In the Auburn/Opelika area? Learn about your candidates for governor tonight!
http://su.pr/2gql8N

Weekly rate update! Still hanging in there with some really great rates!
15 year-4.25%, 30 year–4.75%, 30 year FHA/VA–4.75%

I am so glad they did this study! I was wondering how this worked?!
http://su.pr/2YOEoO

Love TIM TEBOW or hate him? You will find this story interesting!
http://su.pr/1auv0b

Real Estate update for Auburn and Opelika!

Monday Mornings with Ashley - What's happening in the real estate market for Auburn and Opelika?

1-25-2010, Ashley D. Miller – http://www.ashleydmiller.com/ – ashleymiller@remax.net – 334-332-8328

As I read the newspaper on Sunday morning, it was hard not to read an article about the condition of country’s economy. From jobless rate to health care reform to budgets busting at the seam, things seem to moving towards ‘better days’ at a slow rate.



Then I began thinking about closer to home in the Auburn/Opelika area. We have many things to be thankful for in our area as far as the economy goes. I know there are those around us struggling but overall our area has not been hit as hard as many areas across the nation. So, without any further intro…here is the “State of Housing” blog for Auburn/Opelika area.

Featured Listing:  1433AnnalueDrive.info

CLICK HERE FOR HOMES FOR SALE AND SOLD STATS IN AUBURN, OPELIKA & LEE COUNTY

I have provided a link above for you to do your own analysis of home stats in Auburn, Opelika and Lee County for the month of December 2009. First, I would like to talk about what is encouraging in the numbers. What jumps out at me is the inventory numbers. We are down 131 units total that are on the market now as that of a year ago.  That is a start in the right direction. When the market is saturated with inventory it makes buyers a little more nervous about jumping into home ownership. For Auburn, the next positive item of interest was that average days on market, down 38 days. The amount of time to get an offer, go through the lending and pre-closing procedures and then to the table has become more tedious. Seeing a decline in this number is encouraging.


Now for some of the 'not so bright side' of the numbers…Average sales price is down 13.4% for all areas. This equates to 12% in Auburn and 16.4% in Opelika. Part of this decline is market correction for inflated prices, foreclosures and short sales as well as some sellers needing to ‘unload’ a house for various reasons. Another area that astonishes me is the condo market, especially in Auburn. Condos on the market are up over 100 units, days on market have extended three months longer and average price is down $100K. Changes in the condo financing over the last year has hurt this market as well as over building to satisfy this need in the area.

Got a contract on this wonderful home this last week! Inspection is today and hopefully all will go well and we will close in late February.  938BoulderLane.info

I looked at what was homes were pending in the Auburn/Opelika area and what homes had sold recently and came up with the chart below.

              Total pending  Pending since 1-01-10  Sold since 1-01-10  %LP/SP


Auburn      34                    14                         8                      97.5%


Opelika     32                    14                         9                       96%
%LP/SP= Percentage of asking price was the selling price (does not include concessions).


I want to pass along some helpful information. You have heard a great deal about short sales. If you do not know much about them, watch this video: RE/MAX Agents Help with Short Sales


The key to me being able to help you or anyone you know with a short sale is to start early. If you are behind on mortgage payments or struggling to make them, I can help you get the process of a short sale started. Pass link above and my information on to anyone you know that may be in danger of entering into foreclosure. A short sale can be a great alternative to help manage any financial burdens you may be having.

Wrote an offer on this great house with some buyers last week.  The buyers plan to close first of March if all goes well!  Will update with pictures once it is closed!

What’s in store for 2010?


I added the last portion about short sales because we are going to be seeing more of these types transactions in the year to come. Catching sellers before it is too late is the most important thing.


I have a positive outlook for 2010! With the tax credit for first time buyers and repeat buyers in place, we will see a surge of activity before the April 30th deadline. Click this link for more info on the TAX CREDIT FOR BUYERS!  If I can help you or anyone you know with real estate information, please let me know.

Housing stats for homes in Auburn/Opelika December 2009! Check blog on Monday for market update: budurl.com/blogADM
http://su.pr/2wciQ2

Housing stats for homes in Auburn/Opelika December 2009! Check blog on Monday for market update: budurl.com/blogADM
http://su.pr/2wciQ2

Great news for Auburn and the University! Help is here for the parking problem!
http://su.pr/2hYrQF

Don't miss out on getting your kids signed up!!

Contact: Parks and Recreation Department

Elizabeth Traylor, Interim Public Relations

Phone: (334) 501-2936

Dixie Youth Baseball, Dixie Boys Baseball, Dixie Softball and T-Ball Registration

Auburn, Ala. - The Auburn Dixie Baseball and Softball Association will hold baseball, softball and t-ball registration online Jan. 18 - Feb. 6 at www.auburnalabama.org/baseball. Walk-in registration will be held Saturday, Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. - Noon at the Dean Road Recreation Center.

