Mara Hawks, REALTOR®, HOMES FOR SALE in Auburn, AL

Lee County, AL - Tax Credit for Homebuyers Extended

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:16:31 -0600

On November 9, 2009, the President approved the first-time homebuyer tax credit extension which will extend the tax credit until April 30, 2010.

Following are the Primary Q&A's regarding the Tax Credit for Homebuyers

First-Time Homebuyers (FTHBs): First-time homebuyers (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

Current Owners: The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

What are the New Deadlines?

In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

Tax Credit Versus Tax Deduction

It's important to remember that the tax credit is just that... a tax credit. The benefit of a tax credit is that it's a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, rather than a reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a first-time homebuyer were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for a tax credit of $8,000, she would owe nothing.

Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little income tax liability. For example, if a first-time homebuyer is eligible for a tax credit of $8,000 but is liable for $4,000 in income tax, she can still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!

Higher Income Caps

The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible

Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

Maximum Purchase Price

Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sale price of $800,000.

Tax Incentives to Spur Energy Savings and Green Jobs

This provision is designed to help promote energy-efficient investments in homes by extending and expanding tax credits through 2010 for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation.

Landmark Energy Savings

This provision provides $5 Billion for energy efficient improvements for more than one million modest-income homes through weatherization. According to some estimates, this can help modest-income families save an average of $350 a year on heating and air conditioning bills.

Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL, #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! Committed to INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE.

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Disclaimer: All information provided by this author is is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.

Auburn Al Real Estate - HOME FOR SALE - 4074 Mara Vista Dr

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:20:41 -0600

Auburn AL Real Estate - This is a great opportunity for first-time homebuyers, at a bank-owned, foreclosure price. Newer home in very good condition, with a lovely, partially fenced backyard that has a patio, a firepit and some woods. Appliances include refrigerator. Ceiling fans and crown molding;This house is wired for security and audio systems, too!

Contact me to view this or similar properties at WIMBERLY STATION!

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Auburn AL Real Estate - HOME FOR SALE - 4080 Mara Vista Dr

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:17:54 -0600

Contact me to view this or similar properties at WIMBERLY STATION!

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Auburn AL Real Estate - HOME FOR SALE - 4084 Mara Vista Dr

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:15:27 -0600

Contact me to view this or similar properties at WIMBERLY STATION!

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Get A Home Inspection

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:00:16 -0500

Getting a HOME INSPECTION is a very important step in the purchase of a home. Whether new construction or a resale property, hiring a state licensed inspector is always recommended. A list of local inspectors is available from your Realtor, and you can check the state website for a complete list of licensed Home Inspectors.

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OPELIKA HALLOWEEN PARADE GOES TO THE DOGS

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:33:36 -0500

This year was the 4th Annual Howl'oween Dog Parade and costume contest in downtown Opelika. Besides all the fun and entertainment, the event benefitted Rescue K9-1-1, an orgaization that is dedicated to the rescue of lost and homeless animals in the community.

I am not an advocate of putting clothes on dogs, but have to admit that these dogs were adorable!

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Auburn AL Real Estate - HOME FOR SALE - 255 Deerfield Drive

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:24:03 -0500

Contact me to view this or similar properties at WIMBERLY STATION!

Mara Hawks | First Realty | 334-524-2220

255 Deerfield Drive, Auburn, AL

Bank owned, very good condition & great price!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $144,000

Year Built	2006
Sq Footage	1,421
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.21 acres
HOA/Maint	$9 per month

DESCRIPTION

WELL-DESIGNED, OPEN FLOORPLAN WITH LARGE MASTER SUITE ON ONE SIDE, LARGE BATH WITH GARDEN TUB & 2 WALK-IN CLOSETS; CUTE KITCHEN WITH PANTRY, SWEET BREAKFAST ROOM & ALSO A LOVELY DINING RM WITH CHAIR-RAIL & CEILING DETAIL; WOODBURNING FIREPLACE; PRE-WIRED FOR SECURITY & SOUND SYSTEM; CEILING FANS & EXTRA STORAGE; NOT HOMESTEADED; CABLE AVAILABLE; MUCH MORE THAN YOU'D EXPECT TO FIND AT THIS PRICE!!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor
- Dining room	- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Attic	- Laundry area - inside

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Great backyard with nice landscaping, woods & firepit.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Main View	Dining Room
Kitchen	Great Room
Master Bedroom	Master Bath

Contact info:

Mara Hawks

First Realty

334-524-2220

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 15, 2009, 6:44am PDT

ACT SOON to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit, offered to qualifying buyers that close on a home by November 30th.

