COUNTRY BLOG

Do you enjoy working outside or do you just enjoy the results of others working outside?  Even though I grew up in the city I have always enjoyed being outside.  It doesn’t matter what it is…beach, lake, woods, backyard, front porch, exercising, riding horses, fishing, hunting, sunbathing, playing with the dogs or gardening.  A lot of people cringe when they hear the word gardening because they think of hot, back breaking, sweaty, dirty work.  I wasn’t always into gardening as much as I am now.  When I was growing up I remember taking care of the 3 rose bushes we had in the front, trimming down the blue daze and thinning out the stinky garlic bushes.  The roses were my babies and I hated to trim them down every year but learned to enjoy the lavish results they produced due to the pruning.  That was about the extent of my gardening until we purchased our first home a few years ago.  It started with putting sod down and over the last few years has turned into flowers, hedges, pots, hanging baskets, seeds and now a 10×30 vegetable garden! 

WOW, our veggie garden has turned into quite the project.  It started with my husband’s idea of planting a few plants we would be able to use to my idea of let’s just plant everything we can that we eat.  We started a month ago with seeds.  I have never planted seeds before but quickly learned about the germination process and the daily work it takes to get the seeds to grow.  Many of our seeds are in the ground or pots now but I still have new seeds germinating.  Our veggie garden contains the following: black-eyed peas (from seed), sweet onion and yellow onion, potatoes (not yet in the ground), tomatoes, green peppers (still germinating), banana peppers, sweet peppers, squash, pole beans (from seed), corn (from seed-3 seasons-1 season is planted), strawberries, honeydew (germinating), blackberries, blueberries and raspberries!!!!  I am also doing mammoth sunflowers, dwarf sunflowers and mixed sunflowers along the backside. 

We have most of the plants planted, soaker hoses down, fence up and some straw for heat protection.  We have a lot of work to do but hopefully it will all be worth it in the end.  It looks pretty pitiful right now but I can picture the end results. 

Since gas prices continue to rise and groceries seem to go up in price we thought it might be a way to save plus spend some time together.  So far I do enjoy it.  I spend about 10 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening in the garden.  It keeps me outside enjoying the beautiful spring we are having.  It is so much better than sitting in front of the tv doing nothing. 

I would encourage you to buy a few plants and try some hanging baskets or pots.  You could even get adventurous and plant a few bulbs or do a raised bed of veggies or lavender.  Plant things you like to see bloom and even flowers you would like to cut and use inside.  It is a great feeling to have your seeds begin to grow and your small plants turn into beautiful flowering bushes!  Landscaping will also add to the value of your home.  Planting plants that are easy to maintain and come back year after year will help your home to look great when you are ready to sell.  You can always accent your yard with some annuals. 

I will update you with our garden and add pictures as it grows.  The pictures below are the first day of planting, last weekend.  ENJOY!                                                                                                                                                          

Barnesville is a small town located about 1 hour south of Atlanta with a population of 6000.  It has a quaint historic downtown area and a lot of character.  Many of the local families have lived in the area for generations.  It is the type of town where everyone knows everyone and you see someone you know at dinner, the grocery store, feed store or at one of the community events.  Barnesville has a great history.  I would encourage you to do your own research and read about the town.  Find out who founded the town in 1825 after the Creek Indians were removed.  Read about their first post office being established in 1827.   Learn the stories about the stage lines passing through the town daily and how the railroad arrived in 1833 (www.cityofbarnesville.com).   Once you read these stories you will enjoy driving through the historic town noticing the old train depot and other historic places.  Make sure you give yourself some time to stop and spend some time shopping downtown as there are several shops to see.  If you get a chance to talk to some of the locals you can ask them about “Buggy Days”, Big Chic and The Rock Ranch (www.barnesville.org). 

