Neighborhood Highlight – Lundy Chase, Auburn AL

Monday Morning's with Ashley - Neighborhood Highlight – Lundy Chase, Auburn AL

Lundy Chase model home

If you are looking for one of the fastest growing and hottest areas to buy a home in Auburn; you would look no further than Lundy Chase. Since May 2009 there has been a boom in construction with around 40 new homes complete and more on the way everyday. To find Lundy Chase you turn off Shug Jordan Parkway onto Richland Road (near The Creole and Seafood Shack) and travel approximately 1.3 miles to the entrance. When traveling out that way you will pass the newest elementary school in Auburn, Richland Road Elementary. Adjacent to Richland Road Elementary is the Yarbrough Tennis Center. The tennis center was completed around 2 years ago and has state of the art indoor tennis facilities as well as clay courts.

Entrance to the Tennis Center

Entrance to the Richland Road Elementary School

Lundy Chase began in 2007 with the development of Hunter Court (37 Homes). The developer found a niche in the Auburn market by producing a new home with quality upgrades priced under $200K. The development picked up in May 2009 with the opening of Waterstone Circle and Lundy Chase Drive (38 sold, 25 sites left). My good friends, Tim and Manna Jones, were the first to contract a house in the newest addition. Construction took off after this point and the Jones’ were not without neighbors for long. Here’s a quote from the Jones’ about the neighborhood and their experience with the developer.

The Jones' New Home!

 “Lundy Chase is a great place to live. It’s a quiet secluded neighborhood, but welcoming neighbors make for a friendly atmosphere. The location puts us 5 minutes from anywhere in Auburn and there are lots of children in the area. The other day we spent nearly 2 hours at the playground nearby getting to know moms and kids from Lundy Chase. The open floor plans and modern amenities make for such a comfortable and inviting home. Stone Martin Builders has done and continues to do a great job.”

In honor of the one year anniversary of snow in Auburn (3-1-09), here is a picture of the Jones' house from the recent snow storm.

As mentioned in the quote there are great floor plans in Lundy Chase. There are about 8 different plans to fit all size families and lifestyles. One thing that has set the construction in Lundy Chase apart is the fact that the homes are Energy Star approved. The exterior walls are 2X6 with spray foam insulation. Also, as you can see from the picture below the attics also have the spray foam insulation. This is a major step in helping to reduce power bills up to 40%. Also, the appliances and other systems are Energy Star and aid in reduced power bills also.

These above 3 pictures are from the model home and show the spray foam insulation in place.

 There is a model home on site that gives you an up close look at the construction and finishing options. You are able to watch a film about the spray foam, actually hold some in your hands and look into the attic to see what it looks like installed. Throughout the model you can see flooring options, light packages, plumbing fixture colors and much more.

The above 4 pictures show the model home and some of the choices you get to make. 

 The spring of 2010 is bringing an exciting addition to Lundy Chase, a neighborhood pool. The pool is currently under construction as you can see from the pictures below. Once the pool is complete the HOA fee is estimated to be $300 per year.

Pictures above are of the new pool!

The second phase is being worked on to open up soon. This will add 35 new home sites. If this is the type of neighborhood you are looking for, now is the time to start picking your floor plan and lot. The builder, baring unforeseen weather issues, can build a home from ground up under 90 days. Real estate in Auburn is starting to move and Lundy Chase is a major contributor to that effort.

Phase 2 being worked on in Lundy Chase

Jennifer and her family moved into their home in Lundy Chase in mid-December 2009.  See both pictures below.

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

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Weekly Rate Update: 30 Yr. Fixed–4.75%, 15 Yr. Fixed-4.25%, 5/1 ARM-3.375%, 30 Yr. FHA/VA Fixed – 4.75%

Heading to Birmingham for the RE/MAX Awards Celebration...will be around some of the best real estate professionals in the state! I will be reminded why RE/MAX is the top real estate company! http://su.pr/8zX58N

MARKET UPDATE FOR AUBURN/OPELIKA FEBRUARY 2010

Monday Mornings with Ashley -  February 22, 2010

What's happening in the real estate market for Auburn and Opelika?

My how time flies! We are already almost two months into 2010. This weekend gave us a taste of spring and the beautiful weather we get to enjoy here in Alabama. Also, there are signs that the market is ‘heating’ up too. The housing market is one of the first indicators of a return to a more stable economic environment. This being the fourth Monday of the month, I am writing my “State of the Housing Market” for Auburn and Opelika.

604HerndonStreet.info FEATURED LISTING in Opelika

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

The link above will take you to housing numbers for January 2010 in Auburn and Opelika. You make your own conclusions from the numbers but here are a few things I notice. The biggest positive I see in the combined numbers is the total number of houses on the market. This number is down 94 units. A balanced inventory is a step in the right direction to recovery. The number of properties that sold in January was down in Auburn from a year ago by 11 but up by 10 for Opelika. The overall average sales price has been steady with only about a $2,000 change up from a year ago.

