A Realtor associate of mine in Covington said to me today, "I did it! I just put my house on the market.  It's probably not a good time to do it, but..."  This statement was from a full-time, professional, successful  Realtor with over 20 years experience in the marketplace.So, when is a good time to put your house on the market?Traffic from real estate buyers and sellers in Covington is beginning to move again.  Builders in Covington are still building new homes.  The news media has tired of their campaign to terrorize the public about the horrible real estate market.  Some are even saying that now is a great time to buy a home. We're at the beginning of an annual market period when buyers start looking so they can relocate before the next school year.If you're going to sell your home,... 02/20/2008

Looking to buy on of the discounted Covington Georgia Foreclosures? Many home buyers call me asking for discounted foreclosures in the Covington Georgia area. I usually tell them that they need to look at all foreclosures, but more importantly, the ones that have been discounted. There are some other discounted homes for sale in the Metro Atlanta area, that are not necessarily foreclosures. Some of these homes are brand new homes. The builders are having a hard time selling them, so they decide to discount them. Some of them are pre-foreclosures, which excellent saving opportunities for the savvy home buyer.You also have some for sale by owner properties and some homes whose owners have already moved because of their jobs and they really need to sell. These sellers are very motivated an... 02/14/2008

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) issued a press release on December 11 of last year entitled "The Worst is Over - Existing Home Sales to trend up in 2008."  Yesterday, the Atlanta Journal Constitution published an article on the Business front, above the fold, that shouted "Metro area foreclosures surge."  If you saw these two articles, you're probably wondering "What the heck is going on?"  So, who's right?I don't know the answer to that question.  But, let me tell you what I DO know.The NAR is wrong!  That should be evident with yesterday's AJC headline. The NAR and their economists based their national prognostication on a single positive indicator - a projected increase in the number of existing home sales in 2008.  Well, that shouldn't be too hard to achieve since the 200... 01/16/2008

I've said before that, in my opinion, we're lucky in Covington and Newton County, Georgia to have government land use planners, commissions and councils who are concerned with proper, sustainable growth in our city and county.  A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors® and Smart Growth America supports what we're doing here in verifying that the American public agrees that growth is good so long as it is "Smart Growth."High energy costs are making Americans think twice about unrestrained, random development.  Overwhelmingly, people want their local governments and developers to plan and make their communities less dependent on cars by rethinking land use and pouring resources into public transportation, according to the survey.Asked to select the best approach to reducing... 01/14/2008

Every year brings a new "buzz."  I'm not talking about the one you get from your bottle of bubbly on New Year's Eve.  I'm talking about the new word, the new concept, the new product that grips the public or particular segments of it, and becomes the central topic around the water cooler for the foreseeable future... or until the next "buzz" takes its place.  I've noticed several new "buzzes" taking hold within the past several months that I predict will continue to flourish and dominate our thoughts and language during 2008."Going Green!"  Everyone and everything is "going green!"  Governments are "going green" with their environmental policies.  Auto makers are "going green" with their hybrid cars.  Energy companies and public utilities are "going green" with their alternative fuels. ... 01/11/2008

Do any of you here in Covington, Georgia ever watch "reality" TV shows... like "Survivor," "Extreme Makeover," and "The Great Race?"  How about "realty" TV shows?  Nope... that's not a misprint.  My spellchecker is still working.  I'm talking about "real estate" TV shows.With the writer's strike in progress and all the scripted shows being reruns, now's your chance.  Marc Berman, a TV analyst with MediaWeek, an industry trade publication, says realty shows are continuing to grow in popularity.Sixteen realty TV shows were on the schedules of cable outlets A&E, Bravo, HGTV and TLC last season.  There were only two in 2002 and four in 2005.  And even more debuted this past September.Whether people own homes, or just want to own, Berman says they are drawn to realty TV shows by their natura... 01/08/2008

If you're in the Covington, Georgia real estate market and are thinking about selling your home in 2008, here are two things you could consider to help you sell faster at a better price:1. Consider remodeling or fix-up projects that would enhance the beauty and livability of your home!"Remodeling" magazine says to focus your efforts mostly on exterior upgrades for the best returns.  In the magazine's 20th "Cost vs. Value" survey, "Remodeling"  found siding replacement, window replacement and deck additions returning over 80% of their value when the home was sold.  Only one interior project - a minor kitchen remodel - had recovery rates that high.Naturally, cost recovery rates are different according to the part of the country you're in and depend on a wide variety of factors.  These inc... 01/02/2008