While you are in Barnesville feel free to drive by a fabulous home that is for sale on 9+ acres.  This ranch home is only 5 minutes from town but offers you the open country with over 9 wooded and open acres.  This 3/2 home has a separate dining room, large kitchen with breakfast area overlooking the back yard, family room and master on the main.  Upstairs there are 2 bonus rooms and a full finished bath.  There is a fenced back yard, deck, front porch and new landscaping.  Please visit www.southernlistings.com for more information and a virtual tour.  This home is listed for $245,000. 

Where is Thomaston, Georgia?  Travel a little over 1 hour south of Atlanta or 30 minutes west of Macon and you will find this lovely little town.  Thomaston, the county seat of Upson County since 1825 was named for General Jett Thoma, leader of the state militia in 1812 and builder of the state capital in Milledgeville.  The historic courthouse square, located in downtown Thomaston, is home to the Upson County courthouse.  The building was built in 1908 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are 9,411 people in the city of Thomaston, as of 2000. 

Thomaston has all the conveniences like Home Depot, Walmart, grocery stores, Belk’s, Chili’s, American Pie Pizza, Big Chic and many other local favorites.  If you still need a trip to the mall, Macon isn’t too far away.  Thomaston has a lot of outdoor activities to offer.  There is a lot of great hunting, fishing, hiking and general outdoor activities.  A local favorite is Sprewell Bluff State Park located around and on the Flint River.  A popular activity to do is to “float the river” otherwise known as canoeing, rafting or kayaking.  Visit http://gastateparks.org/info/sprewell/ for more information on the park. 

Another local favorite is The Rock.  The Rock, Georgia is a very small rural town with no lights that if you blink while driving through…you will miss it.  While in The Rock you can visit The Rock Ranch.  The Rock Ranch, LLC is a 1250 acre working cattle farm, owned by S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, Inc.  The ranch has free seasonal activities for the entire family and is a great place to experience the outdoors.  Visit www.therockranch.com for more information and a schedule of their upcoming events. 

While in Thomaston you might want to drive around the downtown area and look at the old historic homes.  They are all unique and offer their own stories.  When you drive down Church Street you can turn on Andrews Drive and drive past 736 Andrews Drive located on the corner, just a few blocks from the court square.  This 1937 tudor home is situated on over 1 acre and has established gardens, several outbuildings and a large workshop.  The 2600 + sq. ft. home has 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths, separate dining room, formal living room, extra large kitchen, sun room and family room.  Upstairs is the 3rd bedroom and bath, workout room and bonus area for office or play area.  This fabulous well maintained historic home has a lot of charm and history.  It is listed for $199,900.  Visit www.southernlistings.com for more information. 

So, when you want somewhere to go or something to do…remember Thomaston, Georgia. 

On January 1, 2008 I decided I wasn’t going to accept the negativity about the real estate market.  I set some new goals and started working on new marketing strategies and now it is over a month later and I finally have time to write in my blog.  I have been very busy.  What kind of busy?  Busy showing property, busy working on expired listings, busy working on my websites, busy returning phone calls and emails, busy getting new listings and busy on following up on all recent and old leads.  I know the results of this business will show in 3-6 months since I compare real estate to farming.  You have to plant the seed and be patient for the results.  I have learned that during the slow seasons you stay busy and productive and it will turn out to be beneficial in the end. 

I am still concerned about the real estate market and stay aware of the ups and downs we experience.  I try to stay realistic with buyers and sellers but also optimistic.  As a Realtor you are your own boss and your business is what you, and you alone, make of it. 

Note:  I took this picture on the way back from an appointment.  It is the longest and oldest covered bridge in Georgia. 

As the Christmas season approaches it seems like the days get shorter, the lists get longer, the money goes quicker and time…well I don’t know where the time goes.  As I am preparing for this Christmas season I have decided to view things different than years before.  Since I don’t have children it makes things a little easier but there are still many things that need to get done.  This year we have decided not to purchase a Christmas tree but instead use that money to sponsor needy children by purchasing diapers, wipes, toys and clothes.  We do plan on finding a tree on the hunting land that we can decorate and enjoy.  It may end up being a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree but that is ok with me. 

