COUNTRY BLOG

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas!  This letter may reach you before Christmas but most likely after Christmas as I am among the 41 million Americans that procrastinate Christmas duties!  I usually try to get everything done the week of Christmas.  It works out better for me and I think I get the best deals while shopping.  I have made a special effort to enjoy this year’s holidays even though I don’t have as much money to spend on everyone.  Thanksgiving was spent with both sides of the family together at my house.  We had a wonderful time and ate way too much food.  My husband, Neal, and I already had Christmas with his family over the weekend and we will be travelling to Jacksonville, Florida to spend several days with my family over Christmas.  Although the lists have gotten smaller and the shopping has taken less time I have enjoyed the Christmas music and actually telling cashiers, “Merry Christmas”.  Many of them have seemed surprise and caught off guard but all said, “Merry Christmas” back with a smile. 

I am sure this Christmas is different for many of you.  Different in how you travel to see family, different in how you write your “wish list”, different in how you plan your shopping, different in where you purchased your Christmas tree and just plain different.  This entire year has been different.  Being a Realtor and working with people daily I have tried to remain positive the entire year but it has been hard.  It has been hard to see families lose their homes, lose their jobs and feel like they have nothing left.  We as Americans put so much emphasis on having a “home” and having all the right stuff fill that “home”.  We need to remember that “home” can be made wherever we are living.  Home can be an apartment, room in someone else’s home, a rented basement or even going back home to live with mom and dad.  Through this year I have seen many people have to swallow their pride and take jobs they thought they would never have to do.  My perspective on “life” has changed drastically this year.  I enjoy watching the reality shows such as Secret Millionaire and ABC Home Makeover.  These are great shows and they show you another side of our country you don’t see every day.  They show you that no matter how bad off you think you are, there is someone else out there that is in a worse position.  So, of course Christmas to me is about sharing, giving and celebrating the birth of Christ but this year it is also about swallowing my pride, living within my means, thinking of ways I can share and help others and not just thinking about me and my family. 

I know you have heard the ups and downs of the real estate market for the year.  It has been a tough year; especially if you have been trying to sell your home…the buyers are on their way.  Keep your home on the market, make sure it is advertised well and priced for this market.  Unfortunately it may take awhile but it will sell.  I want to encourage all of you to hang in there, things will get better soon!  If you are trying to cut your budget in order to make your mortgage that is the first step to keeping your home.  Don’t give up, talk to a local lender and see what your options are.  Find ways to save on monthly expenses and keep your home. 

I want you and your families to enjoy your Christmas holidays!  Sit back and relax, remain positive and fill your ears with joyous Christmas music.  May each and every one of you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Sincerely, 

Elena Dickerson 

Please remember me when talking to your friends.  I am always grateful for a referral and it lets me know you think I can do a good job!

Wow, where do you even begin to talk about today’s real estate market?  I get questioned everyday about what is going on, what do I think will happen, have we hit bottom, why aren’t things selling, etc.  I try to answer these questions honestly and accurately but the answers are usually my personal opinion.  That is all anyone can give you right now is their personal opinion from their personal experience.  Nobody can predict the future.  The most important thing I do though is remain positive. 

I would like to comment on the top 3 questions I have received lately. 

Question 1: I don’t understand how the market has gotten so bad?    Answer: In the past 5 years real estate values steadily appreciated.  This fast increase in value drove property prices sky high.  The biggest hit markets were California, Florida, Las Vegas and a few others.  Although the rest of the country didn’t see the prices those states and cities saw, they still saw inflated price tags.  Behind the scenes was the rest of the story being played out.  The lenders and appraisers worked together to get loans (almost all loans) approved.  Very little guidelines had been set in place for lenders so they were able to qualify buyers that probably shouldn’t have been qualified or at least not qualified for that particular loan or that particular price range.  Then the appraisers made sure the homes appraised so that the loan could close.  As the appraisers appraised property higher and higher it brought the real estate comparisons higher thus increasing the sales prices.  It was a great big circle…round and round it went until now.  This slow market had to happen eventually.  The pattern couldn’t keep going forever.  Think about it…it usually takes 10 years or more to have as much equity in a home that people were getting in less than 5 years.  Does that seem realistic?  How long did we (as a country) think that would be able to continue? 

