Weekly Rate update! Still looking strong!
15 year – 4.25%, 30 year – 4.75%, 30 year FHA/VA – 4.75%

BACK TO BLOGGING - RECENT SALES STATS FOR AUBURN, OPELIKA AND LEE COUNTY

I have missed the last two Monday morning blogs. I was in real estate classes last week and it just slipped up on me. This week I was suppose to inform you about the local housing stats and plan to do that now. I will get back to a regular schedule starting next Monday. Check back then to see the latest subdivision highlight.

Now I want to take a few moments to update you on the local market. Click here for the latest stats that show March's sale numbers. As you can tell numbers are much better than February sales numbers. The bad news is the numbers are not as good as they were in 2009. Our local market is 'slowly' coming out of the slump. The question "how's the market?" is tough to define. There are certain areas and price ranges that still are selling well with prices steady. Overall, Lee County is behind the recovery in housing in the state of Alabama. In our classes last week we did some studying on this. For your own research check out: http://acre.cba.ua.edu/.


This biggest indicator of a slow recovery is number of months of inventory. I have spoken of absorption rate before and that is an important number when analyzing the market. In short, this number reflects how long it would take to sell off all inventory if we did not add any new listings. Our inventory for Lee County has been growing at a much faster rate than our selling. According to the ACRE website we currently have overall a 17.5 month supply. The good news is this number usually balances out during the peek selling months which are coming up. In the peek of the market, in summer 2005, this number was at 2.5 months. As you remember this is why listings sold very quickly then.


A few things to note. For any buyers this is not a bad thing!! You have plenty of inventory to choose between which makes home prices more affordable. Also, rates on mortgages are still sub 5% for most FHA and conforming loans (depending on credit, etc.). This is a great opportunity to purchase a home.

For sellers...it is critical to price your home in line with the market. If you are even 5% above market value buyers will not even 'notice' your home. Price is the biggest factor in selling a home in our market right now. It takes four things to sell a home: Price, Location, Condition and Marketing. Sellers have control over half that equation. You must price correctly and have the condition better than any competition. Location is set, so unless you are able to move a home to another lot this is out of your hands. The last part is marketing. A large presence on the Internet is essential as well as skills to work with the buying public and other agents to ensure the interested parties know about the property. I will say that no amount of marketing can overcome an over priced home or home in poor condition! Remember, you as the seller control those items.


I hope this gives you insight to our market here. Owning a home is part of the American Dream! It is important that if you are looking to buy or sell that you work with a real estate professional that is looking out for you. I encourage anyone in the market to interview and discuss what an agent's roles are in the transaction and find an agent that you feel will work best for your needs. I believe 2010 is an excellent time to buy or sell!


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

Great chance to watch the AU Baseball team! 50 Cent hot dog night. I think it is buy one get one free ticket night too...
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Great PR for AUBURN/OPELIKA! 6th in Forbes' top 'small' places for careers and businesses.
http://su.pr/2MBxYs

Rate update! Still holding steady below 5%! Tax credit deadline is fast approaching! 15 year – 4.25%, 30 year – 4.75%, 30 year FHA/VA – 4.75%

Another reason RE/MAX is a leader in real estate!
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AU VET SCHOOL IN THE NEWS! PRETTY COOL!
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MONDAY MORNING BLOG! See what's happening with the Miller's and the Auburn/Opelika area!
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What's Happening with the Miller's and Upcoming events in Auburn/Opelika! April 12, 2010

Monday Morning’s with Ashley, April 12, 2010 – Update of what’s happening!

If you have been anywhere close to the Auburn/Opelika area this last weekend you have enjoyed some of the most wonderful weather! We have been blessed with some perfect temperatures and clear skies. This week I am going to update you on some up coming events in the area that will allow you to get out and enjoy this wonderful weather. First, as always, I will give you an update on what’s going on with the Miller family.

Ella dying eggs...How fun!