BENEFIT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS - The Tax Credit Advantage

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HOUSING STATISTICS for Lee County (Auburn-Opelika areas) - September 2009 Market Report

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:38:06 -0500

The following report is calculated by the Alabama Center of Real Estate. This report, along with more detailed information, can be found on their website: http://arerec.cba.ua.edu/ Are you considering a move into or out of Lee County Alabama? If you would like to receive these monthly reports, emailed directly to you, along with other local area information, feel free to contact me with a request.

NOTES from HOME: Nationwide appraisals need a gauge adjustment, to determine the difference between a well cared for home and one that is completely run down. The current system is delivering disproportionate comps and severely complicating and slowing down home sales.

The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) called on Congress this month (October) to take a leading role in the housing market and help get America back on its feet, by addressing the appraisal issue, and also to extend---and even improve--- the $8000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, suggesting it be offered to anyone who is purchasing a principal residence.

"Not only are we continuing to feel the impact of foreclosures and short sales in the market, but we're facing a severe credit crunch for acquisition, development and construction (AD&C) lending," said Robson. "Meanwhile, the use of foreclosed and short-sale properties as comps is resulting in inappropriately low appraisals that are effectively sinking one quarter of all new-home sales right now. Add to this the fact that demand and home sales are already showing signs of slowing with the pending Nov. 30 expiration of the first-time home buyer tax credit." (NAHB)

ACT SOON to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit, offered to qualifying buyers that close on a home by November 30th.

BENEFIT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS - The Tax Credit Advantage

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JUST SOLD in Auburn AL -1110 Chinook St - Auburn AL Townhome Just Sold

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:17:38 -0500

Auburn AL Townhomes ~ Just SOLD 1110 Chinook St Auburn AL. Sold at $109, 500 by Mara Hawks, FIRST Realty.

ACT NOW to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit, offered to qualifying buyers that close on a home by November 30th.

BENEFIT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS - The Tax Credit Advantage

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HOUSING STATISTICS for Lee County (Auburn-Opelika areas) - August 2009-Market Report

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:04:53 -0500

The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) reports that the news surrounding the housing market of late has been undeniably encouraging. Both new and existing single-family home sales saw their fourth consecutive monthly increases in July, rising 9.6% and 7.2%, respectively.

On the rise for six straight months and foreshadowing the improvement in existing home sales, the Pending Home Sales Index of the National Association of Realtors® rose 3.2% in July from its June reading.

In an even more upbeat sign of a budding recovery, the inventory of new single-family homes for sale has fallen to 271,000, its lowest level since March 1993. Inventories have been falling for 27 months from a peak of 572,000 homes for sale in July 2006.

A higher sales rate and lower inventory reduced July's supply of housing to 7.5 months, down from 8.5 months in June. The months' supply measures how long it would take to sell the current inventory of homes based on the month's sales rate. As recently as January, this measure stood at an all-time high of 12.4 months.

ACT SOON to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit, offered to qualifying buyers that close on a home by November 30th.

BENEFIT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS - The Tax Credit Advantage

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AN AUBURN WEDDING - Celebrating in Auburn, AL

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:33:05 -0500

Planning for a wedding in Auburn, Alabama? After checking out destination venues as well as locations in Atlanta, we decided to use the best of bridal resources right here in Auburn for my daughter's wedding on August 29th. We discovered some wonderful vendors when we attended Auburn's BRIDAL EXPO last January, which included where to host the event, where to buy a dress, a harpist and a caterer, plus tons of inspiration for details.

We couldn't have been more pleased with the event, which was elegant with personally tailored undertones. It took place just before sunset, with a light, brief, misty rain, a cooling breeze, and two rainbows behind the gathered guests.

Here is an illustrated list of highly recommended resources for a beautiful AUBURN WEDDING or any other special event that might have you celebrating in Auburn, AL!

Venue by FOUNTAINVIEW MANSION, a luxurious and elegant location on 18 acres in Auburn. The mansion itself is situated on the summit of one of the highest vantage points in the area, providing stunning, panoramic views of the countryside, in addition to the beautiful gardens, fountains, and old-world interior. There are wonderful rooms to use for dining, a great kitchen staff, serving from the caterer of your choice. They also offer beautiful guest accommodations.