Question 2:  Have we hit bottom?  Answer: I sure hope so.  I describe it as being in a valley with a mountain on each side of you.  When you are on the moutain everything is great and things go as they should.  When you are in the valley you feel trapped and can’t see the end.  Well, I believe we have walked across the valley.  We have been in the valley this entire year.  The answer everyone wants to know is when will we begin working our way up the mountain again?  I believe we have.  I believe the mountain we have to work our way up is going to be a lot harder and higher than the mountain we came down.  This country has gotten itself into a mess financially.  In order to get out of this financial mess things needs to be cleaned up, dealt with and changed.  That is what we are currently seeing.  Corporations going under, banks being rescued, stricter guidelines and CHANGE.  Is it the change we wanted to see?  Of course not.  Is the kind of change we would have made?  Of course not.  However, it is the kind of change that has to be done in order to continue up the mountain. 

So, as a buyer…be smart.  Yes, now is a good time to buy.  You can find great deals and good interest rates but be smart with the amount of money you invest in your property.  Don’t overdo it.  Don’t become property poor because eventually you will loose it and then you will become part of the foreclosure problem.   As a seller, keep your house on the market.  Talk to your Realtor and be aggressive with the price.  Price it for this market.  Not next year’s market or last year’s market…today’s market.  Make sure your home has curb appeal, shows well, is priced right and is properly advertised!  We need to push forward in order to get further up the mountain.    

Question 3: What good is going to come out of all of this?  There are several good things that will happen.  First, we will have guidelines in place so this doesn’t happen again.  Second, Americans will be living more realistic lives as they won’t have such a burdon with their unrealistic mortgages.  We are a credit/debt driven society and I hope that these hard times change that perspective.  We need to set up budgets for our families and not be impulsive buyers.  We need to be thankful for what we do have instead of concentrating on the things we don’t have.  We DO NOT need to keep up with the Jones’.  Third, the Realtors that are left (many have gotten out of the business) will be well experienced and serious about their job!  The quality of a Realtor will be better because you won’t have so many part time people.  Fourth, a lot of people have learned the hard way how to read the fine print and what to be careful for in the future.  This should be a lesson learned for all of us in many ways. 

Well, it is no new news that people across the country are struggling.  I think that this economy plays a role in everyone’s life one way or another.  I know that it has played a role in our family.  We have revisited our budget and evaluated the way we spend our money.  It seems like everything has gone up in price.  Of course the rising price of a gallon of gas has hurt but so has the increase of groceries, dog food and just about everything else you can imagine. 

I have clipped coupons for over a year and it has definitly helped.  I buy name brands and generic but I also take my time at the store looking for the cost per ounce and where am I going to get a better deal.  It has paid off over the year as I have saved between $5.00 - $20.00 a week.  I don’t buy things I don’t need or won’t use just because I have a coupon.  I am able to buy a double Sunday paper for $2.50 and it is well worth the coupons.  I have also gotten many free items along the way!  Free mustard, household cleaners, condiments, dog treats, etc. 

I am well aware that the cost of gas has impacted a lot of people and I am one of them.  Since I am a Realtor I drive my vehicle for my job on a daily basis.  I can go through a tank of gas in 1-2 days driving around clients.  I have rearranged my schedule and when I go to the office I work the entire day in order to get as much done as possible.  I have begun working from home more often thus not spending the 2.5 gallons it takes me just to get back and forth to the office. I also ride to work in the morning with the windows down and also usually in the evenings on the way home.  I don’t run out for quick errands unless I can do multiple things at once.  It takes a little planning but the savings are worth it. 

So, whatever you can do will make a difference!  Keep your air at a certain temperature, turn lights off or open your blinds to use natural light, don’t run your tv when you aren’t watching it, grow your own veggies, change your air filters, team up with a neighbor and take turns going together to the grocery store, review your cell phone bills or other household bills for charges you don’t use or just spend more time playing board games with your family!  Be creative and you will be able to save money in places you never thought possible. 

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!