WITH A LOFT THAT COULD BE 5TH BEDROOM. THE FEATURES INCLUDE A VAULTED FAMILY ROOM WITH BRICK FIREPLACE; LARGE DINING ROOM; OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH TONGUE AND GROOVE VAULTED CEILINGS; TILED FLOORS THROUGHOUT. INCREDIBLE 13 ACRE LAKE VIEW! To see complete property tour: http://www.advantagehometours.com/tabid/1461.aspx     05/29/2010

The current real estate market in Newnan and Coweta Georgia is dominated by foreclosures and bank-owned properties. And although there are foreclosures in nearly every price range, the hottest market continues to be houses under $150,000. If a property is listed under $100,000. there is even more demand. On top of that, many buyers seek low down payment opportunities, such as $100 down HUD homes that also offer a $1000 bonus to the owner-occupant buyers. USDA loans are also very popular in qualifying areas of the county, but funding for these loans are uncertain at this time. Hopefully, the program will remain available to those buyers looking for homes in the outlying areas of the county. Overall, the market in Newnan and Coweta County is active and robust, and hopes are optimistic fo... 05/23/2010

If you are interested in purchasing a Coweta County HUD home, you need to understand that bids must be entered before the deadline! And typically, those deadline days of the week follow a specific pattern. When a HUD home is placed on the market, the bid period is typically until 11:59 P.M. on the second Sunday following the initial listing. If a HUD bid is awarded, and the property comes back on the market before it is closed, the deadline day is typically the first Tuesday following placing the property back on the market. Occasionally, if the property comes back on the market early in the week, the deadline could be on Thursday night. If NO bid is accepted by HUD and the deadline expires, the property goes on day-today status, with bids accepted until 11:58 P.M. by either owner occu... 05/16/2010

Bidding on HUD homes for sale in Newnan Georgia is still competitive, even after the expiration of federal tax credits. There are several reasons why a HUD home should be considered by a prospective home purchaser. First and foremost HUD homes are correctly priced based on a recent appraisal and inspection performed on the property. Second, the bidding process is both fair and unambiguous. All owner-occupants have the same change of acquiring the property based on their bid! Third, homes that qualify for an insured loan can be purchased with as little as $100 down by owner-occupants. In most cases, these purchasers will also qualify for a $1000 bonus! And HUD will also pay up to 3% of the purchase price for closing costs! For more information on Coweta County HUD homes visit CowetaFaye... 05/15/2010

Let's face it....we're in a market transitioning period again in which short sales are beginning to dominate as much market share as foreclosures. In our local market, bank owned or foreclosed properties make up about 9% of all listed properties and short sales are following close behind at 8%. What does this mean for a homebuyer in Coweta County??? It means that there is an opportunity to purchase a home that's priced at (or sometimes slightly below) market value and is probably in better condition than the foreclosure down the street! However, as a Buyer's agent, there are some hard core questions that you need to ask PRIOR TO SHOWING THE SHORT SALE PROPERTY... 1) WHAT TYPE OF LOAN DOES THE SELLER HAVE? If the listing agent's immediate answer is "I don't know, let me find out and get ... 05/14/2010

Many times I wonder if experience is really the best school. I just relisted a home that did not sell 2 years ago. Simply put, the house was overpriced. So my seller rented it, the house got trashed and a couple of months ago I get the dreaded call. OK, I am a gloton for punishment and went ahead and relisted this overpriced home. Why? Well, I once heard that there is not such a thing as a bad listing and who knows: Maybe I will get some leads from this one. Ultimately, I listed IT again because I like this seller. That said, I am not listing overpriced homes again and let me tell you why: Sellers will BLAME THE LOUSY AGENT AKA, YOU if the house does not sell. People who have their heads stuck in the sand will never realize that the only THING is going to sell a house these days is: ACC... 04/28/2010