Dress by AUBURN BRIDAL & TUX which opened this past year. Owner, Sara Buck has been in the bridal business for 15+ years and was the previous owner of a bridal shop in Montgomery. We loved her special care of the bride, and her expert eye for matching the perfect style with the particular imaginings of the bride. Lois Taylor, a part-time assistant at the bridal shop and also a fellow REALTOR colleague, provided us with wonderful assistance, right up to the last minute!

Catering by CHRISTINE'S GOURMET. Everyone raved about the delicious & artistically presented buffet by Christine Healey, one of Auburn's top caterers. The setup was well-designed and didn't keep anyone waiting, although you wouldn't mind at all in the elegant dining room, which also had plush seating arrangements. There were plenty of set tables, both indoors & out on the balcony & patios, and it was easy to mingle.

Cake by SONSHINE CAKES. Local resident & owner, Robin Fowler did a superb job. We initially met her at her home, where she had a customized "cake kitchen" added on. After sampling different cakes, we (the bride & groom & myself), looked through pages of gorgeous cakes she'd made, gathering inspiration & customizing the selection, then were given a tour of the wonderful kitchen. The cake was truly amazing!

Flowers by BOUQUETS, owned & operated by local resident, Cathy Wayman. Our initial meeting was at her breakfast room table, where you immediately felt like you were in the page of a magazine. Her artistry & inspirational designs are evident throughout her home and gardens. We were very impressed with the organization & crew in her shop/studio, which was a makeover of a garage. Having her on board was a huge blessing, as she continued to adjust to our budget and needs with the best of care, calm manner & confidence. Contact Cathy at 334.887.5145.

Ring Bearer Pillow, handcrafted by Rebecca Kenney (sister of the bride & mother of ring-bearer). A native & resident of California, her artistic vision, felted & graphic art designs are sewfull and sweet. For personalized gifts that turn thoughtfullness into the sweetest treasures, you can contact by email.

[Above photo by father-of-the-bride, JIM HAWKS ]

Photography by Josh Moates of Kim Box Photography, Josh and his partner, Kim, serve primarily central Alabama, including Prattville, Montgomery,Troy,and Birmingham. They are widely sought after for their photojournalistic wedding photography and are available for travel and commercial work. The phenomenal job he did on the wedding day, completely non-intrusive & keeping his subjects relaxed & bathed in natural lighting, will give the newlyweds a stunning story to remember, when his photos arrive later this month. Contact Josh at 334.491.0409.

Hair by DIMENSIONS STUDIO did a fantastic job of hairstyling for the bride & bridesmaids. The girls had a table of mimosas, chocolate-dipped strawberries & mini quiches to sustain them for the 2 hours that they spent there. I loved how Lyndsey & Joy listened to the vision of the bride & did a superb job. Everyone was thrilled with their work, and it was also a lot of fun (and the price was nice, too!) Contact Lyndsey or Joy at 334.821.6798.

Music for ceremony by harpist, MELANEY JONES. A comprehensive list of her repetoires, along with samples of her beautiful music, can be found on her website. Or contact Melaney at 334.502.7224.

DeeJay was HEATH TRUITT, friend of the bride & groom, and co-owner of local restaurant, The Independent.

Nails by NAIL LOVE at 300 N Dean Road in Auburn. The mother of the groom hosted a pedicure party here for the bride & bridesmaids on Thursday evening, complete with wine & a buffet table of goodies. It was a lot of fun! For your own private party, contact Kim at 334-826-3511.

Doves by JIM ARMSTRONG. The white doves, 'representing promise to those whose hearts are open to the miracle of love,' were trained, white homing pigeons. When released, they circled around several times before returning to their home in Auburn. Contact Jim at 334.821.5894

[Above photo by father-of-the-bride, JIM HAWKS ]

Bridal Party gifts by THE VILLAGER art and gifts in Auburn. See related post: Auburn Alabama Area Real Estate Living: Auburn Alabama Shopping - THE VILLAGER, art & gifts

Related post on BRIDAL EXPO:2009 BRIDAL EXPO in Auburn, AL

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Auburn Alabama Shopping - THE VILLAGER, art & gifts