Look for discounted Covington Georgia homes for sale? The market is very slow now for sellers, so many of them are giving away huge discounts. Even some builders have huge inventory of homes that have not been sold, so they are very willing to sell at a huge discount. I was driving around looking at Covington Georgia homes for sale by new home builders in Covington GA and I discovered quite a few subdivisions with many unsold homes. It's amazing what you can get for about $200K now. There are new 5-6 bedroom homes going for about $200K and all the features like hardwood floors, 2' wood blinds, crown molding etc, that used to be upgrades just 1-2 years ago are all standard now. There are some good builders in Covington, GA with very nice homes. A savvy home buyer may want to consider als... 11/20/2007

This is a follow-up to my "Covington Georgia Real Estate: Top Ten Reasons You'll Want To Make Covington Georgia Your Home" post.Although there were nine other great reasons you might want to live in Covington, Georgia, the Number 1 reason was Covington's "Southern Charm."  To reinforce that top reason, here are a couple of tours showcasing some of Covington's gracious old southern homes.These beautiful homes are a source of pride to current and future residents of Covington.  They are a rich legacy of the past which we cherish and pass on as a heritage to generations yet unborn.I hope you enjoy the shows!  11/08/2007

Are you thinking of moving to Georgia... or more specifically Covington, Georgia?  If you are, you're making a great choice!!I may be a bit prejudiced because I live here... and grew up here.  But let's see if I can convince you that what I say about Covington, Georgia being a great place to live - without prejudice - is true.  Here are the Top Ten Reasons You'll Want To Make Covington, Georgia Your Home:10. EDUCATION:  Schools and education in Covington and Newton County, Georgia are, admittedly, not the best in the State.  However, we're far from the bottom of the list.  Schools have taken a hit over the past several years due to rapid growth.  However, new school facilities are under construction and more are planned to reduce overcrowding.  In fact, a special referendum was just pas... 11/06/2007

Sholanda L. Smith, Associate Broker | Premises, Inc. | sholandasmith@gmail.com | 770.385.7033 30 Brookline Parkway, Covington, GA Brand new golf/fitness community in Newton County. 3 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $205,900 Year Built 2007 Sq Footage Unspecified Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0.125 acres HOA/Maint $195 per month DESCRIPTION Gorgeous home in a brand new golf/fitness community. Quality built home from the outside to the inside. Certified professional homebuilder. Owner's suite on main floor. Hardwoods in great room, half bath, and kitchen areas. Tiled full baths and laundry area. Easy maintenance...HOA covers lawn maintenance, exterior maintenance, DSL, 24/7 computer tech support, and more! Courtesy waste services. Conve... 11/02/2007

A sleepy Sunday afternoon in Covington, Georgia was roused awake by a magnificent concert today, "A Festival for Three Organs.Presented by the Newton County Arts Association and the First Presbyterian Church of Covington, "A Festival for Three Organs," featuring concert artists Dan Miller and our own Becky Ramsey and Alice Walker, offered over an hour of beautiful and stirring music performed on the Presbyterians Church's magnificent pipe organ and two Rodgers Trillium Masterpiece organs supplied and installed in the church's sanctuary by Chapel Music of Lithonia.Mr. Miller not only performed, but arranged and scored all the selections for the three organs.Jeremiah Clarke's stirring "Trumpet Voluntary" opened the program. Selections then progressed through classical pieces, such as Bach... 10/22/2007

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, corporations like RE/MAX, through its Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure sponsorship, and even individual communities are promoting awareness of this illness which strikes thousands of women - and men - each year.Proudly, Covington is no exception.  In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Main Street Covington and the Newton Medical Center Women's Diagnostic Center partnered this month to present "Portraits of Hope."  "Portraits of Hope" is perhaps one of the quietest, but most compelling and impactful "celebrations" I've witnessed. "Portraits of Hope" features 26 local women who are cancer survivors from the diagnostic center's support group.  As a part of the program... 10/18/2007

