Coweta Fayette Real Estate & Newnan Homes for sale blog by Richard Weisser of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers

I'm caught between a rock and a hard place. What does that mean exactly? Of course, I know what a rock is, but what is a hard place? Or should I ask, where is a hard place?

Does it mean I'm caught between a rock and another rock? Or am I stuck between a rock and something harder than a rock? What would be harder than a rock?

I mean, marble is a rock and that's pretty hard. Granite is a rock and is harder still. Heck, even a diamond is a rock and that's about as hard as you can get.

So is a hard place less hard than a rock but still somewhat firm?

So if a hard place is not as hard as a rock, then I should choose the hard place over the rock? So if I have made up my mind, I am not really caught anymore so this whole exercise is somewhat meaningless.

So I won't use that expression anymore. Instead I'll say "Hell's Bells." Wait a minute, wouldn't the fire melt the bells?

Photo courtesy of NorthGeorgiaPhotos.com

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

I love to explore. It's in my nature. When I come across a road in my area that I have never traveled, I feel compelled to discover what lies ahead on the road and where it will take me.

Sometimes there are nice surprises. There may be an old building here or there to photograph, a beautiful farm with thoroughbred horses or a cemetery with the names of many prominent county citizens.

It's fun to go off in a different direction, to delve into new possibilities and to find out there might be something of significance that you have been missing. And  that it has been there all along.

And who knows, you just might learn a lesson about life as well!

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

Does everything seem to go you way? Have you been the beneficiary of years of good fortune and have you always been in the right place at the right time?

Well, good you for! That's just grand. But for a lot of us, kismet is not part of either our business plan or our life's direction. We don't rely on the fates to blow the winds of providence in our direction.

Rather, we roll up our sleeves, get to work, and take matters into our own hands. Why would we sit idly by and wait for something good to happen when we can simply grab the bull by the horns and take charge of our own destinies.

Most states sell dreams every day. They offer lottery tickets with promises of instant financial gratification. A few people have won millions of dollars, it's true, but millions have won a few dollars, and even millions more have lost a significant amount of money.

If you really feel like the lottery is the way to go, try this simple test. Go to the Georgia Lottery Winning Numbers search page, select Mega Millions and enter your regular numbers. You will be shocked at how many times NO numbers match, and how few times even ONE number matches, ever more rarely TWO numbers match. It's remarkable to actually check the odds versus actual history, and doing this made me swear off the game forever!

So go ahead and leave for future to chance. As for me, I guess I'll just get back to work!

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

It's a fair question. When we look back at our lives and careers, we often think of different episodes in our saga as successes or failures. It's an interesting analysis, because of lot of our self worth really depends on what we consider important in life.

There has to be a benchmark established. We can then measure ourselves against this standard, and draw a reasonable conclusion based on facts.

So what is really important to you? What basis would you use to measure yourself?

Is it money? That's an easy one. If you measure success by the amount of money you have earned, all of the necessary accounting systems are already in place. You only need to decide the dollar amount that you would have to obtain to be considered a success. If you have established a goal for yourself, you have already done just that.

Is it family? If raising and nurturing your family is your most important test for success, it's a little harder to set the standard. Families are dynamic and changing, and evaluation is extremely subjective. You can set your benchmark as low as "nobody is in jail" or as high as "They all graduated from medical school" or anywhere in between. But I think that most parents have an intuitive feeling about successes and failures, and it's all about adjusting and adapting.

Is it prevailing over competition? Whether sports or business, many choose to measure themselves directly against others in the same field or profession.  Do you want to be the best at something? To be the best, you must know your competition, and must strive to surpass them. It's another case of a clearly defined success, you must decide which triumph defines success.

Is it recognition? Many people consider success to be determined by others, and not themselves. They look to others to recognize their achievements and accomplishments. However, one can still strive to obtain this notoriety, and can make recognition a fair measure of success.

Is it spiritual? Are your standards defined by religion, spirituality or morality? Many would consider losing money as a success if in means not having to sacrifice a principle. Establishing clearly defined codes of ethics and standards of behavior are great ways of determining success. Everyone one of us knows the satisfaction derived from doing the right thing, and its an easy measure of our success.

In reality, we all know that success in life is a combination of ALL of the above. Sometimes we sacrifice one kind of success for another, but ultimately, we know where we stand against our own measurements. We all know that we often need to make improvements, and that life is a effluent cataract of cascading opportunities and plunging obstacles.

I hope that when all is said and done, that I will look back without trepidation, and say to myself: "Richard, you did okay!"  