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:30:15 -0500

I discovered THE VILLAGER a few years ago, shortly after relocating to Auburn, Alabama from Colorado. If you've ever moved to a new area, you might understand the feeling that can seem like little pieces of you are missing in the new landscape. For me it was the height of mountains and crystal clear streams, colors captured in waterfalls & rocks, animated forests & forms and the seeming magic of changing seasons and skies... Pablo Picasso once said that Painting is just another way of keeping a diary. One day (and many thereafter) I walked through the door of THE VILLAGER and found breathing room, or, as some might call it, 'a breath of fresh air'... I slowly turn the pages of surroundings and impressions that tend to trigger a soulful resonance, listening to everyday words in forms of paint & glass, wood & fired clay, color, light, textures, paper, metals, inspired designs that have been drawn from inner stillness, offerings of gratitude and grace. From the classical and fantastic to the whimsical and heavenly... displayed are studies in simplicity, recycled rhythms, pieces of prose and pewter, lyrical ladles and other poetic utensils, gardens of grace, gorgeous gems and jewels that each seem to be an ode to joy... there is even a wall of cats...you just have to be curious!

THE VILLAGER had its beginnings as a do-it-yourself frame shop in 1971, growing into a custom frame shop and distinguished art gallery, today featuring artists from across the States and Canada.

Purchased in January of 2001 by Frank and Ingrid Brown from Frank's mom, The Villager continues the family tradition of fine craftsmanship and exquisite custom framing design on which the business was founded.*

Frank and Ingrid, both Auburn University (AL) graduates, were marketing majors and attended Auburn at the same time, but they did not meet each other until 12 years later while both were working in Atlanta. After a chance meeting [was this Art imitating Life?] in a frame shop in Roswell, GA, Frank and Ingrid brought their personal and professional lives together in Auburn.*

The Villager began its 36^th year in 2007. Frank and Ingrid claim that "the Villager is 36 years young," describing the challenges and knowledge gained each day the gallery is open. Together Frank and Ingrid have transformed The Villager into a gallery and custom frame shop that is a destination for shoppers who enjoy art and the talent of artisans.*

On Glenn Avenue, You'll notice the unique sign for THE VILLAGER, which was a custom creation by Massachusettes artist, Dale Rogers. This same artist created the dog of sculptured metal, who stands guard over the front entrance gardens, garnished with ceramic mushrooms by an artist from Utah.

Please...Step Inside...

*excerpts from press releases and other published information, reprinted with kind permission from Jessie King, Marketing Manager for THE VILLAGER. She can be reached by email or phone (334.821.8174)

THE VILLAGER's new website is about to launch. You can visit their website HERE.

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HOUSING STATISTICS for Lee County, Alabama (Auburn-Opelika areas) - JULY 2009

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:59:25 -0500

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports a continuing upward trend in pending home sales, for the fifth, consecutive month. This is the first time since July 2003 that there have been 5 consecutive monthly gains. The top contributing factors in the trend are attributed to comparably low interest rates, affordable home prices and a overstock selection of homes for sale.

ACT SOON to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit, offered to qualifying buyers that close on a home by November 30th.

BENEFIT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS - The Tax Credit Advantage

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HOME FOR SALE in Opelika, Alabama - $188,000!

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:51:29 -0500

This well-constructed, contemporary-styled home at 2105 Austell Street, is a wonderful addition to the list of reasons why people love living in this area. The established neighborhood is conveniently located off of Rockybrook Drive. With no through traffic on Austell, the cul-de-sac street is a pleasant pocket of a place for enjoying the outdoors in every season. Four Bedrooms and 2 Baths + large yards in both the fornt and back, make this a perfect and affordable family home!

Mara Hawks | First Realty | 334-524-2220

2105 Austell St, Opelika, AL

Desireable OPELIKA neighborhood, no through traffic on this quiet, cul-de-sac street; Big Backyard!

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $188,000

Year Built	1997
Sq Footage	1,726
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	15,168 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Efficient & Functional Floorplan for this contemporary 4 Bedroom, 2-Bath, single story home, that has big yards in both the front and back. This house is on a lovely street that has no through traffic, but is conveniently located just one block from Rockybrook. Wood, Carpet & Ceramic Tile flooring, ceiling fans, window treatments, double vanity, garden tub & separate shower in master bedroom; Exterior recently upgraded with gutters, vinyl siding and genuine Egyptian stone. A wonderful place to live in Opelika, Alabama!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Hardwood floor	- Tile floor
- Living room	- Dining room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Attic	- Laundry area - inside
- Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- 1725 heated & cooled sq ft

