Coweta County Real Estate Facts and Info by Richard Weisser ERA United Realty Newnan

What are you waiting for? Stop making excuses and start looking for reasons!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:41:58 -0600

There is a difference between an excuse and a reason. Sometime there are genuine reasons why we remain unfulfilled and yearning for something more out of life. After all, we must survive, and we have obligations that require our undivided attention.

But an excuse is different. An excuse is a rationalization that is not based upon factual realities. It is easy to justify our laziness or indifference with excuses, and at times, the dissimilarity between the two may become blurred.

One of the most common excuses is fear of change. It's easy to fear the unknown, but often the reasons in favor of change are powerful and overwhelming. In many cases, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain.

So it's time to stop making irrational decisions based on excuses and to reasonably weigh our options for moving forward. It's the sensible way to grow!

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 ERA United Realty and Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and Lake West Point Lots.

And yet to me, what is this quintessence of dust?

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:46:38 -0600

As Shakespeare's Hamlet pondered the meaning of life, he carefully observed that all that is beautiful and exquisite could easily be contrived as something distasteful and unclean.

This most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave o'erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours. (William Shakespeare, Hamlet)

The fact is that Hamlet was disturbed and suicidal. And the only way that he could devalue his own existence was to tear down all that was good and pleasing around him.

And if we are not careful, we just might fall into the same pit of despair and exasperation as Lord Hamlet. Do we try to alleviate our own failure to perform our daily responsibilities by painting the market as a hopeless and despicable ogre that will consume us and all like us?

It would be very easy to give up at this point. But the human spirit motivates us towards self-preservation. It is time to rise up and take positive action.

So now is the time to be constructing and not dismantling. Our world is what we make it, and we have the ultimate control of our own destinies.

Where there is change, there is opportunity. Where treasure is lost, there is more yet to be uncovered. I choose to relish challenge and face obstacles head-on. I'm not just a survivor, I am a conqueror!

There's something to be said for doing what you like to do best!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:07:35 -0600

I have been taking photographs of autumn leaves for over thirty years now. I love the notion that time in moving quickly, and the subject is fleeting, and the window of opportunity is very short.

And I have probably taken 10,000 photographs with fall color. It has always been my favorite film genre, and I have transitioned that into digital.

I have taken many broad landscapes, and mountain shots, and set up in cold streams trying to capture small instants of time in an ever deteriorating environment. What makes fall so special is that it is out of our control, and all that we can do is hope to preserve a small memento of its magnificence.

So when I see a beautiful tree like I did today, I know I have many, many shots of trees, and that this one will be one of the many in the collection of "nice to look at, but nothing special!"

But as usual, I was wrong. It turns out that this one was special, leaves dancing in the breeze and the sun at exactly the correct angle to capture the color against a dark blue sky.

And so, another November day in Newnan yields a visual treasure! The world is a beautiful place, and all is well!

Downtown Atlanta Georgia in the autumn! It's not what you'd expect!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:01:55 -0600

As most of you know by now, I love to take fall photos! When you think of autumn photos, you usually don't head to the downtown area of a large metropolis like Atlanta.

But the seasonal color change is just enough to office the neutral steel, glass and stone exteriors of the skyline.

And the clear blue skies of fall make the photos really stand out. It's a rare combination of color and textures that doesn't exist any other time of the year.

No mountains in sight, just monoliths! I hope that you enjoy them.

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 ERA United Realty and Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and Lake West Point Lots.

There's a chill in the air, and it's time for nature to run it's course.

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 06:52:17 -0600

A cold front is charging through Newnan Georgia. Overnight temperatures are predicted to be in the mid-twenties, and that means one thing:

Winter is here.

I will bid adieu to my fresh peppers and basil, my beautiful flowers will turn brown and die, and the brightly colored leaves that are remaining will become brittle and drop to the earth.