This Thursday (2-25-2010) I will attend the Alabama RE/MX Awards!  RE/MAX continues to be a top real estate franchise nation wide!

The most encouraging numbers are not on this link but from figures I was able to pull from MLS. Since January 1, 2010 there are 61 properties in Auburn that have gone pending. This shows that buyers have been active the first part of this year. In Opelika there have been 29 properties that have gone pending since January 1, 2010. With the first time buyer’s credit coming to a close on April 30 (for having a contract), buyers are getting out there and finding a place to call home.

I wrote contracts on these two houses for first time buyers this last week.  Each are getting married and a new house all within the next three months!

I feel very positive about the real estate market for 2010.  It is a great time to buy with excellent interest rates, good inventory and extra credits available. Also, it is a good time to sell because there are more buyers in the market. Well priced and well kept homes still sell quickly in the Auburn/Opelika market. 2010 is going to be an excellent year to make your move!

Congrats to the Goodes who closed on their new house the first week of February!

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

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www.AshleyDMiller.com
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Weekly update of mortgage interest rates:
15 year – 4.25%
30 year – 4.75%
30 year FHA/VA – 4.75%

Restaurant Review: Creole and Seafood Shack

Monday Morning's with Ashley - Creole and Seafood Shack
 Auburn, AL - February 15, 2010

One of my favorite things to do when visiting new areas is to find ‘hole in the wall’ places to eat. These type restaurants usually serve excellent food with even better service. If you are like me and new to Auburn or visiting, I have the place for you… Creole and Seafood Shack. The ‘Shack’ is located right off Shug Jordan Parkway close to the Richland Road intersection.

When driving around Shug Jordan Parkway look for the Creole Shack!

A few years ago a segment on ESPN Saturday night football helped bring a great amount of exposure to the restaurant. Todd Blackledge hosts a segment called Todd’s Taste of the Town and he visited the Creole Shack. For many it was their first experience hearing about this great place. Now, you can hardly drive by at lunch or dinner and not see the parking lot full.

From the name you probably know their specialty, seafood with a Creole/Cajun flare. If you enjoy this style food you will find so many items on the menu that you would enjoy. If you have a hard time deciding what to try, I will offer you my suggestions.

This is not a full menu but gives you an idea of some other items that I did not mention.

To start, you must try the seafood gumbo. It is perfect mixture of spice and seafood topped off with rice. It is an excellent way to begin your meal. My favorite entree' is the Seafood Jambalaya! It has the perfect amount of Creole sauce with rice. Also it is full of spicy sausage and shrimp. The added bonus to this meal is that is comes with a side of fried green tomatoes. It is a winner every time!

Whether you take my suggestion on the meal or not you must take my next piece of advice…try the strawberry lemonade. It is freshly made every day and is an excellent refreshing drink. Just a warning, don’t drink it up too fast because you only get one refill.

The Creole and Seafood Shack is big on flavor but small in size. You must plan to get to lunch or dinner early to get a table. There are only about eight tables inside and four or five outside. Another option is carry out. Just call in to 334-501-6003 to place your order today, you will not be disappointed!

Today is Ella's Second Birthday!  Happy Birthday to her!!  We had her party in the snow storm on Friday.  The above picture is at Chick-fil-a with snow coming down in the back ground.  She had a blast with her Minnie cake and friends on the play ground.  After the party we went home and played in the snow.  The picture below is Ella making a snow angel.  For more pics from her party and the snow storm, visiting my Facebook page.  The link is at the bottom of the page.

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

 

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Home sales stats for Auburn, Opelika and Lee County...check back on Monday, Feb. 22 for blog on the market in general!
http://su.pr/2qH0PH

Great news for economy...jobless claims down!
http://su.pr/4BYhPZ

WEEKLY RATE UPDATE!! Conv. 30 YR–4.75%, Conv. 15 YR–4.25%,Conv. 5/1 ARM–3.375% (Perfect for that buyer that is only planning to stay in home for 5 years or less),FHA/VA 30 YR–4.75%

Great news for small companies in the East Alabama area!
http://su.pr/2M4YAV

Update of what’s happening…Ella’s upcoming birthday and more…

Monday Morning's with Ashley: Update of what’s happening-Ella’s upcoming birthday and more…

February 8, 2010 –Ashley D. Miller – www.AshleyDMiller.com - 334-332-8328 – ashleymiller@remax.net

It is amazing to think we are already one month into 2010. The ‘older’ I get the faster it seems time flies! The month of February is special because we celebrate Ella’s birthday. Ella will turn two on Monday, February 15! We plan to celebrate this Friday with family and friends at Chick-fil-a. Anna and Ella decided the best theme for a 2 year old girl was Minnie Mouse. I know it will be a hit with all the kids. Next week’s blog will be a restaurant review but I will make a special effort to post some pics from the party…come back to check those out.  Ella also got her first hair cut.  We did not get much cut off but it sure made the curls come out. 