The cost is $65 for online registration and $75 for walk-in registration (T-ball online registration is $60 and walk-in is $70). Birth certificates are required for registration. All arrangements for scholarships can be made at walk-in registration. For more information regarding the program, please call the CDBG Sports Voucher Program at 501-7280.

For more information, please call the Dean Road Recreation Center at 501-2930.

Auburn Parks & Recreation Spring Youth Soccer Registration


Auburn, Ala. - The Auburn Parks & Recreation Department will hold spring youth soccer online registration Jan. 18 - Feb. 3 at www.auburnalabama.org/soccer. Walk-in Registration will be held Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 6 - 7 p.m. at the Auburn Soccer Complex.

The youth soccer program is for participant's ages 4 - 15 years old. The cost is $60 for online registration and $70 for walk-in registration. Birth certificates are required for registration. All arrangements for scholarships can be made at walk-in registration. For more information regarding the program, please call the CDBG Sports Voucher Program at 501-7280.

For more information about soccer registration, please call the Dean Road Recreation Center at 501-2930.


Ashley D. Miller - www.AshleyDMiller.com - 334-332-8328 - ashleymiller@remax.net

Weekly rate update! Still hanging out below 5%!
15 year – 4.25%, 30 year – 4.75%, 30 year FHA/VA – 4.75%

IRS finally release new tax credit forms...info here!
http://su.pr/19nOC1

Provino's Italian Restaurant--Unique Italian food in Auburn

Monday Morning's with Ashley....Exploring our first food review!    January 18, 2010

Ashley D. Miller - 334-332-8328 - www.ashleydmiller.com - ashleymiller@remax.net

2575 Hilton Garden Dr, Auburn, AL 36830  334-826-7360

When deciding on which restaurant I wanted to start my first review with, I had a hard time coming up with the right one. So, I thought about a place that was unique to the area and one of my family’s favorite places to eat. I chose Provino’s Italian Restaurant. In order to prepare for the review Anna and I got carry out this last Saturday night. I hate to say that we were so hungry when I got back home that I forgot to actually take pictures of the food to share with you here. I thought the empty take out dishes just would not really help you visualize how good the food taste!

Taken 4-23-2009 while enjoying Anna's birthday.  As you can see Ella is really excited about the night out! You receive a free meal from Provino's on your birthday.  You can choose from the Pasta Favorite section...they do check ID's to make sure it is your birthday.  This is an excellent deal and we have celebrated many birthday's and occassions here!

Anyone that enjoys Italian food usually starts the dining experience with salad. Well, Provino’s is no exception and their salad will leave you wanting more. The salad comes with a house Italian dressing, lettuce, tomatoes, beets and cucumbers. You also get bread dripping with delicious garlic butter.

View from the road so you know what you are looking for when you visit!

Anna and I split the Fettuccine Provino's on some occasions. The noodles are cooked to perfection with a wonderful alfredo sauce and chicken and broccoli. You can not go wrong with this choice. My favorite dish at Provino’s is the Chicken Romano. It is a lightly battered fried chicken breast smothered with cheese, mushrooms and ham in a wine sauce. It is served with a side of pasta. If I am in the mood for a more traditional pasta meal, I go for the Pappagallo Chicken and Sausage. It has a little more spice but is delicious.

A nice place outside to wait until you are seated.

Once dinner is over we opt many times to skip dessert because we are so full. If we have some how saved room we always go for the Carmel Pecan Fudge Cake. I know it is not a typical Italian dessert like Tiramisu or Risotta Crema but it is our favorite.

Front Door

Provino’s is a unique Italian experience.  Dress ranges from casual attire to more formal depending on the occasion.  The service is always friendly and prompt with prices that will not break the bank (See below menu).  Located right off I-85 at exit 58, Provino’s location is easy to find.  The next time you are in the Auburn/Opelika area stop by and taste how great this Auburn landmark’s food is yourself.

Click on the menu to see full shot.

MENU...Many great choices!

Comment and let me know your favorite things about Provino’s and ideas for upcoming restaurants in the area to highlight.  Become a follower to stay in touch with what is going on in the area.

Good news for those with some age in the Auburn area...a new senior center is in the plans!
http://su.pr/8TWcB6

Showed land this morning and condos in Auburn this afternoon...glad to be out of the office some and the weather is a nice change!

Weekly rate update...still hanging out sub 5!
15 year – 4.25%
30 year – 4.875%
30 year FHA/VA – 4.875%

COMING UP- NEW MILLER ADDITION AND MORE....

MONDAY MORNING WITH ASHLEY

It would only be proper to start this blog of updates with the news that Anna and I are expecting again. If all goes as planned we will add another member to our family in July 2010! I do not think Ella knows what’s coming but she at least looks happy to get a picture with her shirt on with the announcement below.

On that note, Ella will celebrate her second birthday on February 15, 2010. We are still deciding on what theme for her party and gift….any ideas? Here are a few pictures from her party last year…my how they grow in one year!