I know that it's part of the natural order of things, and it is mid-November after all. These are the days that I longed for during the oppressive heat of our southern summer, but now that winter is imminent, there is always a touch of melancholy associated with the onset of the long nights and the chill in the air.

But I will dry the last peppers and the basil, and preserve them for use in spicy winter dishes of soups and stews, and I will enjoy walking on cool and crisp evenings, and I will anticipate the holidays with some exuberance.

And I will ponder the certainty that I am in the late fall of my own epoch, and that my allotment of time is this realm is diminishing. I realize that the time is approaching when I too, shall turn loose from the branch and wither.

I can't stop it from happening. It's the natural order of things.

Why choose a digital SLR over a point and shoot camera?

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:19:14 -0600

Digital SLR (Single lens reflex) cameras are not the most compact cameras on the market, nor are they the easiest to use. And although they can be feature rich, they may have a high learning curve for the casual user.

Many point and shoot cameras offer extremely high resolution, and automatically set focus and exposure. They often have spectacular results, and can fit in your pocket.

So why would anyone choose a more expensive camera body that may be harder to use? The answer is the broad spectrum of lenses that are available for the SLR. "The glass," as it's called by the professional. The variety of lenses and filters is almost limitless, as all major camera manufacturers have ensured backward compatibility with 35MM camera mounts. That means that you can pick up old lenses and filters at yard sales and flea markets, and they will still be completely functional in the digital SLR Camera body.

I mostly use a Nikkor 35-200mm lens that I bought in 1984 on my Nikon D80. It is completely functional, including auto-focus and auto-exposure. But the quality of the glass itself is so good that it leads to better photographs.

So if you are serious about taking better photographs, consider a quality SLR body and some good lenses. It will change the way you think about photography.

Today I say "fare thee well" to a fine lady, a good friend and an extraordinary coworker.

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:19:18 -0600

Times are very hard in real estate these days. A lot of offices are making changes in order to remain competitive in an ever shrinking market. And change often involves casualties.

A few weeks ago I wrote about a merger that made us the number one ERA franchise in the state of Georgia. We have combined forces with four additional offices for both market presence and to benefit from the economy of scale. And that often means the reduction of staff, and in this that is exactly what occurred!

Linda Nesbit joined our company just under two years ago, and her beautiful smile has welcomed agent and client alike as they entered our real estate facility. But Linda did much more than just act as a receptionist. She handled all of our listings and files, and assisted the agents with their day to day activities in any way that she could. She is both highly skilled and extremely personable, which is a rare and pleasant combination of traits!

She is a wonderful, humble, and kind lady, and brings sunshine with her wherever she goes. I consider her a friend, and I will miss her very much.

BTW, if anyone out there the Newnan-Peachtree City-Fayetteville area is looking for top-notch help, let me know and I'll get you in touch with Linda. You won't be sorry!

Welcome to the fabulous Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:51:59 -0600

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the most popular destinations in Atlanta Georgia. It is located just north of Centennial Olympic Park in downtown. Atlanta experienced a makeover for the 1996 Olympic Games, and since that time has evolved into one of the premiere destinations for both tourists and suburbanites eager to experience the amenities of the metropolis.

The aquarium itself contains one of the largest collections of aquatic species in the world, from the tiniest crustaceans to beluga whales and everything in between. The aquarium is divided into different environments, Coldwater Quest, Georgia Explorer, Ocean Voyager, River Scout and Tropical Diver, each with its own unique ecosystem.

There are plenty on hands-on exhibits, including petting pools and even an indoor playground for the kids. There are also touring exhibits, currently a collection of artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Titanic. Whether you want to or not, you will learn something new on every visit to this marvelous facility.

For directions, hours of operation and to purchase tickets to the Georgia Aquarium, visit their website.

Do you think that the real estate industry is dead? Take a look downtown and it may change your mind!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:53:25 -0600

There is a common perception in the marketplace that no sector in the real estate industry is moving forward. However, downtown real estate in major metropolitan areas continues to be a favorite among consumers.

