Sunday, March 28, 2010

What’s Happening in the Auburn/Opelika Market? - March 29, 2010

Monday Morning’s with Ashley – What’s Happening in the Auburn/Opelika Market?
March 29, 2010


When I looked at the numbers from February sales about two weeks ago I was not very impressed. When just looking at the sold numbers and number of houses that came on the market in February it appeared things were not looking so good for Lee County. If you also look at national numbers, February was just an awful month all around for real estate. There are factors from weather to the market in general that can help explain why the month was so off. Luckily, the calendar turned to March and the weather is slowly heating up, as well as our market.

NEW LISTING: 517 Dumas Drive, Auburn EXCELLENT LOCATION!!

For a look at the numbers check out this link: CLICK HERE FOR HOUSING STATS FOR AUBURN, OPELIKA & LEE COUNTY FOR FEBRUARY 2010.

RE/MAX Professional Partners at the Alabama Success Celebration!
Bottom: Debbie King, Annette Langley (President's Club), Christina Soler
Back: Larry Keeble (President's Club), Scott Langley (President's Club), Ashley Miller (100% Club)

I want to make just a few quick points about the numbers from the above link. First, the total number of sold units was down by 15 from last year. This number was cut in half this month while Opelika held more steady at only a loss of 4 total units. Second, new listings were up by over 100 homes from a year ago but the total number of homes on the market is down by 19 homes. Third, the condo market in Opelika is NOT moving at all. There have been very few condos to sell in the last 6 months in Opelika. Auburn’s condo market is slow to respond positively too. There are more condo units on the market with 9 fewer selling this February than last.



Now that you have looked over the numbers and read a little commentary on what you can see let me end on a more positive note. Since March 1, 89 homes in Auburn/Opelika have went into pending status. Fifty-six of these homes were in Auburn and thirty-three in Opelika. Pending is when a home has a contract ‘pending’ closing. Usually homes stay within this status for 30-60 days to get inspections and other items together for mortgages and the closing. This is an excellent sign of activity in the market.

Part of the flurry has to do with the home buyer tax credit. In order to apply for the credit you must have a contract in writing by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010. So, as you can see the time if getting nearer to take advantage of this opportunity. Click this link for more info on the home buyer tax credit.


Come back and check out the update for April to see if the number of sold properties improves for the month of March.

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

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Awesome new listing in Auburn! Check out the link and visual tour to follow!
http://su.pr/6LUWrD

Monday, March 22, 2010

Stay tuned next week...

Due to being out of town all last week (to celebrate our 5 year anniversary) and coming home to a sick child and now sick wife...there is no market update blog this week. Please stay tuned and come back next Monday for March's installment of what's happening in the Auburn/Opelika real estate market. I hope you all have a great first full week of spring!

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

Monday, March 15, 2010

The BBQ House an Auburn Tradition!

Monday Morning's with Ashley-The BBQ House an Auburn Tradition
March 15, 2010

We all have those places that give us that nostalgic feeling. For me one of those places in Auburn is The BBQ House. Growing up, we would always set up a tailgate spot right across the street on Funchess Lawn for football games. If you would have asked me what Auburn was all about when I was young I would have answered you with “football and the BBQ House.”





The BBQ House is uniquely Auburn! It is had been a landmark right off campus on College Street for years. It all starts early in the morning with the barbeque is put on the smoker for the lunch crowd. The great news though is you do not have to wait until lunch to find an excellent meal at the BBQ House. One of the best breakfast meals you will ever eat will come from here. You can order anything from a homemade biscuit to pancakes to eggs and grits. The coffee is always hot and plentiful!



If you miss breakfast you have to try out one of the many items on the menu. My favorite if the BBQ House Plate. It comes with a huge portion of meat, I prefer sliced, and two sides. One of your sides must always be the Brunswick stew. My other favorite side is potato salad but the cole slaw and beans are good options too. If you want a lighter lunch you can opt for the fresh garden salad or famous turkey sub sandwich.