There's a lot going on in Covington this week and throughout the rest of October.The "Yellow River Jam" is scheduled for this coming Saturday, October 13th.  It promises to be a lot of fun, but is also tied to an important event, the "Rivers Alive Cleanup."The Rivers Alive Cleanup is sponsored by Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful, the local affiliate of Keep Georgia Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful.  The clean-up efforts will target sections of the Yellow and Alcovy Rivers.  After the morning clean-up, workers - along with the general public - can grab some food and fun at the "Yellow River Jam."  The "Jam" runs from noon until 7:00 p.m. across from the Porterdale Mill Lofts.The "Jam" will feature food vendors, arts and crafts for sale, children's' activities, a car show and live musi... 10/10/2007

Around the first of a new month and time for another look at the Real Estate market statistics for the month of September.  In Covington, Georgia and Newton County during the month of September, there were 2101 single family residences actively listed for sale.  The average Days On Market, or length of time these homes have been for sale, has reached 114 days.  During September, 107 homes were sold.  They had been on the market for an average of 98 days.Here's a telling statistic:  The homes sold during September sold for only 87.8% of their listing price, indicating how much of a buyers' market still exists... and that more sellers are beginning to realize that fact.In Covington and Newton County, as of the end of September, there was almost a 13 month supply of homes on the market.Fol... 10/09/2007

This past Tuesday evening I attended the regular meeting of the Newton County Board of Commissioners.  If you're attending for a particular reason, like a planning or zoning issue, the meeting is naturally of interest.  At other times, the regular business of running the County can be mundane and a bit boring.  It's all important, but one has to tip their hat to the Commissioners for continuing to do what has to be done, exciting or not.Quite often, however, you pick up tidbits of interesting information having nothing to do with the reason you're sitting in the historic courthouse listening to boring County business.  This past meeting was one of those times for me.Harold Quigley, the head ranger for the Newton-Rockdale-DeKalb Forestry District gave his annual report to the Commission.... 09/25/2007

This will be my first in what I hope will be a long series of blogs about Covington, Georgia and what it's like to live here.  I believe I'm imminently qualified to report what it's like since Covington is my hometown.  I live here.  I grew up here.  And although I had to leave and live in several other cities (for work-related reasons), when I returned, it was almost like I'd never been away.From time to time, I'll throw in a bit of Covington history and Covington future - probably intertwined with some of my history - but mostly you need to understand Covington today... at least from my perspective.If you know nothing about Covington, you likely won't read this anyway.  But if you do, and would like a bit more perspective on the city, leave me a question or comment, and I'll be glad t... 09/20/2007

TNDs, Traditional Neighborhood Developments, are an emerging national trend in land use planning and development.  And once you've seen and experienced one, you'll realize that we could all use a lot more of them.TNDs successfully recreate the magical environment that flourished in our communities after World War II... front porches, sidewalks, tree-lined lanes, street lamps, children playing, neighbors strolling and saying "Hello!"   It's a re-creation of the place we all grew up, or at least the place we wish we'd grown up.TNDs are meant to be walkable communities where people live, work, shop and play.  Neighborhood features include a town center or town square, parks, plazas, commercial establishments, civic buildings, common green spaces, sidewalks, narrow street grids, paths and t... 09/18/2007

"On The Road Again"... Willie's strains must be ringing in the ears of metro-Atlantan commuters as they struggle out of bed every morning... at least 225,964 of them.  That's the number who spend between an hour and an hour-and-a-half commuting to work each day... one way!  Over 88,000 of them spend over 90 minutes each way!  This is from new census figures released yesterday.What's worse is that most of those drivers, along with the great majority of all commuters in Atlanta metro (over 81%), are all alone in their vehicles.All you Californians are saying, "Duh!"  Like, have you ever driven in L.A., dude!?!"  Well, yeah, I have.  And guess what - even though it's nothing to brag about, Georgia's average commute time (about a half-hour) remains the sixth worst in the Nation... worse tha... 09/13/2007

Last Friday was a stellar day!  Footings for the model home and the first two specs were poured in a new Traditional Neighborhood Development in Covington.Dorchester Placeis new neighborhood being built in the heart of Covington's historic district just about three blocks off the town square.  Judging from the public interest we've had since we started taking lot reservations a couple of months ago, the neighborhood is long-awaited and much anticipated... but by no one more than me!I began trying ro secure marketing rights for the community four years ago this month.  I knew the property from living adjacent to it when I was a kid.  It was mostly pasture at the time (covering 55 acres) where the owner kept a small herd of Shetland ponies.  I still remember hanging over the fence feeding... 09/11/2007