This is Ella with our great friends, Jana and Matt.  They are having their twin boys, Shepherd and Spencer, TODAY at 11am!  We are very excited for them!

REVIEW OF PAST EVENTS:


The month of December had many events in the area to enjoy. The two that I attended were both in Opelika. The first was the Victorian Porch Tour. Anna and I look forward to visiting the Historic District in Opelika to see it all lit up for the holidays. This year was no different. It is like stepping back in time to drive down the streets and avenues lined with Victorian figures of yesteryear. This is a free event every year and if you have not in the past driven or walked through the ‘trail’ you need to add it to your plans in 2010.

Source: http://www.opelikaheritagehouse.com/Vic_Christmas.htm

Source: opelika.org

Corresponding with the Victorian Porch Tour was Christmas in a Railroad Town in downtown Opelika. Even though temperatures were in the 30’s we braved the elements for just a few minutes of fun. We enjoyed walking the streets, looking in shops, drinking hot chocolate and Santa Claus. The hit of the evening for Ella was the singing of the Ya Hooters. They were very entertaining and Ella and Brooks (see below) really enjoyed the show.

Ella and Brooks...IT WAS COLD!!

COMING UP:

With the cold months ahead there are not many upcoming outdoor events. Looking over the calendar of events for Opelika and Auburn the below list will help you know how to plan.


January 12, 2010 – LifeSouth Blood Drive – Auburn, AL 8am-4pm City of Auburn, 122 Tichenor Avenue.


Registration for soccer, baseball, softball and tee ball – Starting January 18, 2010
Visit: www.auburnalabama.org/parks


Weekly story time at Auburn Public Library at 10am on the following days.
• Tuesdays - Baby Time (ages 6 - 18 months)
• Wednesdays - Preschool Story Time (ages 3 - 5 years)
• Thursdays - Toddler Time (ages 18 months - 3 years)


For recreational events in Opelika click here!

Check back next week for my first culinary blog on a local restaurant.

Ashley D. Miller - http://www.ashleydmiller.com/ - 334-332-8328 - ashleymiller@remax.net 

Great article about the 2010 outlook! Note that rates are inching up...keep a watch on those!
http://ping.fm/pt4EO

Interest rates per local lender in Auburn: 30 Year Fixed – 4.875%, 15 Year Fixed – 4.375%, 30 Year FHA Fixed – 4.875%, 5/1 ARM – 3.875%!

Camden Ridge...Home Sweet Home!

WELCOME TO CAMDEN RIDGE

When deciding to write about subdivisions in the Auburn/Opelika area, I decided there was no better place to start than with my home subdivision. I have called Camden Ridge home since January 2006. I did not realize at that time how fond my family would become of the area. Below are a few pictures of my home.

Our house on March 1, 2009.  This is in honor of our cold weather right now!

We showed our 'spirit' at the beginning of football season.  Our hill is perfect to show off the AU!

When I first started in real estate in 2003 I heard that many felt Camden Ridge was “too far out.” When measuring from Shug Jordan Parkway, Camden Ridge’s main entrance is just a little over 2 miles out from the circle. Camden Ridge is located northwest of Auburn at the intersection of North Donahue Drive and Farmville Road. This location allows residents easy access back to the University.  Also, with its location close to 280, Camden Ridge is just a short drive to Tiger Town. This makes access to shopping and restaurants convenient.
CLICK FOR MAP

Camden Ridge was first developed in 1996.  Steady development and building have been present ever since.  Now the 11th Addition is being built out with plans to expand underway.  Sales were steady in 2009 with 41 homes closing during the year.  The average sales price was $256,000. and sellers on average received 97% of asking price.  As you can see Camden Ridge homes have held value well.  There is information and link at the bottom of the page about current homes for sale in Camden Ridge.

In the spring of 2009 Camden Ridge added something that was missing when comparing with other areas in Auburn.  With the completion of the pool and club house, Camden Ridge was now ‘complete.’ With the newly formed HOA the voices of the residents can now join together to make sure the neighborhood heads in the direction that the residents want to go.

Clubhouse and Pool

I have had the privilege to help some people with their purchase and sale of a home in Camden Ridge. One family, the Kerby’s, bought their home in Camden Ridge last February. They shared a picture below jut a few weeks after they moved in and it snowed!  This is what they had to say about the area. “We love it here!! We love the community and all the children that are able to freely play in the neighborhood without worries of them.. We wouldn't want to be anywhere else!”

The Kerby's - Luke, Sidney and Taylor

Whether taking a walk, enjoying the kids playing in the cul-de-sac or visiting with friends, Camden Ridge is an awesome place to call home!


Click this link for home for sale in Camden Ridge in Auburn, AL.
CAMDEN RIDGE HOMES FOR SALE
This link is good for 14 days from publish date. For up to date info on houses for sale call, e-mail or visit my site.

Ashley D. Miller – 334-332-8328 – http://www.ashleydmiller.com/ – ashleymiller@remax.net