Last week of course was Easter. It is hard to believe this is already Ella’s third Easter. This is really the first year she enjoyed coloring eggs and hunting them too. As you can see from the pictures she really had a good time this year. As for news on the baby…we are planning to go back to the doctor for an ultrasound on Wednesday, April 21. We are very excited to find out, hopefully, at this visit what we will be having in August.

Heading to church!

Hunting eggs...where are they?

 
If you are a college football fan you know that spring football is here. This coming Saturday (April 17) is Auburn’s annual A-Day game. We got our tickets this last week and are looking forward to seeing the 2010 Auburn Tigers. Kick-off is set for 1pm and tickets are $5. You can buy them at Auburn’s ticket office and most book stores around town. If you plan to go to the game it also is a great time to check out the new Auburn Arena. A ‘sneak’ peek for the public is scheduled on the day of the A-Day game from 11-1 and 3-5. It is an exciting time for Auburn Basketball too!

In honor of A-Day!

As far as another upcoming event for our family…Anna is celebrating her birthday this month on the 23rd. I am sure you can find us at Provino’s that evening to get her free meal. She has dropped several hints as to what she will like as a gift. Ella and I still have some shopping to get done!

 UPCOMING EVENTS:

One of the big events for spring in Auburn is Auburn City Fest. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 24 and head to Kiesel Park. The event is from 9am-4pm and has events for every age group. There will be music, crafts and much more!

I mentioned last month about the azalea trail in Opelika. Well the weather is just now getting warm enough and the blooms are out in full force now. Take time to ride through Opelika and Auburn’s trails. You will not be disappointed.


A few sports notes to end the blog! Congrats to the Auburn Baseball team with their first series win over LSU in over 11 years. I went to the game on Friday night, the only one we lost. They probably would rather me not come back, as they had great games on Saturday and Sunday.


Also, congrats to Phil Mickelson! Phil won his third green jacket at the Master’s. His wife and mother have been battling cancer over the last year. It is hard not to pull for a guy that seems to love his family and carries himself in a classy manner.

Keep a watch out for more upcoming events and blogs. Sundown in Kiesel series should be starting soon. I will update you on that later.

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

Great News for the Auburn/Opelika economy! 100 new jobs coming soon!
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Knology to Auburn is coming sooner than later! Great news for extra options for cable, etc.!
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Neighborhood Review - Grove Hill in Auburn, AL 4-5-2010

MONDAY MORNINGS WITH ASHLEY - APRIL 5, 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD REVIEW - GROVE HILL, AUBURN, AL

One of the most popular neighborhoods in Auburn is Grove Hill. I want to highlight some of the specific neighborhood highlights that make it such a popular place to call home. To start with Grove Hill is located on the south side of Auburn off Moore’s Mill Road. Some of the neighborhood is bordered by Moore’s Mill Golf Club. You can find houses in Grove Hill from below $200,000 up to over $600,000. This makes for a good mixture of residents. Grove Hill was developed in the mid 1990’s and the latest phase is now under development on the front side of the subdivision. There are many different style homes from traditional to cottage styles. There is a house for almost every price point and taste in this wonderful neighborhood.

Welcome to Grove Hill! The signs are inviting and well maintained!

To start with, Grove Hill has one of the best ‘common’ areas that are governed by the HOA in Auburn. The club house is great for birthday parties or any other type gatherings. It is located right inside the entrance. There is adequate parking and a large green space that allows children a place to play. The patio over looks the first pool that the neighborhood has to use.

Since Grove Hill has been steadily expanding over the last 10-15 years a second neighborhood gathering spot was added a couple of years ago. Near the back part of the subdivision is a large playground area and second pool. Both these area above make Grove Hill a great neighborhood for anyone.

Since April 2009, 31 properties have sold in Grove Hill. The average sales price of a home during that period was $303,610. On average sellers were able to get 96% of the asking price too. Currently there are 34 properties on the market in Grove Hill. These range from $199,900--$938,000. Whether you are looking for a town home or a golf course view, Grove Hill will have something to offer.

1272 Taylor Court, Auburn

Just on the market on quiet culdesac! Visit: 1272TaylorCourt.info for more info and pictures!

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

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