Concerns about the price of fuel, ever increasing commuter traffic, and the quality of life have many potential buyers thinking about moving from the suburbs back to the cities. There is something very appealing about shopping and restaurants within walking distance of your residence.

The photo attached to this article was taken on Sunday, November 9, 2008 and depicts intensive construction in the city of Atlanta. New shopping districts are also flourishing, and developers are employing the "if you build it, they will come" attitude.

So if you haven't thought about downtown real estate lately, either as a buyer of a real estate professional, you may want to give it some thought. Prices are moderate and the amenities are second to none. It's a burgeoning market, and one well worth consideration!

On the Newnan Tour of Homes, my wife and I had a ghostly encounter!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 21:03:58 -0600

Every year during the holiday season, the Newnan Hospital Auxiliary sponsors a tour of historic homes in the city of Newnan. Since Newnan has many historic homes, including some antebellum houses, the tour can be very interesting.

Two years ago, on a dark and cold December night, we visited a home on the tour reportedly haunted by a ghost named Mary. My wife and I like enjoy reading and watching television programs about paranormal activity, so we entered the house and hoped that we would have an experience of some kind.

But nothing happened, as the house was very crowded and I'm sure that any right thinking spirit would have been terrified by all of the activity. So we continued the tour until we finished looking at all of the open houses and then we started walking back to the car.

Our route back to the car took us back by "Mary's" house, and when we walked past the front steps, there was a friendly cat there. My wife and I both like cats so we stopped and petted the cat.

We turned away from the cat and then started on our way, and as we left the stoop we heard a voice behind us. We quickly turned around and the cat was gone but a 60ish looking women was standing there looking puzzled.

"What's going on here? Why are there so many people in the house?" she asked. I told her the house was on the tour of homes, and that she might want to see this one, because it reportedly had a ghost.

"Oh no, I don't like ghosts at all" she replied. She seemed agitated so we bid her good night and turned away. Worried that she might follow us, I looked back to see which direction she was heading and she was gone, and the cat was back, sitting right where the woman had been standing!

My wife and I are convinced that we met "Mary" outside the house that night. Maybe we did, maybe not, but we wonder why someone would have been out on a cold night and not have known what was going on! I'm pretty sure that we had a paranormal experience. So put us on the list of believers!

Sometimes I like to add a little spice to life. But even that requires making a decision!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:49:02 -0600

Tastes change over time. When I was a young man, food was relatively bland. The average meal was meat and potatoes and perhaps pasta with a tomato sauce. If you wanted to purchase a spicy condiment, you might have been able to find a bottle of Tabasco sauce in some stores, but that was probably your only choice.

But times have changed, and we demand more zest and flavor from our food. And it's not as simple as adding a few dashes of hot sauce, because there are hundreds of brands from which to choose. We are not only adding spice to the food, but we're also seeking a particular nuance of both pepper and heat to enhance the flavor. Our tastes have changed.

At some point, we come to the realization that what used to be exotic is now the norm. We demand more from pizzazz from our meals today than we did in the past.

We also expect more from our homes, our cars, and our technologies. What might have sufficed just ten years ago is now woefully inadequate for our 21^st century demands. Our televisions have gotten bigger and bigger while our stereos have gotten smaller and smaller.

I can actually remember when wall-to-wall carpet was invented, and homeowners could hardly wait to get their hardwood floors covered up with jute-backed polyester. And then every wall was covered with a different textured wallpaper, grass-cloth, or mirrors! And that was state of the art decorating at the time.

So before your purchase a new home, car, TV or bottle of hot sauce always remember: Tastes change over time.

A little tip that ended the battle of the sexes in our house ...well, at least when it comes to Christmas decorations!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:46:21 -0600

I wrote a post about how Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier every year, and the comment section turned into a battle of the sexes. A lot of the women seemed to think that their husbands were less than helpful when it comes to decorating for the holidays.

