Newnan, GA

It appears the Coweta County real estate market is showing some signs of recovery. The number of foreclosures advertised in the Newnan Times-Herald for November 2009 is 185, down from 207 in October and a record 265 in September.¹

In addition, requests for on-site environmental health evaluations is up nearly 20% from a year ago, indicating that there is a modest increase in building activity, These factors, combined with new federal tax credits for home purchaser, could help to stabilize the local economy.

And while these improvements may only be baby steps in the right direction, they still tend to reduce the slippery slope to something a little more manageable!

Coweta enjoys low property prices, and combined with low interest rates and new tax credits, there has never been a better time to purchase a home in the county. If you are considering a move to the Atlanta area, be sure to include Coweta County and Newnan on your list of possible places to relocate.

¹ Source for all statistics: The Newnan Times-Herald

It used to be that if a caller to the real estate company indicated that they wished to purchase a three bedroom, two bath home and keep the monthly payment below five hundred dollars we used to ask this question:

“What kind of tires do you want on that mobile home you just described to me?”

And that was back in the mid 1980s! Now, in the year 2009 as incredible as it seems, the combination of low real estate prices combined with excellent mortgage interest rates have many homebuyers purchasing property with mortgage payments at or below $500 per month.

Even more remarkable is that these purchasers are buying homes at or below ONE YEAR’s equivalent of their annual income. We have even sold a few houses to individuals who paid more for the most recent vehicle they purchased.

The bottom line is this: real property has never been more affordable. Anyone that is currently renting that is in a position to purchase should take advantage of this window of opportunity.

Because it will not remain open forever!

The Newnan - Coweta Board of Realtors Oktoberfest event is held every year for the purpose of raising money for local scholarships and the Red Cross. The event consists of both a silent auction and a live auction of goods and services donated by local Realtors and merchants.

This year's event will be held at the old freight depot in downtown Newnan from 6-9 P.M. on Tuesday November 3. Tickets are $20 and there will be a cash bar available. Price includes catered heavy hors d'oeuvres, appetizers and desserts.

ERA United Realty Newnan has presented a "Taste of Newnan" gift basket for the auction with over $275 dollars in local restaurant gift certificates, sample delicacies, t-shirts and cookbooks donated by local business and ERA United Realty agents and staff!

The old Train Depot is located on East Broad Street at the railroad crossing. Ample free parking is available. Please plan on attending this worthwhile event! Feel free to call with any questions. 770-827-6225

The ERA gift basket includes:

2 Bags of Coffee from Espresso Lane, $20 Gift Certificate from Fabiano's
$20 Gift Certificate from The Half Shell, $10 Gift Certificate for 10 East Washington
$40 Gift Certificate for La Fiesta, $10 Gift Card for Quiznos
$30 Gift Certificate from Golden's on the Square, Bottle of Merlot from Uncork'd
Toffee from Let Them Eat Toffee, T-Shirt from Redneck Gourmet
T-Shirt from Sprayberry's, Bottle of Local Honey BBQ Sauce from Sprayberry's
NCBOR Cookbook, Taste of Georgia, Cookbook Bag of Gourmet Popcorn

In January 2009, Governor Sunny Perdue eliminated state reimbursements for counties homestead exemptions. Lawmakers failed to reinstate funding and the result is higher property taxes for homeowners throughout Georgia.

In Coweta County, that’s an additional $300 dollars or so for each homeowner, making 2009 property taxes the highest dollar amount EVER for most property owners.

What makes this even more unpalatable is the fact that this increase was not noted in preliminary bills that might have prompted property owners to appeal their assessments in a timely fashion.

For now, taxpayers can only grit their teeth and pay the tax. Next year however, all citizens of Georgia should appeal their assessments and also take their revenge at the polls.

At this point in time, tax increases on property owners are unconscionable.

Tom Barron #404-936-7422 of Lindsey's Realtors. SPECTACULAR 4 BED 3.5 BATH CUSTOM BRICK HOME ON 15.13 +/- ACRES! FEATURES INCLUDE A GOURMET KITCHEN WITH STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES AND ISLAND; VAULTED FAMILY ROOM WITH STONE FIREPLACE; FORMAL DINING ROOM; OFFICE WITH BUILT-INS, MASTER SUITE ON MAIN LEVEL WITH FRENCH DOORS LEADING TO A SCREENED PORCH; GRANITE COUNTERTOPS; AND TILED FLOORS; AND A BONUS ROOM! TO SEE COMPLETE TOUR VISIT: http://www.advantagehometours.com/tabid/897.aspx