- Rock-faced, woodburning Fireplace

- Landscaping enhanced with limestone & marble

- Big Backyard with Storage Shed

- ceiling variations and nice trim

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front Entrance	Main View
Kitchen & Breakfast Nook	Dining Room
Great Room	Backyard

Contact info:

Mara Hawks

First Realty

334-524-2220

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 12, 2009, 7:31am PDT

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SAMMY THE CAT is missed at the Notasulga Post Office

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:31:18 -0500

Sammy was the name of a very sweet resident of NOTASULGA (an area within 10 miles of Auburn homes) who recently passed away. For years, Sammy daily wandered across the street to the local post office, and perched himself in the sunny window. He'd become a well-known and loved part of the community that respected him like a good, gentle neighbor, who simply minded his own business and let his coat shine. One day a local resident began to complain about the feline presence at the post office. It wasn't just allergies, but the fact that the post office was a government business, which was no place for animals. So Sammy was stripped of any squatter rights and removed from his sunny perch in the post office window. People protested. One resident purchased Sammy his own mailbox, so he could be considered a citizen of sorts, and be entitled to occupy space inside the post office. Sammy began to get letters from all over the country. The residents only loved him more---except for one. The Post Office reinforced its decision to not let Sammy come inside the government building. Shortly after he started taking up residence at the tax preparer's office, Sammy met his unfortunate fate in the streets.

See pictures of Sammy and read more about this story HERE.

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this was taken while eating a tuna sandwich

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 06:39:20 -0500

HOUSING STATISTICS for Lee County, Alabama (Auburn-Opelika areas)

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:34:26 -0500

BENEFIT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS - The Tax Credit Advantage

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Home For Sale in Auburn, AL - Wimberly Station - 4065 Mara Vista Dr

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:49:40 -0500

WIMBERLY STATION is a neighborhood of newer homes (developed in 2006) in Auburn, AL. There are more details than you'd expect to find in homes beginning at $148,000 (granite countertops, ceramic tile showers, nice trim packages). Families here are serviced by Richland Elementary School. Wimberly Station is located off of Hwy 14, about 5 miles west of downtown Auburn. Turn left at Lee Road 056, just past Woodland Park.

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Nature & Marketing Contest

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:23:32 -0500

Nature & Marketing Contest

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:21:39 -0500

Nature & Marketing contest

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:39:39 -0500

Nature & Marketing contest

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:37:50 -0500

TRANSPARENCY OF RAIN - ActiveRAIN Reflection

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:49:56 -0500

A Native American once told me that clouds reflect the soul of the river... One-sided images of everyday life barely, rarely, reflect what is wholly true, because TRUTH is TRANSPARENT and, day-to-day, we tend to see through a glass darkly. The images we take in have a way of impressing our state of wellbeing and superimposing the landscape of our soul--- mission central for the animation and imagination of our lives. Unkind actions and words don't originate in the un-circumferenced beauty of Soul, but from the unfiltered overlays that we allow to stagnate in our perceptions, much like dark clouds keep a bright and shining sunshine from our view. You've probably seen how a stormy picture can change right before your eyes, if you've ever taken off in an airplane and reached a higher elevation, above the storm clouds. The first time I experienced this, in my early 20's, I felt completely.transformed by the effect. It's when I first began to think about not allowing myself to enter the storms that could suddenly burst into my life, but rather, take out my umbrella, and know that it is just passing through...and I could trust that the sun was still shining, especially since I'd seen it with my own eyes. I learned that I could shift my thinking and elevate my perspective and, ultimately, change my experience from one of gloom or dread to one of joy. I've learned that, more than anything, we need each other to navigate through stormy weather, and, when I find myself weathering Life alone, a story becomes like an umbrella, and holds me together.
Telling stories is powerful. Storytelling is an inscription of THE WORD upon the soul...stories weave texture and color into the fabric of our communities and our lives. Stories have a way of allowing us to look at 'the other side' of an image. A story can be an illustration of Life in a mirror... reflecting sleeping giants of greatness in all of us.