Ms. Lela did a great job and Ella cut her eyes just right for this picture!

Not so sure about this hair cutting deal...

The month of January did not offer as many local events. With record lows, we remained indoors for much of the month as a family. This year marks the final year for Auburn basketball in BEMC. We were able to make one game in the month of January and hope to make at least one more. Also, the first week in February we were able to travel to Tampa, Florida for my 10 year reunion from Florida College. It was a great time to catch up with old friends and for Ella and Anna to meet many new people. To learn more about Florida College click here.

Since we did not get out as much we had friends over to play games and Ella had fun playing with her friends, Riley and Brooks!

Ella at her first ever Auburn Basketball game in 2008. 

Ella and Walker eating an orange right off the tree on the trip to Tampa.

Local News:

Auburn- Today the city is releasing the Spring Quarterly Brochure. Check out this link for the Auburn Parks and Rec. Spring Brochure. This free comprehensive publication includes all spring programs, classes, special events, sports programs and registrations offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Courtesy: www.auburnalabama.org

Opelika- Many of you will probably like the new ordinance issued by the city of Opelika. View this link for the ordinance. As a real estate professional, making sure to abide by these rules is difficult because the right of way changes from street to street. It will make the roadways more aesthetically pleasing.

I could not end this blog without mentioning Valentine’s Day. Do not forger to pick up that card and some candies or flowers for that special someone. Guys, a few local places to consider if you are looking for a place to dine in Auburn or Opelika area…Hamilton’s, Jimmy’s, Provino’s and The Yellow Hammer. Hope these reminders and ideas will help you have a special day!

Celebrating Valentine's 2009 at Ella's first bday party.

To end today I want to give congrats to the 2010 World Champs the New Orleans Saints.  I was pulling for the Colts but it was a good game and the Saints played well and had a great season.

Courtesy: sportslogos.net

Weekly Mortgage rate UPDATE---Still very good!
30 Year Conventional – 4.75%
15 Year Conventional – 4.25%
30 Year FHA – 4.75%

Cobblestone Subdivision - Neighborhood Highlight

Monday Mornings with Ashley - Cobblestone...a wonderful neighborhood in Auburn!

2-1-2010 - Ashley D. Miller - www.AshleyDMiller.com - ashleymiller@remax.net - 334-332-8328

Welcome to Cobblestone - A great neighborhood tucked away in Auburn....

I chose Cobblestone to highlight in my second Auburn/Opelika neighborhood highlight blog. Since I have been fortunate to help many clients purchase homes in the Cobblestone neighborhood it seemed only natural to go there next. Cobblestone was first developed in 2003 and built out by 2005. There are a total of 66 homes located in the subdivision. Location is key in real estate and Cobblestone’s location is desirable. Cobblestone is located at the end of N. Dean Road extension. This area is located close to the mall, theatre, restaurants and the University.

The Paszek's found a home in Cobblestone and closed the week of Halloween 2009.

The dynamics of Cobblestone make it a special place. As I mentioned there are only 66 homes. I personally know of families with young children, a single professional and a retiree that call Cobblestone home. Cobblestone offers a great environment regardless of age or family status.

The Wyka's made Cobblestone there home right after Thanksgiving in 2009.

The streets of Cobblestone are lined with sidewalks. This is an excellent feature if you enjoy getting out to take walks. Another way the neighbors get to know each other is a neighborhood pumpkin carving at Halloween.

Ella celbrates her good friend Brooks' first birthday party in Cobblestone!!

Currently there are two homes for sale in Cobblestone. CLICK HERE to see the homes for sale in Cobblestone in Auburn, AL. In 2009, 3 homes sold in Cobblestone. The average price per foot of these 3 sold homes was $122.50/square foot. See picture below for some info on the one house under contract currently in Cobblestone.

The listing of mine in Cobblestone is under contract in under 90 days!

Visit:  938BoulderLane.info

So, if you never have visited this neighborhood you need to ride down North Dean Road until it dead ends. There you will find one of Auburn’s best kept secrets, Cobblestone!

Street shot of Sandstone Lane

Testimonials by clients from Cobbleston:

"Ashley was my real estate agent when I moved to the Auburn area 5 years ago. He worked with my to find a home that was designed the way the I wanted and in a great neighborhood. When I am ready to sell this house and move up to a new I will definitely call Ashley to help me. I have recommended him to others with complete confidence that he will do a great job for them, too."
- Pam Hodnett, Auburn, AL hodnettpam@charter.net


 "I enjoy working with Ashley because I know I can trust his professional opinion when deciding to buy or sell real estate. I have sold a condo and bought a house with Ashley and both transactions went without a hitch, and he was able to answer any questions that came up before, after, and during closing. My family and I will definitely do business with him again!"


- Josh Pender, Auburn, AL joshdpender@gmail.com