Some years back, several members of my family would come to Georgia for an annual golf outing. Since Spring comes earlier here in the South than in Pennslyvania or Connecticut, we would play  at my course in April.

One year, I had a few friends that wanted to play too so I set up a little mini-tournament. It was a 4 man scramble, with three teams competing. That's twelve golfers making three foursomes, and each foursome works together as a team by playing the best shot of any golfer every time until the ball is holed and the score recorded

Three teams is a VERY small tournament, most have 12-24 teams, and usually the first three places are in the money. But we had fun with our three team match, and I enjoyed my brother Jimmy's presence on my team, and my brother Mark played in another foursome. Jim and I struggled, and came in dead last out of the three teams. Marks's team came in second.

But Jim has a different way of looking at things. When we got home, my wife asked Jim "How'd you do?"

His answer: "Great! We came in third, but Mark's team came in next to last!"

In my previous post, Even the mightiest of the mighty can be brought down by the smallest thing. I talked about how important it was to not overlook the small details we encounter in business.

One of the best ways to do this, is to rely on a solid support structure of  dedicated professionals that can assist you with the day to day operations of your business. In the real estate business, these roles are filled by team members, office support staff, and vendors. It's up to you to determine where you need the most help, and to make the necessary assignments.

Delegation is the key to freeing yourself to do the things that YOU do best. If you hate paperwork, hire someone to take care of it while you show property or do any other productive task. In today's market, there are MANY agents that would be happy to make a few extra dollars by assisting you on a contract or piecework basis.

The point is, don't let business slip through the cracks as you allocate too much time to taking care of mundane tasks. Build your support structure and let other hard workers hold you up! It's a win-win for everyone!

In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the high elevation spruce-fir forest has been under attack for several decades, and the tall Douglas and Frasier firs and the Eastern Hemlock are being lost forever.

What is interesting is that these might giants are succumbing to the tiniest of enemies. The culprit is a small insect, the wooly agelid. The agelid is a parasite that infests the trees and over a long period of time, literally sucks the life out of them. What once was a magnificent forest cover has been reduced to tall wooly skeletons of what once was.

These trees did not give in to an axe, or longsaw, or any obvious peril. It was a small, persistent nuisance that eventually toppled the giant!

The lesson here is obvious. In our lives and careers, we are prepared to overcome the obvious foes that would attempt to triumph over us. Yet we often overlook the little things, the minute details, or nuisance items and consider then trivial and unimportant.

Yet more often than not, given enough time, these pesky little critters can bring us down. So pay attention to that gnawing undertone from within, it just might be worthy of your immediate attention!

Photo courtesy of SmokyPhotos.com

Have you had enough of going around and around with no clear ending in sight? Are you depending on chance to decide how far you will go and what steps you'll take next?

Are you hoping that others will make the wrong move so that you will benefit? Have you been ignoring strategy and good planning and been relying on something bad happening to someone else?

There are those that are in the game just to be there and are satisfied just to survive, and then there are those that expect to win. They invest wisely, plan for unexpected emergencies, and keep going even if fortune is working against them.

Buy hey; they don't have a monopoly on good business planning! So just stop doing nothing but sitting idly by on the sidelines, and get in the game!

There are times in life when we need to make a decision. Sometimes the view of the road that leads forward is obstructed, and we can't see what is on the other side of the tunnel.

We could stay where we are, nestled and safe in the sanctuary of familiarity, or  we can continue on, ready to accept the unknown environment that lies ahead.

But be wary, many have traveled the same road before and have turned back. The fear of "what might be" can be overpowering and crippling. A change of scenery requires adaptation to new surroundings, and some are not up to the challenge.

But rest assured, there are just as many that have moved forward, and willingly accepted the new opportunities afforded simply by plunging into the "what might be" with open minds and eager attitudes.

It's important to think of these choices as opportunities, and not obstacles. And remember, once you break on through to the other side, you won't look back!

Photo courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com

One of the best hikes in the Helen Georgia area takes you from the lodge in Unicoi State Park to the gazebo in Downtown. Start by driving North through Helen, then right (east) on Georgia 356.

Turn right after you enter the park on the driveway that leads up to the lodge. There is plenty of parking here. Here at the lodge, you can obtain a free map of the trail. The trail begins in the parking lot, and begins the 3 mile descent into Helen.

The trail is well marked, and is only steep in a few places. It passes through woodlands and some open grasslands. There is an excellent opportunity to spot deer, turkey, and all sorts of birds and small mammals.

There are bridged stream crossing, but use caution in very wet weather. As you come into Helen, you will arrive in the Park just above the gazebo. Here you can rest before the trip back to the lodge.