Another thing I have tried to keep in mind this year is just to take it slow, enjoy the Christmas music and be nice to people.  Take the time to sit back and notice how most people this time of the year are go…go…go.  They don’t even notice what is going on around them, they are so busy and in such a hurry.  You never know who you might run into during your day that just lost a loved one, is having a bad day, is going through a divorce or just isn’t in a “jolly” mood.  So I encourage you to take time and just say “hello”, “have a nice day”, “Merry Christmas” or just “thank you”. 

During the holidays there are so many events to participate in from Christmas parties, school functions, church functions and local community functions.  Sit down with your family and decide which events you would like to attend.  Some of the events you can attend in Coweta County are:

12/8: Paint w/ Santa at the Pottery Patio in Old Town Sharpsburg

12/8: Christmas Parade in Grantville

12/8: Single Parent Shopping Day sponsored by Crossroads Church, Newnan

12/14: Festival of Lights in Downtown Newnan

12/15: Christmas Pet Photos w/ Santa at Furry Friends Pet Grooming

12/15: Sharpsburg Holiday Marketplace in Historic Downtown Sharpsburg

12/20: Corral Nativity at Corral Barn in Roscoe

1/12: MLK, Jr Parade in Downtown Newnan

I grew up in a large Florida city and now live in small town south of Atlanta, Georgia.  I wasn’t aware of how people in the city give directions until I moved to Georgia and had to tell friends and family how to get to my new house.  In the city you direct people by giving them street names and telling them to go north, south, east or west.  For instance, “you will get off at exit 343 and go west on Park Street for 3.5 miles.  At the 5th light (Seminole Blvd) you will turn right.  You will go 6 blocks and at the light (Paris Road) turn right.  You will then enter the Summers Hill Subdivision and we will be the 5th house on the left.”

That isn’t the case when you live in the country.  Out here we say…”you will get off the interstate (I don’t remember the exit number but it will say Newnan, Hwy 34), turn left and go about 5 miles.  You will come to a big intersection (w/ no light) along with a mom and pop gas station-turn left there.  Then you will go around 2 big curves and up a tall hill.  Once you pass the 2nd deer crossing sign you will come to a long white fence on the left side.  You will need to turn right at the next dirt road (there isn’t a road sign).  Go down that road and when it splits take a left.  Go up the hill, past the hay field and look for the Georgia Bulldog mailbox.  That is us.” 

I just laugh when I think about the differences and how my friends and family would chuckle at my directions.  So, out in the country we have many unusual landmarks…it just depends on who you ask as to what they are! 

“I don’t want to buy right now with the market the way it is.”  That is the most incorrect statement currently being made with today’s real estate buyers.  I received several emails today regarding the market and interest rates.  Interest rates have been cut again by .25%.  According to realtor.com a 30 year fixed is 5.98%…WOW!  Why wouldn’t you want to buy property with interest rates that low?  Sellers have reduced their prices and interest rates are low = NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY! 

I want to encourage all buyers to get off the fence and begin purchasing property.  If you wait too long, thinking that prices will get lower, then you will have missed the train.  If you are thinking of purchasing your first home, do it now!  You should be able to get a great interest rate, a great price on a home and most of your closing costs paid for by the seller!  If you are thinking of purchasing rental property, do it now!  There are a lot of people looking to rent homes due to the lender guidelines being changed.  If you are thinking of purchasing land to build a home, do it now!  Land prices are doing nothing but going up and builders are eager for the work.  If you are thinking of purchasing land for investment purposes, do it now!  Areas that were rural 5 - 10 years ago are beginning to see changes they thought would never come.  Main cities are spreading further and further out increasing the value of land. 

Do your research, find a good Realtor (me) and locate the right property and then…BUY IT! 