YUM YUM--I can almost smell the goodness!


Friday’s at the BBQ House are rib days. They smoke a certain number of slabs starting early in the morning and usually are sold out be mid to late afternoon. You need to get there early and try out there great ribs. Do not forget to get you a side of their BBQ sauce to go with the ribs. The sauce is mustard base with a mild ‘heat’ that makes it just right!

Ordering time!!

So next time you are in town for a game or just passing through, head over to the BBQ House and wait in line, if necessary and you will not be disappointed!

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


Other places to find me:


www.AshleyDMiller.com
Be my Friend on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Be a FAN
Linkedin
Postlets Listings
http://www.trulia.com/profile/ashleymiller/
http://www.zillow.com/profile/adm1065/
http://www.google.com/profiles/ashleymillerremax

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Weekly Rate Update: 15 year – 4.125%, 30 year – 4.75%, 30 year FHA/VA – 4.875%
Some lenders are forecasting a rise in rates, FYI!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Tax credit for buyers deadline fast approaching! Visit: http://su.pr/6R7sZD for more info!

Monday, March 8, 2010

What's Happening with the Miller's and Upcoming events in Auburn/Opelika!

Monday Morning’s with Ashley, March 8, 2010 – Update of what’s happening!



This last weekend has given us a taste of what is hopefully soon to come weather wise. It was easy to tell everyone was excited about the warmer weather and the chance to get outside to enjoy some activities. This week is my chance to update you on what is going on with my family as well as upcoming events in the neighborhood.


The biggest news for my family is we went to find out if we were having a boy or girl on Monday! We were very excited to find out if Ella was going to have a baby brother or sister. Well…either the baby is very shy or hard headed?! Our ultrasound lady, Sheila, tried very hard to get the baby to move around but she just could not get it to cooperate so we could tell what we are having. Dr. Smith mentioned that he might order us another ultrasound later so we could get a peek. We may have to do the 4D again to find out though. Here are some pictures below.





I think 'it' is waving and laughing because we couldn't tell if it was a boy or girl!
 Some other big news in Auburn is the official closing of Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum. After bible study on Wednesday night we went over to ‘close’ BEMC out. The men’s team beat MSU 89-80 and we really enjoyed the game and post game. The guy that made the first ever basket was there and they allowed him to take the final shot and he made it on the first try…pretty neat and exciting!




Congrats to Pete and Libbi for closing on their home in Auburn last Friday!  It was a great weekend to move!  Welcome to Auburn!


Some upcoming events:


1. Daylight Savings – Sunday, March 14 - Remember to turn your clocks up an hour. The time for daylight savings has moved up in the year which is great to get that extra hour of sunlight in the evening! It may be tough that first night or two but it will be worth it soon.


2. I have mentioned before but want to again about the Auburn Public Library Story Times for Children. Anna takes Ella almost every Thursday morning and she always comes back with something she made and tells me about her fun. It is a chance for Ella to play with other children too. You can visit: www.auburnalabama.org/library or call 334-501-3196. The times are below:
Tuesday – Baby Time (6 months-18 months), Wednesday – Preschool Story Time (3-5 years) and Thursday – Toddler Time (18 months-3 years)


3. Mark your calendars for upcoming April events: April 17-A-Day and April 24- Auburn City Fest: http://www.auburncityfest.com/


4. More info to follow but keep an eye out for Opelika’s Azalea Trail that happens each Spring: http://www.opelika.org/Default.asp?ID=149

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


Other places to find me:

www.AshleyDMiller.com
Be my Friend on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Be a FAN
Linkedin
Postlets Listings
http://www.trulia.com/profile/ashleymiller/
http://www.zillow.com/profile/adm1065/
http://www.google.com/profiles/ashleymillerremax






Thursday, March 4, 2010

Why RE/MAX is such a great real estate company!? Great leadership and innovation: http://su.pr/1XnTN2