If you prefer a shorter walk, leave a car at the Gazebo parking lot and shuttle to the lodge. Each way takes about 90 minutes, and it's more of a climb going back up the hill.

Be sure to make this hike a part of your next visit to Helen. I am certain that you will enjoy it!

Photo courtesy of North Georgia Photos.

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

It's a favorite method of writing for many journalists and bloggers  Stream of consciousness allows thought to be put to pen exactly in the order they occur, akin to thinking out loud.

It permits ease of writing, as one need only type the percolating notions that one conjures in the order they appear, and the results are often charged with candor and wit. It is by far, one of the easiest and less stressful methods of creativity and I use it often.

But opening up your consciousness to public scrutiny has its perils. As your innermost thoughts are scribed, you deepest secrets are being revealed. Your personality is exposed through your words, and the digital distance no longer provides sanctuary.

Be wary of giving too much away. There are some things that are better taken off the table. Leave a little mystery, and you won't be painted into a typecast corner that limits your ability to deviate from the norm and expand your scope of creation.

Or, you can just be tired and in a hurry like I am now, and I know that when I read this post later I'll probably say:"Oh crap, what was I thinking?"

Has it been ages since you've gotten up and done something? Look at you. There you are, wrapped up in your own little cocoon; waiting for someone else to take the initiative and do something to get you moving.

Sure, you can stay in your little comfort zone, all bundled up in the familiar trappings of past history. Or you can rise up, cast off the old, take charge and try something entirely new.

It may take some doing to get those old bones active again, but stranger things have happened. It can take time to change the old ways of doing things, but time is the one thing that is certain to pass you by if you ignore your opportunities.

So dust off the old, and try on the new. Who knows? You just might find that there is some life left in you yet!

Photo: Mummy at the Michael Carlos Museum of Emory University

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

Grantville Georgia, in the southern part of Coweta County, is a picturesque old village setting that has not changed much over the last 50 years. It has period qualities that create the perfect depiction of a cotton mill town in rural Americana.

Here are some images taken in the historic downtown district:

I hope that you enjoyed the photos od Grantville!

For those of you that have been following my posts, you know that Peyton is a cute little kitten that we adopted from the Coweta County Animal Shelter less than twelve hours before he was scheduled to be euthanized.

You can read about the adoption here: A life saved ... Just in the nick of time!

Well, Peyton is growing up to be a big boy now, and with all of that kitten energy bottled up inside him, we had to come up with an outlet for his limitless energy.

So we enrolled him in a local Martial Arts School to study CuteKitsu. His instructor, Chairman Meow, says he is a great student that is willing to put in the time and effort needed to earn his coveted belt.

Peyton seems to be enjoying his newly learned skills, but it's been a bit disconcerting here at home. He keeps doing "the Stork" and "the Serpent" and he is confusing our other cat, LeMieux.

All in all, Peyton is alive and well and thriving, and we sure are glad that he is sharing our humble home.

If you have room in your heart and your home, why not adopt a needy pet? It's a win-win for all!

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

Since the establishment of the National Park in 1936, Gatlinburg has become the destination of choice for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains. The park is a favorite choice for both through hiking and day trips.

One of the most popular day hikes in the park is the Chimney Tops Trail. This popular 4.2 mile roundtrip trail will take you to some of the best views in the Smokies.

The popularity of this trail may require parking some distance from the trailhead, so arrive early or plan on an extra long walk. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes or boots and carry enough water for the climb to the top of the mountain.

Begin your outing just a few miles south of town on U.S. 441 at The Sugarlands Visitor Center. The Sugarlands is aptly named due to the sugar maples that dominate the landscape. At the visitor center, you can get books, maps, and updates on weather and wildlife issues.

Continuing south on the Newfound Gap Road about 4 miles, and just after going through the tunnel, you will come to the Chimney Tops Trailhead.

The trail starts through a pleasant wooded stream valley, and all crossings have bridges so you can avoid rock hopping. You will pass through heavy rhododendron thickets as you begin the ascent to the summit.

The trail is moderately steep in some areas, so rest as needed. As you continue the climb, wonderful vistas will open up to you! At the crest, you will continue along the ridge until you come to the Chimneys.

The Chimneys are actually rock formations at the peak of the mountain that are hollow in the middle and resemble a large stone chimney. From the top of the big chimney the view is spectacular, and a fitting reward for the exertion required ti get there!

Return via the same route, and then it's back to Gatlinburg for food, shopping and entertainment!