  A friend and I made arrangements to meet at “The Hollow” restaurant for lunch the other day. When we got there, the parking lot was completely empty. We were wondering if the restaurant had decided to stop serving lunch As we climbed the steps to the entrance, we noticed a letter taped to the door. The letter indicated that after 24 years in business, the restaurant had permanently closed due to the current economic climate. The letter also thanked their customers for their patronage, We were taken completely by surprise. The last few times that we had eaten there, it appeared to us that business was picking up. We thought that all was well and that the business would continue in operation. Even long established businesses are not immune to the negative forces of the economic downturn... 04/25/2010

As of April 5, 2010....HAFA began!!! Already, I have two short sale clients enrolled in the HAFA program and we're actually having much success!! It's interesting to note that 90% of mortgage servicers are participating in this program that provides a viable solution for troubled homeowners (owner occupant only - not available for investment property). The main focal points of the HAFA program are as follows:  Available for those who are eligible for HAMP, but are unable to keep their current residence. Borrowers who previously enrolled in the HAMP program, but were unable to keep their mortgage payments or fell behind in two payments are eligble.  Information previously provided under HAMP program can be used for HAFA.  Do you actually mean "information sharing" between two different b... 04/21/2010

In Newnan Georgia, the competition for HUD properties can be fierce, and sometimes the bidding can get a little out of hand. But often, those seeking to purchase a property with only $100 down make a serious tactical error: They don’t realize that the HUD price listed is not a suggested bid price, but is set based on a true appraisal of the property. Which means that any on bids over the list price  an insured loan will be limited to that amount, plus an escrow items listed by the appraiser. So those seeking insured loans that are awarded bids over the list price plus escrows must come up with the difference in cash. When bidding on a HUD property, it is important to be armed with knowledge rather than passion. A real estate agent that is experienced in HUD bidding can be an invaluable... 04/18/2010

After a particularly cold winter in Newnan Georgia, we have bypassed cooler Spring weather and apparently moved right into summer. But Mother Nature still has some surprises for us, including a late azalea display that is intense and profuse. The azaleas typically peak about around April 1, but this year was far from typical. So as a result of all of the weather madness, we are enjoying Spring blossoms well after their “time!” And by now, the ground is warm enough for Summer annuals and vegetables, so it’s imperative to get them planted before the really hot weather arrives. But it’s hard to think about laboring in the yard when there is so much beauty to be seen and enjoyed. Maybe I’ll be able to sneak another photography session in today! 04/18/2010

  Although Coweta County Georgia is in the metro Atlanta region, it still radiates a wonderful rural character and ambience while enjoying all of the accoutrements of modern urban living. You are as likely to see a national chain restaurant or retail store as you are a pasture rife with livestock. So deciding to take a drive out in the “country” could be as easy as turning in the opposite direction. The county enjoys low property taxes but still offers full time police, fire, and paramedic services. And all county schools have free bus service for all grades through high school. And there are homes priced in every range, from under $50,000 to over a million dollars with the median sales price for the last twelve months being $151,700 with 1,572 units sold. If you are planning a move to ... 04/17/2010

If you are selling -- show that home office! No kidding, that home office room is HOT, HOT, HOT!  It's become a must have.  Let the buyers know straight from the curb appeal that your home for sale boasts a home office! Okay -- let me back up.  Don't display the home office outdoors.  It just doesn't work  . . . The point is that the new "curb appeal" is NOT your DRIVE BY's --  It is now your Internet photos of your home listing!  Today's buyers view the Internet photos WAY BEFORE checking out your drive by "curb appeal"   Here's a few before and after photo's of some of Peachtree Home Staging home office presentations:                                                                                                                                             04/05/2010

Summergrove in Newnan Georgia represents the epitome of the village concept. It is actually one large, self sufficient community comprised of a multitude of separate subdivisions. The village concept is a plan that includes housing, recreational amenities, and service businesses all located under the boundaries of the community. One can play a round of golf followed by a trip for a pizza buffet without ever leaving the neighborhood! The 18 hole Summergrove championship golf course is considered one of the finest in Coweta County. It is both an excellent golf challenge as well as a scenic delight. The tract is rife with a multitude of birds, white-tailed deer, and diverse vegetation that changes from season to season. So even if your golf game is not where you want it to be, the experie... 04/04/2010