Believe it or not, a lot of the problem is NOT genetics, it's logistics! The reason men hate assisting with decking the halls is the endless trips to attics and basements, sorting through the boxes, unpacking the decorations, carrying them where they need to be, and lugging the replaced year-around items back to the aforementioned storage areas.

After packing up one Christmas, my wife offered a brilliant solution. Why not have the decorations right where you want them, but out of sight? The key was to change a few pieces of furniture and incorporate them into the décor of our home.

So we use a cedar chest as a living room coffee table, a blanket chest in the foyer, one drawer in the kitchen, and another chest in the guest bedroom upstairs. Packed inside, is ALL of our Christmas decorations, and we have a lot. But if you remove most of the packaging, you can fit a ton of decorations in very little cubic space.

The point is, the decorations are right at hand, our ornaments are 3 feet from where the tree will be, and all I have to do is open the chest and decorate! And the items we replace with Christmas paraphernalia go right into the chests until after the holidays.

No more stairs, no more heavy packing, no more sorting through box after box of who knows what!

We have cut the transition time in half, and it saves the spousal tensions that crop up every year. Try it, you'll like it!

Photos: Top Right - Living room "Coffee Table" Hold all tree ornaments and knick Knacks. Bottom Left - Chest in foyer holds front porch decorations and electric candles.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...and I'm NOT ready!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 02:51:44 -0600

Wow, it's hard to believe that it's already November. Halloween has come and gone, and the election is over, and now we are all taking a collective sigh of relief. But time waits for no man.

As I was driving through downtown Newnan yesterday, the workers were putting up the CHRISTMAS decorations. Oh my gosh! Can it possibly be time for Christmas already? Where has the year gone?

Newnan is one of those picture postcard towns that look great when all the halls are decked with boughs of holly, and I know the department stores are already in full holiday mode, but it just reminded me that I am not ready for this!

It was just another kick in the pants for me. It's time to get on the ball, and to shift into the holiday mode. Hmmm...I wonder if I should put my blog URL in my Christmas cards?

Voter turnout in Sharpsburg Georgia is extremely heavy.

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:36:14 -0600

The voter turnout at the A.O. Bridges Community Center in Sharpsburg was extremely heavy in Tuesday's general election! Area voters filled parking lots and grassy area throughout the city and queued up to wait for an opportunity to cast their ballots.

The long wait was mitigated by the glory of a gorgeous fall day, with bright warm sunshine dancing off of the beautifully colored leaves. The crowd was patient and orderly.

Other area voting precincts also reported much higher than average voter turnout. The interest of the electorate in this election is being demonstrated throughout Georgia as well. The polls are open until 7:00 P.M. and anyone in line at that time will be allowed to vote.

Voting is a privilege. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to have a say in the future of America.

All I am saying is give peace a chance! It's time to come together.

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:30:32 -0600

Today is election day, 2008. The general election is underway as I write this post. I refrain from expressing political views in this forum, because politics can be incendiary and divisive.

I have been thinking about the competitive nature of elections, and the passion with which supporters promote their candidates. During the many months of campaigning, it gets pretty intense.

But now, we have to realize that it's all over, and it's time for us to come together, shake hands, and buy each other a drink.

There are no winners or losers among the electorate, only choosers. And if the candidates that prevail are not of our own choosing, then God bless America and the representative system of government that allows us to take part in the continuing evolution of our great country.

And if there is one thing that I have learned over the many years since I first voted for Richard Nixon, is that the people of this country truly want good government, and will hold their leaders to a high standard.

So let's line up, shake hands, and have that aforementioned drink together. Tomorrow, we will embark on a new adventure in American history, and we will definitely survive, and God willing, prosper!

When your high-flying is coming to an end it's time to start looking for a safe place to land!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:38:10 -0500

One of the disadvantages of flying high is that at some point, you have to come back to earth. It is an inevitable fact that one cannot remain aloft forever, so the wise one prepares for the descent and chooses a safe place to land.

The same is true in our businesses. There are highs and lows, but as we change from one extreme to the other, we need to make sure that we have all of the preparations in place for a smooth transition.