While I've been surrounded by the world of real estate for more than a decade, I've been selling real estate for 5+ years, flying high the first few, then bracing myself against the storms of the present and past two years. I joined ActiveRAIN in April of 2007, but didn't post my first blog until December of that year, the time I was considering my exit from the marketplace. As I searched my soul for answers to questions I couldn't even seem to articulate, it dawned on me that, for me and my circumstances, my best direction was going to be to reach out online and develop myself and my business with web tools, applications and communities. It proved to be profitable, because it shifted my thinking and and elevated my perspective. For me, the ActiveRAIN community quickly became my favorite online vehicle. It operates like a flightcraft, with the infusion of constant insight, inspiration, instruction, food for thought and sharing of stories, it grows organically, recycling the rain from the river of drenched experiences in the marketplace and, I find, often breaks through clouds of disillusions---those one-sided images. When people can share their stories, people can grow. You can't put this on a spreadsheet or pinpoint it or because it is the elemental art of RAIN...the invisible aspect, the transparent truth that operates without any circumference of the soul. No matter what hour of the day or night I log on, there is so much contributed here, and the basic, overall direction is upwards. I'm unfailingly able to gather enough momentum to propel myself beyond the storms, whether gathering in a coffeeshop-style conversation on a blog or twitterfeed (where many ActiveRain friends connect), building "unintentional" relationships & often finding the most amazing FRIENDS that sometimes meet up in real places around the country, like ReBar Camps, Inman Connect, ReTechSouth conferences, BlogTalk Radio, and sometimes (like in the big state of Texas), they meet up just for the fun of it all. In life, complaining is easy, but expressing my gratitude is the highlighted part of my own story, and it's effortless.

And to every one of you that I've gotten to know here on Active Rain or will, your story is a blessing for the chapters of my own life. THANK YOU for your stories, and may you always be able to SEE THROUGH your dark nights and shine through your days...your best reflection is one of transparency---just like the rain.

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Disclaimer: All information provided by this author on homes in Auburn-Opelika is is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of posting and may be time sensitive.

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND, THIS LAND IS MY LAND - What About Picher, Oklahoma?

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:05:30 -0500

INDEPENDENCE DAY IN AMERICA inspires a revival of nostalgic images that represent the high ideals that established our country...pictures that endorse the securing and sustaining of FREEDOM in our land. Flags, fireworks, parades and backyard grilling (the radio just announced that 815 hot dogs will be consumed per second on this day), and back to re-telling America's story of INDEPENDENCE...It's truly something to celebrate. It's also something to be so very grateful for and not take for granted any day, ever. We can remember that the price (of fallen soldiers) and the fight (& destruction of land & property) for Independence was for the right to own and govern and preserve THE LAND. This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land...

So WHAT'S UP with Picher, Oklahoma? THAT'S ALL FOLKS, according to a newsreel this morning, reporting the exit of Picher's last-to-leave resident, 84-yr-old Orval "Hoppy" Ray. In it's pre-war days, the town of Picher was, one can only imagine, one of those small, industrial mining towns that, postured like others all over America at that time, strengthened the backbone and building up of our country. Today it's named as "one of the nation's largest and most polluted toxic-waste sites."*

Hoppy Ray was born and raised in the town of Picher, and writes (in his now published memoirs) of the brighter side of the place that he is concerned others have forgotten, reminding all of us that "a person's home should always be loved -- no matter how toxic... the town of "Picher was more than a place to make money. It was a place of patriotism and purpose: The metals they dug out of caves deep in the ground were processed and turned into bullets that armed U.S. soldiers in both world wars."* When the wars ended, so did, it seems, the world's interest in Picher. According to the report, the last mine shut down in 1970.

I found this story to be very moving, especially today, INDEPENDENCE DAY in America, because in spite of its current state of toxicity, this one, most cheerful resident who has seen it all, chooses to remember and share the ideal...the dream...a wonderful picture and snapshot of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness that the land was used for. Like a fallen soldier, he remembers it's soul.

Picher, OK is not "OK." Neither are a lot of things in America today, "OK"... but today is a day to remember and re-tell the stories...to honor what has fallen and be glad for the freedom and opportunity that we have to ELEVATE HOPE for a better country, a better world, because WE CAN...because we own the land. This land is your land, this land is my land...this is our home---no matter how toxic. Protecting our freedom and preserving our land, go hand-in-hand.

*CLICK HERE for the full story by CNN's John D. Sutter

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4th of July FIREWORKS IN AUBURN, Al - HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:26:58 -0500

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! AUBURN celebrates 4th of July and YOU ARE WELCOME to Celebrate Independence Day with the Auburn Community and Auburn Parks and Recreation, behind the Home side of the Duck Samford Football Stadium. Gates Open at 6 p.m. Entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Enjoy great food, live special musical entertainment and the best fireworks display in the entire area!

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