The big question almost every home owner wants to know is, what is my home worth?  Well, your home is only worth what a buyer will pay for it.  You can have an appraisal completed and feel good that your home is worth $289,000 but you need to be aware and understand there is a good chance that if you needed to sell TODAY you might only get $259,000 for it(just an example, not real numbers).  The market is different in every state and every county but overall it is most likely that your home value has dropped from what it was a few years ago.  This doesn’t mean it won’t regain that equity.  It just means that for now…be careful.  Be smart about what upgrades, improvements and renovations you do to your home.  Be smart about taking out a home equity loan (you don’t want more than a 95% loan).  Be smart about pricing your home aggressively to sell so you don’t end up letting it sit on the market longer than it needs to.  Be smart about how you care for your home. 

Yes, your home is your home.  It is where you live and have your good and bad times.  It is where you will make many family memories and have all those holiday meals.  It is where you will cry and laugh.  But your home is also one of the biggest investments you will make and you need to treat it with care and caution.  Be smart about your decisions.  Be smart about what you can afford for the monthly mortgage.  The saying goes, your monthly mortgage shouldn’t be bigger than one week’s paycheck.  

So, no matter what market you are in and no matter how much your home is worth…remember to be smart. 

As you begin preparing to sell your property, or already have it listed, there are some important things you need to know.  First, in this buyer’s market it is essential that you work with your Realtor to price your property aggressively.  You can’t look at property that sold last year or even 8 months ago.  You need to look at the most recent sales in your neighborhood, area and county.  Note what things have sold for and what the current prices are.  If you don’t need to sell your property, don’t put it on the market.  Now is not the time to try and make a lot of money on a sale.  It will be a waist of your time, having the property ready to show daily, and it will be a waist of your Realtor’s time.  If you need to sell, get realistic.  You not only need to have the property priced aggressively you need to be prepared to pay some closing costs, a buyer’s warranty or some type of buyer’s incentive. 

Second, you need to ask your Realtor how is your property going to be marketed/advertised.  Is your listing going to be on the top web sites in the world?  Are buyers outside the state going to be able to access your listing?  Are there going to be additional pictures of your home on the Internet?  Do you want a flyer in the front of your home for potential buyers to pick up?  Is your agent a Realtor?  Is your Realtor going to call and get feedback after you have showings?  Will your Realtor have an open house if needed?  What is your Realtor doing other than putting a sign in the yard? 

These are two of the most important strategies when selling your property, even in a seller’s market.  These are strategies I offer my clients and I know that it does take more than just putting a sign in the yard and putting the listing on the local MLS. 

It seems that recently I have been getting a lot of questions, from the public, about the market and real estate in general.  One question that I am repeatedly getting asked is, “how is business?”  Well, I think the answer to the question depends on the person (Realtor/Lender) you ask.  Anyone that lives in this world has heard the real estate business is a bust…or at least that is what the news portrays.  Honestly, yes the market isn’t the greatest and sales are slow BUT there are several things to be positive about. 

The positive aspects of the market are where I try to focus my energy.  I believe if you are negative about problems and challenges you face that it will only make it harder to get through them.  I learned this by experience!  You need to stay positive to not only climb the mountain but to also make it back down the other side.  So, when I get asked that question I respond with…”Well, I feel that things are going good.  Yes, the market isn’t the greatest right now but people are still buying and selling.  Buyers can get historic low interest rates and find great deals on various properties.  As a seller you need to take the initiative and find out how your agent is going to market your property.  What types of advertising is your agent going to do and where are your commission dollars going?  It takes more than just putting a sign in the yard and entering it into your local MLS.  If you and your agent are negative about the market now…how are you going to be when your property has been on the market for several months and you haven’t had many showings and no offer?  So, I won’t say the market is great but I won’t say that the market is hopeless either.  As you know, your return is based on your investment so invest wisely.”