Pilots use checklists and manuals to ensure that an airplane is able to land safely. Likewise, we should have clearly written plans to cover all possible contingencies in the cyclical nature of our profession. It is much better to have clearly researched guidance at hand than to try and make changes "on the fly!"

There is still time for us to prepare our 2009 business plan. If we plan now for what might happen next year, we won't be caught off guard. There's no need to "wing it!"

A Halloween Trick or Treat Surprise ERA United Realty Merges with ERA Buckhead!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:15:47 -0500

Today, October 30 2008, in Newnan Georgia, it was announced that ERA United Realty has merged with ERA Buckhead Realty, and will operate under the name of ERA United Realty!

The company now has over 250 Realtor associates and operates five offices. The locations are Roswell, Marietta, Tucker, Conyers and Newnan Georgia, which offers complete coverage of the entire metro Atlanta area!

The combined operations provide agents with marketing expertise and technologies that are second to none in the region!

ERA United Realty is located at 246 Bullsboro Drive, Newnan Georgia!

Waxing poetic as autumn’s display wanes…all good things must end!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:14:59 -0500

Oh bliss, to see cold hills in flames,
Chilled to the bone amidst the blaze,
‘Ere Autumnal winds consume the fuel.
Fierce fires that burn for too few days.
(R Weisser)

Fall is waning quickly. I love everything about autumn except one thing ... the show is over way too quickly. There can never be a "wait until tomorrow" attitude when one is taking photographs of nature's most awesome display.

I always experience melancholy as November approaches. To go from the heights of visual autumnal Nirvana to the depths of winter's despair. It's a lingering depression that is interrupted only by the holidays. If not for that, winter would be intolerable.

Relish the remnants of fall while they last. It will all be over before you know it.

Photo courtesy of SmokyPhotos.com

It's hard to write when you are freezing ... yes, I am insane!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:37:09 -0500

I'm not a cheapskate, I'm just thrifty. I spend money where it is appropriate, and I try to save a little here and there on some items that are deemed to be of secondary importance.

One of those expenses is HEAT! I live in Newnan Georgia, in the Southeast. And while we experience frigid temperatures in the dead of winter, our falls are usually moderate with chilly nights and pleasant days.

So I typically don't turn on the furnaces until about a week before Thanksgiving. In the mean time we adjust from our summer thermostat setting of 78 degrees to our winter setting of 68 degrees!

However, we are experiencing an early cold snap that has caused the house to slowly cool, day after day, until this morning, when the thermometer is reading a toasty 57 degrees in the house.

And that's chilly, even for me. So I am actually considering going up into the attic and servicing the heaters and getting them up and running.

Hmmm... there's plenty of heat of the office ... and the cats have fur coats! Maybe I can hold out for a few more days!

Photo courtesy of SmokyPhotos.com

Why it's always a good thing to try to constantly strive to improve our work.

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:46:17 -0500

Over the course of our lifetimes, we meet a lot of people and travel to many different places. Some are incidental, and some make lasting impressions.

Every autumn, I take photos of the fantastic fall color! I travel to various locations, And there are certain spots that have a particular kind of attraction to me. These are the places where I have taken great photos in the past, and I always return with the intension of "topping" the previous shot.

Even though many of these spots are just a bend in the many miles of roads or paths, I remember exactly where the shot occurred, and try to duplicate the yearly color event.

The photograph in this article was taken this year, at one of those special places along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I love the special species of trees and the reds, oranges and yellows that occur there. It's a nice photo!

But it's not as good as some of the previous years! As a matter of fact, it's not in the top five for this particular location! But I will go back next year and try again.

The lesson is this: It's always a good thing to try to constantly strive to improve our work. Sometimes we will be successful, and sometimes we will not. The important thing is to keep plugging away until we get the results we want!

And never be satisfied! Keep the drive alive!

Photo courtesy of SmokyPhotos.com