Photos: Top right: The Chimneys from The Newfound Gap Road, Bottom left: The big Chimney. Courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com.

Has this ever happened to you? You have two lovely ladies that want to be photographed together in similar festive attire ... and you only have one sombrero!

Well, it happened to me, and it created quite the conundrum. The problem was, how can I place the one sombrero on each lady and maintain some semblance of realism in the final picture..

The solution was quite simple! You simply photograph each of the women wearing the sombrero separately in a controlled area! The sofa made a great prop, because I could place each subject exactly where I wanted them. I moved one slightly forward to create the illusion of depth and perspective.

I carefully merged the photographs, meticulously aligning the stripes in the sofa. I had to make some adjustments to the brightness and contrast to create even lighting throughout the frame. The image that resulted is displayed here.

And always remember, just because it's in a photo, doesn't mean it's real. With today's digital cameras and manipulation tools, anything is possible!

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

The days are getting shorter, and summer is waning. August is nearly half over, and soon the declining hours of daylight will lead to that special time of the year.

Fall has always been my favorite season. The transition between heat and cold, between growth and decay, between light and darkness has special, magical qualities.

The show of color is the first thing that comes to mind. The change is subtle over the twelve weeks of autumn, as the leaves change from deep greens to lighter yellows and pinks. Then they are set ablaze into their full splendor of fiery reds, oranges and yellows, followed by the deep purples and eventually, earthy shades of rusts and ochre.

The air clears, allowing for fantastic crisp and clear photography. The aroma in the air is incredible, and the sound of the leaves crunching as you walk is a unique cacophony of cadence and rustling.

But the best thing I like about taking photographs in the fall is the sense of urgency. You have to move quickly to get the shots while the color is peaking. Tomorrow may bring wind and rain, and the opportunity is lost forever.

The way we handle our business is not unlike autumn photography. You have to seize the opportunities while they are ablaze with enthusiasm and interest. The time frame for action is short, you must act quickly and decisively, lest they tumble to the earth and decay into the compost of what might have been.

Photo Courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com.

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

It rained last night. All night. Usually, you don't think too much about that, nut we have been in a severe drought here in Georgia for two years now, and it has been some time since we have had a long, soaking rain.

After many months of dealing with a total ban on outdoor watering and daily conservation, the rain has taken on an entirely new significance. We not only use water to make our coffee and flush our toilets, we also use it to generate power, and on hot summer days in the south, the demand for power is high!

That's true about everything in life: You never realize how important something is until you don't have it anymore. You never appreciate the red hot market until it cools off, you never fully appreciate a customer until there are none, and you never realize how much the people around you matter until they move on and try their hand at something else.

Life is about change, and we go through many. Some are bittersweet, but there is always some positive in everything. As for me, I'll just enjoy the rain!

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

OK after a lot of changes around here I've decided that it was time for a lighter subject material. As usual, I went to my photos for inspiration and I really like this fish photo I took a few years back, and I thought of all the usual fish themes.

You know, like "There's something fishy going on around here!"  or "The big fish eats the little fish." Then I thought that there are life lessons that we can learn from fish, so here's my take on fish morals:

• Whether there's a meal around the next rock or not you have to keep swimming.
• Check for hooks before you take a free meal from anyone.
• The other fish might be bigger, so find a little niche to protect yourself.
• Once you're out of the water, what difference does it make if you become sushi or you are grilled or fried?
• The murkier the water, the less likely you are to spot trouble.
• You will prosper if you spend more time in schools!
• Don't go after the sharks; stick with what you can handle.
• And finally, there are many snares out there trying to trap you, keep alert and stay focused, and you'll make it to tomorrow!

 So, that's my fishy thoughts for today. I wonder what's for dinner tonight?

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

When buying a home, most people try to do everything correctly! They hire an inspector to check the home for possible defects, they have the title inspected to make sure that there are no clouds, and they shop their loan carefully to make sure that they get the lowest possible ABR.

There are some items, though, that are often overlooked and can add a tremendous additional expense to the homeowner. It is important to know:

• Is there a full-time LOCAL police force, or is the area infrequently patrolled by state authorities.
• Is there full-time fire service? Some areas still have volunteer fire departments and even fee based service.
• Are there full time paramedics on call? This can be the difference between like and death.
• Is there a fire hydrant within 1000 feet of the home?
• Is any part of the property in the 100 year flood plain?

Any of these issues could cause homeowner premiums to double, triple or even quadruple. And they can definitely affect the quality of life. Remember, when you by a home, be sure that the services that are the most important to you are available.

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.