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My Blog
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Monday Mornings with Ashley, March 8, 2010 Update of whats 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. Welleither 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 mens 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 trypretty 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 Opelikas 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
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Visit: http://su.pr/2A0SAN 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. 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. Heres a quote from the Jones about the neighborhood and their experience with the developer. Lundy Chase is a great place to live. Its 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. 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. 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 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.
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. Ashley D. Miller - 334-332-8328 - http://www.ashleydmiller.com/ - ashleymiller@remax.net
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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.
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 buyers 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!
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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 Todds 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 advicetry the strawberry lemonade. It is freshly made every day and is an excellent refreshing drink. Just a warning, dont 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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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 Ellas 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 weeks blog will be a restaurant review but I will make a special effort to post some pics from the partycome 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.
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 Valentines 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 areaHamiltons, Jimmys, Provinos 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.
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Monday Mornings with Ashley - Cobblestone...a wonderful neighborhood in Auburn! 2-1-2010
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 Cobblestones 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!!
The listing of mine in Cobblestone is under contract in under 90 days!
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 Auburns 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
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Monday Mornings with Ashley - What's happening in the real estate market for Auburn and Opelika?
As I read the newspaper on Sunday morning, it was hard not to read an article about the condition of countrys 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 introhere is the State of Housing blog for Auburn/Opelika area.
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 numbersAverage 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.
Whats 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.
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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
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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 familys favorite places to eat. I chose Provinos 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, Provinos 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 Provinos 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
Provinos 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, Provinos location is easy to find. The next time you are in the Auburn/Opelika area stop by and taste how great this Auburn landmarks food is yourself.
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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 whats 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 yearmy 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 30s 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)
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Direct 334-332-8328
Equal Housing Opportunity
